Friends' first trip - make it special

[Bob Dolewhip]

Our friends (maybe future in-laws LOL) are taking their first trip to Disney. Their kids are 8 and 12.
I'm trying to think of something special I can do for them as they have been wanting to go for a long time and finally got the stars to align.

Any suggestions?

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

One thing we did for our friends was have a gift card delivered to their Disney resort. So if they are staying on world this could work. If staying off site maybe a gift basket you put together yourself of Disney things? Useful things? A little first aid kit, some toys, a fan , t shirts etc.

 

[Camshell]

Why not plan a Disney party night at your home shortly before they go. Pick a theme, watch some park videos on You Tube, play some Disney music, and cook a themed Disney meal. Get them in the Disney spirit.

 

[loves to dive]

What a good friend you are. As far as something special, maybe have them over one night and just visit and go over some of the ins and outs of visiting the world. A word of caution, let them plan their own trip and try to explain that while it's a huge place and can be overwhelming, they are going to have fun and they shouldn't try to over plan.

 

[Klayfish]

Why not plan a Disney party night at your home shortly before they go. Pick a theme, watch some park videos on You Tube, play some Disney music, and cook a themed Disney meal. Get them in the Disney spirit.

I agree with this. Though I personally wouldn't want to watch park videos, except for very generalized things like advertisements. I know some people watch full videos of a ride. I'd rather see it with my own eyes. But I love the idea of a Disney party.

 

[Camshell]

I agree with this. Though I personally wouldn't want to watch park videos, except for very generalized things like advertisements. I know some people watch full videos of a ride. I'd rather see it with my own eyes. But I love the idea of a Disney party.

I'd agree about avoiding the full video rides (unless there is a fear of a particular and that would help minimize that).

We like the Donoho Family videos on You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQMXCR4xyPLd4Zx3QKGUlmM4_Uh2FkSs . If you know what things (food, shopping, specific park touring, tips, etc.) they might be interested in you can probably find some videos done by the Donoho's. iTheme park also has good generic videos of the parks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo83OnV1SoOZHPQd1UNMx-g Also, there are great short clips by Disney Parks https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLflf8xbnbx66dqhvruCUsXVTtfI7UOwZ3 It can be real fun planning a Disney night at your home for friends. There are lots of little touches you can do and it give you a chance to pass on some tips on the vacation.

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

Make a Disney box for them. Include autograph books and pens for the kids. A lanyard and a few starter pins for collecting and trading. Glow sticks and necklaces for night time activities. Maybe a few things for the car trip or plane ride too: snacks, small Disney coloring books and crayons/markers, Disney themed journals to document the trip. It doesn't have to cost much to have the sentiment come through. I hope they have a great trip!

 

[Bob Dolewhip]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I have so many ideas now​