Big group with a 13-year-old - advice for making it special?

RobinDragonryder

Total Nerd
Joined
Mar 7, 2013
So, next June I'll be going to WDW with a large group of friends, including one friend's 13-year-old daughter. There are 8 of us total. The teen's mom has told me that she went a few years back, but didn't have a good time because her grandparents just wanted to shop and not do rides or anything. In addition, without giving away personal info, the family is going through some really rough times right now and I really want to make this special for both my friend and her daughter, not to mention the rest of the party (at least a few of whom have never been to Disney before).

We're staying off-property (it winds up being cheaper for us to use my timeshare) so the Disney Floral and Gifts in-room stuff is out. We're also on a bit of a budget (I'm going to Disney with other friends next month, so will only have about 6 months to save for this trip, and everyone else is tight on funds as well) so things like dining at CRT or BOG are probably out too. How can I make sure that, despite this, my friend and her daughter have the most magical experience possible?
 
Oooh this is perfect! Since you'll be there next month I would suggest picking up a few things in advance - they don't need to be expensive. The Mickey shaped gummies, chip and dale pretzels. A few of the free stickers that are EVERY WHERE. You can either give a treat a month as a countdown or put a gift basket or treat bag together. Honestly there are so many more affordable Disney branded items outside the parks. I think a t-shirt is always fun. I think the best thing you can do for her is to just embrace being a kid in Disney. Go on lots of rides, initiate the character:):tigger::earsboy: meets with enthusiasm. Even suggesting Mickey bars or popcorn can be meaningful especially for shy kids!

You can also pick up buttons the trip so you have them in advance. What are you celebrating? Summer? Fun? Being at Disney? All of the above?
 
I like the idea of an inexpensive gift basket full of Disney goodies, thank you! I was considering making her a custom t-shirt at the place at Disney Springs, if it's still there (I haven't been since 2014). Just need to find out her favorite Disney character. Rides are a no-brainer to me, especially since her last trip was lame because she didn't get to do many. I'm honestly not sure what she'll think of character meets--she's not really shy (I really got to know her and her mom through doing murder mystery dinner theatre) but I know a lot of teens are "too cool" to meet Mickey. I don't know if she'd be like that but I'll leave it up to her on that front. And Mickey Bars--how did that not occur to me!?

Thank you so much, I've got some ideas on how to make this trip special now!
 

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