Dvc Veteran Looking For Advice

[Cmadsen]

Ok, here's the deal. We're trying to do something nice (we all try, sometimes it just comes back to haunt us) and bringing our friends down to stay with us in a two bedroom villa next March. No, no, we don't believe it will be one of "those" trips from heck. I believe we've worked out possible problems, i.e. we like to rise early and sleep early and so do they; they don't mind letting us pick restaurants or schedules. And money issues have been decided. Now my question to y'all: Only one of them has ever been to Disney before (gasp, I know, I can't believe it either) and we would like to make a little magic, if you know what I mean. We're all in our 50's and they are truly wonderful people and looking forward to "letting out the child within". They just got married a year or so ago and because of some rough times have not even had a honeymoon. So we kiddingly invited them on a "Disneymoon" (unfortunately, we come with the package). Any ideas you might have that would make this a little more special would be appreciated.
We're not wealthy, but are willing to part with a bit o' green. In advance, thank you!

 

[WDWLVR]

Since you want to treat them special why not take the studio side for yourself and give them the master suite with the jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. Buy a bottle of champagne (or sparkling cider if they don't drink). Then one night tell them you are going out for a swim or drink and close the door between the rooms. Then they are free to really enjoy their Disneymoon!

 

[senecabeach]

You might think about a "WISHES" or Illumination cruise. There is a thread about sharing one and the price comes out to about $25./per person.

Check out the Theme Park/Strategies forum.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

I recommend the horse drawn carriage ride that leaves from Wilderness Lodge. You may take beverages on the ride with you. We took the ride last December and took hot chocolate with us, but wine is also permitted (again, if they drink). The carriage will hold up to four adults, but only two adults would make for a cozy romantic trip. I think it costs $30, no matter how many people are on the ride. The ride lasts about 45-50 minutes, but if no one has it booked after you, your ride may be a bit longer.

 

[CarolMN]

Here are some of things we like to do (we're also in our 50's).

Dinner in the castle - nothing like being addressed as "Mi Lord" or "Mi Lady" to bring a smile to your face.

How about one of the tours - we're doing the "Around the World on a Segway" tour this fall and I can't wait.

Don't be afraid to do a character buffet - it's fun to have pictures of yourself with a favorite character as a souvenir.

Try an evening at JellyRolls - those piano guys are a hoot!

If you can swing it - a nice dinner followed by Cirque du Soleil.

Best wishes -

 

[Simba's Mom]

Yes, I agree about dining in the castle. Also, if they're willing (and it sounds like they would be), how about a character meal-maybe combine the two, a character meal in the castle?

 

[WOW]

What good friends you must be....so nice to plan something special for the newlyweds.

Good ideas from the DVC'rs already......I would like to reinforce the Illuminations Cruise...we did that on a mini family reunion and it is so nice. It does depend on your guide though and we had a great one!!!! There are also cruises that you can have catering aboard......never have done that one though.

Dining at the Castle is another great idea!! We did it for our Aunt for her 90th birthday and we told them ahead of time and they treated her like a Princess and she absolutely loved it!!!

 

[Cmadsen]

Thank you so much for the great ideas! So far we think we can swing several of these options! Just goes to show that no matter how good we think we know WDW, someone can always come up with something new!
So far we have planned a welcome "basket" containing stuff for the whirlpool (yes, we have already told them they will have the master suite) and some sparkling cider. And we plan to see Cirque and have dinner at the Castle.
(PS I think I'd love the Wishes cruise and the carriage ride!!!!)

While the trip is a long time away, I will be back to let you know how it went!

 

[1000th happy haunt]

Here's a pic from our ride last December. For the holidays they overlay the carriage to look like a sleigh. I forgot to mention the rides are in the evening. You get a nice tour of the woodlands in the Wilderness Lodge area.

 

[Cmadsen]

1000th Happy Haunt...Oh, the pic is great! Thanks! Do the carriage rides ever travel between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge? We'll be staying at VWL and are taking them to the HDD (well, we have to have a place to wear our "bibs"! Overalls, that is). Thought it would be neat to surprise them and have the carriage take them back to VWL so they could have a little "private" time. Do you know if this is a possibility?