Small Acts of Disney Kindness

Milestone Birthday

Normally, I’m not one to draw attention to myself. I much prefer to hide behind the scenes than to take center stage. I often wear neutral colors to blend into my surroundings. I’m comfortable being a wall flower.

But my 65^th birthday felt worthy of something a little out of the ordinary. 

I knew Disney offered Birthday Buttons for anyone who cared to wear one. I decided this small accessory would help me feel special without causing too much undo attention.  While I was right on the first account, I was grossly mistaken on the second. 

From the moment I put on the pin, the magic began. Cast members greeted me with a cheerful “Happy Birthday!” wherever I went. Everyone from bus drivers to ticket takers, from restaurant servers to resort personnel seemed to notice. Even total strangers took a moment to smile and offer birthday wishes. It was as if the entire resort joined together to celebrate my special day.

What struck me most was how much these small gestures meant to me. I didn’t have to engage in conversation to feel a connection. Just a quick “Happy Birthday” helped me feel seen, valued, and celebrated. The kindness of these strangers demonstrated how a seemingly insignificant action can make a big difference.

Just a Little Bit of Kindness...

As I reflect on this celebratory time, I’m reminded of Ephesians 4:32: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. This verse speaks to the transformative power of simple acts of kindness. While a birthday greeting may not seem like much, I can attest how small actions can brighten someone’s day.

Kindness is contagious. While cast members are trained to create magical moments for guests, their joy inspires others to pass kindness along. It’s a ripple effect of goodwill that turns an ordinary day into something special.

But we don’t need to be at Disney or wear a birthday button to spread kindness. Every day offers opportunities to brighten someone’s day --  from a simple smile to a word of encouragement. When we show kindness, we reflect God’s love and make the world a little brighter for those around us.

... Goes a Long Way

Celebrating my 65th birthday with a noticeable pin may have felt out of character for me, but it taught me an important lesson. Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone can open your heart to unexpected blessings. By allowing others to celebrate with me, I experienced a deeper connection to the people around me and a renewed appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

If you’ve never worn a birthday pin at Walt Disney World, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s more than a way to mark a milestone—it’s an invitation to experience the joy of being celebrated. But beyond Disney, I hope this inspires others to find ways to spread kindness in everyday life. That small gesture might mean more to someone than you’ll ever know.