kids birthdays

[Laura]

My daughter turns 1 on July 7th and my son turns 3 on August 7th. We are going to Disney on July 14th.

My husband is in the military so we don't live near any family or friends, which means my kids have pretty sucky birthday parties. It's just us eating cake at home by ourselves. Not that they care at such a young age, but I still feel bad.

To make up for them not getting big parties I'd like to do something for them while we're at Disney, since we're going right between their birthdays.

My questions...

1. Will Disney help you celebrate a birthday even if you aren't there on the exact day?

2. If yes, what would you recommend as something special we could do for our kids? My 2 year old is pretty scared of getting up close and personal with any characters (I'm hoping this vacation will help him get over his fears), so is there anything fun I could do without the characters? I don't want to traumatize the poor kid. :lol:

We're already doing several character dinners too, so something different than a character dinner would be great.

Thanks for your input.

 

[crazygirley]

That's too bad. It's really hard to suggest a place to celebrate a nice birthday with childeren that age that doesn't include the characters. Most of the restaurants on Disney property that don't include the characters are geared towards adults and older children. I have a few suggestions, though:

You mentioned that you will be attending a few character dinners. Will one of your character dinners happen to be at Chef Mickey's? Since your son is the oldest of your children, he will probably enjoy that restaurant over the other restaurants that have character dinners. It is a buffet, so he would be able to pick his own "birthday dinner", and the best part is that at Chef Mickey's, when it is a child's birthday, they will bring a decorated cupcake to the table with a candle in it during one of the "Celebration" periods so the child can still get to blow out their own candle. You must tell the server at the beginning of your meal, and tell the server your situation...I am sure they will be more than understanding and accomodating. Perhaps you could also bring along a few birthday party hats and party favors for your children to play with and to add to the birthday feel. Chef Mickey's is LOUD, and so, the noise probably wouldn't be bothersome. Also, maybe bring a few small wrapped presents for your children to open, and a camera to take pictures of the big day!

Have a great time!

 

[Laura]

Yes one of our dinners was going to be at Chef Mickey's.

You make a good point, we could just explain to the server that my son is a little scared of the characters and maybe they could have the characters stay back and the server can give him the cupcake? I'd bring some presents for him to open there too (same with my baby).

Either that, or after going to a bunch of the character dinners maybe he'll be used to them (that was my goal when I made the PS's). Maybe we could make a birthday surprise for him on the last day when he's not so scared anymore.

Just out of curiosity, what would be the best birthday thing that DID involve characters?

Thanks for your suggestion btw.

 

[crazygirley]

Originally posted by Laura22
Yes one of our dinners was going to be at Chef Mickey's.

You make a good point, we could just explain to the server that my son is a little scared of the characters and maybe they could have the characters stay back and the server can give him the cupcake? I'd bring some presents for him to open there too (same with my baby).

Either that, or after going to a bunch of the character dinners maybe he'll be used to them (that was my goal when I made the PS's). Maybe we could make a birthday surprise for him on the last day when he's not so scared anymore.

Just out of curiosity, what would be the best birthday thing that DID involve characters?

Thanks for your suggestion btw.

You're welcome...and when you say "best birthday thing", what exactly do you mean?

 

[Laura]

We have PS for Hoop-Dee-Doo, Garden Grill, Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, Sci-Fi, and Hollywood & Vine. What would you pick?

I'm thinking Garden Grill and Sci-Fi would be dumb for a party because they have isolated seating. Crystal Palace would be inconvenient because we'd have to lug the party stuff around the park with us. Same with Hollywood & Vine.

Guess that leaves Chef Mickey's and Hoop Dee Doo. Do they celebrate birthdays at Hoop-Dee-Doo? I haven't been since I was a baby so I can't remember what it's like there. Is it overcrowded? I'm thinking Chef Mickey's might be the best pick.

I am just thinking out loud now. :lol:

 

[dixiegirl]

i would say chef mickeys hands down!!

 

[frazierle]

Well you could do both. I did my birthday at Hoop dee doo back in Feb. They pretty much stand you up, sing happy birthday, then in my case poke fun at you the rest of the evening. With that being said my son's birthday is in June, and our kids were talking about what would be the ultimate birthday. He said having breakfast at Chef Mickeys, spending the day at Magic Kingdom then having dinner at Hoop dee doo. He's not expecting it so we are going to surprise him with the trip.

 

[crazygirley]

Originally posted by frazierle
Well you could do both. I did my birthday at Hoop dee doo back in Feb. They pretty much stand you up, sing happy birthday, then in my case poke fun at you the rest of the evening. With that being said my son's birthday is in June, and our kids were talking about what would be the ultimate birthday. He said having breakfast at Chef Mickeys, spending the day at Magic Kingdom then having dinner at Hoop dee doo. He's not expecting it so we are going to surprise him with the trip.

Yeah, see...I think a three year old would much prefer the attention at Chef Mickey's. It's more of a "pop" atmosphere, and definately more kid friendly. I would go with Chef Mickey's.

 

[frazierle]

Sorry didn't notice the ages.... go with Chef Mickey's. But Hoop Dee Doo is fun for the kids, maybe when they are a little older. Mine are 7 and 4 both enjoyed it but the 7 year old was really into it (HDD). Chef Mickeys is a really fun time.

 

[crazygirley]

Originally posted by frazierle
Sorry didn't notice the ages.... go with Chef Mickey's. But Hoop Dee Doo is fun for the kids, maybe when they are a little older. Mine are 7 and 4 both enjoyed it but the 7 year old was really into it (HDD). Chef Mickeys is a really fun time.

I would just be afraid that the 1 year old would get bored and wouldn't like the food at HDD. I just always see (and hear!!!) happy little children at Chef Mickey's.