Going with The Family-HELP!

[Honeystar120608]

Going with The Family...HELP!

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Ok so story goes... we are single income family, but with some saving were able to get to DW last Dec with our 2 preschoolers. We LOVED it. Nobody believed that we would actually be going.
My mother who has never really saved for anything in her life, is on board to go this December. IM SO EXCITED! BUT! my step Dad is the truck driver big beer belly kind of guy who has never flewn and never been down south. On top of it all, my 14 yr old sister is a total tom boy and thinks 'disney in so not cool'. I want this trip to be the best it can be for everybody. SO I need your help!!!!!

So far I have budgeted for it all (we have already started saving out of every pay!) Contemporary, Dlx DP (Step dad and sister will enjoy this Im sure), Navigator Limo to pick us up at hotel, and reg limo to bring us back to airport, of course I have the flights and what not...oh and a cruise for the Epcot fireworks.
SO... I know we will need time away for them to do what they want and for us to do what we want. My step father will love just being with his grandkids, but Im wondering about the crowds and how they will handle it. We never got stressed out with 2 small kids, Disney gives you lots to look at and do while waiting.
What else can I do?????? We aren't telling my stepdad or sister. I've asked my sister if she'd come with us to help babysit (get it in her head now ) and I said it was time out of school so she said heck yeah! They would never want to spend this much money on a vacation, which is why Mom wants to book it and say too bad, it's paid for you are coming. lol Also, they would never believe Mom would save money, it's just not in her nature. But she gives it to me to put into a savings accnt where she can't get to it.

So, what else can I do? Im a planner, but apparently nobody really wants a schedule. But, I'd need to have a bit of one. So we know where we are going what days, ADRs for dining, and when would be the best times to seperate and suggestions on what we can all do while seperated (and together!)

I want to have a package for everyone of Disney Stuff. My sister is NOT girlie at all. The only thing I can tell that she is into that is DIsney is Nightmare before Chirstmas, and I would think POTC. Just because they dont look girlie kwim?

Ok I think that is all I can think of... Help and suggestions would be GREAT!!!

Oh, I would also love to make them tshirts that are funny for Disney World. "Albert County invade Disney World" They are from the country and take pride in their county. lol

Im getting excited just thinking about it all!!!

I also just wanted to say that it means more than the world to be going on a vacation with my Mom. She's never had a luxurious lifestyle and I can't wait to pamper her as much as I can! She is my best friend and I want this to be all it can be for her. I just want to share Disney World with her so much, she is going to have a great time. She is a happy person who is full of life. I want to give her tshirts and lanyards and have a whole big basket of stuff for her! Are there mother daughter disney characters I can use? I want to buy her a funny Disney Hat when down there...she thinks they are halarious. She was a single Mom raising me and gave me all that she could...I just REALLY want to do this for her!!!!! She deserves it!

 

[bellebud]

boy, your post really made me smile! I just love how you described your relationship w/ your mom... you're both lucky to have each other!

why are you paying for limo's if you're staying at the Contemp? Disney's magic express is kind of fun - I'd do that if I were you.

For your sister, there are so many girl's things now that are tom-boyish - pirates, skulls, etc. Clothes and accessories. You should have no problem finding things for her.

I shop the clearance section of Disney online... you have lots of time between now and the trip, so you should be able to put together goodie bags for everyone from there - there are always really good deals. check the site weekly.

have fun planning!

 

[Honeystar120608]

boy, your post really made me smile! I just love how you described your relationship w/ your mom... you're both lucky to have each other!

why are you paying for limo's if you're staying at the Contemp? Disney's magic express is kind of fun - I'd do that if I were you.

For your sister, there are so many girl's things now that are tom-boyish - pirates, skulls, etc. Clothes and accessories. You should have no problem finding things for her.

I shop the clearance section of Disney online... you have lots of time between now and the trip, so you should be able to put together goodie bags for everyone from there - there are always really good deals. check the site weekly.

have fun planning!

I would love to shop on Disney online, but the shipping to Canada is insane!! But we might be going to NH this summer for a few days, so I might try to buy stuff around then and have them delivered there perhaps.

The limo, well that is just for my Mom. To make her 'dreams come true'. I know the DME is great, we didnt have any problems with it, and we will more than likely never use a limo service down there again. But just for a luxury vacation she deserves...again, split into 2 families, cost isn't too bad and got a highly recommended company from allears...or one of the websites. They will stop at walmart for us as well so we can scoot in for a few odds and ends (beer! lol) at no extra charge. But again, it's just for fun. Because saving this far in advanced we can. kwim?
Thanks, Im very lucky to have her. and I can't wait to get her out of this area and on a REAL vacation. She's never left the atlantic provinces here in Canada. Well, they've driven to Quebec and to NH. my bad. But nothing beats DIsney World at Christmas time!!!!! They were the only thing missing on our last trip, and as childish as it sounds, I did get home sick. mom had a phn bill of over $150 because she'd call so often to check in. lol