4. The host and waiter or waitress at your restaurant

Image: Disney

Always mention your special event when you’re dining at a table service restaurant. Every location has different offerings, but many provide a special dessert for birthdays and anniversaries. At a restaurant like the Whispering Canyon, you’ll even get a rollicking birthday song. Keep your pin on as well, so you’re easy to spot.

5. Cast members on spieling attractions

Approaching Cast Members at park attractions about your special event is a bit tricky. While they would love to be able to send everyone with a birthday button through FastPass, it’s simply not feasible. Wear your button and if a Cast Member is able to set up something special, they will. You’re sure to notice that you get a lot of “Happy Birthdays” in the park when you’re wearing a button. Cast Members are trained to notice them, and they will do what they can to make extra magic for you.

The one person that you may be able to approach on an attraction for something special is your guide on a spieling ride. It’s a dicey proposition to send everyone with a button through FastPass, but it’s much easier to wish them happy birthday (or happy anniversary, etc.) over the microphone. If you’re seated close enough to ask the Cast Member on your vehicle for a little shout out, it’s usually no problem.

Do try to do this before the ride begins, and don’t interrupt the show. There are several things that your guide has to say at specific points during the ride. Safari drivers in particular have a lot to do, driving the truck, watching for animals in the road, slowing for photos, and pointing out wildlife. Jungle Cruise Skippers are your best bet if you want a memorable shout out because they’re experts at ad libbing.

Done right, you can add a lot of magic to your special events by turning to Cast Members for a little help. While these five are your best bet for getting a little something different added to your day, do feel free to chat with any Cast Member who isn’t busy. Remember to simply ask for suggestions on how you can add some more magic to your day and you never know what you’ll get.