The Birthday Button

It's the little things that Disney does that set it apart from others, that put them a step up on the competition.  In an effort to make everyone feel a bit more included, a bit more celebrated, and a bit more special, Disney created a line of buttons for their guests.  They are created to celebrate what you're celebrating with your trip, and they let others know what that special occasion may be.  Whether you just got engaged, are having your birthday, or are on a family trip, there's a button for that.

You can get these special buttons in the parks or at your Disney hotel.  Because we've gone in the fall, near my father's birthday, he has fallen victim to the button on a couple of trips now.  It makes me happy, as it is the closest I can get to actually celebrating his birthday with him.  I bring all his presents along, so it works.

Sorry.  This was the best picture

I had of the button.  It's

there, just small.

The birthday button has the castle on it, and there is a place for the cast-member to write the person's name. It personalizes it a bit, and some of the cast-members will draw the little Mickey circles too.  Perhaps the nicest part of the buttons is that they're free.  There are people who spend all their money giving their kids that first, and possibly only, trip to Disney World; they don't always have much money left over for souvenirs   These buttons let those kids feel a bit more special while they're there, and they're a free souvenir.  It's a nice gesture on Disney's part.

You will find people that only want the buttons because they think they'll get special perks.  I'm sure there are people out there that have gotten lucky and run into cast-members that gave them a free dessert or something extra, but that's not the norm.  With the birthday button, what you do get is a lot of well wishing.  It's the little things that count.  It's less about the money or perks and more about the happy.  

If you're celebrating something in Disney World, grab a button.  Let the whole world know.  It isn't going to get you a lot of freebies, but that's not what's important.  Just have fun and celebrate!