A Magical Teen Disney Birthday
As Josephine’s 13th birthday approached, it was time to start planning the BIG 13th Birthday Party Sleepover!! Both of her older sisters had a big sleepover for their 13th birthday, so the “right of passage” was coming around to Josephine. To our surprise, when I brought up the fact her birthday was on a Saturday, and how perfect it would be, she broke the news to me….. “I don’t want to have a sleepover mom. I just want to go to Disney. Can we stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge?” And that is how her journey began to a magical Disney birthday!!
This should have been no surprise to me, since Josephine has always lived life to the beat of her own drum. Daring to be different, and not worrying about what others do, or have done. Plus, Disney has become an integral part of birthdays for our family since we moved here in 2008.
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
We started the weekend off with a bang at Beaches & Cream. It is a cute little soda shop diner, just outside their pool area at Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club. The Cape Cod beachfront themed ice cream shop, boasts diner fare, and soda shop goodies. They are most famous for their HUGE family sundae called “The Kitchen Sink”
When brought out, they play music, flash sirens, and announce to the entire diner, the delivery of the epic sundae. We have yet to completely finish one.
A memory making place for sure. It’s one of the more popular reservations spots, so I suggest booking as close to the 180 day time frame as possible.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Josephine wanted to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, because it’s one of our favorite places to stay on Disney property. Lucky for us, AKL is our Disney Vacation Club home resort, which means we can book further in advance than the other DVC properties.
It’s relaxing to sit on the balcony and enjoy the Savannah view.
A Magical Disney Birthday in The Parks
Now that the girls are older, they can head out to the parks together. So they went off to spend some quality sister time at Magic Kingdom, before we all met up at Epcot.
We were excited for the return of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. Raising girls who have a deep love and appreciation for drawing, painting, various arts, and theatre arts, you understand how happy we were to find out Disney was going to continue this festival.
Before heading to dinner, we were entertained by Disney on Broadway stars Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White. They performed songs from Tarzan, The Lion King, Aida, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid.
Magical Birthday Dinner at Via Napoli
Via Napoli is one of our favorite restaurants on Disney property, so Josephine chose to eat there for her birthday. Our entire family is in agreement that Via Napoli has the BEST pizza!!
Shopping
We ended the magical birthday weekend at the outlet mall, where we found some perfect extra presents at the Disney Store. Sometimes we find current items at the outlet for even lower prices!! Win! Win!
Your youngest becoming a teen is certainly an emotional transition, and I am talking about us parents. Being able to provide Magical Moments with our family is one way How We Find Happy!!
Anyone else celebrate a Magical Birthday at Disney? Tell us all about it!!
More tips and ideas for celebrating a birthday Disney Style:
I love this title, and post! <3 That sundae alone would be memorable! I love JoJo's facial expression as she looks at it!
What a fun way to celebrate any birthday! Disney makes everything magical!!
What a fun way to spend a birthday! I would have chosen this, too instead!
I may have done the same thing at 13! That’s a fantastic idea. Disney is definitely the best place to become a teen, surrounded by family. And Animal Kingdom Lodge is the best. Her birthday looks perfect!
What a fun Birthday celebration!!! Pizza looks GREAT! So does the dessert. Happy Birthday Jo Jo!
Looks like a great time! And the food!!!
They sure do, don’t they!! We’ve spent many birthdays at Disney!!
She’s a pretty smart teen!!
It really was Magical!! I think her smiles show it all!
The pizza at Via Napoli is THE BEST!!! I always over eat!!
Yes!! Food is always top notch at Disney!!