Celebration buttons are a free, easy way to make your Disney vacation a little more special. Though many guests overlook this simple perk, it couldn’t be easier to enjoy. Get to know the benefits of these buttons and learn how you can use them most successfully during your visit.
They’re simple to get
Highlight your first visit with a button
Image: Jay Malone, Flickr (license)
Celebration buttons are incredibly easy to get, buy many guests don’t realize that they’re available. You can pick up a button at guest services in any park or at Disney Springs. You’ll also find them at the front desk of any Walt Disney World Resort. Some attractions throughout the parks are stocked with celebration buttons as well, but this approach is more hit and miss.
The best way to pick up your celebration buttons is as the beginning of your stay when you check into your hotel, or first thing in the morning as you drop by Guest Services on your way into the park.
There’s a button for everyevent
Just got married? There’s a button for that!
Image: Jenn, Flickr (license)
Celebration buttons change their look periodically, but there’s always a broad selection of buttons to choose from. You can pick a button for your birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, family reunion, or first visit. You can also choose a more generic “I’m Celebrating” button. This broad catch-all means there’s really no excuse not to get a celebration button on your next visit.
You can personalize each piece
Make your birthday buttons yours
Image: HarshLight, Flickr (license)
Celebration buttons are designed for personalization. Birthday buttons have a place for your name. Celebration buttons give you room to mention what you’re celebrating. Cast Members typically fill these out for you. However, if you want to customize yours yourself, or if you’d like to add a little extra flair beyond your name, take some sharpies along with you to decorate your button. Make yours truly unique by using colored sharpies.
Personalizing your buttons is great because it gives Cast Members more to go on when they see that you’re celebrating something special. They can wish you happy birthday personally when you include your name. If you mention that you’re celebrating your babymoon or college graduation and jot this on your button, Cast Members can ask more appropriate questions about your vacation, or give you the best perks for your particular type of trip.
You should always let them show
Pop your pins on a lanyard and show them off.
Image: Jenn, Flickr (license)
The best thing to do with a celebration button is to wear it proudly. Put your button somewhere everyone can see it. A prominent place on your shirt is the most traditional choice for your button, but there are other creative options that will give it just as much prominence. Try these ideas:
- Secure your scarf with a button on the knot
- Pin the button to your hat
- Stick the button on the front of your stroller or on your baby carrier if your child is the celebrant
- Place your button on your pin lanyard
- Stick the button on the front of your backpack strap or crossbody purse strap
Keep your button front and center as often as possible. It’s best when Cast Members can spot it easily.
Wearing them does wonders
Show off your birthday button for a special cupcake!
Image: Adrea Young, Flickr (license)
Celebration buttons make great souvenirs, but they’re more than a free collectable. Celebration buttons are the key to unlocking some of the most magical experiences available at Walt Disney World. When Cast Members see your celebration button, they’re clued in to some of the best ways they can improve your day.
If you’re celebrating your anniversary, Cast Members may offer you romantic extras, such as front row seating for two for the Festival of the Lion King, or a special dessert plate customized with the phrase “Happy Anniversary.” For your birthday, restaurants will serve up a special birthday dessert, complete with a candle. Are you enjoying your very first visit to Walt Disney World? Cast Members may look for ways to make it extra special by bumping you to the front of the line, offering a backstage tour of the attraction tower, or leting you know about an unannounced character meet and greet.
Though finer dining restaurants do have special desserts prepared for your celebrations, most Cast Members give out perks on the fly. You’re not guaranteed to get a special experience at every attraction or restaurant that you go to, so don’t demand special treatment. Simply smile, display your button, and feel free to chat up Cast Members when they congratulate you or ask about your celebration. The best part of celebration perks is that they’re random surprises.
Celebration buttons are a great way to encourage a little extra magic in your Walt Disney World vacation. Pick out the best button for your party and wear it proudly throughout your stay.
