How to say "Thanks!"?

I've got a big thanks to plan...

My daughter and I had a big Disneyland year last year. I bought annual passes for us and we went in February and August. I had this ridiculous theory that we'd do it up good and then be satisfied. No idea what I was thinking. Starting as a kid, I used to go every five years, and then every year. Disneyland is my Happy Place. Then, when I decided to adopt, I stopped going, saving every penny. My mom took us when my daughter was four and then we went again last year when my girlie was 10. I absolutely cannot understand how I thought that would be enough for a good long while. I've just turned my daughter into as big of a Disney freak as I am... Trouble is, my financial situation doesn't allow for any more trips.

And then a miracle happened. A long-time friend found out that I was sad about our annual passes expiring and decided that she's going to TAKE us sometime this year! We'll go with her four grown kids, her husband's three grown kids, her preschooler, and my kiddo. And we get to stay on-site!! Waaay beyond anything I've ever done.

So now I want to do a bunch of special things for her in thanks. I simply cannot spend a lot of money, but I want it to be special. I plan to make trip t-shirts for us all. (Big kids get to vote on design.) And I'm making welcome baskets for her little one and mine. I'll make Shutterfly photo books with our photos when we return. When my friend's four grown kids were little, we took them to Disneyland and I made travel journals and autograph books for them. I'll do that again. I'm sure they'll love them.

But... What else?

I have to be careful to not go overboard, I do have to clean my house and take care of my kiddo, after all. And I need to be careful about overspending. But, I figure there must be other creative ways I can use to bless my friend and the rest of the crowd.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!!!

Danke Schoen. Mucho gracias.Thank you. Merci Beaucoup. Gratzi.
Tack så mycket. Bolshoe spasibo.

That's all I have right now. Lol

Gisele said:

Danke Schoen. Mucho gracias.Thank you. Merci Beaucoup. Gratzi.
Tack så mycket. Bolshoe spasibo.

That's all I have right now. Lol

Click to expand...

Some others for your list - Cheers mate, bonza pressie cobber

I personally think that the things you have planned will be more than enough.
Watching you and your daughter so happy to be at DLR will be the best thank you for your friend.

What an awesome opportunity. First, your photo book idea is a great one. We took our DD's and 3 friends last year, took lots of pix, and my wife made a photo book, including commentary. It was a huge hit. Make it personal; everyone will love it and it is a great gift. Second, as you recognized, staying on property is expensive. I'd suggest making a small footprint - pay for what you can. If your friends are hosting you for dinner, order light and get a water instead of a soft drink, skip desert and fill in between meals by getting your own snacks and treats if you can. Do as much as you can afford (buy a round of snacks for everyone?). It's a quiet way of showing thanks and will be noticed.

I think all of those personal things you are doing would mean far more to your friend than if you bought them something.

I think if you stay with those thank you items all will be good

I love the photobook idea, did that myself when my parents made it affordable for my husband and I to go to WDW last January.

Another small idea, if you're close enough geographically to your friend - maybe offer a series of babysitting nights for free and make them disney themed to get her pre-schooler super amped for the trip, giving her and her husband date night opportunities.

Honestly your friend is doing it out of love. I do like the idea of a photo book when you get back full of memories and magic. I also like the idea of offering to watch their kids before the trip or hosting Disney movie night ( all you need is the movie, a few big bowls of popcorn and your good to go!) and a great one would be during the trip watch all the kids so the hubby and wife can go out for a nice quiet meal together!

Have a magical time!

Thanks for your replies! This is very helpful and encouraging.

Unfortunately, we live on opposite sides of the country, so no babysitting possible.

But you're right. It's going to give her a lot of joy being able to spend time with my daughter and watching me having fun with hers and just being together.

Thanks again. You've taken a load off my mind. I'll do the fun things I have planned and not worry that I should be doing more.

You can focus on experiences...try to get a wheelhouse ride or a lily belle ride for them. Watch her little one and let her go on some big rides with the others or take them back to the room for a nap and give her a few hours of adult time in the park....there are ways that don't cost anything to show someone how much you appreciate them!

I love what you are doing so far and your friend should be trilled. However since you are asking have you considered booking a tour for your group?