Help us celebrate our Parent's 50th Anniv at DW!

[Shastie]

Our parents will celebrate their 50th Wedding anniversary in November - they didn't want a party just a family trip with all of us. Guess what?? We chose Disney World! We thought it was kind of neat that Disney was celebrating their 50th Anniversary at the same time. We are SO excited for this trip as it is the first time for all of us! Does anyone know of anything that we could do at DW as a surprise for Mom and Dad for their 50th while we are at DW? Any other suggestions would also be great - there are 15 of us (8 adults and 7 children ranging from 3 - 19). We are going in November 2005.
Thanks!

 

[mom2cinderella]

Have you looked into the Grand Gatherings?

"Magical Fireworks Voyage" -- After bidding farewell to Captain Hook and Mr. Smee on shore, your group will sail with Patch the pirate along Seven Seas Lagoon by Magic Kingdom. This memorable evening includes ideal "seaward" viewing of the "Electrical Water Pageant" and the spectacular new "Wishes" fireworks extravaganza over Cinderella Castle. The voyage features group trivia and song activities and a celebration for special occasions like birthdays, reunions or anniversaries. The irrepressible Patch regales you with tales of Peter Pan on the trip back to shore. Speaking of Peter Pan, he awaits your return to pose for photos and sign autographs. Ages 10 and older, $29.99; ages 3-9, $14.99.

"Safari Celebration Dinner" -- You'll gather in the exotic African coastal city of Harambe at Disney's Animal Kingdom for high adventure on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Your group will journey through the park's authentic jungles and across the sweeping, baobab-studded savannah as you spot giraffes, elephants and other wild African creatures. The experience continues at Harambe's Tusker House Restaurant for an African-inspired dinner, Disney character appearances, "up-close" animal experiences and live entertainment. Ages 10 and older, $59.99; ages 3-9, $19.99.

"International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception" -- There's no need to jet around the globe to experience dining around the world. At Epcot, international culinary favorites are on the menu for adventurous groups looking for a storybook ending to their day. Children can join in the dinner's special storytelling experience, which is punctuated with a surprise character appearance. A special viewing area is reserved for the evening finale, the nighttime Epcot spectacular "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth." Ages 10 and older, $59.99; ages 3-9, $19.99.

"Good Morning Gatherings" -- Breakfast with famous Disney characters enters a whole new dimension with this new group gathering served up with plenty of morning merriment at Tony's Town Square Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. Your group will not only meet favorite characters but will participate in song-and-dance numbers. Mickey Mouse makes a one-on-one appearance with each guest for photo sessions. Ages 10 and older, $24.99; ages 3-9, $11.99.

Grand Gatherings groups must include eight paying guests -- ages 3 and above -- staying at a Walt Disney World hotel. And, of course, there is no additional charge for children under 3 years of age.

We thought it was kind of neat that Disney was celebrating their 50th Anniversary at the same time.

That is VERY cool!! Congratulations to them!!

Michele

 

[Poohbeck]

We just went this past November with my parents and sister and our spouses and kids; there was ten of us altogher.

To thank my parents for the trip, I contacted "Gifts of a Lifetime" to do a special thanks for them. (I don't have the website handy, but please let me know if you can't find it and I will locate it)

They are not affiliated with Disney, but, here is what they did (after some coordinating)...

While getting ready for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (all ten of us) a woman came up to my parents and read them a poem saying how much they were loved and gave them a special jar of hershey kisses...

Then she came up to them again later, read them a poem about "not taking the time to smell the flowers" and gave them flowers...

then, she came up to them later and gave them a special "timepiece" I picked out and read them the final poem.

They were very easy to work with and the coordinating worked out great! My parents were in tears and loved the experience. Let me know if you need any information.

Good Luck and have fun!

 

[dznyacct]

6 years ago, my parents joined me, DH and DS in WDW to celebrate their 50th anniversary. My parents created my love of WDW, so it seemed right to be there for their special celebration. One thing we did was surprise my dad with a dinner at Victoria and Albert's (me, DH, mom and dad). My parents are very simple people, but LOVE dining at V & A and feeling so special. It really was an event, not just dinner. My dad thought just he and my mom were going, so he was VERY surprised to see DH and me. It was very sweet. Another thing we did, was go to Hoop Dee Doo. If anyone has been there before, you know that they ask if there are any honeymooners or couples celebrating anniversaries. Well, my DH tipped off our waitress that it was my mom and dad's 50th. One of the women in the show (Dolly????) came down and asked my dad to dance. He turned about 10 shades of red, but did a few steps with her. My DS (who was 8 at the time) thought it was great. As a big splurge to themselves, they stayed at The Grand Floridian.