7 Ways I Celebrated My Birthday at Disney World

Happy Birthday to me! As part of my month-long birthday celebration , I took a 3-day trip to Disney World.

Here are 7 ways I celebrated my special day in the happiest place on Earth:

1. Drinks Around the World – Given my trip fell right in the middle of the International Flower & Garden Festival, I couldn’t resist a stop at EPCOT. After checking out all of the festival food and drink kiosks in Canada, UK and France, I opted for my go-to celebratory beverage- a glass of Prosecco from Italy in the World Showcase and walked over to Germany to snap a pic.

2. 1/2 Pound Cookie – A day at Disney Springs was on my bday list and so was Gideon’s Bakehouse. Not only is Gideon’s Bakehouse a fun stop just to see their Harry Potter-esque motif, but they boast nearly 1/2 pound cookies that taste just as amazing as they look. With so many cookies and cakes to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one. But I managed to have a little self control and selected my favorite – a pistachio toffee dark chocolate cookie.

3. Dinner at Disney Springs – Disney Springs really does have so much to offer for a fun day or evening outside of the obligatory theme parks. It is especially known for its incredible array of restaurant options – there are nearly 70 to choose from. While I was not able to snag a reservation at my favorite restaurant – The Boathouse – I did try a brand new restaurant – Summer House (opened December 2023). The restaurant is located in the previous Bongos Cafe location and was rebuilt as a fancy beach house. The spacious restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and an extensive menu of seafood, salads, chicken, brunch items, and of course, plenty of lovely drinks. And with its elegant, muted, neutral tones, light colored wood, ceiling fans, and palm trees inside – you feel like you are in a scene from The Summer I Turned Pretty.

4. Made-to-Order Treats – Also at Disney Springs is Goofy’s Candy Company where you can not only have your pick of Disney-themed sugary treats, but you can also customize a few special treats, including marshmallows, apples, rice crispy treats, and cake pops. First, you choose your item (I went with the red velvet cake pop), then you select your dipping flavor (white chocolate), then you finish it off with the toppings of your choice. And what you leave with is a personalized, bedazzled treat that is difficult to transport and hard to wait even 5 min to eat.

5. Mobile Music – Disney Springs also has a plethora of entertainment all throughout the day and evening. I always love stopping by the Boathouse landing area to listen to performers playing the Spanish guitar or singing songs from classic and contemporary artists. This trip, I had the pleasure of seeing a singer/piano player on a mobile platform – she was singing Taylor Swift, playing the piano and engaging with her audience, all while moving around the Springs at the same time – now that’s talent!

6. Dreamy Desserts – Spending a day at the Magic Kingdom was certainly a treat – and I mean that literally. After a day of riding rides and checking out the attractions in the park, I headed to the MK Dessert Fireworks Party. Although the party was technically not hosted for my birthday, I pretended it was and took full advantage of the all-inclusive drinks (loved the Cava from Spain!) and sweets – oh my, those donuts and coconut cake! And just to make it a little healthier, I had a chocolate covered strawberry – it’s all about balance my friends.

7. Fireworks Finale – To top off an incredible 3-Day birthday celebration, I attended one of my favorite events at the Disney Parks, the MK Happily Ever After Fireworks! And because I had attended the dessert party, I had a designated area to view the fireworks, so no fighting the crowds! What a great finale to an amazing birthday trip.