Please help me make WDW trip fun for DD

[frannn]

DH and I have been to WDW about 5 times together, but only once with my older 2 DDs (they will be 15 and 11 this summer) about 4 years ago. Only our DD1 went with us last year. For this year, we are planning on taking DD11 and DD1(will be almost 2). I would like to make this trip special for DD11, but am not sure what I can do that will be specifically geared towards her. (DD1 loves all things Disney, so its not an issue with her). I am already planning to pack DD11's suitcase with all new surprises, including clothes and extras. Its the "extras" I'm confused about. Her favorite characters are Simba and Stitch, which are reflected in the clothes and a Stitch light spinner. I have 2 glow sticks as well. What else can I buy her that will be fun? I would like to get her things she can do in the room after the parks or on the plane, like Mad Libs, etc. She is excited to go with DH and I, and I want to keep her excitement alive throughout the trip. I wish they had a meal with Stitch, because we are not into the Luau. We will be eating with Cindy, etc for DD1, complete with costume, but I think DD11 is a bit too old for a costume. Any ideas?

 

[Jordan's MOM]

This is not really a surprise, but our DS 11 loves having his own ID card with charging rights on it. It's fun to let him get his own snack or whatever. He also likes "paying" for dinner for all of us with his card.
I know they are redoing the ET ride in MK to include Stitch so maybe that will be up and running. Don't miss the Lion King show at AK.

DS likes the coin presses, so a roll or quarters and pennies and a starter book might be fun. Disney candy is always fun. What about a few pens to start pin tradding?

Special resturants she might like??
Rain forest cafe, prime time, Ohanna's???

Maybe a water park, shopping at DTD, A spa treatment with mom at the GF?

Good luck and happy planning


Jordans' mom

 

[my3princes]

We pack alot of glow bracelets that we hand out to our kids at any of the evening parades and shows. I have also seen some rings that have a big "gem" on them that light up. An autograph book would be nice since you'll probably be collecting for the DD1 anyway. You could get her her own camera maybe disposable although she will probably take more pictures than can be taken on one disposable. When we were at MGM last Aug you could have pictures taken with Lilo and Stitch in the Animation Courtyard, they were nice, we bought them for our kids. Have fun. She may also appreciate postcards and stamps to send back to her friends (bring addresses) she could also send an email to them in Innoventions and at Imagination Works.

 

[gallaj0]

Maybe she would like to try some pin trading; my DD at 7 just got into it, and she gets pretty eager about getting around, finding people to trade with, and just talking to them. On our last trip she just traded with cast members, and there are plenty of them if you are concerned about your DD talking to strangers.

Lanyards with some pins in the parks go for about $25, but you can get some cheap off ebay, from DisneyAuctions; as well as private sellers.
Just watch out for the tinkerbell and Jessica Rabbit ones; there are some racy fakes on there.

 

[WillAndFinn'sMom]

My son went at 10. Before we went, I asked him if he wanted to get an autograph book, so he could get character autographs and he looked at me like I had just asked him if he wanted to eat last week's garbage for breakfast. After about 15 minutes in MK, though, he was asking me to buy him an autograph book! He enjoyed meeting the characters (and that is really not like him at all. Usually he'd think that was waaaaay too childish) and even liked Small World, etc. You might be surprised at how "young" your daughter becomes once you enter the parks.

I'd do the pin thing. Ds loved it (as did we all). I only have boys, so it's hard for me to "think girl," but I'm sure she'll have a great time. Oh, one thing I remember from my Florida trips as a child is the orange blossom perfume. I loved it. When we went to WDW in October, I looked for some, but couldn't find it.

 

[thumperjr9]

Lots of good ideas!! If she is a shopper, you could surprise her with some Disney $$$, they are more FUN to spend than regular cash. My DS4 still thinks that you can only buy things at WDW (except food) with Disney $$$, and he thinks that is so cool. We'll see what happens on our up-coming trip, he may figure it out. I agree the pressed penny idea is a good one too, I think they have LILO and Stitch ones somewhere, I'll have to find my list. What about a special Illuminations or Wishes Cruise, she might like that.

 

[Schmeck]

You don't think she'll have a blast just being in WDW? She's only 11, there are plenty of attractions that she'll love - why don't you just make sure that she gets some input into the planning of each day?

 

[thumperjr9]

. I agree the pressed penny idea is a good one too, I think they have LILO and Stitch ones somewhere, I'll have to find my list.

I found my list, they have (according to the list on the intecot web-site) Lilo and Stitch pressed pennies at the Boardwalk and the Contemporary.

I think I can kinda relate to making this a special trip for your DD11. I have a DS4 and a DS16. With such a big age difference somtimes things are so focused on the little one, after all they require so much attention. I always have to make sure I give my older one attention too so he knows he is still special. (of course now at 16 he doesn't always want the attention anymore) Maybe doing something just DD and Mom would really make her feel special.