Originally Posted By DisneylandCrazy Ok, so boyfriend and I will be taking our first combined vacation in June - going to Disneyland. We will be taking our kids (3 are his, 2 are mine) who are - DD15, DD13, DD10, DD10, and DD7. So...here's my question - We are surprising the kids with this trip (have a plan for the surprise, but am open to ideas!)...I'm making up mini backpacks that are kind of "treat bags" for on the way/to use in the park. Included so far are a pair of crocs for each w/ disney jibbitz, 2 Disney themed Nintendo DS games each, custom made Disney bottlecap necklaces, and mini handheld fans that the blades light up while in use. I'm thinking of adding glow in the dark necklaces, rolls of quarters and pennies for the smashed coin machines, sunscreen stick, and a disposable camera for each. ANY MORE IDEAS FOR THE TEENS THO? We want to get them spending money for the bags in the form of Disney Dollars, Gift Cards to Build A Bear, Rainforest Cafe, & ESPN Zone -- plus Libby Lu for the younger three...but what for the teens? Just increase their Disney Dollars? What do ya think?
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains I would take an open mind - you will need to remember that the older two may need time off to themselves - especially since this is the first combined vacation - Being that they are all girls does help alot - but the 3 younger ones will probably be more interested in waiting to see the pricesses at the fantasy fair whereas the older two may not find that much fun. If the older two don't have cell phones - you should get them at least the prepaid ones (this would be good also if they have the area restricted - metro I think). Disney Dollars are usable in many DTD locations too. A good way to keep track of what everyone was doing is make sure they all get photopass cards (photo takers hand these out for free) and then at the end you can look at all the pix and decide if you want any.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I am available for adoption. I'm 37 but my wife would say I act more like 17.
Originally Posted By DisneylandCrazy Thanks for the reply...all the kids and both of us have cell phones. (even the 7yo...lol) The kids have all met before, so it's not a high pressure get to know ya kind of thing. We all get along well. Should have mentioned...my kids (10 and 7) and I have been to Disneyland numerous times...actually held annual passports up until last year. He and his kids have never been there.
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove Hey, the thing that worked for my DD14: tiara. She was treated like a princess all day by all kinds of cast members. And dollars are always a good idea.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains That makes it somewhat easier - but they may need even more care and understanding though - only because it's all new to them - It's always fun to take newbies and see the excitement of their firt trip - but its hard for your kids (I know with mine too) to hold back share in that excitement and not just want to do what they love to do... I hope that makes sense..
Originally Posted By rockcow1 Make sure the older ones check out Disney Vault 28 if they like to shop. Super cute clothes. My two teen girls love it.
Originally Posted By 8 ilovemickey 8 I was just noticing that you have a odd number of kids...sometimes odd numbers are hard at Disneyland because everything seems to work better in twos (riding rides, walking around, etc.). So I was just going to suggest to be careful that no one gets left out. Also as a person who is Disneyland obsessed I have learn to accept that others might not be so obsessed. We recently went with family friends and I had to realize that everyone has their own level of enjoyment and that it doesn't have to be the same level as mine. I also think it might be a little more special to do a few bigs things rather than a lot of little things. Such as one big, more expensive family dinner instead of everyone buying $15 things for themselves. I think you get much more out of it that way.
Originally Posted By tinkerbell1962 My kids love glow in the dark nail polish and lip gloss. It's always been fun to laugh at each other's nails and lips on the dark rides! I usually pick these things up at either a Hot Topic or Spencers store.
Originally Posted By DisneylandCrazy Thanks...I love the glow in the dark nail polish idea! For the rides, my 7yo is a big chicken, so the larger rides are out for her. We think the older ones are going to want to do pretty much everything since it's their first visit (I know I did at that age) -- we'll be doing the parent switch things for the bigger rides and just try to mix it up on the smaller ones. We do want to let the older two have some time off alone if they want to, and just keep checking in every hour or so by the cell phone w/ a designated meeting time. So, here's what I have planned...the two eldest are flying in for their 6 week summer visit on June 3rd. We got a flight from their hometown (Denver) to John Wayne that connects in Seattle - where we live. They get into Seattle at 9:30ish am and we are all on the same flight to Anaheim at 2:30. SO, boyfriend will pick them up at the airport (they think that we just got the ticket that way to save $, they don't know we'll be going anywhere), drive them home where I will be waiting with the younger three. 15 minutes before the airport shuttle is scheduled to arrive, I have a Disney call scheduled to come in with Mickey and the Gang telling them we're going to Disneyland via speakerphone. As for major plans...on the roster are: - Day long rip to Seaworld where we're scheduled to do Lunch w/ Shamu (my girls and I did the breakfast a couple years ago and loved it) - Fastasmic Dessert Seating (I've only done the balcony in the past, so hoping riverside will be just as good) - Libby Lu Makeovers (know that the youngest 4 will love this - been there before - not so sure about the 15yo who has decided to go for the "emo" look lately (which, until recently I would have called "goth" for those of you scratching your heads) - We'll celebrate my 31st birthday while we're there, so will do the Mickey Mouse Birthday Party and also dinner that night w/ a cake ordered in advance for dessert - Character lunch or dinner one day It's a crazy-big trip for us...and yes, we are going overboard during the time the eldest two will be with us this summer (also have plans around Seattle - basic tourist stuff, whale watching trip, etc...lots of fun stuff booked during June). Boyfriend doesn't get a chance to have them as much as he'd like with them living in a different state (he's military) so we want to make the most of it while they're here.
Originally Posted By LuLu Sounds like a fabulous trip! I don't want to rain on your parade, but I think 8_ilm_8 has a good suggestion about Disney obsession levels. Do you think the older 2 would wear Crocs? My daughter thought they were hideous at that age. She'll wear the MJ style now, but definitely not the clogs. And she's pretty choosy about what Disney attire/accessories she'll wear - Disney Vault is OK *now* but she wouldn't have worn *anything* Disney in her early teens. Just a heads up - don't be shocked or disapproving if they don't appreciate your generosity. I do hope they will tho! Sephora gift cards would be a good alternative to Libby Lu for the teens. They'll love it!
Originally Posted By DisneylandCrazy I think we'll be ok...I know both the teenagers, and boyfriend is really close with them. While they're typical teens, they're not to the point of thinking we are "uncool" yet. Still in that transition stage where they like to act grownup, but enjoy being silly every now and then. Just want to make sure they get a chance to do some of both.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains Where are you staying - Someone else mentioned that Sephora did make overs for teen like Libby Lu does for the younger set.
Originally Posted By Mrs ElderP Sephora is fabulous for teenagers. adults too . Basically they have most make-up brands know to man. Some are "reasonably" priced, at or near drugstore prices, others are much more expensive. Lots of fun all the way arround. You may not be able to afford a dress from the brand that your favorite star wears, but a "name brand lipstick" while expensive, can be a treat you may be able to afford.
Originally Posted By mickeynewe My DD14 is right between your girls' ages. She loves Disney. Even as a teenager you will be amazed how much they act like kids again. Here are a few ideas: My daughter loved these totes, her favorite ones were Mickey and Tink and at only $9.99 they are quite the steal. The best part is they are roomy enough for the teens and they can still sling them over their shoulders: <a href="http://disneyshopping.go.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DSIProductDisplay?catalogId=10003&storeId=10052&productId=1211379&langId=-1&categoryId=14507" target="_blank">http://disneyshopping.go.com/w...Id=14507</a> For the older kids how about opting for Vans or converse? If you hit up an outlet store for Vans they'll only cost you $20 a pair, which is cheaper than the Crocs! Glowsticks-- Yes, even the teens will like those. My daughter's school just had a dance and they ALL had on glowsticks because it was an outdoor dance. The kids were so cute all lit up (don't tell her I said "cute. LOL Tiaras-- Again, a definite yes because who doesn't want to be called, "Princess" all day? And they will get a lot of attention wearing one. This last trip she wore a tiara we bought over in New Orleans Square that had a skull & gemstones on it. It was really cute (there goes that word again) while still having a more teenage edge to it. Sephora-- all the teenage girls I know love this place! My daughter is no exception. With my daughter and her friends Urban Decay is all the rage for the eye makeup, while the bare minerals seems to be the choice for foundation. Perhaps you canorder a few R.I.P. items from Urban Decay (while taking advantage of the 50% discounts) website at: www.urbandecay.com and give them each a Sephora card to pick out something for themselves? P.S. My daughter's fave is the liquid metallic eyeliner, and don't worry, its not as bad as it sounds! LOL Definitely give them so alone time if they want it. Last time we went my Uncle and Aunt went too. They have a much younger son who is my daughter's age. They had such a blast going off on their own at night. They stayed with us during the day, but thought it was cool to go hang out by themselves hitting all the rides. They were really good about checking in and Disneyland is such a safe feeling place. Cameras-- great idea! My daughter takes a ton of photos. iPods-- If the teens don't already have an ipod how about getting them at least the shuffles? The prices are way, way, down at only $40+ and you could secretly pre-load them with Disney music (and some of their own favorite tunes as well) and they can listen to them on the way down/home, and in between. Pre-paid Visa cards: Instead of Disney dollars why not give the girls pre-paid Visa cards? My daughter loves this as well. My daughter loves the "grown up" feeling she gets when she receives a card and she actually is a lot more responsible with her money too! Sunglasses--- some cool new hip sunglasses are always good with the teen girls. Spray Sunscreen: Get the cool new ones they can spray on the go. Otherwise, if they are like my daughter, they won't use it! If they can just do a quick spray they are more likely to reapply during the day. My daughter's fave is Neutrogena's Cool Mist Sunscreen. (I think that is the name) I will ask my daughter when she gets home from school for some ideas. In the meantime, have fun with the goodie bags! We've done them since our daughter was a toddler and she always gets a kick out of them!
Originally Posted By dlkozy >>>" Libby Lu Makeovers (know that the youngest 4 will love this - been there before - not so sure about the 15yo "<<< Yeah-I would chose Sephora for the older ones too-the other is really for tweens and younger. Also the pens that are used on blacklight boards in some restaurants(posting the daily specials etc)(you can purchase these at office supply stores) are GREAT to write on each other-lots of fun in the Disney Dark Rides-my kids trace the outlines of their ears and all you can see of them in these rides are EARS! :0)
Originally Posted By mickeynewe OMGosh, what fun dlkozy! You know I will be adding those to our list!
Originally Posted By Hapyg0luky Oh oh, you HAVE to do the glow in the dark nail polish! I'm thirty hmmm hmmm and the glow in the dark nail polish has been a DL ritual of mine forever. It's so much fun. I always get asked about it after rides. I know, I get so excited about the little thing. I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up. Not me!
