Help w/inexpensive ideas for my friend to have a nice trip.

[Mom21]

My friend is going to a homeschool conference in Orlando and working a few days. Her husband will drive down and meet her with the rest of the family. They can only afford one day at MK. I'm looking to send her some brochures I picked up last week, but wanted to include a few other items for the kids and ideas for inexpensive things to do. She is so sweet and does a lot of foster parenting and takes in children. I want her to have a good time for her first and likely only trip.

Cast of Characters:
Dad-wants relaxation
Mom-wants family time
DD and SIL
Girl--15
Boy-12
Boy--15 months
Girl--12 months

I would like to get the 2 younger ones a stuffed animal. Where is the best place to buy for inexpensive? Also if anyone is going in next week would you mind picking up 8 first time buttons for me. I would send you the postage to get them to me. I know littles are too young but they could keep them as a memento. I went last week, but forgot to pick them up like I meant to. What else could I do to make it a good time for all? They are so excited, and she is so sweet and they deserve this.

 

[disneysmiles]

maybe take a day resort hopping! Animal Kingdom lodge is really cool and free to go wander around. If you ask for a list of activities from the concierge they have a bunch of things for kids of all ages. From playing on drum, to people talking about the different animals on the savannah, to free crafts, or even a tour of the resort. Most of the activities are free. And really cool. The even have night vision goggles to look at the animals. That could kill a day and then spend the next day in the park.

I made a blog about our trip and how much we sepnt on various activities. Here's our post on our adventures at AKL.

http://www.ourcheapdisneyvacation.com/2010/06/why-staying-at-deluxe-disney-resort.html

 

[koolaidmoms]

Sometimes Disney.com has some great sales on stuffed animals in clearance. I have gotten regular 12" or 15" ones for $3-$7.

How about having Mickey or Minnie send them a postcard from Disney (fairy godmailers) telling them how excited they will be to see them?

For the older kids maybe Disney pencils or pens from Target? They have tons of Disney stuff at ours for $1 a package. Stickers or ideas to make their own autograph books/photo albums?

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[a1tinkfans]

My friend is going to a homeschool conference in Orlando and working a few days. Her husband will drive down and meet her with the rest of the family. They can only afford one day at MK. I'm looking to send her some brochures I picked up last week, but wanted to include a few other items for the kids and ideas for inexpensive things to do. She is so sweet and does a lot of foster parenting and takes in children. I want her to have a good time for her first and likely only trip.

Cast of Characters:
Dad-wants relaxation
Mom-wants family time
DD and SIL
Girl--15
Boy-12
Boy--15 months
Girl--12 months

I would like to get the 2 younger ones a stuffed animal. Where is the best place to buy for inexpensive? Also if anyone is going in next week would you mind picking up 8 first time buttons for me. I would send you the postage to get them to me. I know littles are too young but they could keep them as a memento. I went last week, but forgot to pick them up like I meant to. What else could I do to make it a good time for all? They are so excited, and she is so sweet and they deserve this.

Dollar stores have plenty of options. Perhaps in stead of stuffed animals you could get them an autograph book, or small inexpensive photo album to take pix of and gets "scraps" momento's for their day.
Hope they have a wonderful time making memories

 

[Daisy'sMama]

First,suggest the mom check if there are any YES classes available during their trip. YES tickets are ALOT cheaper than regular price, and the teens would probably enjoy one of the classes.

Go to the DISigns board and ask one of the DISigners to create a t-shirt, pick up cheap t-shirts (walgreens had them for $1 each last week) and make the family matching t-shirts.

Also on the DISigns board, there are ideas to make custom autograph books - very inexpensive. You can also make custom Epcot Passports, but they may not suit those age groups.

Most importantly IMO is to offer to help your friend plan their time to. To me, knowing where you are going and what to expect relieves a lot of stress and makes the time more enjoyable. Make them a list of tips, character locations, how-to-use fastpasses, etc. I know they will appreciate you thoughtfulness and love.

 

[Mom21]

Great ideas. Keep them coming. I've made a list and also will start looking for things where you suggested. Does anyone know where I find out what YES classes may be going on? Homeschooling family so would be perfect for them. Thanks again.

 

[vitfamily]

Does anyone know where I find out what YES classes may be going on? Homeschooling family so would be perfect for them. Thanks again.

http://www.disneyyouth.com/individual-enrollment/

 

[MEM]

maybe take a day resort hopping! Animal Kingdom lodge is really cool and free to go wander around. If you ask for a list of activities from the concierge they have a bunch of things for kids of all ages. From playing on drum, to people talking about the different animals on the savannah, to free crafts, or even a tour of the resort. Most of the activities are free. And really cool. The even have night vision goggles to look at the animals. That could kill a day and then spend the next day in the park.

I made a blog about our trip and how much we sepnt on various activities. Here's our post on our adventures at AKL.

http://www.ourcheapdisneyvacation.com/2010/06/why-staying-at-deluxe-disney-resort.html

Great blog! We own at AKV and can see why you loved staying at Kidani Village...it is huge though and at the end of a long day at the parks, the hallways seem to go on forever and ever....