Dad in Iraq - Advice to make trip special for sis

[peterpan&wendy]

My dad is in Iraq (for the second time) so we are taking my sister (who is 17 ) along with my own children (9,7,& 5) to Disney. I already called and asked if they could do something special for her and they said not really. Does anyone have any ideas how we could get her some extra attention, she could really use it. My son who is 5 has only seen my Dad for 18 months his entire life. My dad is always away, I realize that is his job but it's hard and I really wanted something special to help cheer up my sister and my little ones. Any tips would be so great!

 

[clombardi]

What are the dates of your trip? I ask because we will be there 8/24-8/31 and 2/7-2/10. I would love to leave something special for your sister at the front desk of your hotel or even mail her something "from Mickey."

 

[peterpan&wendy]

The dates for our trip are 9/6 - 9/15. That is so very nice, I am really surprised that Disney wouldn't do anything. It will really mean so much to her and me. It's nice to see people still care!

 

[Vemnox]

You must understand millions of people visit WDW and they receive hundreds if not thousands of requests for "can you do something special?". The logistics of planning out special things, pulling characters/cast from their assigned locations, or doing extraordinary activiites are immense. My advice, instead, would be to enter the parks and speak to a Guest Relations host or hostess on the day you visit your favorite park. They may have something or may suggest something to help you out.
You should take the initiave yourself, though, such as booking a fun dining location and then ordering a cake from the Cake Hotline or something to that nature. Goodluck with whatever you decide!

 

[peterpan&wendy]

I realize they are super busy, I guess sometimes we take for granted that we aren't the only ones with special circumstances. We definitely picked some cute things to do and I like the cake idea. Thanks.

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

I've never asked for anything from a CM or Guest Services, but I've read a LOT of trip reports and if I recall correctly, you may be able to bring your own little surprise treats for them and have Guest Services put them in your room each day when they do housekeeping. That is, of course, if you're staying on property as a regular guest and not a DVC member (DVC guests don't get housekeeping every day as a way to keep the membership dues down). ANYWAY...you could have little packages that they bring that are from Mickey or Minnie or Tinkerbell or Pooh (you get my point...whoever their favorite characters are).

OR...instead of relying on housekeeping or guest services...just do it yourself. Keep their goodies in a suitcase that stays close to you in the room then, when they aren't looking, you can put their surprise on their bed. Maybe get them some T-shirts w/ their favorite character for one day, and then maybe a character signature book, or just a bag of their favorite candy to take to the parks, or a disposable camera for them to take their own pictures to send to your dad.

Also, while you're in the parks, if you're staying on property, you can purchase an item and have it shipped to your room...that might be an idea for the kids if they see something they really like you could purchase it while they aren't looking and have it shipped to the room.

There's a thread on here somewhere that you can have another guest send you a postcard from Disney...maybe you could locate that thread and have someone who's going down there soon send the kids a postcard from their favorite character telling them they're looking forward to seeing them. (I think it's called a "Pay it forward thread") But I can't remember if it was on the "World" side or the Cruiseline side of these threads.

Well, those are some of my ideas. I hope you all have a very magical vacation and God Bless your dad while he's in Iraq!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Maybe she can participate in the Vetern of the Day/Flag lowering ceremony. I know that she can't actually assist with the lowering, but if I remember correctly, they choose someone to lead the pledge of allegience before the flag is lowered. When I was there it was children, but I'm sure that your sister could volunteer and I think it would be very touching to have the daughter of an AD military member lead the pledge. I'd talk with guest relations in City Hall on Main Street in the MK and see if they can arrange it for you.

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

Maybe she can participate in the Vetern of the Day/Flag lowering ceremony. I know that she can't actually assist with the lowering, but if I remember correctly, they choose someone to lead the pledge of allegience before the flag is lowered. When I was there it was children, but I'm sure that your sister could volunteer and I think it would be very touching to have the daughter of an AD military member lead the pledge. I'd talk with guest relations in City Hall on Main Street in the MK and see if they can arrange it for you.

WOW!!! Now, THAT'S an AWESOME idea! How lucky she would be to do a flag ceremony at DISNEY WORLD in honor of her dad serving our country!!! GOOD THINKING!!

peterpan&wendy - Also, if you all wear t-shirts made from home w/ mention of your dad/grandfather serving in Iraq, I'm SURE, CM's would throw some extra pixie dust your way! I found the Pay It Forward thread...it's under planning forums, theme park attractions & strategies...I think it's a sticky.

 

[Longsx3]

When My DH was in Iraq in 2005, I took DD (then 9) to MK for the MVMCP, during our dinner at Crystal Palace we shared with our waitress that DH was currently in Iraq. Later she casually asked which Character was DD's favorite, DD answered POOH! Near the end of our dinner a Woman in a Business Suit comes over says Daddy called from Iraq and wanted her to have this great big POOH and there were several other items from them. I was in tears. Pooh Came by for special time too. It was a very magical time....that became Daddy Pooh and is always with DD.
There is no way that I could have ever planned a moment as special as that and I never expected for DD to have anything to happen and I think that is what makes it Magical ...the lack of expectation.

I am sure your sister will have a wonderful time just being at WDW with her family. We flew back to the states several times from Germany while DH was deployed because being around family made coping with Dh's deployment easier.

 

[jmkrat]

My DD is 16 going on 17 and I know she would love a spa treatment. I don't know if she is too young, but even a special manicure or pedicure ( if she likes that kind of thing). A little extra pampering for you and your sister, I know my DD loves when we do mother-daughter things. I don't happen to be a spa person though. She might like the one on one with you doing something with her out of the ordinary. My family thanks your dad it must be rough, and bless you and your family too. It must be difficult for the ones left behind.

 

[TinkAsh2001]

Hey! I know you guys will have an amzing time at disney! I am a member of a group called soldiers angels. We send care packages and letters to the guys and gals over seas to let them know they are not forgotten and what they do does not go unnoticed! I know it must be hard! If there is anything I can do please let me know!