Planning big surprise keeping me up at night!

[MinnesotaChill]

I need help!

I am losing sleep over this!

My dh and our family and I are treating my cousin and her family to a GV at SSR in Jan. Also joining us are MY parents. MY parents are just like HER (my cousin's) parents because they live next to each other and my parents love my cousin's kids.

My aunt and uncle, who have eight children and a bizillion grandkids, have never been able to spend time traveling with each set. They have decided to join us at SSR in their own 1bdr as a surprise for my cousin. I have to tell you, that this will be a surprise like none other, she is going to be blown away.

My problem is, my little family will be staying at POR Sat night so that we can get to SSR early, early to try to get the first GV available. Everyone will already be in Orlando at various hotels so that we can all try to meet at SSR around 3. There will be 13 of us and we are a Grand Gathering to keep the rooms together.

I'd love to have my aunt and uncle sitting on the balcony of the GV waiting for us when we bring my cousin's family in, but we don't even know if the rooms will be ready. I'd hate to spend the whole day trying to hide everyone and not get to enjoy the day. My aunt and uncle really want this to be a dramatic surprise. Additionally, Sun morn will be the day we have to get to the store to stock up on food, return the car, entertain 5 kids (ages 4-9) AND we have Chef Mickey and Wishes fireworks ressies for that night, so I hate to distract my cousin and her kids with the pool in case we can't get into our rooms to get ready before our 5pm dinner. Deep breath here. I am getting crazy just thinking about it.

Since our little family arrives on Fri, I am worried I will stress about this the two whole days before it happens. I'd love to just let the chips fall where they may, but the stakes are kind of high, as my aunt and uncle never, ever do this kind of thing (go out of their way to surprise anyone) and they are sure they aren't REALLY going to like Disney anyway (the kind of people who like to be a bit grumpy, but are teddy bears at heart), think they've seen and done it all... you know the type. I really want to wow them. They will be at the huge Mariott near by and I'm not even sure what time I should tell them to arrive (knowing they will have to be out of their hotel early). Do I have my parents, who know about the surprise pick them up and take them somewhere for the day (not ideal, because they will have suitcases and will want to get to Disney, that is why there are there)?

Since we've never stayed at SSR, I'm having a hard time visualizing how this will all go down. And since I'm super planner, this is driving me nuts. I'm guessing it is big enough for everyone to enjoy themselves without being seen, maybe I am just stressing about this because everything else is planned and I'm getting excited.... I must have SOMETHING to plan !

HELP ME! ANY IDEAS?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Just remember, check in time at DVC is officially after 4PM. So if you arrive at 3PM, your villa just might not be ready yet. It could be ready as soon as you check in during the morning hours, but it might be after 4.

How about meeting Aunt and Uncle at the pool or in the lobby. They could be sitting on the big round couch by the carousel and could surprise the family when they walk in. Or one of the couches between the check in area and Artists Palette.

 

[mello]

Wow, what a fun surprise!

I've got a couple things to throw out here that might help you:

1. DTD is so close to SSR that it might be a good place to keep people entertained while waiting for your room. A little pre-taste of Disney. Perhaps your mom and dad could take Aunt and Uncle there until you call them (do they have a cellphone?) and let them know the room is ready. Then they could ride the boat or bus or walk over? (They could leave their luggage with bell services if they have to take their rental car back or whatever). Or is going into one of the parks an option? Epcot might be fun for a bunch of adults alone, and close enough.

2. When you're coming and going from SSR you're welcome to use the spa facilities there to change when using the pool. They have nice showers, dressing rooms, etc. So if you didn't get into your room, you could still change and be ready for dinner.

3. If you arrive early and explain the situation to the check-in CMs in a really nice way, I bet they'd try their best to help you with it. But just remember how many people with special requests they try to accommodate every day, so it still might not come out as planned. So maybe ease your mind with having several plans - A, B, and C, to cover different circumstances. Try to stay in touch with everyone that day by phone or walkie talkie and adjust as need be.

4. Deb & Bill are right, the lobby there is really nice - like a big living room, so you could pull off your surprise right there if need be. Might be kinda fun!

 

[lizanne]

I think it's a great idea to surprise them in the lobby.

You never really know what time you'll be able to get into the room and it could be aggrevating and frustrating trying to get the timing right.

You could arrive early, check-in and meet with your Aunt and Uncle and show them where to wait. Have your cousin's family arrive a little later, meet them then take them to the surprise. This way all of you can enjoy the whole day and you won't have to stress about what may or may not work out.

Sounds like you have a good heart and I'm sure all of you will enjoy this trip.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Or you could have Aunt and Uncle get something to eat at Artist's Palette and get them a table. Then bring in the rest of the family and get something to eat and search for a table. Surprise, lots of room at A&U table.