Surprise 60th Birthday Trip Ideas

pooh071567

pooh071567

Member
Hi-

I'm fairly new to this board and have never posted. I'm hoping you all can give me some ideas. My siblings and I are planning a surprise 60th birthday/family vacation to WDW for our mother in 2005. Now, I know this is a ways off, but I'd like to get a jump on planning and saving $$. There will be a total of 8 adults and 3 children. We want to make this a really special trip. Can you guys offer and suggestions or know of any special events we can do for her while we're there.

Thanks in advance.
Cindy
 
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Yellow Shoes

Yellow Shoes

Well-Known Member
Will it be a family reunion-type trip? (i.e., do you live far away from each other and don't get together too often?)

If so, how about a family portrait with Mickey? I think there is a place in Downtown Disney that will do this. It will be a photo session--not like at a character meet 'n greet.

Matching shirts are fun (although some would disagree)

There's the usual--flowers, balloons, gift baskets delivered to the room.

Fireworks from a boat

Definitely get the "Today is my Birthday" button for her
 
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SpongeScott

SpongeScott

Well-Known Member
What kind of budget are you looking at? The "special" things could run into some money, but would be worth it. What time of year are you looking to go? What class of hotel do you want to stay in? Onsite or offsite? Any more info you could give would be a big help!
 
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crazygirley

crazygirley

New Member
Yep...We need a lot more info on what kind of trip you are planning, like:
When's the last time you went?
How long are you going for?
Are you staying on property?

Stuff like that!!!
 
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Yellow Shoes

Yellow Shoes

Well-Known Member
Will you want to stay in the same "room" like a Vacation Club villa, or are separate regular hotel rooms OK? (bearing in mind that it is highly unlikely your rooms will be together)

Will you have access to a car or use Disney transportation exclusively?

Are you interested in any off-site activities?

What time of year are you going? Makes a difference regarding water parks, hours, hotel rates, and special events in the parks.

How old are the children? Is Mom able to walk all day OK (or are you going to get a wheelchair)?

11 people is a lot to try to keep together. You might want to think about splitting up and getting back together for meals, or a swim in the afternoon. (or naps if the kids are little)

One thing I would do is buy the park tickets as soon as you know how many days you're going to need. (Bear in mind that often it doesn't "pay" to get park tickets for your travel days--this depends on how you're getting there) Park hoppers don't expire, and you might be able to miss a price increase.

Sorry to be so long-winded, but this will help us help you.

And it's OK if you don't know about, for example, getting a rental car. We can give you our opinions.

The good thing is that you have lots of time to immerse yourself in planning--you lucky thing!!
 
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pooh071567

pooh071567

Member
Original Poster
Sorry! I'm not always able to check back due to work load, etc., but appreciate the help. Since time is NOT of the essence, I didn't think I needed to check the internet in the evening.

We have all been to Disney a number of times. We are planning on staying for 7 days. We've talked about staying at either a moderate resort or a home-away-from-home resort. We all really like the Port Orleans resorts. The age of the kids travelling with us will be 2-6. We aren't too concerned about a budget since there will be 5 of us splitting this trip. We want to make this trip a memorable one for mom. It would not be a family reunion since we see each other regularly. We thought it would be a special treat for mom to spend a special birthday with her children and grandchildren. We've never all been on vacation together.

We have talked about doing a boat/fireworks cruise. We all have agreed that we won't spend all day every day together, but would like to get together for dinners, activities, etc. We haven't talked about renting a car. We normally don't, but are open to any ideas.

Her birthday is May 1 so we would probably be going beginning to mid May. I don't know that we will be down there for her actual birthday, but would like to try to be.

My last trip was March of 2002. Mom is going down with brother and brother's family in May.

Thanks for the help!
Cindy
 
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Yellow Shoes

Yellow Shoes

Well-Known Member
I'm sorry if you felt hassled. That wasn't our intention.

I can only speak for myself here. I am such a major geek about this that I look forward to chatting with anyone else who is interested (my family quit listening to me months ago).

Planning your vacation is a vicarious thrill for me.

It helps to know that this isn't your first trip, so the usual stuff you probably know about.

I will focus, then, on the different and less-utilized stuff.
 
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pooh071567

pooh071567

Member
Original Poster
Thanks, Yellow Shoes! The tone of a few posts sounded a bit cocky to me.

I am a lot like you. My husband calls me a freak. He's started to tune me out.:)

We are all looking forward to this trip. It is our intention to make her cry!!! We do this to her every Christmas (make her cry that is).

One of the things we've been talking about is making her think she's going to WDW with myself and my husband. This way she can pack for herself. We would have everyone else there and and in a room. We would walk into the room with her and yell surprise. If you can think of anything different, please let me know.
 
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M

Mitzer

Member
Welcome Pooh071567 to the forums...:wave:

I am one that usually has to ask for special ideas also...but I did come up with one. I don't know how many this accomodates, but did you think about pitching in together and renting the GF Yacht for the evening. That would be an unbelieveable way to celebrate your mom's special birthday and a nice surprise for viewing the fireworks... I know they also do food onboard. I have not done this cruise yet :cry: , but heard it is really nice. Just another suggestion. Call the 407-WDW-PLAY and ask about the "Grand One" if you are interested.

I hope she has a fantastic birthday. You all are really nice to do something so special for your mom.
 
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Kingdom Konsultant

Kingdom Konsultant

WDWMAGIC Board Sponsor
Premium Member
WDWMAGIC Sponsor
I agree with Mitzer about the Grand One. I was going to suggest the same thing! :lol: You can have the cruise catered to include a birthday cake. By the way, your mother and mine share the same birthday! My Mom will be turning 70 on the first and I am taking her to Disney. We will be there the 1st until the 5th. I am letting her pick the hotel etc.

Pam
 
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