How do you make your trip special?

[staceywj]

Oldest DD is 13 and this is probably her tenth time going and trying to think of something to do to make it special and memorable. I am hoping the magic never dies and want to do something unique. Any ideas?

 

[figmentedfollies]

My mom and I try and do something unique each time we go. It could be a new restaurant or a new ride. At age 13 your DD might enjoy the tea at the Garden View Room at the Grand Floridian. She might also like a mani-pedi at one of the spas as well.

 

[Haley R]

Our favorite thing to do is ride Thunder Mountain when the fireworks go off. We were in line when they started, but it was so much fun to be on the ride while they were still going off! Now we make it part of our trip every time

 

[DisneyMom93]

Ooh! How exciting! We love surprises! We usually do a surprise for our kids each trip.

In the past we've surprised them with extra days added to our vacation that they don't know about.

This year we are surprising them with the MVMCP on our last night. We plan to surprise them with the wristbands they give you when you stay for the party. Not sure how we will do it yet.

We will also surprise them with gifts in the room. My older daughter is getting an Alex and Ani bangle, and my younger is getting the Hollywood Tower of Terror doll Holly she's been wanting since it came out and is no longer available online. I bought it months ago and will pack it to bring with us.

One year we surprised them with the actual trip. They had no idea until it was time to leave. They just had to grab their special items they wanted to bring with them.

One year we surprised them with a weekend at Hard Rock Hotel and Universal Studios before we went to Disney.

One year we surprised all of us with Hurricane Sandy back home so we had to stay another five days at Disney World. Lol.

Our kids tend to appreciate both the big and little surprises just the same.

My older daughter is 13 now. That's a tougher age. She's more into clothes and jewelry now. She really likes "shopping" herself, as opposed to being surprised with stuff, so aside from the bracelet that I already got her I plan to let her pick out some silver charms for her silver charm bracelet. This will be the first time we will be letting them charge to their magic bands so that will be a nice surprise for them both.

I think the special dinner sounds like a nice idea too.

We are finding it harder and harder to surprise them. I think we enjoy it more than they do.

Sorry... I'm not sure I helped you, but it was fun reminiscing about it!

 

[staceywj]

Thanks everyone. We never did the spas so that could be an idea.

We were there right after Hurricane Sandy and really appreciates everything ESP since when we left we still not have power.

We did a surprise trip once.

Maybe a surprise pin from the MNSSHP for older DD who won't be coming because she has a race.

YDD may love having tea. Will check ir out.

Also, love the idea of being on the dollar coaster during FW.

 

[Oswin]

When I was 13, my mom took me to Victoria and Albert's for the first time. I felt so grown up and special getting to dress up and spend the evening there! I remember how excited I was, even if I didn't like all of the food. The experience was amazing. It's probably one of my favorite wdw memories with my mom, even 8 years later.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Tea at the grand.

 

[DisneyMom93]

I thought of another surprise we have planned this trip. We plan to go to Disney Springs one weekend while there and hopefully see the new Thor movie. Our girls can't wait to see it. They've never been to the movies at DW before. We know they will be thrilled.

Unfortunately our girls take after us, and although they may be thrilled about something you can never tell from their reactions. No shrieks or ecstatic jumping here. We are very emotionally composed people. LOL.

 

[DisneyMom93]

Oldest DD is 13 and this is probably her tenth time going and trying to think of something to do to make it special and memorable. I am hoping the magic never dies and want to do something unique. Any ideas?

Please let us know how yours works out!

 

[DisneyFive]

Some things that come to mind:

1) If you aren't doing so already, have her help set the park schedule and FP+ selections before your trip.
2) Find a couple of new table service locations to try
3) Pick-a-pearl in the Epcot Japan pavilion is a fun experience for a 13 year old if you haven't done so already.
4) Don't try to force the magic. Go into the trip with the right mindset. Happy, spontaneous, and ready to enjoy some family time together.

Dan

 

[staceywj]

Thank u everyone. We picked the pearl out last trip 2 years ago and they loved it!

Going to Aloha dinner tomorrow and just ordered a bday cake.

Still looking to try to get redoes for the tea.

Never thought of going to the movies.

Great ideas!

You are correct I have to sit back and let the magic happen.

 

[staceywj]

When I was 13, my mom took me to Victoria and Albert's for the first time. I felt so grown up and special getting to dress up and spend the evening there! I remember how excited I was, even if I didn't like all of the food. The experience was amazing. It's probably one of my favorite wdw memories with my mom, even 8 years later.

Awe! I hope I can create a lasting memory like that.

 

[mousehouse23]

I know these are pricey events, but if your daughter's into animals, there are a number of special experiences you might think about. Epcot has Aqua Tours and Dive Quest, and Animal Kingdom has Wild Africa Trek and (the much less expensive) Caring for Giants, which is elephant-centric.

I know my 14-year-old would love to do Dive Quest, but I'm not sure I'm willing to pay that much, considering I'd have to pay for myself to accompany her.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

An awesome diner perhaps at be our guest?

Character interactions photos - memories forever.

Also positive happy attitudes make the trip a lifelong memorable one!

 

[Oswin]

Awe! I hope I can create a lasting memory like that.

I guarantee that just by being there with her and having a good time, it will be amazing. My mom's health is declining now and I hold any memory I have with her at wdw in a special place in my heart. Each memory is exactly how I like to think of her, and I know that anything you decide to do for and with your daughter will be special to her as she gets older.