extras at DL???

[SCohen]

HI Everyone!
I have been to WDW so many times in the last few years and know it pretty well..... now we are heading to DL though!! Yipee!
In October we did a Magical Gatherings trip to WDW with our family and had a great time! As a surprise to the rest of the family, we rented a pontoon boat and had dinner catered to us with a Happy UnBirthday cake for my FIL. (he has been diagnosed with cancer and we weren't sure if he'd be here for his real birthday)
We all agreed that the boat was the best thing ever and it truly was the highlight of my FIL's time. He is back in remission and we are truly thankful to still have him with us. We will be doing another Magical Gatherings vacation in Aug, but to DL this time. (there are 12 of us with the youngest being 12 yrs old) What can we do to make this trip magical as well? You guys always have the best ideas!!! Thanks in advance for any ideas you can share.
Tracey

 

[RangerPooh]

The only things that come to mind would be to have a character meal at Goofy's (or another resturant) or to get Riverside seating for Fantasmic! It's almost $60 pp but it beats staking out seats a few hours in adavnce, plus you gte a few desserts. You could always see about having a small private event such as a BBQ hosted by the GCH on the 5th floor patio (overlooks pool and DCA). This is something that you would need to call the hotel or events for. Maybe vacation planning services will have a few ideas too.

 

[Parkhopper]

I would suggest taking a VIP tour with your entire group.

Suzi

 

[Saavy?]

A couple of suggestions for you...

1.) You can order special "theme baskets" from the Vacation Planning Services and they will have it ready in your room upon arrival for that special person.

2.) You can also order lanyard's with a fastpass holder ahead of time (from stores online) and theme them to everyone's favorite movie/character (e.g. Nightmare Before Christmas, Pirates, Mickey Mouse, etc.). Present them to your group upon arrival, and everyone has a useful item for the vacation that they know was picked especially for them.

3.) Sneak down to the gift shop every day and buy some sort of nummy's X eleven. Sneak back to the rooms after the maids have finished cleaning and lay them on each pillow for your family to find when they come back after a long day at the parks. I have found that the Mickey Mouse rice crispy bars covered in chocolate are divine... ahhh... they have little character chocolates wrapped in foil... things like that. It's a fun touch.

4.) Make reservations for the Fantasmic! show on the Walt Disney Balcony.
There is nothing to compare to this experience. You can stuff yourself while watching this amazing show with the best cocoa on earth, chocolate treats and desserts of all kinds... just DO NOT ride a rollercoaster afterwards. Book the first show. You can sit there and watch the fireworks afterwards.

5.) Work overtime for the next six months, then make reservations to dine at the Blue Bayou at Pirates of the Caribbean. Order 2 of the "ship" desserts and 12 forks.

6.) Go to the "Guest Services" location right inside Main Street upon entering. Ask for complimentary "Family Reunion" buttons to wear. CM's look for these and can offer you little bonus activities to make your visit more special.

7.) Order matching Disneyland shirts for your whole gang ahead of time (make it a VERY noticeable color). Wear them with your "Family Reunion" buttons and you will probably get "Dreamed" many times that day. CM's handing out the "Dreams" love matching families (the bigger the better), plus you will have your buttons to boot!

Hope these help!
Have a wonderful time.

Ole' Pirate