Originally Posted By momof4boys Thank you everybody for all the wonderful suggestions. I have given my friend a couple of books with things highlighted to look at. We are going to write down all the ideas tht have been given and she is going to let her daughter decide what sounds like fun- some things to plan ahead for ( things that have PS) and some things she can choose each day. I am printing off sample copies of menus so they can decide between the different character meals and decide on Blue Bayou. Her daughter has always wanted to go to Build a Bear- so that is a must do. She was going to do reserved seating for Fantasmic, but I don't think it is going when they are there ( end of May). I think I am going to contact vacation planning and order a surprise for both of them in their room when they get there. Thanks again for all the suggestions- let me know if you have more!
Originally Posted By mickeynewe Momof4boys~ First off, I would like to extend my heartfelt goodwishes to your friends. I think it is wonderful that you are doing something nice for them by helping them to plan for a visit to help bring a little magic into their lives. I thought maybe, by some small chance, my daughter and I could offer some suggestions her daughter might like. Our daughter is 13, and an only child. Perhaps your friend's daughter is not really immature, just still content to be laid-back and relaxed in contrast to the fast-paced teen world of today. That is how our daughter is-- mellow, happy, and content and moving at her pace, not something dictated by peers. My 13 year loved Libby Lu when she was 11 -- now, you would more than likely find her scouring through Sephora for the newest products to try. For her 13th birthday we took her and her best friend there for their first makeovers. They had a blast! So, if your friend's daughter is into makeup at all -- she would probably really like this! The good thing is that they can show them "subtle" and it comes out much better than "mom" lecturing! LOL My daughter loves the Bare Minerals products. Very light and pretty. My daughter says they are very easy to apply. Getting a nice tiara (try Claires at the mall they are sized to fit "teens") is an awesome idea. I don't care how old teen girls get -- they are never too old to feel like a princess! (My daughter, who is helping me write this says this is very "true"). My daughter says she likes to mostly take her time and really look around. She likes to hunt out secluded spots, take photos, she still abolutely loves the characters and taking pictures with them. Even though geared for younger children she loves the Princesses' storytelling (she is a camp counselor tho and works with young children so I think she takes something more away from this experience). She says that going through Fantasyland is fun, but not as it would normally be expected. She says its fun to get into the cars, throw your hands up in the air, and wahoo along just for the fun of being silly. She says you may get a few strange looks, but its worth it. She says try looking at things in a different perspective. Don't just take everything at face value. She says learn to talk with all the staff members. They are totally awesome and always tell or teach you something new ~ plus, they sometimes surprise you with "goodies". She says you must get a "dole whip" and run from the Tiki room! My daughter said between the two hotels she much rather preferred the GCH. She said she loved the baloncy and looking out at DCA and Grizzly Mountain Peak. She loves White Water Snacks. She loved the pool. And, after a long day of Disney going, she said its fun to take a relaxing nap in the rocking chair by the fireplace and just hang. Plus, she said its fun to explore the hotel. Plus, the bunk beds are cool -- Her favorite restaurants -- LOL -- Westward Ho's fries! (McDonald's) She loves The French Market's bread bowls, which is her favorite, plus the jazz music at night and looking out at the Rivers of America. Pizza Port for spaghetti. Blue Bayou just for dessert -- loves their chocolate mousse -- does not like their food tho! Otherwise, she likes to pick up a fruit bowl at the stands, or a big thing of bread, and just wander through the park with it because that is how you truly get a sense of Disneyland while listening to the music. She says learn to sleep in public by taking a nap on a bench in Disneyland! She says can you imagine how nice it is to wake up and then realize you are in Disneyland? She says try and stay as late as you can because night-time is where the real magic is at. Find your favorite 'seat' on all the rides -- yes, this means riding it multiple times! Must not miss rides: Pirates, Indiana (she loves the back for bumpiness), Gadget Coaster (laugh), Winnie the Pooh (late at night so you can ride on it multiple times and then have a solitary stroll back), Splash (being sure to scream whether you're scared or not just because its fun), play hide 'n seek on Tom Sawyer's Island (very under-rated but fun!), Buzz Lightyear. Go on Space Mountain until your eyes sting. If you go to DCA eat at White Water Snacks over at GCH. Rides not to miss: Aladdin (the Genie is hysterical), grab a poncho and ride Grizzly (she's says to grab a poncho only so you can ride it multiple times otherwise you will get extremely wet -- if you're only going to ride it once, you don't need the poncho -- riding it multiple times is cool because you get to experience it with a bunch of new people and they are so fun to talk with while you scream, get wet, and laugh-- especially since she knows all the secret "not get wet tricks" and they don't.) Soarin' is a must and Heimlich's train just for fun -- and yes-- she says you do have to throw your arms in the air again and "wahoo". She says to get fat off Wetzel Pretzels (yeah, all 85 lbs. of her - LOL) She says go through the Boudin tour and be sure to buy bread at the "Flea Market". She also says to get a birthday sticker or pin (just tell the hotel you and bringing your daughter to celebrating her birthday) and get a free stack of tortillas at Mission Tortilla. She will also get a lot of extra special attention during the day. Well, that is what she likes to do most at her days at Disney. I hope this may give you a few inside ideas on how a 13-year old girl's mind works. Again, all the best to your friends, and you, for trying to make this a special time for them in a very difficult situation. ~ mickeynewe & daughter
