Tonya-
My friend and I alternate going to Disneyworld to celebrate our birthdays (mine in June, hers November). Every time we try to "out do" each other in creativity.
I agree with the idea of going to City Hall to get a button. I didn't know about that one right away, so i bought a "Happy Birthday Janet" pin at my local Party City before I went. We're pretty crazy so we always bring a "birthday hat" to wear. It's a baseball cap that we have decorated with confetti, strings, balloons, etc (we make a new one each time).
When we make Priority seatings we always mention that it is a birthday celebration and remind them when we get to the restaurant. We have had the Princesses sing to us at Cindy's Castle, we have been presented with a birthday card at Crystal Palace, we have been given free fast passes, we've been pulled out into parades to participate. I think the more willing you are to be a little outspoken, the bigger the results.
For our last trip. I made a cardboard sign that said, "Say Happy Birthday to Janet" and as we walked down Main Street I would flash it at people (when I thought she was busy paying attention to something else). Some people just kept walking . . .some thought I was nuts. But some people stopped to wish her happy birthday -- hey, she had the hat! And it was great way to get a conversation going.
Mickey is my favorite character. We were eating at Hollywood & Vine (character meal with Minnie, Goofy, Chip & Dale) well I *thought* Mickey was going to be there but we were mistaken. Janet "forgot" to order a Coke and had to go get the waiter to tell him. Halfway through the meal the waiter came over and said that "Mickey" had called and was so sorry he wasn't able to make it to my birthday celebration. He have me a package from Mickey (Janet) that was MM earrings and necklace. Also "Mickey" promised that he would meet me by the Chinese theater in an hour. Our waiter arranged for me to meet Mickey. I am always AMAZED with what many of the cast members will try to do for you if you ask for their help.
Also, one of our favorite ones to do is the flowers delivered to the room. We usually do this our first night there and have them sent from our favorite celebrity or Disney character telling us that they are either 1) sorry that can't make it or 2) looking forward to see us.
(Slightly off topic . . . I am a youth minister and recently planned a mission trip. While we were there one of my youth celebrated her birthday. I arranged to have flowers sent to the church we were staying at from "Justin Timberlake" of NSYNC saying that he was so proud of the work she was doing and wished he could be there. She was SOOO excited and was sharing it with all of her friends. Eventually she figured out it was from me, but she was so touched!)
The specialness of Disney is having so many people at your disposal wanting to make it an unforgettable time!
Brenda