Hello Michelle,
I am very sorry that you have experienced the loss of someone close to you. If this special person had a love for Disney, or you shared important memories at Disney, incorporating that magic into a way to remember them sounds like a lovely idea. While there aren’t currently any permanent ways to memorialize a loved one within the resort itself, I do have few ideas that you might like.
Many years ago there was a program where you could purchase a Legacy Paver to remember a special person, family, or event. These bricks created several pathways near the Magic Kingdom. While these bricks are no longer available and most have been removed, you can still
purchase a Legacy Paver for your personal use from shopDisney. There are several different styles available and you can personalize them with names and a date. You could place your paver in a garden or pathway at home. Perhaps add a Disney-themed garden statue or even a special seat or bench where you could sit and remember your loved one.
If you preferred to purchase something during a trip to the theme parks,
Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers offers both customizable etched glassware and wooden photo frames. In the past, they have also offered a photo album that could be personalized. Perhaps a photo album with photos from your past trips? Or you could get glasses engraved, then use them to offer up a toast to your special person.
I have one more idea. What about a special photograph to honor your loved one to put in one of those frames? You could use
Disney’s PhotoPass service, or for a more elaborate photo shoot, I highly recommend
Capture Your Moment - A Disney Parks Photo Experience. This experience gives you your own PhotoPass Photographer for 20 minutes in Magic Kingdom. We did this last fall and I was thrilled with the results. You could bring a framed photograph of your loved one, or maybe even have an Ear Hat embroidered with their name and hold it in your hands for a special photo.
Michelle, I hope one of these ideas might work for you. I love the idea of remembering your special person at Walt Disney World. May their memory be a blessing to you and to all who loved them.
- Kate