Extra touches for Celebrations at Walt Disney World

Once Upon A Time there was a glorious celebration filled with love, laughter, and pixie dust. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to create such a memory for yourself or someone you love? Not every celebration can be fairy tale like, but when at Disney the sky is the limit. No matter what you are celebrating, they have options for you. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Graduations, and everything in between can be reason for some extra pixie dust on your vacation.

Celebrations Buttons

You’ve probably seen other guests wearing these 3” buttons before. Not being a person who wants to draw attention to myself, I am always a little hesitant about announcing to the world it’s my birthday or anniversary, but it certainly has its perks. The buttons can be picked up at your resort upon check in, or at any vacation planning booth or guest services location within the four parks. These buttons are FREE for the asking and can be personalized. There are currently nine choices available: anniversary, … happily ever after, 1^st visit, birthday, family reunion, I’m celebrating…, my magical triumph, just engaged, and just married.

You can receive and wear the buttons 6 months prior to an event, such as your birthday, and up to 6 months after. So, if traveling to WDW two months after your birthday, you can still get a button and proudly wear it around the parks as you have a late celebration of the event.

When wearing the buttons, expect to receive comments from cast members and other guests. I have even heard of free deserts and the like being given to the celebrating individual at sit down restaurants. For example, my friend and her husband proudly wore their Anniversary buttons at Beaches and Cream and received a free sundae along with Congratulations. I, however, have worn my birthday button and not received anything. I would warn button wearers, not to expect free perks, but they are always a nice surprise if they happen.

In Room Celebrations

As mentioned above, be sure to tell the cast member at check in that you have an occasion to celebrate. When we went for our 10^th anniversary, we not only got the buttons to wear in the parks, but on the day of our anniversary we returned to find our room had an extra surprise inside. We received, free of charge, balloons and a picture of Pooh & Friends (my favorite at that time) that was autographed by the characters. Again, this sort of pixie dust is random and shouldn’t be expected. But, be sure to inform the front desk. You never know what you might find in your room.

If your child is celebrating a birthday while you are visiting, you can request a special birthday phone call from a character. Wouldn’t your child love to have Mickey call them on the morning of their birthday? I know I would!

You can also take in room celebrations into your own hands and contact Disney Floral and Gifts. They provide a wide array of items that can be delivered to your room, such as balloons, confetti, flowers, candles, chocolates, banners, and small gifts. They have packages available for Romance, Birthdays, Princesses, Pirates, Triumph, DVC, and even holidays. At Christmas time, you can order a small tree that is already decorated. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning at Walt Disney World with presents that magically appeared under an in room tree. Disney Floral and Gifts can be reached at 407-939-4438 or you can order online at http://www.disneyfloralandgifts.com/home.html.

Celebration Cakes

Who doesn’t love cake? And what celebration is complete without eating some? Just because you are on vacation, should not be reason to forgo this important part of any celebration. Disney has several different methods for you to have your cake and eat it too. You can call the Disney cake specialists at 407-827-2253 to order up something delicious. Your order can be placed no more than 4 weeks in advance and no less than 72 hours in advance.

But first off, what kinds of cakes are available? There are several choices, from your basic “supermarket style” cake to fancy fondant covered cakes. Some cakes only have availability at certain locations, so be sure to check with the cake specialists before getting your heart set on something. However, here is a basic primer of all the order ahead cakes:

•  Basic Custom Cakes – These range in size from 8” (serving 8 people) to full sheet cakes (serving 100 people), and are available for your dining reservations at most restaurants.
• Mickey Mouse Cakes – These big Mickey heads are white or chocolate cake with chocolate filling and chocolate ganache with a screen printed face. They feed 10-12 people and can have a small personalized message on the serving plate.
• Fancy Fondant Covered and Mini Cakes – Let your imagination run wild. These custom cakes are beautifully decorated but are only made at limited locations: the bakeries of the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Yacht & Beach Club. They can be delivered to some Magic Kingdom and Epcot restaurants, or can be personally picked up at the Boardwalk Bakery only.

If ordering a special occasion cake for a restaurant reservation inside of the Magic Kingdom, you can contact wdw.magickingdomcakes@disney.com instead of calling the phone number above. If ordering a cake for a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table (CRT), you can contact wdw.crt.special.events@disney.com.

Cinderella’s Royal Table Special Events

In addition to the specialty cakes above, you can order a chocolate slipper or crown ($12.50 each) to be presented during your meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table. The slipper is your choice of white or dark chocolate, filled with chocolate mousse and presented with fresh berries. The plate can be personalized with up to four words. It typically serves one person. The crown is available in white chocolate only, but also is filled with chocolate mousse and presented with fresh berries, with a plate that can be personalized.

Another option for your celebration while at CRT is the “Her Royal Highness” package. It will make any girl feel like royalty. It includes a princess balloon featuring six of the Disney Princesses. Shortly after arrival, a Royal Attendant will present a 3” tiara adorned with crystals, which signifies being crowned princess for a day. You may upgrade the tiara to a 5” version for an additional cost. The celebration will conclude with an extraordinary cake prepared by Cinderella’s Royal Chefs. It is a 6” round cake, available in chocolate or vanilla, with one of your favorite Princesses on top. It also can be personalized with up to four words. The entire package is $90.00 plus tax and an 18% gratuity.

If you are looking for a true fairytale ending to your meal, you can also order an engraved glass slipper from CRT. The cost is $65.00 plus tax and gratuity. I envision this option as part of an engagement but, I’m just a romantic at heart, so who am I to say.

Engagements

Speaking of engagements, if you are planning on popping the question while at Disney World, you may want to check out this article by fellow TouringPlans blogger Erin Foster: 101 Ways to Propose at Disney World. If you still need some help in planning the big event, call Disney Fairytale Engagements at 321-939-4610. They can help you plan and execute all of the necessary details.

Special Ear Hats

Buying and wearing an ear hat is as normal as breathing when in Disney World. And why just make them ordinary Mickey ears? If it’s your birthday, they’ve got a hat for that. Just married? Yep, hats for that too! Instead of just sporting a 3” button on your shirt, proudly display your celebration on top your head for the world to see.

Other Special Experiences

Perhaps buttons, flowers, ear hats and cakes just aren’t for you. There are many more options to choose from; more than I could possibly tell you about in one sitting. Instead, I will give you a small spattering of ideas for your next celebration.

•  Wishes, Illuminations, or Pirates and Pals Cruise
• Signature Dining such as Victoria & Albert’s or the California Grill
• Professional Portrait Sessions
• Richard Petty Driving Experience
• La Nouba
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique / Pirate’s League
• Behind the Scenes Tours
• Spa Experiences

Was your Disney World celebration sprinkled with lots of pixie dust?  Tell us about your celebration experience below.