10 Best Restaurants in Disney to Celebrate a Birthday

Cinderella's Royal Table at Walt Disney World

There’s nothing quite like celebrating a birthday at Walt Disney World. Whether it’s your child’s first birthday or a milestone like your 40th (I’m currently planning mine!), Disney has endless ways to make your day extra magical. With enchanting dining experiences, delicious food, and thoughtful surprises, choosing the right restaurant can make your big day absolutely unforgettable.

Here’s a complete guide to the best restaurants in Disney to celebrate a birthday, based on atmosphere, unique offerings, and the magic they bring to the table.

Why Celebrate Your Birthday at Disney World?

Disney World is built for celebrations, and birthdays are no exception. From the moment you put on your Disney birthday shirt and pick up your complimentary birthday button, you’re treated to magical moments throughout the parks and resorts. 

Cast members and even guests often stop to wish you a happy birthday, and some restaurants go above and beyond to recognize your special day.

For my upcoming 40th, I’m planning a mix of enchanting dining and whimsical experiences that capture the magic Disney is known for. This guide will help you do the same, whether you’re planning for yourself, a family member, or a friend.

How to Make a Disney Birthday Extra Special

If you’re celebrating a birthday in Walt Disney World, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your vacation celebration comes with a little extra pixie dust. Here are a few tips:

1. Claim Your Birthday Button

This free button from Guest Services lets everyone know it’s your special day. You may get a complimentary dessert, a shoutout, or even some pixie dust from cast members. It also serves as a fun souvenir and keepsake from your trip!

2. Order a Custom Disney Cake

Many table-service restaurants allow you to pre-order Mickey celebration cakes that can be delivered to your table during your meal. You can pick a chocolate flavor option and get custom engraving, making them the perfect surprise. You can also order a special birthday cake from Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs and pick it up before your dining reservation. Most Disney restaurants will be happy to serve it to you. Just call ahead to make sure there are no restrictions. 

3. Reserve Early

Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) open 60 days in advance of your first day at Disney World. Dining spots go live at 6:00 a.m. EST and popular spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Le Cellier, and Ohana fill up fast. If you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, book as soon as possible.

10 Best Restaurants in Disney to Celebrate a Birthday

Cinderella’s Royal Table 

Location: Magic Kingdom

Price: Breakfast is $72 per adult, $45 per child (ages 3-9); Lunch & Dinner is $88 per adult, $52 per child (ages 3-9)

Dining inside Cinderella Castle at Cinderella’s Royal Table is a dream come true for anyone who loves Disney fairytales. If you’re celebrating a birthday for a Disney princess fan, this is the ultimate dining experience. This iconic restaurant offers an unforgettable setting, with stained-glass windows, medieval-inspired decor, and views of Fantasyland below. Guests enjoy a prix-fixe menu and the real magic comes from the princesses who visit each table. From Aurora to Ariel, it’s a chance to meet beloved characters in an intimate setting. 

Why It’s Perfect: For the ultimate princess birthday, dining inside Cinderella Castle is unbeatable. The meal includes interactions with iconic Disney princesses.  

Special Features: Custom cakes can be delivered to your table and the restaurant has signature champagne flights, perfect for a celebratory birthday toast. 

Pro Tip: Reservations here are tough to come by, so make sure to snag them the second your dining reservations open up (60 days before the first day of your trip for guests staying on property. This is also one of the few reservations in Disney World that requires guests to pre-pay for the meal when making the reservation, so be prepared for the charge!

Be Our Guest 

Location: Magic Kingdom

Price: $72 per adult, $43 per child (ages 3-9)

Known for its immersive theming and atmosphere, Be Our Guest is at the top of the list when it comes to birthday celebrations to remember. It’s a perfect choice for anyone who loves Disney classics and can appeal to guests of different ages and preferences. 

Located in the Magic Kingdom, inside the Beast’s castle, this restaurant has three themed rooms to choose from: the grand Ballroom, the mysterious West Wing, and the enchanting Rose Gallery. The menu offers French-inspired dishes like filet mignon and ratatouille, making it feel like a special occasion even before dessert.

Why It’s Perfect: The atmosphere here is straight out of Beauty and the Beast, which makes this restaurant feel like an experience rather than a typical meal. If you’re in the main ballroom, you can even see “snow” falling outside the windows, and guests will catch glimpses of The Beast walking around. 

Special Features: Guests celebrating birthdays might receive a special “Grey Stuff” dessert with a candle or a card. While it won’t be complimentary (since the dinner is prix fixe and dessert is included), your server may do something a little special if they know you are celebrating.

Victoria & Albert’s 

Location: Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Price: Starts at $295 per guest 

Victoria & Albert’s is Disney’s pinnacle of fine dining, located in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. With its AAA Five Diamond rating, this restaurant offers an unparalleled experience, perfect for milestone celebrations. While the cost to dine here is certainly pricey, guests are treated to a multi-course meal crafted with seasonal ingredients, accompanied by optional wine pairings. The elegant atmosphere is ideal for adults looking to celebrate in style, and the attentive service ensures every detail is flawlessly executed. This is the kind of dining experience you’ll be talking about for years.

Why It’s Perfect: It’s a refined and very unique dining experience in Disney World, offering adults a memorable way to mark milestone birthdays.

Special Features: You can choose from three different dining locations, each with different atmospheres and menus. Optional wine pairings are available for an added cost to take the guesswork out of ordering drinks that compliment the cuisine. 

Ohana 

Location: Polynesian Village Resort

Price: Breakfast is $53 per adult, $33 per child (ages 3-9); Dinner is $65 per adult, $42 per child (ages 3-9)

Ohana, which means “family” in Hawaiian, offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for group celebrations. Located in the Polynesian Village Resort, this restaurant serves family-style meals with a tropical flair, and you can choose to order more of your favorites throughout the evening. The Ohana noodles are a favorite of Disney foodies, but the honey-coriander chicken wings are equally delicious. And make sure you save some room for the restaurant’s signature bread pudding! If you choose to celebrate at Ohana for breakfast, you’ll be treated to a fun character meal with appearances by Lilo, Stitch, and some other Disney favorites like Mickey! 

Why It’s Perfect: Celebrate with family-style dining and tropical vibes. The lively atmosphere, incredible views, and tasty food are a hit with both kids and adults.

Special Features: Guests are often serenaded with “Happy Birthday” and may receive a special lei to mark the occasion.

California Grill 

Location: Contemporary Resort

Price: $89 per adult, $39 per child (ages 3-9)

Located at the very top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, California Grill combines gourmet dining with incredible views of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients, and guests can enjoy expertly crafted sushi, seasonal seafood selections, and perfectly cooked steaks. But the highlight for a Disney birthday dinner is the view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Time your reservation just right, and you can step onto the private balcony to watch the show while celebrating your special day.

Why It’s Perfect: This restaurant offers amazing views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, making it perfect for a birthday celebration.

Special Features: Those who are celebrating a birthday may be treated to a special dessert, but keep in mind that the prix-fixe menu means dessert is already included in your cost. 

Personal Note: If you did purchase the Disney Dining Plan, keep in mind that the California Grill does not accept meal credits. You’ll have to pay for this experience in addition to the Dining Plan. 

Tiffins 

Location: Animal Kingdom

Price: Lunch and Dinner is $35 to $60 for adults; $15 to $20 for kids (ages 3-9)

Tiffins, located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrates travel and exploration in both the vibe and the menu. The restaurant’s design is inspired by the Disney Imagineers who developed the park, including Joe Rhode. Diners can savor globally inspired dishes like spiced short ribs and roasted, sustainable fish fillets along with a combination of mouth-watering appetizers, like the restaurant’s signature bread service. You’ll find adventurous flavor combinations and plenty of spices ranging from turmeric and curry to chili-garlic oil and cucumber kimchi.

Why It’s Perfect: For adventurous eaters, Tiffins offers globally inspired dishes in a thoughtfully designed, yet relaxed atmosphere. The storytelling in the decor and menu of this Signature Restaurant really elevates a day spent at Animal Kingdom.

Personal Note: This restaurant does accept the Disney Dining Plan, but, like most Signature Restaurants in Disney World, it will cost two table-service credits.

Narcoossee’s 

Location: Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Price: Dinner averages $35 to $60 for adults; $15.50 to $18.50 for kids (ages 3-9)

It’s hard to go wrong with any celebratory dinner with the choices at the Grand Floridian, but Narcoossee’s is a prime pick due to its waterfront location. Overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, this restaurant is known for its coastal-inspired menu, including fresh seafood, prime steaks, and decadent desserts. If you time your reservation right, you can enjoy views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks or the Electrical Water Pageant from the restaurant’s wraparound deck, adding a touch of Disney magic to your birthday meal.

Why It’s Perfect: Narcoossee’s offers romantic views of the Magic Kingdom and the fireworks, which makes it a great spot for couples who want to enjoy a special evening. Plus, the menu is full of top-tier seafood and steaks, so you really can’t go wrong.

Pro Tip: Book your reservation about 90 minutes before fireworks to enjoy a leisurely meal before the show.

Mickey greets guests at Topolino's Terrace character breakfast

Topolino’s Terrace 

Location: Riviera Resort

Price: Character dining breakfast is $55 for adults and $33 for kids (ages 3-9); Dinner is $35 to $60 for adults and $11.50 to $18.50 for kids (ages 3-9)

No matter what your plans look like, Topolino’s Terrace has your birthday celebration in Disney World covered. Located on the rooftop of Disney’s Riviera Resort, this restaurant offers a must-do character dining experience for breakfast and Signature dining in the evening. So, whether you are celebrating with kids or planning to have fun with friends or your significant other, this spot is an ideal option. In terms of food, you’ll find elevated European-inspired cuisine like handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and artisanal cheeses. Plus, the terrace is an ideal spot for photos, especially during sunset or fireworks displays.

Why It’s Perfect: With rooftop views and elegant dining, this spot is ideal for adults and families alike. It’s particularly magical during the character breakfast, where guests meet Mickey and friends dressed in artist-inspired outfits.

Special Features: Birthday guests often receive a festive dessert and personalized attention from the characters or the attentive waitstaff.

Personal Note: This is on my shortlist for my own 40th birthday celebration because of its blend of elegance, Disney charm, and stunning views.

Whispering Canyon Cafe

Location: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Price: Breakfast and Lunch are $15 to $35 for adults and $6.25 to $11.50 for kids (ages 3-9); Dinner is $35 to $60 for adults and $10.50 to $17.50 for kids (ages 3-9)

If you’re looking for a more casual birthday celebration in Disney World, we can’t recommend Whispering Canyon Cafe enough. This rowdy restaurant, located in the Wilderness Lodge Resort, features sassy Cast Members, sing-alongs, and games, which makes it the ideal spot for rambunctious youngsters. We love this particular spot for a kid’s birthday dinner or a big family party. The food is served family style and the food is comforting and tasty. 

Why It’s Perfect: There’s really no other dining experience like this, in Disney World or elsewhere. It’s loud, funny, and relaxed, making it a great option for families and kids at heart. 

Special Features: Guests celebrating might receive a rousing rendition of the happy birthday song or receive a special birthday cupcake or dessert.

Pro Tip: This is not the spot for introverts or shy people. The fun of this dining experience comes from the Cast Member interactions, and you may be asked to participate and embarrass yourself in front of a restaurant full of people. If that sounds like a nightmare to you, it’s best to choose a different spot. 

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Location: World Showcase Norway Pavilion, Epcot

Price: Breakfast is $59 per adult and $38 per child (ages 3-9); Lunch and Dinner are $69 per adult and $42 per child (ages 3-9)

Cinderella’s Castle is not the only place to experience Princess-themed character dining in Disney World. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, located in the Norway Pavilion in Epcot, is another nice option for a fairytale-themed birthday dining experience in a slightly more casual atmosphere. This is a nice option if you have younger kids celebrating a birthday, since the cost is significantly less than Cinderella’s Royal Table. Diners will have a chance to interact with famous Disney princesses including Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Mulan, Tiana, Cinderella, Aurora, and Ariel. Keep in mind that the rotation of princesses is subject to change. The Norwegian-inspired food — including items like seared salmon, peel-and-eat shrimp, and Norwegian meatballs — is served family style. 

Why It’s Perfect: This is one of the few character dining experiences in Disney World where you can meet, interact, and take pictures with the Disney princesses. This makes it extra special, especially for princess-obsessed kiddos.  

Special Features: If you note that it’s a birthday celebration on your reservation, a Cast Member might bring over a special cupcake and a birthday card signed by the princesses. So sweet! 

Personal Note: While the atmosphere and the character interactions at Akershus are wonderful for a special occasion, the food leaves a bit to be desired. If you go in with the right expectations and don’t expect a gourmet meal, you’ll likely really enjoy the experience! 

What to Expect at Disney Restaurants for Birthdays

Disney restaurants go above and beyond to make birthday guests feel special. While nothing is ever guaranteed (unless you purchase a celebration cake), you can usually expect:

  • Complimentary Surprises: From birthday cupcakes to special desserts.
  • Personalized Touches: Cast members may sing, bring out candles, or sprinkle pixie dust.
  • Photo Opportunities: Many locations offer unique backdrops or character interactions for birthday photos.

Tips for Picking the Perfect Birthday Restaurant

  1. Match the Personality: Consider the birthday guest’s favorite characters, cuisines, or vibes and book accordingly.
  2. Secure Advanced Dining Reservations. If you want to celebrate a birthday at a restaurant in Disney World, don’t leave things to chance. Make sure to book advanced dining reservations as soon as you’re able to (usually 60 days before your hotel stay or first park day if you are staying off site).
  3. Plan Around Your Park Day: Choose a restaurant near the park you’ll be visiting for convenience.
  4. Consider Group Size and Budget: Some restaurants are better suited for intimate celebrations, while others shine for larger groups.

Making Magical Birthday Memories

A Disney birthday celebration is one you’ll never forget. Whether you’re eating with Mickey and friends, indulging in fine dining at a Signature restaurant, or enjoying a whimsical meal in a fairytale castle, the magic of Disney makes every birthday extraordinary.

Start planning early, book your reservations, and get ready to blow out your candles in style. After all, there’s no better place to celebrate another year around the sun than Walt Disney World!

About Deidre Grieves 30 Articles
Deidre Grieves is a Philadelphia-based writer, editor, and the founder of DisneyTourist.com. She spent her childhood taking family trips to Disney World and is now sharing those experiences and creating new memories with her two young sons.