There’s many reasons to visit Walt Disney World. Whether you first went as a child with your parents introducing you to the magic or are the parents in the scenario, whether you and your friends want to experience the joys that Walt dreamed up for any age, or if you’re one of the infamous Disney adults (no shade, because I’ve become one even if I still consider myself on the pretty relaxed side of that — so far). For your trips, you hardly need a reason to go, but people still want validation and answers about whether they should go for anniversaries, big occasions, family reunions. In this post, we’re going to discuss birthdays and what it’s like to celebrate a birthday at Walt Disney World.

Even if you’re not the aforementioned Disney adult, there’s so many things that make it the destination for celebration.

Recently, I decided that I’d spend a milestone birthday in Walt Disney World and planned myself the perfect day. Should you follow this itinerary exactly? Maybe, if your tastes align with mine, but it’s also a guide of all the reasons why it’s a great way to spend a birthday in one of the most magical places you can visit. I also did my birthday solo because I wanted to celebrate the exact way I wanted to without any guilt about trying to please other people’s expectations (a by-product of my social anxiety).

So, what did that birthday entail? Let’s get into the details!

---

Sleep In

The first step requires relinquishing some control. It means not getting up super early to rope drop. You’ll need to avoid the impulse to get a bunch of rides in. To do that, it means sleeping in as long as you can to begin a birthday in leisurely fashion. Now, this might seem antithetical to the ‘get it done’ attitude of a Disney trip. In my opinion, the best Disney birthday is one that you don’t pack into lines and wait forever.

Instead, it’s one that you start well-rested and enjoying a nearly-empty resort for yourself. Give yourself some grace and spend the time lounging in bed as everyone else rushes to the parks.

Beignets for Breakfast

This plan requires you to be staying at a Port Orleans property or to get there in the morning. However, there’s nothing better after sleeping in than heading to Scat Cat Café after 9AM when the rush is over for leisurely to-go hot, fresh beignets. Paired with your leisurely morning lie-in, this is a great way to have breakfast before you hit the parks and avoid waiting in a long line.

Get Attention With a Birthday Button

One of the best ways to celebrate is to get a birthday button. Don’t expect that you’ll get any special treatment. However, with the button, cast members and other guests will constantly wish you a happy birthday. Plus, it’s a great souvenir to keep after!

Pick a Theme Park To Enjoy

Now that I had my beignets, my birthday button, and was well-rested, I headed into the parks at 10AM. Now, I had a little birthday luck on my side because Magic Kingdom was closing early on my birthday. That meant that it was a 1 on the crowd scale. I didn’t even arrive until 10AM and had my pick of whatever I wanted to do. I got to ride the train, see some shows, and do a few favourite rides before grabbing some light bites (a Orange Swirl and some Spring Rolls) before leaving the park around 2:30.

However, even if I had come on a busy day, I prioritized rides I knew wouldn’t be a long wait. The leisurely train ride and seeing the shows means that I spent my time just enjoying the atmosphere (and the attention from my button!)

Relax at the Spa

The reason that I left so early is to arrive on time for my spa appointments at Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian. I took a rideshare so I didn’t have to rely on the bus transportation. It helped because the spa is actually a bit of a hike from the monorail and it was nice to be dropped off right at the door. Plus, I was wearing a fancy dress for my next birthday plans, so it was nice to not have to worry about transferring from bus to monorail to reach my destination.

I booked myself a foot massage and a styling appointment for my hair. Getting pampered and having access to the lounge in the spa was a truly divine birthday treat on top of an already amazing day.

Plus, my day wasn’t done yet. I still had the most incredible birthday dinner ahead, but before that, I wanted to indulge.

Pre-Dinner Shopping & Drinks at the Grand Floridian

I had dinner reservations, but they were still an hour away by the time I was done with the spa. I was freshly pampered and had some time to kill at the Grand Floridian. First, I took advantage of the photographer on the second level. Even though I didn’t have Memory Maker, they were kind enough to use my cell phone so I could have some fancy birthday photos.

Then, I decided to have a drink at both the Citricos and the Enchanted Rose lounges. I also did a little perusing and shopping, because what’s a birthday without a little birthday treat? In my case, that meant an indulgent smell at the Basin store.

Go All Out at Victoria & Albert’s

The grand finale of my milestone birthday was reservations at Victoria & Albert’s. I’ve never been able to dine there before due to availability, schedule, or budget reasons. This was the very first I booked for this trip and I’m so glad I did.

You can read all about my full experience here. If this is something that interests you, there’s absolutely a budget component involved. I did mention that this would be the best birthday. That does mean a bit of planning and saving had to happen to make those dreams come true.

When my 7:20PM reservation came to a close, it was nearly midnight and my birthday was almost over. I was buzzing on fantastic experiences, great food, amazing service and drinks, and the high of cast members and strangers alike recognizing my birthday. It was magical, as cliché as that sounds.

---

Is Walt Disney World the only place you can have a magical birthday? Definitely not. After all, the world is a wonderful and wide place and there’s so many destinations. However, if you’re curious about spending your birthday at Disney (especially a milestone one) or if you’re wondering what it’s like to do it solo, my experience was phenomenal.

Staying on property meant that I didn’t worry about transportation, security, and I was able to have a stress-free day by doing low-wait rides, grab treats from snack shops, and then wrapped it all up with a calming experience and a dinner I’ll never forget. Getting older when you’re an adult isn’t always as exciting as when you’re a kid. Luckily, Walt Disney World can bring out magic and make you feel like birthdays are worth celebrating all over again.

---