11 Unforgettable Disney World Birthday Ideas Perfect for Adults
Looking for some Disney World birthday ideas for adults? After spending my birthday in Disney World, I’m here to give you some top recommendations.
Whether it’s your 30th birthday at Disney World or your 50th birthday at Disney World, you’re sure to find a way to make your Disney World birthday memorable, and we’re here to help you!
Some of our favorite ways to celebrate adult birthdays in Disney World include drinking around the world in Epcot, getting free stuff with our “Birthday” button, dining like royalty in Cinderella’s castle, and getting more exclusive views of the fireworks shows.
But there are so many other ideas for your birthday in Disney World, and this list will surely have something for you!
This post is all about Disney World birthday ideas for adults.
Disney World Birthday Ideas for Adults
Drink around the world in Epcot during a festival
Drinking around the world in EPCOT is an experience every adult should try at least once (even the non-alcoholic beverages). During a festival, it’s even better!
Because it’s free with your EPCOT theme park ticket, we would be crazy not to recommend going during a festival. There are so many unique foods and drinks to try that are particular to that festival.
We highly recommend the Food and Wine Festival, typically from August through November. Here are the other festivals to look out for in EPCOT:
- EPCOT International Festival of the Arts | Typically from January through February
- EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival | Typically from February through May
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays | Typically from November through December
Insider Tip
With so many different foods and drinks to try, you might just end up with a free one on your birthday. Here is a list of free stuff at Disney World and how to get them!
Get free stuff with your “Birthday” button
Before you do anything, stop by Guest Relations at any theme park, Disney Springs, or the front desk of your Disney resort hotel. Ask for a “Birthday” button, and wear that button everywhere with pride!
You can get free goodies like a glass of champagne at a sit-down restaurant or an escort to the front seat of your favorite ride!
I actually created a list of the free stuff I got, as well as some other Disney guests, so that you have an idea of some of the amazing things you might get!
Royal breakfast in Cinderella’s Castle
Start your day with an early morning royal breakfast in Cinderella’s Castle! Not only will you feel like royalty on your birthday, but you’ll also get amazing photos and interactions with the princesses—all while grabbing breakfast before your day in the park.
You’ll meet princesses like Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White, and Cinderella herself!
Another perk for enjoying a top-of-the-morning breakfast is entering the parks before most of the crowd. Just tell a Cast Member that you have an early dining reservation, and you will be allowed to enter an uncrowded Main Street.
This was a must for us, as we wanted to start our day as early as possible in the parks.
More Info
- The cost is approximately $60 per adult or 2 Table-Service credits with the Disney Dining Plan.
- We highly recommend advanced reservations.
- Character appearances are subject to change.
Insider Tip
If you’re having trouble finding a reservation for your date and time, use this amazing tool to set alerts for difficult-to-get dining reservations.
Book a VIP tour in the parks
If you want something really exclusive for your birthday in Disney World, we highly suggest booking a VIP tour. These are perfect if you want to explore what is usually off-limits to guests.
There are plenty to choose from, but here is our list of fan favorites:
Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour — This is a 5-hour in-depth walking tour of Magic Kingdom where you unlock little-known facts about Disney and access the ultimate Disney World mystery: their underground tunnels!
More Info
- This tour costs approximately $129–$149 per person (tax not included). Prices vary by date.
- Magic Kingdom park admission is required but not included in the tour price.
- We highly recommend advanced reservations.
- Guests must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid photo ID to participate.
EPCOT Seas Adventures Dolphins in Depth — If you’re into aquatic animals, EPCOT offers an amazing backstage tour where you can wade in the water with the dolphins. It’s an intimate 2-hour encounter with one of the ocean’s most sociable creatures, so you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
More Info
- This experience costs approximately $209 per person (tax not included). Prices vary by date.
- EPCOT park admission is required but not included in the tour price.
- We highly recommend advanced reservations.
- Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to participate.
Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — This nighttime experience is perfect for catching African wildlife in its natural habitat! It’s a thrilling ride in a safari vehicle through the open savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge—great for an adventurous birthday experience.
More Info
- This experience costs approximately $75-$89 per person (tax not included). Prices vary by date.
- We recommend advanced reservations.
- Guests must be 8 years of age or older to participate.
Wild Africa Trek — Now, this is for the big-time adventurers! On a 3-hour tour, explore the exclusive Safi River Valley to see giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Enjoy a complimentary souvenir, an African-inspired snack, and a professional photographer to help you capture the moments.
More Info
- This experience costs approximately $219 per person (tax not included). Prices vary by date.
- Animal Kingdom park admission is required but not included in the tour price.
- We recommend advanced reservations.
- Guests must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches tall to participate.
Savor the Savanna — For a more relaxed birthday celebration, enjoy a ride through the savanna, some African-inspired cuisine, and secluded views of the wildlife in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This takes the experiences of the Starlight Safari and places you in the habitat of the Wild Africa Trek with a more relaxed vibe.
More Info
- This experience costs approximately $189 per person (tax not included). Prices vary by date.
- Animal Kingdom park admission is required but not included in the tour price.
- Advanced reservations are required.
- Guests must be 8 years of age or older to participate.
Watch the fireworks from a cruise ship
If you’re a fan of the fireworks show at Epcot or Magic Kingdom, like us, you can celebrate your birthday with a special cruise!
Rent a boat and invite your friends to watch the fireworks at EPCOT from International Gateway near World Showcase Lagoon or Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom, both with synchronized audio to make the experience more immersive.
Decorate your boat with complimentary festive banners and balloons, and enjoy tasty snacks while your captain cruises you around during the show.
More Info
- This experience starts at $449 (tax not included), and prices vary by date.
- Boats seat up to 10 guests.
- We highly recommend advanced reservations.
Attend an exclusive after-hours event
After-hours events are perfect for an extended and special park experience on your birthday.
Disney offers after-hour events at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Typhoon Lagoon that last three hours after regular closing time. The after-hours ticket includes ice cream, popcorn, and beverages at some locations, but we think there’s something even better!
Consider these long-time favorites, including our #1 pick for an after-hours event!
The most popular after-hours events in Disney World are Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and, our favorite, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. These do require a separate event ticket, but I will say that if you spend your time wisely, it is totally worth it!
While the Christmas party offers cookies and milk and a magical snow show, we are huge fans of the Halloween party, as you get to dress up as your favorite characters, meet Disney villains, and collect candy at different treat locations.
Dessert party for the Magic Kingdom fireworks show
There are so many good spots to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks show, but to enjoy complimentary sweet treats during the show is an epic way to celebrate your birthday!
First, you get to indulge in sweet treats prepared by a Disney chef and grab a drink (adult beverages included) before taking your seat at the patio of Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. This way, you won’t have to save your seat on the crowded Main Street hours before the show.
Then, watch the night light up with our absolute favorite fireworks show, Happily Ever After (I literally cry every time)!
More Info
- Depending on the date, this event costs approximately $119–$129 per adult and $75 per child.
- Magic Kingdom park admission is required but not included in the event price.
- We highly recommend advanced reservations.
Spend the night in a themed hotel
Some of the Disney World resort hotels are attractions within themselves.
You can wake up to giraffes at Animal Kingdom Lodge, stay in a villa on the water at the Polynesian Village Resort, or experience enormous-sized Disney and Pixar characters at Art of Animation!
Staying at a Disney World resort hotel has other perks, like being close to your favorite parks, entering the parks early, and the opportunity to add the dining plan to your stay. This helps with a carefree birthday, as transportation is easier, park days can be longer and more relaxed, and meals are practically covered!
Take pictures with rare characters
Many Disney-goers are curious about how to spot and interact with rare Disney characters.
First, let’s face it: the Disney World app isn’t going to tell you when a rare character is out! That’s exactly why we used this app, which told us precisely where to find every character we wanted to meet with a live chat for rare character updates!
Every time, we knew exactly where characters like Jack Sparrow, Jafar, and J. Worthington Foulfellow were without scrambling around the park.
We even had a list of questions for each character because interactions can be scary. With these questions, we had an epic conversation with Jack Sparrow and scored a dance with Buzz Lightyear!
Here are some quick tips for your character interactions:
- Wear your “Birthday” button; the characters’ interactions will come somewhat naturally.
- Ask the character a question related to their movie. I asked Princess Tiana if Prince Naveen helps her in the kitchen.
- Have something related to them to sign. We gave Donald Duck a Mickey Mouse hat; his reaction was hilarious!
Food & fireworks at California Grill
One of the most beautiful locations for a meal and a show on your birthday in Disney World is actually at California Grill!
Enjoy an epic dinner with beautiful views, and catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks show while eating or after your meal.
You’ll have the entire soundtrack playing while you watch the show from your table (kindly request a table near the window) or the terrace (our favorite spot)!
Insider Tip
When California Grill’s brunch is available, we highly recommend it! It is a hard reservation, as it is only available one day a week, but it is worth it. Plus, you can return later to enjoy the fireworks show! Just remember to bring your receipt.
DIY scavenger hunt in Disney Springs
For the party people who want to have fun, create a scavenger hunt for the free Disney Springs shopping district.
This is truly a lot of fun, because there are so many ways to make it unique. Some ideas you can add to your scavenger hunt could be:
- Find and try a secret menu item at any restaurant or food kiosk.
- Visit a bar and ask the bartender to create a custom cocktail or mocktail for your group. Name it after the birthday person!
- Take a photo with a cast member from the same state as you.
- Get an autograph or selfie with a chef from one of the signature restaurants.
You can also make a scavenger hunt where every clue leads you to somewhere new, like the one we found here. Whatever you make of it, make sure it’s fun for the whole party! This one is literally as customizable as you want it to be, so it’s sure to bring fun to the celebration.
Hopefully, you found some amazing Disney World birthday ideas for adults to help you celebrate that special someone on your next Disney World vacation. Or maybe that special someone is you. In that case, happy birthday!
This post was all about Disney World birthday ideas for adults.