Making it extra special?

[drypelia]

We're heading to WDW on Apr. 16 for a week. Staying in a house off-property (there are a bunch of us). It will be me, my husband, our 3 kids (18 - 22), my sister-in-law, and my niece (age 7). Aside from the fact that we all love Disney, we're trying to get a brief break from grieving the death of my brother last August. My SIL and niece are (obviously) having a particularly hard time recovering from the loss, and I'm trying to think of any little surprises that I can come up with that might amuse, distract, surprise, whatever. I know about asking at the monorail to ride with the driver (at least, I think I remember that!). I'm wondering if anyone knows of any other little tricks that might make things extra special for a sad little girl and her sad mom (and her aunt who misses her baby brother).

So far I've made reservations for a character lunch at the Garden Grill (niece loves Mickey). I've got a bunch of pins for trading. I made glow-in-the dark bracelets for the dark rides. I found little bottles of bubble solution for line-waiting entertainment. I've got some glowy bracelets and necklaces for night time. I probably have more stuff in the "Disney box," but I can't remember them right now.

Anyway, if anyone has any other ideas (brilliant or ordinary), I'd appreciate hearing them. I know it will be fun just doing readily available Disney stuff, but I'll feel a little bit better if I can do some special things for my niece and SIL.

Thanks in advance!
drypelia

 

[AEfx]

Wow, sounds like you've already got a lot of it covered!

Do you guys do "hidden mickeys"? You know, those little Mickey Mouse silouettes that are hidden in attractions and such? It might be fun - and you always feel a bit like an "insider" when you find them. There is a great book available (link goes to Amazon, but you should be able to get it most anywhere) that lists many of them, and it's pretty inexpensive to invest in.

I'm sure others will have more to share. Good luck! And terribly sorry for your loss.

AEfx

 

[orangewarrior]

Many of the extra special things we've experienced weren't planned, they just sort of happened. Depending on your niece's favorites you may find many things.

However, some things to think about. Belle's Story Garden (talk to the CM outside the theatre before the show), Mickey's Backyard BBQ, The Lion King Show at AK - talk to the CM before the show - they usually pick a child to lead the section, the same at Pocahontas show in AK - there is interaction with one child, Goofy's Barnstormer, sometimes Goofy will ride the coaster with a special guest right at opening or right before a meet and greet, the Judge's Tent is a great place to be during a passing rain shower to get upclose time with characters, we always found the character bus at EPCOT to be a great place to dance with some characters on their way back to the bus (but from all reports this has been temporarily/permanently suspended), the other areas in EPCOT do seem to provide a nice setting for character meet and greets. Alice in Wonderland's tea at the Grand Floridian was something my daughter found extra special.

When I said talk to a cast member, you may not even have to be specific. Just talk to them, tell them about your trip, ask them about themselves. The one time my daughter was selected to be Mrs. Potts, we had a nice little conversation with the CM beforehand about how this was the last thing we were doing on our vacation. I don't think it was a coincidence when she was selected.
But all of the above may or may not work, it depends upon the cast members and how they react. Still Disney is a magical place, and as I said a lot of the magic seems to be unplanned and unrehearsed and that makes it even more magical.

We do try to plan a "special" experience - away from the normal things that we do on our yearly trips to Disney World. This year I believe we have settled on a surprise trip to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for our daughter. Maybe that is something your niece would enjoy if time and the means allow.

God Bless you and your family. A seven year daughter losing her father is something that really tears at me, having a six-year old daughter. Obviously, there is great pain for her mother and you her Aunt, as well as the rest of the family. I hope this trip helps you to smile and remember the good things. All my best for a wonderful and magical trip.

 

[Nemo14]

My niece and nephews lost their mom at a very young age (2, 5, and 7), and I currently take care of 3 kids in a similar situation, so my heart goes out to you. The one thing I can tell you is that no matter how special it is, there will always be moments that just hurt way too much (sometimes just seeing another child having fun with 2 parents will set it off!), so be prepared for that - they'll definitely need some down time. That being said, I would encourage you to take your lead from them. WDW is a great escape, and there are plenty of magical experiences to have there, but don't try to over compensate for their loss.

 

[drypelia]

Thanks for all your suggestions, orangewarrior. And thanks for the wise advice, nemo14. Those are good things to remember. I think I may print out your responses and carry them in my pocket!

drypelia

 

[Pooh For Presid]

However, some things to think about. Belle's Story Garden (talk to the CM outside the theatre before the show),



I am also very sorry about your loss. I don't mean to come across as crass but I just did a search Belle's Story Garden and can not find anything about it. Could someone who knows share where it is and exactly what it is, b/c my 2yr old DD loves Bella.

 

[eroyee]

special things to do.

:wave: The best idea ever for a little girl that is grieving is the new princess rooms at downtown disney. You have to have a reservation, but they get to dress like a princess, keep the dress, etc. Its so magical. I KNOW that would bring a smile to a little one's face.:animwink: For mom, how about a carriage ride at night at the Port Orleans riverside. that also needs reservations but is really neat. Or how about Mickeys Backyard BBQ at Fort Wilderness? that should be fun for both of them. Please check into the princess thing. I know that would work. Sorry for their loss. that breaks my heart. Hope this helps some. You have already done a lot of things. have a magical trip.:sohappy:

 

[orangewarrior]

On the edge of Fantasyland, near the Tea Cups, Cosmic Ray's Cafe, and the Indy Raceway is Belle's Fairy Tale Garden - commonly known as Storytime with Belle.

It is a little outdoor theatre where Belle appears several (5 or 6 times) daily, check you times guide and tells the story of The Beauty and the Beast. She uses volunteers from the audience during the 20-25 minute presentation. The seating area is fairly small and limited so arrive early.

Afterwards Belle sticks around for autographs and photos.

Enjoy.

 

[drypelia]

Lots of great suggestions! I'm starting to really look forward to having a little magic (and trying to stay realistic about how much it will help). It will just be good for us to be together and make some memories.

Thanks!

 

[KHockett]

Wow! What a difficult situation. I am sorry for your loss, and I hope that you find a bit of joy as you go to Disney - not to forget but just to remember the blessings of who your brother was.
We went to Cinderella's Royal Table for lunch the last time we were there. You get a picture with Cinderella and then the Fairy Godmother, Snow White, Belle and Aurora come to your table - kids get magic wands and it is a really neat meal. If you can get a reservation (lunch is often easier than breakfast) it might be a fun activity for everyone.

 

[3dwarfs]

I know what you are going through

I just wanted to let you know that I am somewhat in the same situation. My husband died 2 years ago, he was only 28, and our children are now 8 and 9. After he passed away and I started thinking clearly, I decided that the 3 of us should go to Disney World. I thought the "Happiest Place On Earth" is where we should go. I have planned this to be 11 days of just living within the moment within Disney and not bringing any worries with us from the time we step on that plane. Something I want to look into that I have heard about is having names engraved in a brick at the Magic Kingdom. I would like for us to have his name engraved with ours so that there will always be a piece of him that shared in this trip with us. Hope this helps. Hope your vacation is wonderful.

 

[3dwarfs]

Also, what eroyee was mentioning in downtown disney, it is called Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Boutique. There are 3 different packages you can pick from. The most expensive starts at $175. They do the little girl up like the princess of her choice and it includes a photo session. I made reservations for my almost 8 year old daughter and that is all she has talked about since. That might be something really great to do.

 

[MSTINKHERBELL01]

Wow this thread breaks my heart. I lost my daddy a couple of years ago and my loving gf took me to WDW (we now visit once a month and have been for 2 years) Like someone mentioned, there will be times when the sadness will come back even in the Happiest Place on Earth. I know I wished that my daddy was there and I cried alot ...I laughed alot too and smiled alot more.

I love the idea of bringing Magic to the Magic. I love your Disney box idea. I would get a gift every day leading up to the trip...we still do this now and we go to the park s all the time. The gifts can be small..you can find little Didney notebooks or socks...or lip balm. Just giving a small Disney token each day until your trip..Have Fun!

 

[Victoria]

Unfortunately this is a topic I have quite a bit of experience with. The very first time I went to WDW I was almost . It was about 6 months after my father had died and my aunt had decided my mom and I needed some magic in our lives.

For me, just being in Disney was enough to really distract me from greiving and help make some new, happy, memories. We did a few character breakfsts, rented a boat, rode in the front of the monorail, and just all around enjoyed life for the first time in a while.

As a result my mother and I got really hooked on WDW and went back at least once a year until 2003. In March of 2003 she also died and I wasn't sure if I was ever going to be able to go back to WDW without her. In November 2004 I decided it was time to give it a try and I went back.

Suprisingly, it was easier for me to be there without her than I ever would have thought. I have been back 4 times without my mom since then and have another trip planned for August. I attribute this to the over all MAGIC of Disney. When you are in WDW it is as if the real world does not exist around you. It truly is a world of fantasy and dreams. Most of the day to day nonsense of life can't get to you in WDW because, afterall, it is the Happiest Place on Earth.

I wouldn't be so worried about finding or bringing magical things to do in WDW. The magic will find you and this special family. Of course there are some things (as people above me have mentioned) that you can do to help the magic along, but mainly, the trip is what you make of it. Make your own magic.

Finally, my suggestions for things you can do to make sure you all have a great time are as follows:
-Take really silly pictures of yourselves with odd things you find in Disney.
-Go to restaurants such as Whispering Canyon or 50's Prime Time and really play into their games
- Get to the parks early and stay till the very end. (Especially MK) That is when the Pixie dust really starts flying
- Take time for yourselves, don't try and do EVERYTHING, You will najorly burn out
-Talk to complete strangers in line. It is a great way to pass the time and some of the best times I have had in WDW were with a total stranger.
-Get into Pin Trading. It is a great way to interact with CMs
-Check out http://www.disneyflorist.com They have some really great Disney creations. (My 1st time in WDW my Aunt had a basket delivered to our room before we got there and I was soooo convinced that it was actually from Mickey...for about the next 3 years. )

I hope this helps you out some.

 

[drypelia]

You all are absolutely wonderful and incredibly wise! I had been starting to feel like I wouldn't be able to do "enough," but now I realize that all I really have to do is relax and love them and let the magic fit in wherever it will fit best. Tiggerific, I love your idea of just being silly. I usually do that, but I might forget it if I'm too focussed on "creating magic." Let the Magic happen!

drypelia

 

[Victoria]

Being silly is a specialty of mine. When you are taking pictures is the best time to be at your silliest. Don't be afraid to ask complete strangers to take pictures for you so everyone can be in the pic. Most people are more than willing to take a photo for you as long as you are willing to return the favor. If you dont feel comfortable handing over your camera to a total stranger, find a CM that looks bored. They will usually be able to help you.

Some of my favorite ways to take silly pix:
-take a group or single photo in each of the World Showcase countries...do something "ethnic" for that country. (Germany-pretend to drink beer, UK-Cram in the phone booth, France- do the Can Can, Norway-get in the Viking ship, etc)
-Find a topiary and become 'one' with the topiary
-Try on silly hats, glasses, etc. (i think this may be considered abusing the merchandise, but every one does it...:lookaroun )
- In each of the parks take a photo of a person with the Icon (Sorcer's Hat, Spacehisp Earth, etc) For almost all of them you can usually position yourself just right to make it look as though you are interacting with the object (MGM-wearing the hat, Epcot- holding the "ball", AK-hanging from the tree, etc)
-Make a kickline. This is one of those oh-so-cheesy but still hilarious ways to take a photo of a group of ppl)

These are just a few of the silly pix I have taken over the years. I don't kniw if you are into scrapbooking at all but Disney sells TONS of scrapbooking supplies in the parks. You could either see if you can get your neice interested in scrapbooking or buy the stuff yourself and make her a scrapbook once you get home. It makes a great birthday gift or an anytime gift. I am not huge on scrapbooking myself but I think it is a great way to make the magic last and come home with you.

Plus, you will have all those silly pictures and will have to do something with them. :lol:

BTW, welcome to the boards!!:wave:

 

[Craig & Lisa]

I am sorry for your loss, my wife's mother passed away a few years back and she still has problems every once in awhile because she liked WDW especily Epcot's rose gardens. The one thing that sometimes catches people off guard is if when your eating you mention to the front that you are celebrating one of their B-Days, they always do a nice job at that. Good luck.

 

[YankeeMouse]

Something special

I also lost my sister in August to leukemia. She loved Disney World and we took many trips together with our families. My husband and I took our scheduled trip in September, and although I expected to cry, the memories of being there together brought me a lot of comfort. If you have any worries about being too emotional to enjoy your time, I would guess that you will remember all the good times and that will contribute to your magic.