5 Tips for Celebrating a Special Occasion at Walt Disney World by Guest Author James Hare
According to the 2015 Global Attraction Attendance Report published annually by the Themed Entertainment Association, over 173 million people passed through the turnstiles at Disney Parks around the world. A lot of those people visited to celebrate a special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday or an anniversary, or even a family reunion, there is a lot of reasons to celebrate at Walt Disney World.
While there are no set rules about planning your special occasion at Disney World, you’ll want to remember these top 5 tips to get a head start on your celebration.
5. Grab some free celebration buttons
Over the years, Disney have given out free buttons for guests to wear while celebrating their special occasion.
Disney celebration buttons are completely free and can be picked up from many stores around Walt Disney World. However, your best bet for getting one is to visit the front desk at your resort hotel or Guest Services at any park.
The special events that you can currently get a celebration button for are:
- Just Married
- Happy Anniversary
- Family Reunion
- Just Engaged
- 1st Visit
- My Magical Triumph
- Happily Ever After
- I’m Celebrating [fill in the blank]
- Happy Birthday.
One of the biggest reasons to wear a celebration button is that Cast Members at the parks will look out for them and wish you a “happy birthday” or congratulate you on your engagement. Although nothing is guaranteed, I have often received a complimentary cookie from certain vendors on my birthday. These buttons are certainly a must for your special occasion at Walt Disney World!

Image credit: Pexels
4. Note it on your reservations
Whenever you make a reservation for anything at Walt Disney World, have the Cast Member make a note about your special occasion. If you make a note of it on your resort hotel reservation, you may be surprised by balloons awaiting you when you check into your room. Likewise, if you let your server know that someone is celebrating their birthday, that person is very likely to be given a small complimentary dessert after their meal.
Walt used to call this “plussing” the guest experience. If you were impressed by a certain aspect of his park, he was always looking for ways to make it even better so that you return again and again.
3. Send flowers for a romantic occasion
A lot of people do not know this, but Disney actually have their own Floral Service.
If you’re celebrating a romantic occasion, such as a honeymoon or anniversary, you can purchase a beautiful arrangement of flowers for your sweetheart.
You can even set up a specific place on property for them to be delivered so that your significant other will not suspect a thing!
2. Host a birthday party with in-room celebrations
For guests celebrating a birthday at one of the many resort hotels, you can surprise your child with an in-room celebration.
The basic birthday package includes personalized Mickey Mouse ears, a chalkboard shaped like Mickey’s ears for them to write on, two Mickey & friends themed Happy Birthday balloons, a specialty cake plus tons of other goodies and treats.
There are more essential tips here that you’ll want to read if you are planning a birthday at Walt Disney World.
1. Make use of Disney’s Memory Maker
Memory Maker is a great add-on option for Disney’s PhotoPass.
For an additional fee, guests get a digital download of every single photo taken in the parks and on participating attractions. You will also get on-ride videos from rides such as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Tower of Terror. You are completely free to print the photos from home, or at a local printer, and you can also use the images on third party services (such as Shutterfly).
The thing that I enjoy most about Memory Maker is that it is a set it and forget it system. All you have to do is wear your Magic Band and the PhotoPass Cast Member will add all the photos and video directly to your account.
I want to hear from you!
Have you ever celebrated a special event at Walt Disney World? Share your experience, ask me a question, or just say “hey” in a comment below!
Alternatively, you can visit me on my blog at weloveorlandofl.com

Author Bio: James Hare is the owner of We Love Orlando – A website dedicated to providing the very best news and tips for visiting the Orlando theme parks and local area attractions.
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