Mickey and Minnie Statues in Front of Cinderella's Castle During Fireworks
  • On Sep 26, 2024
    Thomas from PA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We will be staying in the Polynesian in 3 weeks.Sadly we are doing this trip for the 1st time without my wife's mother and kids grandmother. I could be wrong, but can we get her name engraved somewhere? I would like to surprise the wife and kids if so.

    Hello Thomas, 

    Thank you for bringing your question to us. I'm so sorry to hear of your family's loss but think it's lovely that you are hoping to memorialize your mother-in-law on this special visit. I hope that being in such a happy place together will be a reminder of the love, joy, and magic that continues to live on long after a treasured family member is no longer physically present.

    I think you might be referring to Disney’s Walk Around the World bricks which were unfortunately retired in 2019. Leave a Legacy, another memorial-type offering at EPCOT was also discontinued in 2007. The displays are still available to view outside the EPCOT entrance, but additional tiles are no longer available for purchase. I know this is not the news you hoped for but I have a few alternate suggestions.

    One of my favorite ways to make my day at the parks (or even at home) more magical is by sharing the magic with others. This can be done in many small ways like simply keeping an eye out for a Cast Member with your relative's name or from their hometown and thanking them for a job well done. You might also consider purchasing a snack or a balloon for a child (or a kid at heart) in honor of your loved one. I would of course ask the other parents' permission before gifting anything to their child, but this is something your children might enjoy doing in honor of their grandmother.

    Personalized ornaments are another wonderful way to bring the magic of your trip home to enjoy year after year. I recommend visiting Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom Park to look for an ornament that reminds you of her and ask a Cast Member to personalize it for a small fee. If you'll be spending any time at EPCOT you can also stop in The Land Pavilion and see if there are any seedlings available for purchase. This would be a wonderful souvenir to plant back at home in honor of Grandma and a great reminder that love continues to grow, even after loss. I noticed a few different options available while waiting for my Behind the Seeds Tour to begin last year. 

    One last suggestion is inspired by Miguel from Coco. Whether singing along to your favorite movie soundtrack overheard around the parks, or belting out the lyrics to Happily Ever After at the end of the night (like I do on each viewing) know that music is the soundtrack of memories. At the end of the film, Miguel sings: 

    "When I opened my mouth, what came out was a song
    And you knew every word, and we all sang along
    To a melody played on the strings of our souls
    And a rhythm that rattled us down to the bone
    Our love for each other will live on forever
    In every beat of my proud corazón"

    Take the time to make those special memories with your children in honor of the love you know will continue despite the loss you all feel. You may feel silly in the moment, but those moments are the legacy you'll leave your children one day.

    I hope this was helpful, Thomas. If we can offer any additional suggestions for your upcoming visit please come back and let us know.

    Magic and memories,
    Amy
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Meet the Panelist: Amy, North Carolina

Hi, I'm Amy- a proud wife, mom, and Disney adult. I'm a natural planner with a flair for the creative, always looking for ways to add a little magical sparkle to our family's day-to-day happenings and once-in-a lifetime moments. You'll find me and my crew visiting the parks from rope drop to close and packing in as much magic as possible to each day of our Walt Disney World Resort vacation. From dining to photo spots and all the details in between, you've got a friend in me! Learn More About Amy

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