We're planning a trip to Disney World for my daughter's sixth birthday. Is there anything we can do to make it really memorable for her?

While Disney has no set protocol on birthdays, anniversaries and other such occasions, the general rule is "Ask and you shall (probably) receive." If you're staying at a Disney resort, inform Guest Relations or the concierge in advance if you'd like flowers, balloons or a gift delivered on the special day. It's also a good idea to arrange priority seating at your restaurant of choice weeks before the big day and let the manager know if you have any preferences. Most are more than happy to oblige.

For example, one lucky boy celebrated his birthday at the character breakfast in Wilderness Lodge. Since Tigger is his favorite character, the main tiger himself carried out a Pooh-themed cake. My own daughter, a confirmed chocoholic, had a personalized super-fudgy cake presented to her by Seasons restaurant at the Disney Institute for her 15th birthday; the chef also made sure her favorite entreacute;e, grilled lobster, was on the menu that evening.

Or consider the young man who proposed at the Coral Reef in the Living Seas pavilion at Epcot. The couple was seated next to the mammoth glass aquarium and at the key moment, one of the divers swam by their table carrying a parchment sign that read "Will you marry me?" When the girl turned back toward her boyfriend, he was on one knee with the ring. The servers had told all the other diners what was brewing, so the whole restaurant stood up and cheered when she said, "Yes."

What do these stories have in common? The treats and surprises were arranged well in advance. So decide where you'll be eating on your daughter's special day and then contact the management there directly. With their help, you should have no trouble finding a way to make her birthday memorable.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in November 2000. Updated March 2006.