Make your child's birthday special with Toothsome’s specialty milkshakes, topped with a cake slice. Photo courtesy of Universal

Birthday Parties for Kids at Orlando Theme Parks: Universal Studios

There are so many distinctly themed restaurants throughout Universal Orlando Resort, including the theme parks, City Walk, and on-site hotels, that your child is guaranteed to have an exceptional experience.  Here are the most unique birthday party places to celebrate your child’s special day. Reservations are strongly suggested.

1. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen - Universal CityWalk

As its name suggests, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium's appeals to any sweet tooth —there's chocolate in the restaurant's theme, menu, gift shop and confectionary, and even in the cocktails. However, Toothsome’s specialty is its amazing selection of artisan milkshakes, topped with items like cake slices, cupcakes, cookies, and pie. Spend birthday parties for kids (and adults) at this sweet spot!

Spend your child's birthday party at a Polynesian celebration at Wantilan Luau. Photo courtesy of the resort

2. Wantilan Luau - Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Celebrate your child’s birthday, Hawaiian style, at this lavish buffet featuring authentic Polynesian food, complete with pit-roasted pig. The admission price includes all-you-can-eat buffet, adult beverages, and a lively dinner show with hula and fire dancers. The luau is only offered on Saturday nights, and upgraded tickets are available for preferred seating.

3. NBC Sports Grill & Brew - Universal CityWalk

Sports fanatics will love having their birthday parties at NBC Sports Grill. Located just outside the entrance to Universal Studios, the restaurant is decked out with almost 100 high-definition screens, immersing parties in a steady stream of sports coverage from around the world. The menu includes a wide range of bistro favorites, including ribs, steak, pasta, and salads.

4. Mythos – Islands of Adventure

A Mediterranean adventure awaits at Mythos. The restaurant's exterior features towering rock formations and cascading waterfalls, while the immersive interior creates the feel of the ocean floor. The menu features a mix of Mediterranean, Asian, and American fare, as well as a separate children's menu. Outdoor seating offers a spectacular view of the park’s inland sea and colorful lands. 

5. Galaxy Bowl – Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Strike a win with your birthday child when you treat him or her to a few frames at this lively, retro-themed bowling alley and lounge. In between frames, enjoy burgers, wings, and sandwiches, and top off the birthday party with a Coca-Cola cake. Meals are served in the lounge or in the alley.

Celebrate the birthday kid with a trip to Crystal Palace to meet Piglet. Photo by the author

Theme Park Birthday Parties in Orlando: Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort features multiple restaurants where birthday kids can meet, hug, pose, and celebrate with Disney characters. Complete a Disney birthday party with a Mickey Mouse Celebration Cake (order from any of the restaurants listed below), available in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate (order “Happy Birthday” engraved on the chocolate ears). Here are some of the best character meals at which to celebrate in Walt Disney World. Reservations strongly suggested at these restaurants.

6. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Epcot Center

Does your birthday child love princesses? Inside the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, families encounter a rotating cast of Disney’s most popular princesses, including Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, Ariel, and more. The Norwegian-influenced fare (meatballs and chicken and dumplings) is served family-style.

7. Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom

Set in a beautiful Victorian-style greenhouse, the Crystal Palace is the only place where you can meet Winnie the Pooh and his pals from the 100-Acre Wood for an epic birthday party. The buffet menu features American favorites like prime rib and fried chicken as well as a kid's foods section.

8. Story Book Dining at Artist Point – Wilderness Lodge

Celebrate your child’s birthday party with Snow White and friends while dining in the Enchanted Forest. Those brave of heart can even meet the Evil Queen! The unique, hybrid dining experience begins with shared appetizers, then choose your entrée from a prix fixe menu featuring prime rib, beef stroganoff, and other delicious items.

9. Tusker House - Animal Kingdom

Enjoy a safari-themed birthday at this lively restaurant, visited by classic characters (Donald and Daisy Duck, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Goofy) attired in their best jungle explorer outfits. The all-you-can-eat, African-inspired buffet includes exotic (and tasty) dishes like Moroccan-spiced beef and Cape Malay green curry shrimp.

Celebrate with Minnie and friends at Hollywood and Vine. Photo courtesy of Disney

10. Hollywood & Vine - Hollywood Studios

Meet Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and others at this all-you-can-eat buffet. The characters’ costumes rotate depending on the season, and so you might catch Mickey dressed as a vampire for Halloween, or Minnie in her best beach attire during summer. Included in the menu are delectable items as herb-crusted tenderloin steak, seared salmon, and roasted pork with spicy mustard sauce.