Recently widowed with kids, planning extra special trip

[ashely612]

My husband passed away just after Christmas. We were supposed to be at Disney in early December for our first ever Christmas trip. We go to Disney almost every year just never in December. To give us something to get our minds off things, I wanted to plan a trip to Disney next December during the kid's school break. This would allow us to see the Christmas festivities and be at one of our favorite places on the anniversary of his passing. I realize crowds will be heavy, but we have done all the rides before. Nothing is a must do. Is there anything you can suggest to make this trip an extra special one for the kids with breaking the bank?

 

[dachsie]

I am so sorry for your loss. I would go visit all the gingerbread displays and do the candlelight processional for sure. I would ask each of your kids what one thing they would want to do to remember and celebrate the fun they had with their dad. That will give them a chance to honor dad and grieve a little as well.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I'm also very sorry for your loss. The first year anniversary is going to be very, very tough, so it's good to have a distraction planned.

The Osborne Lights blew our minds this past December. There is a rumor that every year is the last, but if the rumor is dispelled yet again, I would definitely put that on your must-dos. The best part is...seeing the Lights is free with admission.

 

[mummabear]

Really sorry for your loss.
How old will your kids be and how many do you have? You may want to consider bringing another adult to help if possible? An Aunt or Uncle, Grandparent or good friend, if they are young and needing naps, or rider swap or at an age where they have to have an adult sitting in the same row as them but there is only 1 of you....it can make it difficult (but many people do it )
Is there something your DD always enjoyed in the parks or always wanted to do and didn't get the chance?
Will your dates match up for a MVMCP?

 

[mummabear]

Saw the answer to me question about age etc in your signature.
Can someone please confirm if it is at age 7 or 14 you can ride alone?

 

[scoobygrl79]

I am so very sorry for your loss. That time of year is my favorite too, it is beyond magical all on its own, and everyone's tips were great. I wish your family the best trip of all trips.

 

[MermaidMommy]

Saw the answer to me question about age etc in your signature. Can someone please confirm if it is at age 7 or 14 you can ride alone?

7 to ride alone, 14 to enter parks alone.

 

[disneydude365]

if your kids love characters try to figure out their favorites and see if any special events featuring them are available!

during the christmas season oh its so nice thats when I've gone the most! each resort has a special edible christmas artwork piece that you should try to see and each rest as a unique tree specific to the style of the resort!

maybe try mickeys very merry christmas party? i can say its totally worth it just don't go a full capacity night lol


sorry for you loss, wishing you and your family straight to continue on, and also wishing you you to have a magical trip!

 

[ArwenMarie]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

As a PP mentioned, definitely the Osborne Lights. They are amazing.

I think that the Tomorrowland Dessert Party is really nice and it's not too expensive (well in Disney prices anyway). That was one of our favorite nights at Disney ever.

I hope you have a great trip.

 

[Dan Murphy]

My condolences, Ashley, on your husband's passing. Memories of him will carry you and the kids for a lifetime and beyond. 's

As mentioned previously, the Candlelight Processional would be number one on my list for you and your family.

Blessings for you all, God speed for your husband.

 

[Seeker615]

So sorry for your loss.

Maybe a very special dinner one night at one of your favorite places?

There are a lot of great behind the scene tours. Is that something you can do?

 

[LovesTimone]

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I will include you in my prayers.

All the parks are so beautiful this time of year, there are lots of extra things to take in, see and do.

1) One Year we did a Hidden Mickey hunt, at all of the Special food creations in the resorts, They are located at most of the deluxe resorts, and there are hidden mickeys on all of them, there normally is a sign telling you how many to look for. It was a nice way to spend a evening that didn't cost a lot, we did QS for dinner at the Poly and grabbed some hot chocolate along the way.

2) Osborne lights is magical.. It is really amazing, oh and there are hidden mickeys there as well. Its part of your park admission, so no extra cost.

3) Candlelight Processional is another must do for us, again its part of park admission.

4) Spend an evening at DTD, There are lots of performers, and things to do, maybe bowling, or take in a Christmas movie.

5) Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party while it is a hard ticket event,( extra cost) it is well worth it.

6) There are different Santa in each of the lands over in Epcot.

In helping with the budget, you could ask family and friend for Disney Gift cards for birthdays, or Christmas, so that the kiddos have there own money for souvenirs.

My friend buys a gift card every week at the grocery store or target for Disney, She drives down with her kiddos, so she buys gas cards & restaurant cards for the trip to and from. This way she know she has this covered.Then she buys Disney cards to pay for the extras in the parks.

I have a Disney box, that when I find things for our trips at a great price I go ahead and buy them, and tuck them away in the box. Stuff like rain ponchos, glow in the dark necklaces, small things for the kids, to keep them entertained in line or in the car. Dollar stores are my favorite for some of these items. I found a bunch of Disney themed hand sanitizer at Walgreens for .50 cent on clearance, in the box they went. Another spot is the Disney store outlets or Disney store on line, I always check the clearance areas, and have gotten cute extras for our trip for a great price.

Again I am so sorry for your loss,

 

[Moms]

So very sorry for your loss, you are facing a difficult year ahead but something magical at the end sounds like a wonderful idea.

We made our furst "Christmas Trip" two years ago and it was one of our favorites ... and like you we have visited many, many times. I will "ditto" the Osborn Lights and the Candlelight Processional and we found that visiting the resorts in all of thier holiday splendor was particularly fun.

The crowds were pretty intense but we found that arriving at "rope drop" insured that we could ride our favorites (although this was pre-fastpass +) and move about in a much more relaxed manner than in the middle of the day.

We stayed at our resort (BWI) for NYE not wishing to get caught up in park crowds and enjoyed a relatively peaceful time enjoying the resort. We caught the fireworks at HS from our balcony and enjoyed a very short walk to our beds.

 

[larryz]

So sorry, prayers and best wishes during your time of mourning.

A matching set of special design T-shirts will help lift the group's spirits... use iron-on transfers to lower the cost.