Updated July 18, 2025
Birthdays at Disneyland are the best!
Let’s take a look at what you need to know so you don’t miss anything.
What’s Free at the Disneyland Resort
Birthday Button
Pick up a free birthday button at City Hall (Disneyland) or The Chamber of Commerce (California Adventure) to start your day.
Cast members and other guests will wish you or your child a Happy Birthday when they see this button. It’s a special way to celebrate.
These buttons can sometimes also be found in at the hotels, in stores and more. Don’t be afraid to ask for one.
Small Dessert
If you’re enjoying a table service meal, let the cast member at check in know about your birthday. They’ll often bring out something special for the birthday boy or girl.
We’ve had a small cupcake at Cafe Orleans and chocolate mousse at Blue Bayou, etc etc free of charge.
Downtown Disney Freebies
Downtown Disney has a plethora of treats including:
- Free cookie at Earl of Sandwich – join the Earl of Sandwich EClub
- Free Original or Sinful Cinnamon Pretzel valid for 30 days after your birthday pretzel – sign up for rewards
- Free handcrafted beverage, food item, or ready-to-drink bottled beverage – sign up for rewards
- Free small smoothie at Jamba – with your rewards
- Free gift at Sephora – with your rewards
What I Recommend
- Make reservations for a character meal. My recommendation is for Minnie’s Breakfast in the Park. It’s at Disneyland, so the ambiance is magical. This option has the most characters and the best character interaction, in my opinion. Find information on it and all your character dining options and then make a reservation within 60 days of your visit.
- Not interested in a character meal? Looking for something for a tween or teenager? I highly recommend Black Tap Burgers and Shakes. I share all about this favorite of ours here.
- Want to celebrate with a nice dinner? Go to Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel or Paseo in Downtown Disney.
- Looking for a bar with a fun crowd to have a few drinks at and make some bad decisions? Try Trader Sam’s at the Disneyland Hotel.
- For a nice patio or bar to dine at outside, try Centrico in Downtown Disney.
Add a Cake to Your Meal
These cakes are adorable, slightly customizable, and cost $48.
Here’s all about how this works.
Additional Resources
Planning a trip? Start with this post. It shares all sorts of basic planning info that will help you get organized.
Getting close to traveling? Review my final checks post here.
Need discounted tickets and hotels? Check out my travel partner, Get Away Today. In business since 1990, they’re the absolute best with both pricing and service. This link takes you to them. Or you can call 855.GET.AWAY toll free.
***Use code DDaily for an additional $10 off when you book hotel and tickets
Let me know how I can help you plan!
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