Hi, Victoria! Oh, I am so very sorry about your mother! You
have had a tough year, and I pray that your broken heart is comforted by those around you. Our family has celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions and personal triumphs at WDW. Yet, we've also taken WDW trips to forget about the stresses of life -- including the long illness and death of my mother-in-law. So, unfortunately, I completely understand the importance of this particular vacation for you and your family.
Take a moment to look through the various suggestions at
Disney Floral & Gifts and then call 407-827-3505 to speak with a Disney Dream Maker. For your particular situation, I think speaking to someone who knows and understands what you all have endured will help to create just the right surprise for your family. (Remember to give them at least 48 hours notice to prepare.)
We have stayed at Saratoga Springs resort several times, and most of the villas on the upper floors have a balcony. The ones on the bottom floor have a patio. I'm fairly sure, however, that there is resort policy (throughout WDW) to not allow towels or clothes to hang from the banisters of balconies or patios. Yet, we have draped our towels and wet swimsuits over the chairs on the balcony or patio to have them dry. In addition, the bathrooms usually have a retractable clothes line, and for one- and two-bedroom villas, there are washing machines and dryers in the villa.
I will certainly be thinking of and saying a little prayer for you and your family as you make this a commemoration of your mother's life as well as provide some much needed rest and stress-free fun for everyone! Have a wonderful day and a most magical vacation!