Hello Amanda,
I am so, so sorry for the loss your family is experiencing. There really aren't words for that kind of hurt, but I'm honored that you would reach out to us for planning help and ideas during such a difficult experience. Thank you for the chance to sprinkle a little pixie dust for your sweet family!
I think you've already figured out the most precious gift you can give your brother and his family right now: time together. When I was a teen my aunt passed away unexpectedly and what we craved the most was time together as a family, so we didn't cancel the trip to the Disneyland Resort that we already had planned. We knew that she would have wanted us to go, have fun, and enjoy each other. To gift your brother a Disneyland Resort Vacation Package I would recommend that you call the Vacation Packages phone number to speak with a Cast Member at the Walt Disney Travel Company since booking for others can be a bit more complicated than doing it for yourself. You could also work with a travel agent that specializes in Disney vacations, that's a great option when you want a little extra help.
Our first trip without my aunt was definitely hard, but it was also healing. My mom made each of us a small charm with my aunt's name on it to carry in our pocket, to kind of carry her with us on the trip. Maybe there's something similar you could do for your brother's family? Some other ideas...
- Look online for a piece of art or an ornament with your niece's favorite Disney character to gift them with the trip.
- Give everyone in your brother's family a special coin to make a wish for your niece at Snow White's wishing well.
- Take a small stuffed version of your niece's favorite Disney character or a photo of her to be in family photos with characters.
- Have everyone wear something with your niece's favorite color during the visit.
- Give your brother some money specifically to make magic for others, such as paying for another child's balloon or a treat for someone else.
Did your niece love flowers? One of my favorite lesser-known Disney facts is that you can actually order the "Disneyland Floribunda Rose" to grow at home! Back in 2001, the Disneyland Resort Horticulture Team worked with a company named Jackson & Perkins which specializes in roses to find the perfect bloom for Disneyland Park. Now you can see this gorgeous pink and peach rose across the park and it's one of my favorite flowers. If your brother's family has a green thumb they might enjoy growing some at home to honor their daughter. You can order a bush from the Jackson & Perkins website.
I can't help but think of Disney stories that talk about family and change so beautifully, especially ones like CoCo and Moana where characters experience difficult losses. My first thought when I read your questions was what Grandma Tala tells Moana: "There is nowhere you could go that I won't be with you." In an unthinkable situation, I hope that your whole family will feel the strength that comes from being together in a place that celebrates bravery and hope.
Amanda, I feel like we just scratched the surface of your planning. If you have questions about things like choosing a hotel, making dining reservations, magical extras like dining packages or pool cabanas, or planning a day in the parks I hope you'll
send me a note so I can help. Sending your whole family so many happy thoughts and warm hugs.
Keep moving forward!
Amanda