This year, we celebrated our youngest son’s 4th birthday in the most magical way we could imagine, at Disneyland! As big Disney fans, it felt like the perfect way to mark such a special milestone. He had been to Disneyland once before as a toddler, but he didn’t remember much from that trip. Now at four years old, he was so excited to go back, and we knew it was time to make that Disney birthday dream come true.
We planned a 3-night stay and flew down from Vancouver to Los Angeles, which was surprisingly quick and easy. Honestly, if you’re based in the Vancouver area and considering a Disney trip, this is such a doable and rewarding option. The short flight made it feel completely manageable, even with young kids in tow.
From the moment we arrived, the magic began. We made sure to stop by City Hall inside Disneyland Park to pick up a free “Happy Birthday” button for our son. That button was a hit, not only did he wear it proudly the whole time, but Cast Members and characters all over the park went out of their way to wish him a happy birthday. It made him feel so special, and he still treasures it as a keepsake from the trip.
Since we visited in December, the parks were decked out in incredible holiday decor, twinkling lights, oversized ornaments, festive music, and seasonal treats everywhere we turned. It was my first time bringing the kids to Disney during the holidays, and they were totally enchanted. From meeting Santa Claus to watching the Holiday Parade featuring Santa himself, it added an extra layer of magic to an already unforgettable experience. I had experienced the holiday magic before during a PR Disney trip without the kids, and I was so happy they got to experience it too.
This trip reminded me why I love Disney so much; it’s not just the rides and the characters, but the way the entire experience is designed to make memories that last a lifetime. Celebrating our son’s 4th birthday at Disneyland was everything we hoped it would be and more.
If you’re dreaming of a magical birthday celebration for your child (or even yourself), I would love to help you plan it. There’s truly nothing like a Disney birthday, and it’s closer and easier than you might think!