I am in need of some advice from the Dis experts

[lostmypooh]

My 75 yr old mother and I spent 8 glorious days at the Grand Floridian this past August. To say our little get-a-way was magical, is an understatement. We had an incredible time. Because mom was funding the trip, I wanted to make sure that she knew right from the start how much I love her and appreciate the trip more than I can ever put in words. What I did was have a really cute Minnie tote delivered to the room with monogrammed Mickey ears, a balloon, and some snacks. I also had a Minnie flower arrangement made for her. She LOVED IT! She thought those were the only surprises and gifts she was getting and was overwhelmed by them. She had one more coming and I delivered that to her at CRT the evening we dined there. I bought her the Princess Package with the tiara, cake, and balloon. She cried as she adjusted the tiara on her head and felt beautiful. She gave her balloon to a little girl that was dining next to us and told her that Cinderella put it our table by mistake and that it was for her to take home. Awwwww......I love my mommy!!!!

We booked the bounceback offer, and now I am trying to figure out ways to surprise her for next August when we return. HELP! I think I hit all the great stuff in one trip....LOL! Do any of you have some ideas that I could pull off that would be equal to what I did this trip? I want to knock her socks off again!

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions!

 

[EvilQueenLiz]

You two are the greatest and now I want to vacation with you both!

How about one of the many tours that Disney offers? The Wishes Dessert Party would be great. When I surprised my family and friends with it they were thrilled! They also have Illuminations cruises.

Is she daring? Characters in flight is a tethered hot air balloon in DTD. The Richard Petty Experience would let her ride in a race car along with a driver.

Whatever you choose I think it'll be wonderful!

 

[lostmypooh]

Liz,

You can vacation with us any time! She's really not too daring. Chicken is the word I think best describes my mom. We've done the tours in the past, so I don't think she's up for it again. She is a NASCAR fan, so the Richard Petty Experience might be something to check out. The hot air balloon would have her passing out...LOL she has a worse fear of heights than I do. I was thinking I could have a cake made and delivered to the room. She LOVED the Cinderella cake. I'd find her eating it late at night in the room. Thanks for your input!!!! Now I can start checking out the RPE!!!

 

[EvilQueenLiz]

I'm with her completely. Every time someone mentions the hot air balloon my knees get a little weak!

 

[LuvGoofy6]

Aww, I loved your post. My daughter and I are close and I hope we have trips like that when I am your mom's age.

I was thinking the dessert party as well. You mentioned the tours so I guess the VIP tours wouldn't be something she would want to do again if she has. How about a fireworks cruise or the celebration and dining cruise? You get a cruise where they have balloons, a banner and private dining. Maybe the celebration cruise can celebrate something for your mom~is her birthday near the date you are going? I think you can also have a professional photo shoot and I believe the Grand Floridian is one of the resorts were the sessions are held.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Liz,

You can vacation with us any time! She's really not too daring. Chicken is the word I think best describes my mom. We've done the tours in the past, so I don't think she's up for it again. She is a NASCAR fan, so the Richard Petty Experience might be something to check out. The hot air balloon would have her passing out...LOL she has a worse fear of heights than I do. I was thinking I could have a cake made and delivered to the room. She LOVED the Cinderella cake. I'd find her eating it late at night in the room. Thanks for your input!!!! Now I can start checking out the RPE!!!

The thing to keep in mind with the Richard Petty driving experience is that she has to be able to climb into the car via the window. The doors on the car do not open.


What about taking a floral arrangement class.


The Floral Experience: Create your own Disney themed floral arrangement to take home with you. The arrangements will vary by season. The Floral Experience is offered at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort. Call 407-827-3505 to book.

 

[lostmypooh]

Shelly,

Thank you as well! The Floral class is a terriffic idea and something she would really love! I forgot about having to climb in the car through the window (says the woman who watches NASCAR...LOL) I might have to think about that one a little longer. I think she could do it, but it would be a slow process

I think a fireworks cruise would be something she loves as well. She isn't much into having her picture taken, but that is a great idea to have in my mind to think on.

I will for sure check out the floral idea!

Thanks ladies!!!

 

[sunflowerfields]

This is a really small idea, but I love the pick a pearl. I did it with my daughter and granddaughter.

 

[Alesia]

I recommend getting tickets for La Nouba. Definitely don't get front and center or category 1 tickets, though. She'll spend most of the evening looking up. I think Category 2 seats would be perfect.

 

[FoxyGranny]

You are an amazing daughter. Just had to give you a shout out.

The greatest gift/surprise you can give your Mother is the priceless memories you both share at Disney.

 

[lostmypooh]

Thank you Foxy Granny. She's the best mom I could have asked for, and I love doing special things for her.

 

[lphillip459]

I would also recommend the wishes cruise. I took my Mom and daughter to dinner in the Grand Floridian and then we hopped our own pontoon boat to watch the fireworks. Snacks and beverages were provided. The driver took us back to our hotel (Wilderness Lodge) after the show was over! It was a big highlight of our trip. If it's her birthday, they will decorate the boat and play Disney's "Happy B-Day" Song for you and all the other boats in the lake!

 

[Rose23]

You are an amazing daughter. Just had to give you a shout out.

The greatest gift/surprise you can give your Mother is the priceless memories you both share at Disney. ��

AMEN! What a great daughter you are.

 

[Sara1Babe]

What about ordering a small cake to be delivered at one of your meals?

Or a spa day.

 

[mommy23munchkins]

I don't have much to add but am so touched by your relationship with your mom. What a special bond the two of you share! Hoping the two of you have the most wonderful vacation!

 

[HeidiGW]

First of all, would you like a 43-year old sister? (Well, 44 as my birthday is in about an hour.)

I think doing one of the fireworks cruises would be wonderful...you might like the "pirates and pals" where you meet Peter Pan afterwards.

They also have where they will come in and decorate your room...it is pricey, but your mom might get a kick out of it. The Disney Florist has it and there are a couple of independent outfits, too.

Now, I don't know if your mother is this "adventurous," but you both could get mermaid makeovers at the pirate league in MK. Or pirate wenches!

Also, maybe you could get a nice piece of Disney jewelry and have it engraved with your names and date. Or a Mickey-head locket...

At, the Christmas store they have Mickey-head ornaments that will personalize...you could have a box done up for her and delivered...

 

[Mainst]

I think quality time is the most precious. How about something simple like down time at Afternoon Tea at GF. During tea, you could share some special stories about your childhood and let mom know exactly how you feel with words rather than gifts.

 

[lostmypooh]

Thank you all so much for your lovely advice! I am open to having a little sister Heidi! I'm 47, so I think we'll get along great...LOL! I haven't made a decision yet, but all the suggestions have opened up so many possibilities! I know, thanks to all of you, that I will make a great choice and suprise her yet again!

It's hard knowing I still have 326 days before we go again, but every minute will be spent thinking of ways to make this another magical vacation for mom

 

[ZoZo]

Two things that come to mind are high tea at the Grand Floridian, and also having a nice spa day at one of the deluxe resorts. Those are two really "girly" things I'd love to do with my mom!

Maybe you can both get "Micky toes" during your pedicures!

 

[Alesia]

Two things that come to mind are high tea at the Grand Floridian, and also having a nice spa day at one of the deluxe resorts. Those are two really "girly" things I'd love to do with my mom!

Maybe you can both get "Micky toes" during your pedicures!

It may seem nit-picky, but just to clarify: The grand Floridian does not offer high tea. They do offer afternoon tea. They are very different. Afternoon tea is a higher class social event. High tea is a low class supper.

I think people get confused because high tea sounds like it would be more upper-crust.

But I have to agree, tea and a spa day would be lovely.