Magical Greetings, Claire!
Welcome to planDisney and thank you so much for stopping by with your question. How wonderful that you will be celebrating your daughter's 5th birthday at Walt Disney World. There are so many wonderful ways to make her feel special during your stay. Here are a few of my favorites.
Claire, the first thing I recommend is letting the Front Desk staff know you are celebrating a birthday, and to pick up your "I'm Celebrating" pins for the Guest of honor to wear throughout your vacation. We did this when we celebrated our twins' birthday last year. Not only did they feel special by all of the "Happy Birthday" greetings they received from Cast Members and fellow Guests. But, a few restaurants even brought them a surprise complimentary birthday treat! It's not a guarantee that all locations do this, but a few do and it sure adds a bit more pixie dust to your visit.
Second, you can order a Celebration Cake shaped like a Mickey Hat for one of your special dinners. This can be added to many Dining Reservations at participating table service restaurants through your My Disney Experience account when making the reservation, and it will be brought to your table at the end of your meal. Each cake feeds about 4-6 people, and is a great addition to let your birthday girl feel special on her special day.
If you would like something special in your room at Disney's Saratoga Springs, such as flowers, balloons, Disney plushies, a basket or decor for the birthday Guests, you can do so in advance of your stay - or even up to while you are onsite - by visiting
Magical Floral and Gifts. I did this for my twins' birthday and for Father's Day, and it was a wonderful way to bring even more celebration into our room.
Speaking of treats, a memorable family dinner at a special restaurant like 'Ohana or Story Book Dining with Snow White at Artist's Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a great way to celebrate your birthday princess. Alternatively, a
Character Breakfast at Topolino's Terrace or Chef Mickey's is a dining event fit for royalty. I would also recommend the
Roses of Gold Afternoon Tea at The Cake Bake Shop at Disney's BoardWalk. I recently did this with my daughter, and it was a wonderful way to celebrate her in the finest of ways.
Finally, I would recommend a unique
Enchanting Extra the whole family can enjoy. One of my favorite experiences is the Fireworks Cruise to enjoy Happily Ever After Nighttime Spectacular on a chartered boat on the Seven Seas Lagoon. It's a wonderful way to spend family time together, with an incredible vantage point of the fireworks after a cruise around the lake, and the music from the show is piped into the boat so it's like your own private viewing.
Other Enchanting Extras I love are horseback riding at Tri-Circle D Ranch or a Capture Your Moment photography session. You could even give her a Disney Gift Card as a gift for her to use at one of the shops at Disney Springs to purchase a special Disney-themed souvenir.
Of course, the ideas are endless, Claire. But these are a few ways I recommend celebrating your daughter and making magical memories with your family.
I hope this helps you, Claire! If you have any further Disney Vacation planning questions, stop back here to see me and I'll be so happy to help you.
Magically Yours,
Keri