Thursdays with Mel... Disney Birthdays

This is the Mickey wallet
given to me on my
17th birthday.

Birthdays and Disney, what could be more magical? My son and I have each had the chance to spend a birthday - or two - at Walt Disney World. The last time I spent my own special day at Disney, I was turning 17, and was about to begin my senior year of high school. It was in the early 90s, and that is all I will admit to! A gaggle of 7 or 8 of my friends spent a day at the Magic Kingdom as a farewell to summer. Lucky for me, it was also my birthday.

We didn't celebrate at any fancy Disney restaurant - unless you count Pecos Bills. None of us had the money for that. But my friends did manage to surprise me. They pooled what money they had and bought me a small leather wallet with a Cowboy Mickey Mouse imprinted on the front. I still have that wallet and treasure it each time I pull it out of my memory box.

Now that I am all grown with kids, birthday celebrations are a bit more extravagant, but still just as meaningful. On my oldest son's 9th birthday, we celebrated at the Crystal Palace. I have to admit, I was concerned he was too old for Winnie the Pooh and Friends. But, when you are at Disney, magic is ageless. He wore his Birthday Button (available to at any at the Guest Services area in the Parks) and received well wished from Cast Members and passers by.

Our next vacation began on his 11th birthday. This time he wore his birthday button the entire week. After all, is it important if your birthday greetings from Mickey are a day late? A birthday hug & cupcake from Mickey and his pals is something you never outgrow.

Note from Mel: After a short hiatus, The Disney Lifestyle Blog is back in action. So stop on by. Also, Disney's Family.com has begun its Happily Ever After contest. Participants enter for a chance at the Grand Prize, an ultimate Disney dream wedding or vow renewal ceremony. There is also a Voter's Choice prize for a $1000 toward the Disney gown of your dreams. Vote for my Mr. Incredible & me... or enter by sharing your own love story!