What Will You Celebrate?

Guess what, people? It’s my birthday!!! Woohooooo!!! Yes, I’m intolerable on my birthday. You don’t care that it’s my happy day though (although you SHOULD!). Now is a great time though to talk about celebrating in the happiest place on earth.

This year, more than ever, Disney is encouraging us all to celebrate with them with their theme for 2009: “What Will You Celebrate?” Well, what is it? Is it your birthday? Anniversary? Engangement? Wedding?!?!? C’mon guys there is always something to celebrate and there is NO better place to do it. Last year I was lucky enough to celebrate my 30th birthday with my wife, friends and my parents even showed up to surprise me. I couldn’t have thought of a more perfect way to celebrate.

But, where do you start? The task can certainly seem daunting but don’t let it intimidate you. One of the greatest things about this year’s promotion is that Disney is letting anyone visiting on their birthday do so for FREE!!! Did you wake back up? Good. Yes, I did say “free”. For 2009, anyone visiting on their birthday will be (with appropriate documentation and id) given a one day base ticket good only for that day. Already have an annual pass? If you do, you’ll be able to choose from the following:

• A birthday FASTPASS® exchange card for a certain number of attractions at the Theme Park you visit on your birthday.
• A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of a 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket for you to use for certain purchases including select merchandise, recreation or tour experiences, or for Disney's PhotoPass® on-site services at participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort; or
• A 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket for you to use any time until your next birthday.

People, we’re talking about free stuff here. Period. Case closed. That should be enough for most of you! Of course there is more though. If you’re celebrating an occasion with a special dinner and would like a cake you have two options. Most table-service restaurants will have six inch chocolate or vanilla cakes that are available with no notice, just let them know that you’re interested when you arrive. If you prefer a custom cake (like the one in the pictures) Disney even has a Cake Hotline. Simply call 407-824-2474 and follow the voice prompts and you’re on your way to ordering a cake for almost any occasion. If you prefer a custom dessert instead of just cake you can call the same number and they’ll be more than happy to help you out.

Want some party favors? If you’re eating at a buffet restaurant or a character meal you can order a goodie bag with a party hat, game, coloring book and crayons. Want to up the ante? You can upgrade to the deluxe party pack which includes everything mentioned plus a magnet, Mickey straw and a celebration tote.

Not worried about how much you’re spending? You can go to www.disneyflorist.com and choose from a number of different options for almost any occasion. They aren’t cheap but they have a host of fun and/or romantic touches that can add even more magic to your vacation.

There are great little things you can do that don’t cost anything too. Stop by Guest Relations or Guest Services in any park and you can get a birthday button (NOT my handwriting!), a “1st Visit” button, or even just a celebration button to let everyone know what it’s a special time for you and your family!

Obviously the list of things you can do to celebrate goes on and on. Hopefully we’ve given you a taste of the wonderful things you can do in almost any price range to help you have a magical memory for whatever your special occasion is. So, what will you celebrate?