What could make Disney better? Celebrating a birthday of course. I am sharing all our tips and tricks to make your Birthday at Disney World extra special. Thank you to Hilton Bonnet Creek for hosting us for this trip. 
We just got back from Disney celebrating B’s 6th Birthday. Since this is her 3rd time selecting a trip to Disney instead of a big party I think this is officially our tradition. As I have mentioned before I was originally sad that I did not get to plan and execute all the details of a big party.
With my travel schedule and the start of school I feel like September came as fast as January left so it ended up being nice that I did not have to plan anything. My husband does all the Disney planning including all our Fast Passes.
It is nice to split the duties and since I am a let’s just go type of girl I love that the planer in him has everything ready for us. My job is to pack us, which is why I created this Checklist for Packing for Disney. I actually used it myself and this was the first trip since B was born that we did not forget anything!!!!
And I just have to show up and have fun. So as much as I love a good theme, like Lilly Pulitzer 1st Birthday Party, Flamingo Birthday Party, Peppa Pig Birthday Party this new tradition is amazing. After talking to my friends, it sounds like more and more families are opting for trips or experiences instead of big parties. I have complied a list of how to make a Birthday Extra Special at Disney.
Birthday at Disney World
You may be saying, but Disney is so much already, why do I need to do more. And you definitely don’t have to, but some of these ideas are free or you will want to do them anyway. Celebrating B's birthday at Disney World has made this birthday the most magical yet.
Dine with Characters 
Disney always seems to get this right. It is pricey so we don’t splurge on it during every trip. But when we do it is almost always the highlight of our trip. I will write a post about our favorites soon. This year we went to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot.
We have a new love of Epcot and B Is all about the princesses, so it was an easy choice of where to go. Make sure you tell them you are celebrating a birthday. They will give you a card signed by all the characters at the end of the meal.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique 
B’s Princess transformation at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was nothing short of magical. As I said before I really thought I would be disappointed in the experience, but it was amazing. She was literally smiling the entire time, even when it looked like her hair was being pulled out when they were putting it in the top bun.
You can get all my Tips and Tricks for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique here. One of the best things we did was bring our own dress so our total was under $70. If you don’t want to allocate the budget to that you can always go into the store and get a free sprinkling of fairy dust.
Stay at a Fun Hotel
This last year we have been to Disney almost every month and during the cooler months we maximize our park time and go open to close so we don’t always prioritize our hotel. A birthday trip is the perfect time to look for a hotel with extra touches.
I stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek for a conference last summer and I left without experiencing their pools or lazy river. That should be a crime, right? All work and no play…well you know how the saying goes. I did get to indulge in some of their amazing food including a great meal at Zeta Asia. 
So, when we were planning B’s birthday trip I knew exactly where I wanted us to stay. They were so kind to host us and the lazy river did not disappoint. I was actually so relaxed that I stayed at the hotel that night while my family went back to the parks. 
Not only do they have the best pool area, they have an amazing waterslide too. And the lobby is so welcoming, I even left the parks alone to head back to the hotel, which I have never done.
In addition to amenities, incredible staff and delicious food they are just minutes away from the park and they provide transportation to all 4 Disney parks. I highly recommend staying here and we cannot wait to go back.
Go to a Special Event like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas
If you are traveling to Orlando during the Fall and your family stays up late these special events are a must do. The tickets are limited so the park is less crowded. We enjoyed wait time of 5-15 minutes instead of 30-60 minutes.
And Magic Kingdom is fully transformed for both fall and Christmas. It really is the best way to get excited about the holiday.
Don’t Miss Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land is open and it is worth the hype. We were able to do all the rides within the first two hours. I am sharing all my tips and tricks for Toy Story Land Orlando.
Get a Birthday Pin
There is something so special about everyone in the park wishing you a Happy Birthday. B’s face lit up every time someone wished her a happy birthday. It made the trip really feel like it was a Birthday trip and not just another day at the parks.
Bring Balloons
We did this last year and I brought the balloons this year and then forgot to blow them up. We surprised B with having them all around her bed. She woke up so excited to celebrate!
Don’t Forget about the Cake
You can order a custom cake to be delivered to your table at any of the Walt Disney World table service restaurants at Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom.
If you are a planner you can call the cake hotline at 407-827-2253 at least 72 hours before you need it, if you have an advanced dining reservation.
If you want to play it by ear Disney has six-inch Celebrate Today! cakes in either chocolate and vanilla. These cakes are perfect for four to six people and no advance notice is needed. Simply order a cake at most Disney's table-service restaurants.