[Question] Birthday in the park

[phi1215]

I'm taking my family to Disneyland Dec 13th for the week of my daughters birthday. My daughter is 8 going on 9 and we are taking my 8 year old nephew. We really want to make this over the top, any advice or tips, special things to do or ask for? Thanks for the help!

[mouseknotts]

Re: Birthday in the park

I take it that you will be staying in a hotel. One option (if you stay in one of the Disney hotels) is the in room celibration. the post is a few days old and there are photos. But it is not cheap.
1. Go to one of the character meals. We like goofy's kitchen. But choose one that has your daughters favorite character. Make reservations, early morning often means less people.
2. Make sure you see the Christamas parade and do something to make her stand out. We made my daughter (what turned 16 at the time) wear lighted tinker bell wings. She was wished happy birthday by Mr. and Mrs cause. Our pointing at her helped.
3. Ask them what they would like to do. This might mean you spend the day waiting for the princess but you will be makeing memories.

Just going at that time of year will make it special. Add the magic of the holiday season to the magic of Disneyland and you have a great time.

[phi1215]

Re: Birthday in the park

Yeah I posted the thread about the in room celebration, we decided to do that. We booked at the Paradise Pier Hotel and she wants to do Goofy's kitchen for dinner. Do you know when the best time for dinner would be? I'm thinking maybe a little early, like 4:45? I was told at Goofy's kitchen they have goody bags and balloons, so I am sure we will do that too! One question I have is, I hear the rumor that you can meet the captain on the Mark Twain, is that true? For some reason that seems to be on her to do list! Thanks again for responses, I love this forum!

[PirateMickey]

Re: Birthday in the park

We're regulars at Goofy's Kitchen! It's the best!

4:45 is fine for dinner, if that is what you want (way too early for us).

We've found that the characters peak around 5:30-6pm and start to "disappear" after about 7:30 to 8pm, so as long as you are sitting down and enjoying your meal by 6 to 6:30, you'll have a great selection of them.

As far as the Mark Twain goes, sure you can meet the Capt (talking and smiling thru the window above the top deck) but since a guest fell down the ladder and claimed to be injured, they have stopped letting kids "pilot" the MT in the pilothouse.

Thankfully, all of our kids had their turn at piloting and received their certificates as well. The certificates and accompanying photos that we took of them are priceless!!!

Hopefully, some day real soon they will once again let the youngsters up into the pilothouse...

Have a great trip!

[PirateMickey]

Re: Birthday in the park

We booked at the Paradise Pier Hotel

That's great!!! You'll have a wonderful stay!

Be sure and ask for the personalized/autographed character photo's and balloons upon checking in at the PPH. Just ask the front desk CM. They are complimentary!

Even though our kids are getting older, they still enjoy receiving them.

It's a great start to a magical trip! :yea:

[phi1215]

Re: Birthday in the park

Thanks for the heads up on the dinner time, it would probably be better for us to eat a little later and get to see the characters. That's cool that they give you a photo and stuff! I'm so glad to hear about the Captain, that will be fun! Does anyone know how you get to be the family in the parade?

[Kingtravel]

[phi1215]

Re: Birthday in the park

I had a friend tell me there is a place you can sign up to be in the parade, does anyone know about this?

[GummiBears_Rock]

Re: Birthday in the park

ok i know people don't like this ride, but i say go on winnie the pooh!

they cheer happy birthday at the end, and i (being 18) went on that ride on my birthday, and i liked it!

[phi1215]

Re: Birthday in the park

Oh cool!

[GummiBears_Rock]

Re: Birthday in the park

oh we went to goofy's kitchen too for my birthday, and we were there at 530 and there was no one waiting for a table, but as i went to the bathroom about 3/4 through our dinner, the place was PACKED!! (about 630 ish)

actually not even at 630 it was probably more on the 6-615 side

[phi1215]

Re: Birthday in the park

Oh cool, we scored our priority seating for 5:30! We also told them we wanted balloons and the goodie bags, so that will totally be fun for the kids!