I'm so excited....but I need help!

[bkellar]

Ok everyone . ..I need some magical ideas.....I'm so excited I can hardly type!

I am 36, and , long story short , due to heart problems from childhood , I'll probably never have my own kids . ...so I volunteer a ton with kids .

One girl I volunteer with in particular is one I have become really close to--she's really special--she's 13, in a permanent foster placement, has had a tough time, etc (she's seriously one of the most amazing kids I've ever seen)...she had always wanted to be a cheerleader (she's 13), so I signed her up, paid costs, went to all of her practices and traveled to the meets--it was kind of our special thing....

So, long story short (sorry!), with each being SUCH a Disney freak , I've wanted to take her for years , and I happened to have a dr appointment in Tampa on November 29, so we got permission to do a quick 2 day magical trip.

So, fellow Dis-people , what are the best magical things I can do, pre-trip, and there (that are still not really expensive . ...because of my medical bills we're on a budget ).....any good free things I can ask to have happen to her? I just can't wait !

Here are the basic details . ...2 nights, at AS Sport , plus dining, and 1 park per day tickets (though if I can budget it, I'm trying to upgrade to hopper or day 2, and photo pass )

I thought I would use my cricut and make her a countdown card pile (1 for each until the day)....any thoughts on how to make that more magical ?

Basically , if you had 36 hours to make a little girl's dream come true, what would you do.....

 

[Melissakay1q]

Being a young girl with someone who loves you so much, gives you so much support and encouragement then is also taking you on a special getaway to the most magical place on Earth...there's not much more any girl could ask for.

I always liked making paper chains with a strip to tear off for each day to count down to things. Maybe you could make one together in Mickey colors while listening to Magical Mouse Radio or watching Disney vlogs on YouTube.

You could get some Disney planning books from Half Price Books or from the Library for her to read to get an idea of what she can expect.

There are lots of tutorials online for making your own ears or other Disney crafts. That might be fun!

Don't overthink it. It's going to be amazing!

 

[bkellar]

Awww....thanks! those are great ideas!

My biggest concern is that I usually plan for 6months, have ADR at day 180, etc....and we literally have 2 weeks! (when I was booking today I was like....Narcoosees? "nope" 1900 park? "nope" Chef Mickey? "nope" ......Tusker house ? "Nope, sorry, nothing available . ...)

I'm going to have to get creative n restaurant picks!

 

[Melissakay1q]

I went to MK for the first time as a 20 something adult. We had no clue about ADRs or anything else for that matter. We ate more Nathan's hot dogs on that trip than ever in our lives. It was the best trip of all time anyway!

It's going to be great.

 

[bkellar]

Thank you . ..I'm just nervous . ...she has had a tough year...she's a really brittle diabetic (type 1, if anyone has any tips for this too, I'm "all ears"...terrible pun, I'm sorry !), and she shattered her ankle 15 weeks ago . ...major, major surgery , then 2 weeks in the hospital because of lung trouble --and now they're saying her kidneys are having issues (though I think we can help those a lot with better eating )....so I want her to just "get away from it all ", you know?

 

[ElsasFan]

You are going to have a wonderful time! Since it will be a short trip and you are on a budget, I would consider dropping the dining plan (if it is not too late) and either do all counter service or just one table service meal. There is so much to see and do; I would rather be out seeing the parks than at a restaurant. If you do stay with the dining plan, though, I suggest focusing on whichever park you will be at, to maximize your park time.

My next suggestion may go against all reason: consider spending both days in the Magic Kingdom. There is SO much to see and do--much more than you could do in one day. I do love the other parks, but the MK is very special.

I hope you have a magical time!

 

[jtopp]

Even though it is late, once you are there, TRY calling Disney dining for a favorite table service meal. When they first answer, one of the first things they ask is if you are currently in the Orlando area. I have had a lot of luck with this, as it seems they either have cancellations or open reservation times for last minute customers. I have done this for same day seatings, and have never come away disappointed. They will work with you to get you seated somewhere. Good luck, and here's hoping you both have a safe and healthy trip.

 

[cassie58]

I would try plan to try to get one special TS meal-as PP mentioned, try even calling once your there, if nothing pops up before that(sometimes night before is good for cancellations and watch the Nov. cancellation thread on here), and then go with the flow. You could also try and get CS lunch at BOG which is cool to see inside. It is all going to be great for her, seeing things for the first time - so magical! Having all the Christmas decor up will be even better! I think things like pics in front of the castle and with favorite characters, seeing the castle light up at night with all the icicle lights, Wishes, the projection show - all amazing experiences you can enjoy with her for no extra cost. Hopefully you can set up FP for some rides, and go early to get a few more done with low waits. You can get her pixie dusted at the store by the castle(someone reported recently they are still doing this), grab a Mickey ice cream bar, try to pull the sword from the stone, etc. In addition to the park, you could ride the monorail through the Contemporary, and to Grand Floridian to see the giant gingerbread house(maybe you'll have your meal at one of them!).

Pre-trip you could get her a Disney shirt to wear on the trip - they have some at Walmart and Target that are inexpensive. You can also get some fun little things, like Disney pez dispenser(dollar store) for before or when traveling there. I also like to slip something into DD's luggage, like small stuffed animal of fave character(Itty Bitty or Tsum are $6 or 7, or cute small ones out for holidays at CVS type stores). Definitely find out her favorite characters to plan in where to go and meet them at the park.

 

[DopeyDame]

If you haven't already, you might want to post on the DISabilities board. They are an awesome group of friendly people, and they will be able to point you in the right direction to be prepared if she has any issues with her diabetes or anything else going on.

And as others have said, for restaurants, just keep trying! One of my friends got a pre-park opening for Cinderella's royal table the night before!

 

[ConnecticutFlea]

A FRIO bag will keep the insulin cold in the parks.

 

[lanejudy]

Thank you for taking such a loving interest in this girl! She's very special and so are you!

It sounds like 1 park day? Don't worry about hoppers. If you can swing a 2nd day, you can add that before leaving on the first day. But I wouldn't waste time trying to hop. Since this is her first trip, just focus on the fun things included and don't worry about any of the expensive extras. You can save more by dropping Memory Maker and just use your own camera -- CMs and other guests are always willing to take a pic for you.

Does she have a favorite character? If so, try for a character meal. If not, I'd skip TS (and dump the dining plan) and just do QS meals. She's diabetic which means she will need regular snack breaks -- bring some healthier snacks with you so you aren't stuck with the allure of ice cream every time. PP mentioned using a FRIO to keep her insulin appropriate temp; also make sure she brings at least DOUBLE the testing supplies she might normally use and have her test often. With the excitement, activity and heat she may go low much easier than usual. Be sure to have on hand whatever she uses for her quick-sugar -- that might be glucose tabs or gel or simply candies or juice boxes, etc.

Be sure to stop and take breaks. Since she'll need regular snacks that's a good time to find some shade and sit on the curb to people-watch.

If you are looking for free or low-cost extras outside the park -- swim and afternoon pool games at your resort, check the resort schedule for movie night, tour resorts, window shop at Disney Springs, visit AKL to see the animals, check out horse stables at Fort Wilderness, Chip & Dale's Campfire at FW.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[hsmamato2]

I also agree.... no need for park hoppers on such a quick trip.... if you end up at MK two days in a row,it's all good- try to hit parks at rope drop to get the rides in with less lines,I'd also dump the dining plan,too much time and money for such a short trip. There are so many yummy cs treats and foods (even healthy ones) to be gotten much cheaper. that way you can move along at your own pace,without worrying about times. sounds like you're going to have fun!

 

[bkellar]

Thank you all so much, I literally have goose bumps!

The main reason we went with the dining plan is that she is really uncomfortable when people spend a lot of money on her, to the point where I am afraid she wouldn't pick out whole meals--I thought this way she would be able to order and eat whatever was smart for her without looking at price tags?

The other reason we went with plus dining was that she said she has never "dressed up and had steak in a restaurant ", and she asked if we could.

Thanks Judy for the reminder on extra testing supplies....I would never have thought of that! Also ty for the reminder on glucose tabs...I have them literally in every car and bag at home, but I need to make sure some make it with us!

Thank you most of all for adding the little extras....pixie dust at the store, swimming at the resort, FW campfire smores--those are exactly what I am trying to put together! thank you thank you thank you to all of you!

Sorry to bug everyone , but a couple of last questions . ..she really wants to see water on this trip, and we have a rental car . ...if you were going to try to fit water in , would you go gulf side or ocean side? she said she doesn't even care if we miss 4 hours in a park for 5 minutes of ocean or gulf time, she just wants to see it (we are from North Dakota and as landlocked as it gets !) Should I try to discourage this or go with it ? a part of my crazy Disney scheduling brain was thinking, we'll if we got up at 5 am, she could sleep in the car, and we could drive to the Gulf and catch the beach at sunrise with some take-along breakfast . ....but is that too crazy?

Last question . ..she has never flown before , and is quite nervous about the flight . ...if she was an adult I would suggest a glass of Chardonnay

What do kids do? I have a relaxation CD that I like for stressful situations but she says it's boring.....


Thank you again to everyone for all of your ideas and comments . ..I am treasuring every word!!

 

[cassie58]

From your first post, it sounds like you are going to Tampa for a doctor's appt. Tampa is on the water(Tampa Bay), so you will already be there if that is the case! It is on the gulf side, and I am not sure about beaches, but Clearwater might be the closest to have some(within an hr.). I have only flown out of Tampa once from WDW so don't know the area, but DH and DS went for a soccer tournament last yr., and drove to eat a place nearby that was right on the water where boats docked. From Orlando you'd be closer to the ocean side, probably Cocoa Beach might be closest(also about an hour). Hopefully a Floridian will chime in to give you some ideas as well.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Don't give up on the dinning reservations. On occasion Disney will open up a few reservations as it gets closer to your travel date. So keep checking
But on the other hand since you will only be there 2 days I would ditch the dinning plan and do quick serve meals. It will save you money that you can then use for the park hopper tickets. Second the table service meals take more time which will eat into what little time ou have so if you don't do them you will have more time in the parks. Why spend precious time eating with so little time to visit WDW

 

[RLGNC]

Regarding flight anxiety, my 16 year old DS was quite nervous when we flew to WDW in August. He had only flown once before when he was 7, and I don't think his anxieties ran as high at that time. Our doctor did not recommend any kind of medication because of his age, and suggested that relaxation techniques would be the best way to go. Basically we just kept reassuring him, and he took deep breaths and closed his eyes to relax. I believe he also had some music on his phone that he may have been listening to (I think it could be anything that she likes, not necessarily relaxation oriented). Since this is her first time, it's likely just fear of the unknown, so hopefully she'll be fine once you're in the air. Maybe she'll even enjoy it?!? Have fun!

 

[cassie58]

My DD13 who was fine in the past, or apparently had some anxiety but didn't day much, was very nervous last Dec. when we flew down. She used her iPod(previous to getting her phone this spring) to help her. We actually paid to get the Wifi onboard so she could watch you tube videos, which she felt helped take her mind off of it. Also, remember to have gum or Twizzlers to chew for take off and landing!