Today, we’re reaching into our mailbag to answer another reader question! Since we often get the same question from several of our readers, what better way to share the answers than in a post for all of you to see?
Today’s question comes from a mom who plans to celebrate her young son’s birthday in style during an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World.
I was interested in having my son’s 7th birthday in Disney World. I want an awesome cake and I would like Mickey as well as some other characters to be there. Do you have any information regarding how to arrange this?
When it comes to celebrating a birthday (or any special occasion) at Walt Disney World, you have lots of options!
Character Dining
You could choose to make a reservation at a character meal experience, like Chef Mickey’s, 1900 Park Fare, Cinderella’s Royal Table, or Crystal Palace. Character dining spots such as these feature interaction with several Disney characters, who will visit with you at your table as you dine for no extra charge. It’s a great opportunity for photo ops. And no standing in line — they come to you!
In many Disney restaurants, if you mention that you’re celebrating a birthday to your server or wear a birthday celebration pin, they’ll arrange for a special birthday treat!
Restaurant Cakes
Most table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World can accommodate an on-the-spot birthday cake request. Simply let the host or hostess at the restaurant’s podium know that you’d like a cake for your celebration, and they can provide you with a choice of a basic vanilla or chocolate cake.
As of May 17, 2017, beautiful Mickey Celebration Cakes became available at all Walt Disney World table service restaurants. Advance notice is suggested because daily quantities at each location will be limited. You can add a Mickey Celebration Cake to your Advanced Dining Reservation by calling 407-WDW-DINE. To try for a day-of cake, stop by the concierge or restaurant podium (and cross your fingers!).
These cakes cost $35 and can feed 4-6 people. They come in chocolate or white chocolate, and one of Mickey’s ears can be inscribed with “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations”.
Customized Cakes
Customized birthday cakes are available throughout Walt Disney World at most table-service restaurants.
The resort asks that you provide 48 hours notice to create your custom cake. To arrange for a Disney bakery cake, call 407-827-2253. For all the skinny on ordering your Disney special occasion cake, be sure to check out our Disney World Cake FAQ page.
To order stunning custom cakes and creations from Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs, call 407-934-3500. Orders require 72 business hours advance notice and must be picked up at the Patisserie.
Don’t forget to check out our Disney Birthday Cake Gallery for some fun ideas!
Cakes for Guests with Special Dietary Needs. Guests who follow a special diet may also request a cake from Downtown Disney’s Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (formerly Babycakes NYC). This specialty bakery offers cakes that are refined sugar-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, casein-free, egg-free, and vegan, as well as Kosher items!
For more information on dining in Disney with special dietary needs, be sure to check out our Special Diets Resource Page.
Private Celebrations
Another option is to book a special private celebration. The sky is the limit with this option! You can have food, characters — anything you would like! While this can be very expensive, you and your family may consider it to be worth it for your special occasion.
Disney Catered Events will work with you to make every dream come true. You can call them at 321-939-7278.
If you’d like to celebrate on the water, book a Specialty Cruise. These cruises vary in price and style for parties of all sizes and include non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Cruise options include Fireworks Cruises at Magic Kingdom or Epcot and relaxing day cruises. These pricey options are sure-fire memory-makers, and cruises can be booked by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.
In-Room Celebrations
You can order a celebration cake to be delivered to your room by calling (407) 827-2253, and since 2015, all Disney World guests can have a cake delivered to their room from Disney Floral & Gifts. The In-Room Celebration includes a six-inch, two-tiered round cake that serves 4-6 people in either chocolate or vanilla. Celebration Cakes will be delivered to your room after you check-in. Cost is $55.95.
Forks, plates, napkins, and a cake server are all included.
Mickey’s Celebration Cake can be enhanced with two different add-ons: Magical Celebration with balloons and birthday tray for $82.95 or Grand Birthday Party with Walt Disney World® popcorn tin, a pair of Mickey birthday ears (personalization available), Mickey Mouse crispy rice treats, and five helium balloons for $121.95.
Disney Floral and Gifts can also arrange an in-room celebration. Packages range from Mickey and Pals Big Birthday Wish to Pirate and Princess packages. Call Disney Floral and Gifts at 407-WDW-GIFT (407-939-4438).
At BoardWalk Inn, you can pick up your pre-ordered cake from the BoardWalk Bakery (requires 48-hour notice) and bring it to your room (or to a spot of your choosing).
Other Options
Pint-sized guests can enjoy a birthday extravaganza at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Private parties are available in the hotel’s Neverland Club.
Choose your theme (Princess, Pirate, or Mickey), and level of celebration — basic or premium. Guests choosing the premium option will enjoy the company of a Disney character for two thirty-minute sessions. Both celebrations include food, cake, goodie bags, and lots of other fun activities for the birthday boy or girl and up to nine guests. For details and booking, call 407-WDW-BDAY (407-939-2329).
Or make a reservation for your pirate or princess at either The Pirate’s League at Magic Kingdom or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom or World of Disney in Disney Springs. These experiences include a genre-appropriate make-over — and a day of special attention from cast members and guests alike!
We hope that we’ve given you some fun ideas for celebrating that special birthday at Walt Disney World!
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What is your favorite way to celebrate a special occasion while in the ‘World? Let us know!
Miles says
That. Chip and Dale. Cake.
It looks so good. (It must have cost a fortune.)
Deb C says
Hasn’t Babycakes closed in DTD already? Or will be closing soon?
Tricia says
Excellent post on my Birthday…
Chris says
Does anyone know approximately how much that Chip & Dale cake would have cost?
Carrie says
@Chris: With two white chocolate figures on top, I’d estimate $150-$200.
Dani says
We were at Disney for my son’s 3rd B-day and it was great! We had an ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern (back when it was still a character meal) and we got the standard Birthday Cake that they have at the restuarants. It was great and everyone made such a fuss over him! Great experience!
Jennifer says
That Chip and Dale cake is everything. Just curious – are those edible figures?
Carrie says
They appear to be hand-painted white chocolate figures.