10 Year old girl *First Time at DIsney*

[Travelgrrl]

I really hope you post a trip report - I'm dying to hear all her reactions!

One thing I used to do (and face it, still did on a trip to Europe with my 23 year old daughter last year!) was to buy little gifties ahead of time for my kids when they were small and bring them with. Once a day (or heaven help me, sometimes I had enough for 3 a day) you can give them something 'from Mickey' (or whoever). I used the gifts to cajole them out of bed for EMH, I used them to cajole them out of the parks when we took an afternoon break, etc. Oftentimes it was themed to the trip or a little craft or thing they could use right away.

We're going in October on an All Girls Trip, and there will be a 2 year old, a 6 year old and a 10 year old as part of our party. I've been buying little gifts for the girls and here's what I've stockpiled so far:

Bubbles with Mickey and Minnie heads
Mickey and Minnie stuffed animals (75% off after Easter though there's nothing Easter-y about them)
Glitter bouncy balls (Also 75% off)
Mini Princess / fairy sticker books
Lip balm shaped like cupcakes
Disney pins to trade (from Ebay)
Little 'baggies' with 'goldfish' in them (really, the clear stuff is soap with a little clownfish (Nemo) in them, also on clearance)

Little things, Disney things, inexpensive things. But I know the girls will get a kick out of them in the hotel rooms, and will spare their Moms from having to buy a lot of souvenirs.

I'm interested to know when your niece will find out about the trip? Right when she passes under the WDW arches?

 

[LisaTC]

Ok Disers... mothers and fathers of 10 year old girls... my niece is coming with us to disney this fall.... it has been my dream to bring her. I have boys, so I dont know what the girls are into really. She doesnt come from a "disney" family. I believe she just saw Snow White for the first time when she came over to spend the night at Christmas. We havent been since 2009 so some things have changed. She loves Little Pet Shop, and animals so AK is a must do, I cannot WAIT to see all that through her eyes. Do yall have any suggestions ? She is so new, I dont want to overwhelm her but at the same time, I feel she has some catching up to do.. LOL

I have a 10 year old, too. This is going to be so exciting. Since she hasn't been raised in a Disney house (poor, child! LOL) why don't you have her over for a Disney movie night and get her caught up! LOL My DD's particular favorites: Lion King, Princess & the Frog, Swiss Family Robinson (old, I know) Pirates of the Caribbean, Beauty and the Beast. That should give her some awareness.

Secondly, my DD loves Princesses...at Disney. At home, perish the thought, but there is something about Disney that just brings it out. That said, she doesn't go overboard. I have picked up some cool Disney tees for like 4-6 bucks at either Walmart/Target/Old Navy. That would be a nice gift and you'll likely be surprised she want to wear them in The World.

Just let her absorb..there is a lot to take in. Try and get a prepark opening reservation at Crystal Palace. Awesome photo ops. If you can't do that, then the Princess Breakfast at Akershus in Norway at Epcot is great, too, because World Showcase opens later. It is very nice and she doesn't have to dress up, but the princesses are so interactive, I've even seen BOYS be gobsmacked by them! LOL

A pp mentioned pick a pearl in Japan. My DD does this every time. It is like 14-15 dollars and she's gotten huge pearls and I got twins the last time.

We had her hair done at the Harmony BarberShop. They put it up and put sprinkles in it. Very cute, about $20.00 and not as "sprayed in place" as BBB.

My DD loves AK. She will likely be an animal behaviorist or zoologist one day. At AK make sure you see Flights of Wonder - fabulous! Kilimanjaro safaris - great fun. Take your camera.

My Daughter's trip would not be complete without a trip to Hoop de doo revue. Her favorite.

Have a fabulous time. She will be forever grateful for this experience!