Help me plan something special

[kilee]

Here's the scenario. We are taking a trip to WDW this Janaury. We've been an average of twice a yr for the last few years. Anyhow, my son's 13th bday falls the day before we arrive. I asked him if there was 1 meal, or something special he'd like to do to celebrate. Since I know we'll be busy w/ last minute things, and won't celebrate that day.
Also, added in the mix my parents are coming with us. They went on their first real trip to WDW in 2003 w/ us. (They went once before that in 1975 to MK). On that trip we also had 7 other family members who were taking their first trips too.
Anyhow, my parents are not in love w/ Disney by any means. They like it, but I think they really think it's just another theme park. Actually DH and DS feel almost the same. They are going because they like to vacation w/ other people, and well this is a chance for them to do that. We've done many trips w/ them and we no each others boundaries and limits.
Anyhow, I'd like to plan something for our arrival night that would be special for my parents and my son. We won't be going to a park on our arrival day. We're also going to be flying from Buffalo NY--NYC-- Orlando in the middle of winter. So, I don't want something I'll lose a lot of money on if we are delayed a day because of snow.
Thank you.

 

[skiptomypooh]

Hi Kilee,

I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer a moderator's question, so this is mostly a bump, but I had a couple questions and some small suggestions: what is your sons favorite part of WDW? Obviously, that would be important. Are you bringing other children? Are they younger or older? Since he will now officially be a teenager, it would be fun to do something more 'grown up' if it fits with everyone. Here are a couple ideas to get started.

1. How about dinner at one of the nicer restaurants, like california grill, with a view of the fireworks. If he likes the monorail, you could follow it up with a ride around and try to get up front. Be sure to get his picture!
2. Order a cake wherever you go. We have called the restaurant on several occasions and ordered a small cake for dessert. If your son has a favorite, ask for it. They usually have two or three choices, but my husband is a big carrot cake fan and I hate to fuss a lot and make it. That's what he always wants so that's what I've had made for him a few times. The chefs have been very accomodating. It was about $30.
3. If you don't think it will embarass him too much (or maybe if you think it will), bring along some party hats, confetti, streamers and maybe a centerpiece. Send one of the grandparents ahead to drop it off at the restaurant and ask the staff to put it out on the table, or call ahead and see if you can mail it. They might even be able to get you some balloons or have one of the delivery services drop them off at the desk and bring them along to the restaurant.

I'm sure the others will think of many great ideas. Happy Birthday to your son!
-Skip

 

[miste76]

Over the last couple of years on the DIS boards I have heard a lot of great things about Gifts of a Lifetime. I've never used their services for a Pixie Event or scavenger hunt... but it sounds like a lot of fun. You can find their website at www.giftsofalifetime.com
maybe plan it for the 2nd or 3rd day there... so you don't have to worry about the snow delay.