Advice on making a first time trip with friends extra special

[ddpaints]

TIA for all your suggestions.
A little about us. My family : total Disney nuts We are DVC members, do something Disney every year, have a very extensive Disney movie collection, watch Disney Jr, you get the idea.
Recently we were invited to a friends house where the subject of a WDW vacation came up. The friends expressed how they would like to go and that their DD (my DS's best friend) kept asking when they could go because everyone else in her class was going. They were concerned with expenses etc and ended the conversation with "someday". Later that night after putting our kids to bed DH said he wondered if we helped with accommodations if they would be able to budget for tickets etc. Long story short they can and will be joining us for our Thanksgiving week trip. We have not told our kids yet because we wanted to see the look on their DD face (and get it on video)when her best friend tells her. Unfortunately we had a bug hit our house so we have yet to get the families together. I can barely contain myself waiting until we can tell her.
Since this may be a once in a lifetime, or at least once for a very long time, trip for them I want to make it as special as I possibly can. So please fill up this thread with as many cool ideas as possible. I already have planned out how we will tell their DD , I just need any extra special things that I can do leading up to the trip and also anything I can do when we get there.

 

[kmb584]

What awesome friends you are! A couple of things that come to mind are:

• MVMCP as not only will the parade and fireworks leave the little ones in awe, it's also a great opportunity to hop on attractions with little to no wait.
• Let their DD pick an ADR. Breakfast at CRT? Lunch at Akershus? Dinner at 1900 Park Fare?
• If their DD has a birthday prior to your trip, suggest (or perhaps even give in a $20 increment or so) Disney gift cards as gifts. That way, once all of you arrive her parents will know that she has a bit of spending money and I know that my DD loves being able to pay with her own "credit card".
• Watch Wishes from the Poly beach, dole whip or snack of choice in hand. It's one of our favorite nighttime activities.
• If Disney still offers it, you can customize maps of each park on their website and have them sent to you, to gift to their DD. They're pretty cool looking and can be themed, favorite attractions highlighted, etc. It's a good way to not only excite but also for the parents to get a lay of the land prior to arrival.

 

[dprincessmom]

Watch the online store and pick up a pin starter set for a discount.
Have your child create a "kid's guide book" featuring all of the favorites and some must do.
Troll the local stores and create a WDW survival kit for them - coloring books, toys, mickey band aids, etc.
Watch sites like allears and easy wdw for cool new things and have a planning meeting before your 180 days so that everyone has an idea.
Make a countdown chain.
Have a shirt making party and make fun bleach or tye dye shirts.
Order the maps and have a ball.