Gifting an Experience

[TikiRob]

We are hosting my in-laws with our DVC points in March. They are in their early 60’s and not really “park people” but my mother-in-law has been asking for awhile “when are you taking us with you”!

We’d like to gift them something for the holidays for the trip like a nice dinner or dessert party but are stuck on the fact that you cannot book anything until 60 days out. I’d hate to tell them one thing and then being unable to book!!

Anyone run into this before or have suggestions for gifting add-on experiences?

 

[AgentMama]

Can you pick a catagory of gift and not a specific thing? "This certificate good for a dining experience" type thing and then let them know where they're going as it gets closer?

 

[Marthasor]

I like PP's suggestion - perhaps buy something on shopdisney they could use on the trip (t-shirts, a tote/backpack, etc.) and wrap that up with a certificate notifying them you will treat them to a special dining experience (that could be a dinner or dessert party) during the trip?

 

[scrappinginontario]

Can you put in a note to the effect of, 'This is a gift to treat yourselves to something special on our trip'? That way they can choose a few options that they might like and you can try to honour one of them at the 60 day mark in order of what they choose?

 

[kwdw]

I’ve done this several times. Just make a paper certificate for what it’s good for. Give some examples and set your expectations of what it’s too be used for and when they need to decide so it can be booked. With or without another small Disney item, your choice. Wrap it up like a present. Done. I’ve done this for a kid, so adults can handle a piece of paper present!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Keep in mind, there are some independent restaurant options at Disney Springs where you can book through a reservation system like OpenTable, prior to 60 days - if there are any restaurants at DS that might be of interest, you might be able to secure something 80-90 days out. At the very least, you could hold something at DS and then look for something you'd prefer at the 60-day mark. If something more appealing is available, change it!

That won't help for a dessert party, however. And depending when you are going in March, 60 days could be a challenge for some things. But if you have a room, and family wanting to go, you can make it work and have a great time!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Give them a gift card, that they can use to purchase an event before they go.