Special ideas for 9 & 10 year old

[CalvaryMike]

I'm a native So Cal resident and ex-CM (about 20 yrs ago). I don't go that often to DL anymore. But when I do, I commando it. I know how to work the FP system and I know about the rides. Knowing that, I'm planning two special days at DLR for my niece and her 9 yr DD and 10 yr DS.

They lost their dad (my nephew) a month ago yesterday. He died of a heart condition at a very young age of 32. The family lives in Utah and they don't have much money. The kids are doing okay, but I hear they're kind of in a numb state right now (as can be expected). DW and I offered to bring them out here to stay with us and to take them to DL. Our neice said that when she told them about the trip it was the first time she has seen them excited about something since losing their dad.

They're coming out in October. Also, their dad was against the Halloween thing. This will be their second trip. Their first trip was about 4 years ago for one day.

I want to make this very special for them. I know there's a lot of info here on the DIS. Please give me your ideas and I can search for more details.

Thank you very much in advance for helping to make a special day come true.

 

[avalon451]

Mike, first of all, I am so sorry for your family's loss. What a tragedy. I pray that your niece is holding up ok and that she and the kids can find some comfort in your family support system.

Secondly, YOU ROCK. I deeply admire you and your wife's support for your niece, and your willingness to do something for the kids to give them a glimmer of excitement and smiles at a very difficult time of their young lives. If all families were as kind and supportive as you are, we would live in a very different and better world.

As to the trip itself, that is an awesome age to really show them the ropes. A couple of suggestions might be: a character meal at Storytellers or the Plaza Inn (I'm thinking they may enjoy it more than Goofy's, Ariel's or Stitch); dinner at Rainforest Cafe; Discover the Magic tour; and some kind of surprise in the room when they arrive-- if you can arrange ahead of time to have welcome banner, balloons, and a treat or surprise basket. DLH does this, but I'm wondering if any offsite staff would be willing to help with this as well. I am thinking that this is the kind of thing that Lorealle at HoJo would be very excited to help with.

I bet at that age, too, they will be cool with the commando touring in the morning style. That age is usually pretty energetic, and all about the rides. So I'm guessing you will get along just fine with them!

Re: the Halloween thing: the park will be decorated, of course, but you can go during the weekdays when the Trick or Treat parties are not going on, and avoid Haunted Mansion overlay, and I should think the kids will be ok with that.

You might want to obtain a set of maps from some kind person here, if you don't already have a recent set on hand, and give them to the kids, so they can anticipate and be part of the planning.

They are going to have so much fun, and you are a rockin' uncle to do this for them! Have fun planning!

 

[Hound 109]

Ditto to what Avalon says....they're lucky to have an "Great Uncle Mike"


9 y/o Padewan Alec likes to do (in no particular order):

- Jedi Training Academy. (info in HydroGuy's sticky)

- Matterhorn (both sides).

- BTMRR (& Buzz)....many times.

- Corny Dogs, Pretzels, Cotton Candy, Ice Cream.

- Half the items in Pooh Bakery.

- Alec likes SM, Screamin & ToT....but he's a little scared of these prior to boarding.

- But he LOVES Indy, Splash, Griz Rapids, Soarin, HM, Pirates (& Pirates Island).

- & Redwood Trail, Crush, Bugs Life, the Canoes & all of Fantasyland.

9/10 years old is a great age for DLR....they basically love it all. (so is 51 )

Have them "help you" pick up the FPs. Help with the maps. Maybe look for hidden Mickeys.

Definitely say hi to Harold & to Mr. Goat & be sure to take a picture with Toad.


I hope they (& you) have a magical time.

 

[Disney Princess]

I have no great advice (everyone else who is experienced will) ,but I wanted to chime in and say I am thinking of and praying for you and your family. I'm sure your niece and her children will feel very blessed by this. Enjoy the time together!

 

[minniebeth]

I'm so sorry to hear of your family's loss and think that what you are doing is so wonderful! I lost my dad when I was 7 and afterwards, my mom took me to WDW a few months later and to this day, the magic of Disney still holds dear to my heart. What a great place to be, with loving family and lots of opportunities for fun and smiles!
There are great suggestions listed already!
Definately character meals, perhaps an autograph book and pen to go with it and a camera (like disposable). The food is good wherever you decide and it is sure to bring warm fuzzy smiles with the characters. We did Breakfast with Minnie and Friends at the Plaza Inn in DL and it had a wide range of characters.
Also, perhaps a lanyard and some pins for Pin Trading /Collecting?
We don't trade pins, just collect them of rides/attractions/characters my kids like. It would be a great keepsake for them.
Some of my 10yo DD's favs. were the Aladdin show and spending a lot of time in the Animation Building in DCA. She loved drawing the characters with the Disney Animators and singing where you create animation.
I think lots of pictures to capture the fun will be cherished always!
I'm sure you will find lots of ways to make it special, but I think most of all, the combination of love and pixie dust will help to continue the journey of healing hearts for all.
We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers....

 

[disney-super-mom]

Sounds like a wonderful idea.

If Halloween is a problem, it will be a little hard to avoid because both parks will be decked out in Halloween decor. Hopefully that's not a problem. If it is, then perhaps mid September or early November would be a better time to go. Early November might be nice because that's when you get to see some of the Christmas decor/lights at the parks.

But regardless, fall is a great time to go.

Everyone has given you great suggestions. I think the fireworks is a VERY SPECIAL SHOW to see, as well as Fantasmic. But I wouldn't miss the fireworks - definitely a magical, awesome show.

And if your niece and nephew are anything like I was at that age, it's all about the rides! I would think Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones, Pirates, Splash Mountain, Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear, (and over at California Adventure) Tower of Terror, Soarin' over California, California Screamin', and Toy Story Midway Mania...........all would probably end up on the "highlights of the trip" list.

With only two days, make sure to show up early at the gates, as well as take advantage of fastpasses, to make the most of your time. (Oops, I see you're a CA native, so I'm sure you already know all of this.)

Should be a TON OF FUN for your family though. I think you came up with a great idea to bring the family together for some special fun time, during such a time of sadness.

 

[PRINCESSplazola]

just wanted to say how sorry i am for the loss of your nephew, and like the others, i will be praying for you and your family as well

 

[mousemom11]

My condolences to your family on their loss. My mom died when I was 11, so I know exactly how your grand-niece and nephew are feeling. I remember feeling like I was on the outside looking in at everything around me. Pixie dust to you and your DW for giving them this special time.

My DD9 and DD7 love Paradise Pier in DCA. Screaming, Maliboomer, Orange Stinger, Sun Wheel, Mulholland Madness, and, yes, the Carousel are all big favorites. So are Soaring, Grizzly River Rapids, and TOT. We're going in October also for the 1st time in 3 years, so I'm sure Toy Story, Turtle Talk with Crush, and Monsters Inc will be a big hit with them as well.

They loved the character breakfast at the Plaza Inn (you get the best characters there of all the breakfast locations IMO) and they loved lunch at the Blue Bayou. We had a table right next to the water and watched all the POTC boats go by. To get a waterside table, call for reservations right when they open the 60-day window and ask for the 1st seating at 11:30 or so and specifically request a table next to the water.

They would probably also enjoy some shopping at World of Disney in DTD.

What trip to DL is complete without Mickey (or Minnie) Mouse Ears?

I'd say the DL parade, Fantasmic, and fireworks are a must-see.

Definitely have to have a churro and a Dole Whip.

I am also a commando-style FP-working touring Mama. But I must say that some of my fondest DL memories come from just taking time out to kick back and enjoy. We were having a bite to eat at Coke Corner one afternoon, when along came Alice, the Mad Hatter, and Captain Hook. They played an impromptu game of musical chairs with the kids and everyone had a blast. We also stopped and enjoyed a jazz band playing in New Orleans Square. They were throwing Mardi Gras beads to the people in the crowds.

Given their circumstances, perhaps you might call the Walt Disney Travel Company and discuss your trip with them. They might be able to arrange some special buttons/momentos or such that you can pick up at City Hall the first day of your visit.

I wish you the best with your visit!

 

[CalvaryMike]

Thank you all for your comments and ideas. I showed this thread to DW and it made her cry. We both thank you all for the kind words and we are so fortunately blessed that we can provide something for them.

We will be applying many of the wonderful ideas that you all have suggested. Again, thank you so much!

 

[trodrigue]

The only thing I see that has been missed is the Shooting Arcade. My 12 year old has loved that since about age 5 and would never miss at least a good 30 minute shooting session.

Many blessings to you and your wife for bringing this magic to your niece and nephew. It is difficult to understand how a 32 year old man can be taken so young.

 

[Hound 109]

Thank you all for your comments and ideas. I showed this thread to DW and it made her cry. We both thank you all for the kind words and we are so fortunately blessed that we can provide something for them.

We will be applying many of the wonderful ideas that you all have suggested. Again, thank you so much!

A big to Mrs. Calvary Mike too.


Mike, would you please report back here....(even if you don't do a trip report) & do a 5 min. post on the highlights of the trip.

Alot of good vibes heading your way (to pass on to those kids) from alot of folks reading this thread. We'd love to hear about it (assuming it goes well) if you feel like sharing.

 

[Lhk1617]

If you want I can get maps so they can see them before they go! Ill pick up a bunch when im there 8/1-8/3. Private message me if you want me to send you a few. Also call the hotel, tell them what you posted here, and they will be glad to brighten up their day. Ask for decorations or a card from mickey. Sometimes ive seen them have characters sign pictures and leave them in the room for a surprise at check in. These were not just mickey and them, it was characters such as Alice and others. Ask them the services they can do for those such things. I know the resort hotels take pride in doing things like this as they get excited about it as well.

 

[Sy-]

If you are staying on property you can call Vacation Planning and order some gift baskets and have them delivered to your room so that when you check in they are waiting for you.

I was going to suggest ordering a Brick for the Walk of Magical Memories with their dads name on it. But I don't know if they can lay the brick before you guys arrive and also it might be too sad!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Your kindness will go far in helping your niece & nephew - just to get away a little bit to a magical place with people who love them.

Blessings.