Lisa Hale
Stay at Home, Homeschooling, Mouse-Loving Mom
- Joined
- May 20, 2005
- Messages
- 318
Something we've done for years (since our son was about 3) that has made our trips very special and personal for our kids has been to make sure they get daily letters while in WDW. Before we go down there, I write one letter per day for each of the kids from a Disney "friend". I have used Disney printer paper, plain paper with stickers and sometimes I've used cut and paste pictures.
They are very simple and are only for our kids - not selling or writing them for anyone else (don't want to upset the merchandising/legal powers that be in WDW,
). The first day is a welcome letter from ... who else.... Mickey & Minnie. Then, each day a different "character/friend" suggests things to do and even tells the kids about special events (like the princess breakfast or character ADR's, etc. that we have planned). They talk about getting autographs, pictures, etc, and about how fun some of the kids favorite rides are. The last day, they open one saying goodbye, have a safe trip home, look forward to seeing them next year, etc.
I found out when we moved recently that our son (13 years old) still has every single letter he ever got and keeps them in a box in his closet. I told him I was surprised he still had them, and he said he wanted to show them to his kids some day and do the same for them. Talk about a special moment for mom!
The letters don't have to be fancy, ours sure weren't the first few years! I literally hand wrote them the first year and attached stickers. Then, I started using the computer and cut & paste, different sized/colored fonts, special paper, etc. It's taken on a life of it's own. Our just turned 4 year old looked at the letters she got last year and said she hoped M & M still remembered her and would send her letters again.
Kind of sappy, I know...but it's made for some very special memories!
Just wanted to share something that can make a very personal memory for your kids.
They are very simple and are only for our kids - not selling or writing them for anyone else (don't want to upset the merchandising/legal powers that be in WDW,
). The first day is a welcome letter from ... who else.... Mickey & Minnie. Then, each day a different "character/friend" suggests things to do and even tells the kids about special events (like the princess breakfast or character ADR's, etc. that we have planned). They talk about getting autographs, pictures, etc, and about how fun some of the kids favorite rides are. The last day, they open one saying goodbye, have a safe trip home, look forward to seeing them next year, etc.I found out when we moved recently that our son (13 years old) still has every single letter he ever got and keeps them in a box in his closet. I told him I was surprised he still had them, and he said he wanted to show them to his kids some day and do the same for them. Talk about a special moment for mom!
The letters don't have to be fancy, ours sure weren't the first few years! I literally hand wrote them the first year and attached stickers. Then, I started using the computer and cut & paste, different sized/colored fonts, special paper, etc. It's taken on a life of it's own. Our just turned 4 year old looked at the letters she got last year and said she hoped M & M still remembered her and would send her letters again.
Kind of sappy, I know...but it's made for some very special memories!
Just wanted to share something that can make a very personal memory for your kids.
I got teary-eyed reading how your 13 yo son has saved all of his letters in a box in his closet! Now that's magical! 
It's moments like this that make being a parent worth every moment, huh?! 
His are different, not so sweetsy! But, I throw in things for him about maybe riding sea racers with his dad, or hitting an arcade, extra money that I sent to his parents (disney dollars as a surprise), etc. The best part of the letters is that they can be as personal as you want them to be.
Sorry I couldnt help it.
I just haven't been creative lately. It sucks, it is such a good idea. Hopefully I can get something out before we go. I was thinking about adding a disney gift card for some spending money for him, since he does not have a lot, and refuses to let me pay for his extra stuff, this way he won't feel like he is spending my money. But I am wondering, if I get the gift cards in disneyshopping.com, will they work at the parks?
in the hall ... When we when to wait for the bus to go to Magic Kindom she stopped to talk to the conciege and asked if he knew tigger: was in the hall making all kinds of noise and left an invitation for her.. (I was afraid that he would blow my cover).... But all is magical in Disney.... he proceeded to explained that there are special guest and only they get special invations.... 
... 
