Grandparent surprise/Poly

[bertoldo1269]

Not sure where it would be best to post this but I need some of your great ideas!!

Long story short - we found out this week that my Dad has incurable cancer and has a limited number of years to live. That being said, we have talked them into coming during part of our trip and they will be staying at the Poly with us. Our kiddos adore their grandpa and have no idea he will be coming.....they are going to be ecstatic when they show up! We will already be at the Poly before they arrive and would like to come up with a special way to surprise the kids when they show up. Anyone have any good ideas other than them just showing up?

 

[1mama2three]

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, and I think it is great that you're planning this surprise for your family. I'm sure you'll make some great memories!

I am no Poly expert, but here are some ideas that came to mind:
*You could arrange to have a meal somewhere (get ADRs)...my favorite is O'hana, but the Luau would be neat too. Then you could talk the to people checking you in and see if they could have grandma and grandpa seated when they took the rest of you to your table.
*Take the kids for a walk on the beach, and have grandma and grandpa sitting on the furthest one down the beach...see how long it takes the kids to notice.
*If there is still the "wishing" area in the lobby where we used to throw pennies in as kids, you could have them close their eyes, make a wish and throw their penny in, and then have grandma and grandpa waiting somewhere near. Although this might be tricky because you'd have to kind of steer your kids' wish so that it would include grandma/grandpa.

Those are some of the ideas that came to mind. Good luck with your planning!

 

[bertoldo1269]

Thank you for the ideas!!

 

[Mewissy]

What time will they be arriving? It would neat to have them arrive on the beach during Wishes.

 

[Sandi]

Not exactly the same, but one year my dad was sitting in the lobby of our resort when we arrived to check in. The surprised look on my DD's face was priceless. She ran up to him for a giant hug. The were both in heaven. Sometimes the simplest plan is the best.

 

[Marsheliz]

First off, I'm so sorry about your dad and I know what you are going through.... My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer last January... This past September- we took her with us to Disney.... She died 3 weeks ago on the 10th... I have the most precious pictures of her with my children and I have never regretted that trip... hugs!!!!
Anyways- I think just something simple will do. My dad was sitting on a bench at PoFQ and my oldest was so happy to see him!

 

[bertoldo1269]

First off, I'm so sorry about your dad and I know what you are going through.... My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer last January... This past September- we took her with us to Disney.... She died 3 weeks ago on the 10th... I have the most precious pictures of her with my children and I have never regretted that trip... hugs!!!!
Anyways- I think just something simple will do. My dad was sitting on a bench at PoFQ and my oldest was so happy to see him!

Sorry to hear about your father!

It's amazing how fast life can change. My dad is only 55 and none of us saw this coming. This Disney trip is going to be more magical than ever!

 

[Marsheliz]

It as actually my mom who had the cancer, not dad.. LOL

Daddy just came down and met us there to help with kids and pushing my mom around.. You will never regret doing this and I cant wait to hear about it. Just enjoy what time you have... That is the only comfort I have, I know we made lots of memories and they make me smile when I think about them.

 

[bertoldo1269]

It as actually my mom who had the cancer, not dad.. LOL

Daddy just came down and met us there to help with kids and pushing my mom around.. You will never regret doing this and I cant wait to hear about it. Just enjoy what time you have... That is the only comfort I have, I know we made lots of memories and they make me smile when I think about them.

I apologize!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the great advice