Making trip special for Mom and DH?

[cyneswith]

DH initially said Disney with small kids would be horrible - his idea was for the 6th birthday of each kid, the same sex parent takes them to WDW. I didn't want to wait 10-12 years between trips. I asked if he would like a week to himself - YES - and I asked my mom if she'd like to go to Disney World with me and the kids at 3.5 and 1 - yes. So I suggested that my mom and I take the kids, while DH gets a week to relax. DH seemed sad at not going with their first time, but doesn't have enough leave to do all the trips he'd want.

My mom's last trip to DisneyWorld was when I was going through intense medical and related work problems. She rarely takes vacation for her own ends - she spends her vacation time making sure her parents, her in-laws, my brother's family, my family, nieces, nephews, etc. are getting our needs met. I don't want this trip to be just another instance of her caring for everyone else.

TL, DR: I'm going to Disney with my (awesome) mom and kids while (awesome) DH stays home.

Any advice on A) making DH's time alone more special/showing that he's not forgotten while we're gone and B ) making sure the trip is fun for my mom beyond just spending time with her grandkids?

 

[Scambone]

When I went for the first time with my brother and my parents stayed home I sent them photos and a video from EPCOT which they loved. As long as your husband doesn't see it as rubbing it in his face that he's not there (which I'm sure he would) then that might be an fun idea to do. Also send a post card as soon as you get on to Disney property. Maybe leaving small gifts around the house to make his days 'magical' while you're aware. A favorite candy bar sitting in his coffee mug. maybe a small solo price gift card to take out so he doesn't have to make all his meals. On the trip find him something special to bring home to him to show that you thought of him. Maybe instead of getting something like a shirt or something do a themed gift of one of his characters. My friend sent me a Cinderella book with the characters signatures on a page of them in the book which I thought was neat and sweet of her to take the time.

As for your mom, has she expressed anything she's wanted to do in the past but havent had the chance? My mom personally wouldnt like it but yours might, maybe a spa day? I can't think of anything that wouldnt include grandkids besides that but I havent been in your position. Maybe make her a 'tinkerbell' basket and put some travel size things she likes and could use over the trip, add a t-shirt or something. Just some ideas

 

[texasroni75]

For DH, bring along a mobile device (phone or tablet) so you can Skype from the parks and hotel room. This will help let him know you are thinking of him, and he can see the real-time happiness on the kids' faces while you are there Text messages with pictures would be another option. Also, you could be sure to have the kids "help" pick a souvenir for him. For my DH, if I tried to plan anything above and beyond that while we were gone, he'd probably be annoyed that I was deciding how he should spend his "free time", so I don't really have any other opinions on that

For your mother - we always brought my mom with us on Disney trips. This was as a thank you for all that she did to help us throughout the year. We paid for her airfare, room, and food. She brought along $$ but we insisted she use it only for things for herself (souvenirs). Basically, we made a concentrated effort to keep it from being yet another "babysitting job" while at the parks. We made sure to get her input on what we would be doing and where we would be eating at the parks. We worked together to go at HER pace in the parks. Ask her if there is a particular resort she would want to stay at (within your budget of course). Offer to let her have a day in the parks without you and the kids - if she is comfortable exploring without you.

 

[MSSANDRA]

For DH, if he's not much of a cook, maybe leave him some pre-made meals r a few food gift cards. Encourage him to call some buddies and if he drinks, leave some extra beer in the frig. Ask him if he wants lots of picture or not.

For your mom....ask her if she is good with you making all the plans. If yes, plan everything out well so she has nothing to worry about. Do the DDP so it's all paid and maybe even plan her some alone time if she might enjoy that.

Sounds like a perfect plan for everyone!