Tips and advice on making the trip extra special please

[SereneOne]

My daughter Meghan has VATERS Association. It is an acronym for multiple birth defects. She has rib/vertabrae anomalies, ASD/multiple holes in her heart, multicystic kidney/one good one, tethered spinal cord(had surgery to repair), Reactive Airway Disease and a feeding tube. She is having heart surgery at MUSC this Spring, either Amplatzer or open heart...we are hoping Amplatzer...her peds card thought they could not because of her having multiple holes, but they say they should still be able to, but he sent pics to them and they said they still could but they would know for sure when they actually see her.

ANYWAYS, We have planned a extra special trip to Disney World for Meg! We are staying on Disney property for the first time ever (I was born in Fl and lived there from 86 to 04) and inbetw tours of duty, my parents would visit our families in PC, DB and SA, Fl and we would go to Disney. Being that our family lived about an hour away, we always stayed with them and the few times I have been as an adult, we stayed off property. We are staying at POR! I had reservations at ASMo but was fiddling around on waltdisney.com and found that I could stay at a moderate for less than 88 dollars total more than a value resort. Coranado was booked up and I was worried about staying at CBR, because it is so big. We picked the AB section because Meg loves the outdoors and we will also be traveling with her brother, Louis who will be turning 18 just before we leave to go on the trip, we figured he could have the double to himself and her sleep on the trundle. For a tiny thing, she hogs the bed!

While she is tube fed, she can eat some by mouth, we are working with a ST and she is doing better and better in this department. I made ADRs (we are on the DDP) with

S-Coral Reef (she loves aquariums!)
S-Sci Fi (figured she would find it cool to sit in the cars)
M-Liberty Tree Tavern (loves Minnie and the gang)
T-Norway (disney princesses, she is a fan, whole room is DP)
W-France-(okay, this one is for us grownups )
H-Crystal Palace(she loves Winnie, Tigger and Eeyore)
F-Chef Mickey (loves Mickey and the gang)
S-Cinderella's Royal Table! I have been trying all my life to get into here and I was able to obtain lunch ressies!
S-Canada for lunch (this one is for us grownups too. )

I was able to make ressies at Bippedy Boppedy Boutique for the package where she gets to pick a gown, shoes, crown and wand. My h is trying to find out if he can get another day off so we can leave on Mon instead of Sun so we can take her to MVMCP on Sunday. We also plan on taking her to DTD to do some clothes and toyshopping and sending the packages to our home to surprise her on Christmas.

I am so excited I can't contain myself! It really helps me planning the details of this trip, because she has appts with her neurosurgeon, her cardio, her nephrologist, her GI, and just saw her Pulmonolgist, which went well. Instead of focusing on all that and being stressed out and anxious, I am excited about this trip. I am extra sensitive because her identical twin sister died because her birth defects where so severe.

I was also thinking of trying to squeeze in the teaparty with Sleeping Beauty where she gets the doll also, is it worth it? Can any of you add any tips on things to make her trip even more special? It can be anything! Like we where happy to book FOR, bc someone stated in the early mornings at AB, you can see the chipmunks, squirrels, and bunnies around the resort and she would love that.

Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated. Thank You in advance!

 

[budbeerlady]

Wow, that sounds like such a fun trip for your DD. The princess tea party is alright, I have to say for me it wasnt worth the $225. You could maybe contact the disney florist and have her crowned a princess at CRT for something really special. http://www.disneyflorist.com/advanced_search.html?keywords=princess


The tea party was nice but we were with some REALLY aggressive moms who pushed their child to be up front and first for everything. It was irritating to raise a dd with manners who waits her turn, to see her trampled to see Aurora. Now Aurora is great about going around and doing the 1on 1 pictures and autographs but the other items she hands out and that is when people got pushy about their kids.

You could for a little more $ do the illuminations or wishes cruise for your whole family. We are trying that this year for something new. Also would she like to see La Noumba? I didnt read how old your dd is, but my DD saw it at 5 and she is hooked. We love Cirque and really had a great time at the show!

 

[3littleHalls]

Sounds like a dream trip!! I think she is going to have a magical time!! I was just going to suggest some trip preparation to add to the magic. Make a countdown calendar. Make matching shirts. And my kids love to make autograph books. She will love all the ADRs you've made...I do! LOL! Maybe a special dessert? the chocolate slipper? I think some magic is free...just enjoy the moment. Best wishes!!

 

[SereneOne]

Wow, that sounds like such a fun trip for your DD. The princess tea party is alright, I have to say for me it wasnt worth the $225. You could maybe contact the disney florist and have her crowned a princess at CRT for something really special. http://www.disneyflorist.com/advanced_search.html?keywords=princess


The tea party was nice but we were with some REALLY aggressive moms who pushed their child to be up front and first for everything. It was irritating to raise a dd with manners who waits her turn, to see her trampled to see Aurora. Now Aurora is great about going around and doing the 1on 1 pictures and autographs but the other items she hands out and that is when people got pushy about their kids.

You could for a little more $ do the illuminations or wishes cruise for your whole family. We are trying that this year for something new. Also would she like to see La Noumba? I didnt read how old your dd is, but my DD saw it at 5 and she is hooked. We love Cirque and really had a great time at the show!

Thanks for the advice. How do I go about booking a cruise for wishes or illuminations? How expensive is that? I have always wanted to see Cirque, but being that we will be there the second week of Dec, Cirque is closed. I think I will wait until she is older to do the tea party with Sleeping Beauty.

 

[SereneOne]

Sounds like a dream trip!! I think she is going to have a magical time!! I was just going to suggest some trip preparation to add to the magic. Make a countdown calendar. Make matching shirts. And my kids love to make autograph books. She will love all the ADRs you've made...I do! LOL! Maybe a special dessert? the chocolate slipper? I think some magic is free...just enjoy the moment. Best wishes!!

Those are some GREAT ideas! I did not even think about before the trip, other than a really nice lady on here offering to send Meg a postcard from Disney.

 

[3littleHalls]

We are going the first week of Dec. Are you doing the Mickey's Very Merrry Christmas? My kids are looking forward to the gingerbread houses and the decorations!!

 

[Nancyg56]

Your plans sound wonderful to me. I took my DGD who was 5 at the time, to the tea party with Briar Rose, (I think that was her name) and Sleeping Beauty. For us it was a nice time The food is mediocre but the atmosphere is really special for both of you. I know that everyone's experience is different but during our tea party each child got quite a bit of time with the characters and Sleeping Beauty went around the room to all of the kids. It was a little pricey and I would not do this twice, but both of us enjoyed some Nana/Kady time.

I think your plans are wonderful. I did enjoy 1900 Park Fare for dinner with Cinderella and Prince Charming. We all had more fun with the mice, Suzy and Perla though, and the food was good.

 

[Aliceacc]

I'll keep your daughter and your family in my prayers.

It sounds as though you're planning a LOT. I know that my own kids are healthy, and all you have planned would leave them exhausted and cranky as bears. While I know you know your own daughter best, I just want to suggest some down time each afternoon in the pool or the room.

I assume that you've notified the hotel and Disney guest services about your daughter's medical needs. Why not ask them if they can suggest anything? Can she be the one to ride in the 1st car of the monorail? (I read somewhere that it's easy to arrange when during off hours.)

Also, can you squeeze in something special for Lois? It sounds like he's a Senior in HS... can you find something that he's bound to enjoy? Maybe you and your husband can split up and the guys can do something special. (I haven't been to Disney since 1990, so I'm not sure exactly what. Maybe an evenng in Pleasure Island or something??)

Best wishes. Hope Meg's health improves and that the trip is all you want it to be.

Oh, yeah, one more thing that occurs to me: While you're there, can you purchase a postcard with, say, Cindrella's picture on it? Send Meg a note from Cinderella saying how much she enjoyed meeting Meg. Mail it from Disney before you head home.

 

[Perditamarie]

It sounds like you have a great trip planned. Here are some ideas:

* bring stacks of 2 quarters and 1 penny so you will be prepared to pounce on the penny press machines and collect some of these fun coins. They are tucked around everywhere, and a lot of fun to be on the look out for.

* the kidcot funstops in Epcot are a lot of fun to do and the child can make a neat souvenir as well.

* making an autograph book is a great project to work on before the trip and build the excitement. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you can think of!! I made some simple ones by downloading Disney clipart and then organizing in alphabetical order and then had the whole shebang bound at Kinkos for about $5. The characters really give you a lot of personal attention when they see your book! Check out the creative DISign board here for some inspiration -- also, those folks are very talented and generous and often post templates for autograph books that they will gladly share with folks as well.

* trade pins w/castmembers - another fun collection to start, but can get a little pricey. If you do pin trading, invest in locking pin backs!

* we leave little tinkerbell gifts out overnight or when we leave the room -- stuff like sunglasses, light spinner toys from TDS, hats, etc. I have also made up gift baskets at home and smuggled them with us in the luggage(again, usually loaded w/stuff we would have purchased for vacation anyway, from great sales at the Disney Store, and it sure is a lot more fun to give it to the kids this way!). The kids really think Tink and Mickey drop off these goodies and it just expands the magic for them (for us too!).

* consider purchasing the photopass photo CD or movie -- take every photo-op w/Disney photographers (especially easy if you are autograph collecting !). If you are computer clever, you could make your own w/your digital pics -- so take a bunch, bring an extra memory card.

* it could also be fun after your trip to work on a photo album or scrapbook w/your daughter. I always am a little blue after the trip, but working on the scrapbook seems to help!

* bring glow sticks/bracelets etc. from home and pull them out for some fun in the evening. They also sell fancy ones at the park, but you can pick up vast quantities at home very inexpensively and its one less line!!!

* since you are going at Christmas, don't forget to work in: Candlelight Processional at Epcot (beautiful!), Osborne Lights at Disney Studios (spectacular), Tree lighting ceremony at Epcot (fun, quick show), Storytelling Santas from around the world at Epcot.

* You can take a boat from POR to DTD, which is fun. Definately check out all the potato parts & little pony parts (many, many, many tiny pieces) that are fun to play with at the store. The Lego store also has outdoor building areas that kids love to play on -- a great break for everyone.

* check out Fort Wilderness -- there are pony rides, camp fire sing a longs & movies, and since it is Christmas, you can book a sleigh ride!! I was just reading up on these ... for $35 for 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small kids -- check it out at 407 WDW-PLAY --- they might also have them at POR!

* I think you can buy the same/similar doll to the tea party doll w/a Disney costume/outfit if you want a doll but decide to pass on the teaparty. If I remember correctly, the costumes fit 18 inch dolls.

* pack her backpack w/all kinds of new fun things to do on the trip down -- not sure if you are driving or flying, but I'm sure she would have fun w/Disney pages printed from the computer, Disney sticker books, coloring books, workbooks, etc.

* had to add: a fun thing I like to do is make up invitations for our character meals as if from the characters -- we had parchment paper with elegant script font and rolled up w/a ribbon from Cinderella...etc. It's fun prep for you too!

I think your ADRs look great and I hope your family has a wonderful trip!

 

[cjrmom]

I actually found this on another thread. When you go to the Coarl Reef, you can have them send a diver into the tank who will hold up a message for your family ("Happy birthday, Sally", etc.). They will only do about 5 of them per day, though.
They will also make a personalized menu for you. You e-mail them digital pictures and they will put them on the menu. I called the other day for our trip in 6 weeks and they called me back and set it all up (very helpful!).
The lady's name is Debbi and her phone number is (407)560-6856. If you don't get ahold of her right away, leave a voice mail and she will get back to you within a day or two.
Have fun!!
OH, PS, totally free!!!

 

[Feralpeg]

If you would be willing to PM me the name your reservation will be under, your daughter's first name for the card and the date you will be checking into POR, I'd like to have a Disney plush waiting for her on your arrival. It's just my little way of spreading some magic.

 

[3littleHalls]

Sorry...I don't mean to be off topic....but I saw that Feralpeg popped in!!! Hi Peg! Haven't seen you around since you started your new job. Hope all is well!! And how cool of you spreading your magic!!!

 

[disneymarie]

Your thread hit home to me. I have been thinking of special ways to make Disney exciting for my daughter turning 12 there.
Last Oct we went to Disney with her two siblings a brother 23 and sister 29 yrs old. But this Jan. my older daughter passed away from a medicaiton interaction unexpectedly. It has been extremly devestating for my Katie.All of us, but Katie can not talk much about it and has terrible sadness.

Her sister was disabled since 16 yrs old, but could baby sit Katie for me to leave for work until Dad got home, played with hair styles and makeup, all the sisterly things.

Katie has terrible anxiety. I am at the point now to have her see someone to work with it. IT is so hard on all of us, But Katie is so young to deal with it.

For me I keep seeing the beautiful pictures of my daughter at Disney all smiles! I miss her.

It is the first time I made reservations for Disney in tears for one less child. My older son is going with his family my only grandson...so I am trying so hard to make it special. To find happiness again.

All the great ideas you are getting is helping. We will not be doing character meals, I will get her the Birthday badge, and I am making a hat or sash for Birthday. Have a birthday phone call, pixie dust, autograph book, sticky gems and makeup...

I am praying for your little girl and the surgery. Disney is about making memories...make lots of them in your trip. Sometimes it is not the big things you do, it can be something small that the kids find special and keep dear.
Blessings,
Dianne

My Angel, DeAnne 1/21/2007

 

[SereneOne]

Your thread hit home to me. I have been thinking of special ways to make Disney exciting for my daughter turning 12 there.
Last Oct we went to Disney with her two siblings a brother 23 and sister 29 yrs old. But this Jan. my older daughter passed away from a medicaiton interaction unexpectedly. It has been extremly devestating for my Katie.All of us, but Katie can not talk much about it and has terrible sadness.

Her sister was disabled since 16 yrs old, but could baby sit Katie for me to leave for work until Dad got home, played with hair styles and makeup, all the sisterly things.

Katie has terrible anxiety. I am at the point now to have her see someone to work with it. IT is so hard on all of us, But Katie is so young to deal with it.

For me I keep seeing the beautiful pictures of my daughter at Disney all smiles! I miss her.

It is the first time I made reservations for Disney in tears for one less child. My older son is going with his family my only grandson...so I am trying so hard to make it special. To find happiness again.

All the great ideas you are getting is helping. We will not be doing character meals, I will get her the Birthday badge, and I am making a hat or sash for Birthday. Have a birthday phone call, pixie dust, autograph book, sticky gems and makeup...

I am praying for your little girl and the surgery. Disney is about making memories...make lots of them in your trip. Sometimes it is not the big things you do, it can be something small that the kids find special and keep dear.
Blessings,
Dianne

My Angel, DeAnne 1/21/2007

Thank you so much for sharing. I am very, very sorry for your incredible loss. We have never stayed on Disney property and have only done one character meal and that was in 2001 on my bonusdaughter's bday at Crystal Palace. So I am going all out on this one! Surgery should go great, they have made tremendous advances in cardiology. I just have that fear of seeing another child of mine in a coffin. It is hard to grief for one child and to be joyous for the others. I can empathize.