Making trip extra special for Nana...ideas?

[molly2004]

Hi, there! My MIL said she'd come with us with next. FIL is not (which I feel horrible about, but it's not his cup of tea). Anyway, I'm thrilled that she will share in our kids first conscious experience of Disney (we went when they were 11 months, they didn't remember much).

Although MIL is very energetic, I would like to be sure we don't focus 100% on the little monkeys (and me ). Oh, and there's DH too. I"m not too concerned about him because our wedding vows said he'd have to do whatever I say and like it! She's also done so much for us that I want to make this trip extra special for her. Any thoughts?

Thank you!!!

 

[HeatherC]

We've been on trips with my mother and my mil - both together and at separate times and had wonderful times.

I know that they enjoyed the "scenery" and really didn't care if they rode a specific ride. They loved just stopping to look at things...which is good because I can tend to race through the day. THey both loved the parades and getting an ice cream and just people watching.

We also enjoyed more shows than we may have otherwise because they also liked to sit down for a few minutes here and there. And I have to say that made for a very relaxing time and we enjoyed every show we saw...even those we didn't think we wanted to see.

They also both loved the character meals. We did Crystal Palace with each of them on different trips and they loved it. We chose lunch to give everyone a midday break since we never go back to the hotel. They raved about the selection, the friendliness of the servers and the characters themselves.

I think you will have a wonderful time. My advice would be not to try to "overschedule" your day. Make your plans, but allow for flexibility. If you feel like crashing one day...do it and enjoy it.

Have an awesome trip!
HeatherC

 

[1Prince2Princesses]

Great advice from HeatherC. My in-laws love the shows and parades. Animal Kingdom is also a great place to wander around and look at things. Maybe, so she doesn't feel singled out, you can ask everyone each day what they would do if they had an hour all to themselves in each park. Then do it! My family does this before we hit one of the parks, then we plan our day around whatever each person really wants to do.

I'm sure your MIL will be thrilled just to be a part of your vacation. Designate her the "Memory Mama" and give her a camera and a small notebook to keep track of things you won't want to forget. We did this with my husband's grandmother last time she visited, and she took pictures of things we usually rush right past.

Have a great vacation!

 

[Nancyg56]

I'm a Nana, and one thing I can think of is to find out if she would enjoy some alone time with the kids. I know that we took my DGD to Ohana without my DD and DSIL and we had a ball. The dynamics change when Mom and Dad are not along so perhaps she might agree to take the kids to dinner or a dinner show while you and DH enjoy a meal alone. THis time I am taking my DHD to the Princess tea at the GF as a special treat for just us, but if this is not appropriate for your children there may be some special event they can have all to themselves.

 

[Cee]

......a Spa treatment? The Spa at Saratoga Springs is AWESOME. There is
also a nice one at GF. It's a bit pricey, but if she just had a manicure or a
pedicure(OH! my aching feet!), it wouldn't cost too much. I've only been to
the Spa at Saratoga Springs but it's soooooo relaxing. Why don't you join her?

 

[skuttle]

My mom came with us last December for DS's first trip. You said this is your MIL, and I don't know how close you two are, so this may not be your cup of tea, but my mom enjoyed it. I planned a special night for just the two of us. We had dinner in Epcot and then did Candlelight Processional and Illuminations, just me and my mom. She LOVED it!

She didn't ask for much and complained about nothing. She was so thankful that we had brought her, she just went with the flow for everything! She enjoyed buying things for DS. LOL! When we would tell DS no, Meme was right there behind us buying it. It was vacation and made my mom so happy that we let it slide.

 

[Nancyg56]

My mom came with us last December for DS's first trip. You said this is your MIL, and I don't know how close you two are, so this may not be your cup of tea, but my mom enjoyed it. I planned a special night for just the two of us. We had dinner in Epcot and then did Candlelight Processional and Illuminations, just me and my mom. She LOVED it!

You know I never thought of that. I would love a special event with my DDIL. I was looking at the time with the grandchildren, but I know that tea at the Gf or a nice dinner with Erica would be a highlight for me.

If you are looking at a SPA treatment, I think she may enjoy it with you. My DDIL asked me if we were going to make time for some pampering together. Your MIL may like the special time relaxing and having your company to herself.

 

[karibritt01]

You might want to consider one of the dinner shows. Hoop Dee Doo was excellent. Singing and slapstick for the kids, adult humor. You could think about using a babysitter for your kids, and having an adult dinner one night. Another thing would be a carriage ride or the boat rided from POFQ to DTD.

 

[KristinU]

I think it depends on whether or not she spends time with your kids regularly. My parents are in FL, and we're in CT so we don't get to see them terribly often. We met up for a trip this fall and like Nancyg56 suggested, my parents took DS to the 1900 Park Fair breakfast and had a blast. Otherwise, my mom was happy just hogging...I mean pushing, DS's stroller.

If you're nearby and visit often at home, then I'd say a nice "girls night" with just you and your MIL is a great idea. Or what about a tour? We sent my parents on the Segway tour one year as a Christmas gift (and they reciprocated for our birthdays for our next visit!) There are several different tours that suit a variety of interests - that might be fun.