I'm having so much fun "playing Mickey"

[AnneUCSB]

This is our third trip to DLR (in November) and two years ago I started a tradition that Mickey Mouse "visits" the boys each night before we go to the parks. That means Mickey leaves a small present for each of the boys in our hotel room at HoJo so that when they wake up they go to the entry of the room and find their gift. I do small things like a Mickey water bottles for each of them (super useful to give on day one because then they can use them in the parks everyday), Mickey lollipops, small plush Mickey or Disney characters that they are into that year, Mickey pencils, erasers, etc. I mostly find things at the Dollar Store or Target so it's pretty cheap. The JOY on the boys' faces each morning is priceless. They are now age 2, 5, and 7 years- just right for believing in all the magic

I've spent the morning shopping online and finding things for our upcoming trip. This year they will be getting a Mickey Sing-A-Ma-Jig (oldest DS has been wanting this), a baseball Mickey beanie baby from eBay for littlest DS (he loves baseball), and a Mickey dressed in karate gear for middle DS (he's really into karate). It's been so fun picking everything out and anticipating our upcoming trip Off to find more items to "help Mickey" pay a visit!

[chrissiecutie]

Awesome! I thought I was the only one who did this- non Disney friends think I'm crazy!!

I also have Mickey make a special delivery about a week before our trip. Things like pool toys, Mickey sunglasses, glow sticks, Mickey activity book, a special Halloween Mickey tshirt that I had made from Etsy, Mickey Sorcerer stuffed animal (this is DS costume for the party) etc.

And the last day is DLR, I pop a postcard in the mail from Mickey & the Gang. That way DS gets it a day or 2 after we get home. It usually says "thanks for the visit, see you next time love Mickey & Friends" or something along those lines.

I just love finding ways to keep the magic alive!

[larina]

We do this too. I try to include things they need, like sunglasses or hats, on the first day. After that it is usually more fun stuff. Small things like glow sticks or pins are fun.

[KalamityJane]

We do this as well! I have been finding lots of great things at Target and Dollar Tree, and picked up some of those light spinners at Walmart for at night along with glow sticks, puzzles, stickers, balloons, Halloween decorations, (we will be there at Halloweentime), that sort of thing. Joanns has all their Halloween stuff on clearance right now for those of you that want to decorate!

Where did you find Mickey lollipops?

[pixiewings71]

We did this when the girls were younger, I did them as Tink gifts though. I took glitter and would sprinkle it on the table and used a Polly Pocket shoe to make footprints so it looked like Tink had walked on the table, they loved it.
We gave things like water bottles, coloring books, stickers, pins, lanyards, sunglasses, all kinds of fun little things.

[revwog1974]

I do this too! I make notes from different characters and "coupons" to be used for whatever that day's treat is, popcorn, Dole whip etc. It really cuts down on the begging for treats all day! Plus, my daughter loves getting "mail" every morning. We having friends going to Disneyland in 3 weeks and I'm working on their mail now.

[KateDrake]

I did something similar on our last trip to WDW, and it was so awesome! I brought a package in my carryon with autograph books, a t-shirt, markers and a Disney gift card for DD - then 1.5 - and my husband's little cousins, who were 8 and 9 at the time. I had them go play while we checked in to the resort, and then acted like the front desk had given it to me. There was a note from Mickey saying he couldn't wait to see them at Tusker House in a couple of days, but hoped they'd say hi earlier if we happened to run into him around the park.

The great part was that the older kids were just at the age where they were starting to question the magic, but they totally believed that the package was from Mickey! They were so excited the whole trip, and thanked Mickey for the gifts when we saw him the next day. And of course Mickey played along!

The only problem we ran into was that the surprise was almost ruined by my mom, mother-in-law and aunt who were standing off to the side sobbing their eyes out at the Disney magic But luckily the kids were excited enough not to notice!

[AnneUCSB]

I love seeing how many others are spreading the magic

It's such a cheap and fun thing to do ahead of time and helps curb MY Disney cravings as I anticipate our trip

[JadeDarkstar]

in may tink left my son a melifcent dragon the first night in the hotel room He loved it. This time he is getting his stuff for his bday before the trip (like his disney mp3 player) perfect for the trip but he will still take his dragon with him

any ways have fun

[scoker]

That is a great idea. Last time we went I made a Disney surprise package for my DD5 carray-on. I put stickers, jewelry, candy, pencils ect in a mini lunch box. I also bought T-shirts at wal-mart. I was hoping to cut down on souvenir purchases in the park but it didn't work. Between myself and grandma my daughter made quite the haul.

Might try playing mickey next time and spread some of the fun out. Thanks for sharing!

[RedRosie]

We do these "tinkerbell gifts" too. Last time I made coupons for one souvenir, one special dessert, etc. They got the coupons at the beginning of the trip and it helped reduce (but not eliminate!) the begging

I made note pads and T-shirts using DISigns and name filles from the Creative Designs board. I printed their name fill and lines on paper to make their very own personalized note paper. They used it to write thank you notes to the housekeeping staff and letters to Grandmas.

I'm planning again for next trip (just after Thanksgiving!) and trying to think of new ideas, so love to you hear yours!!

[dadzgirl70]

What great idea's! I love this. I think it's about time for Mickey to spread a little Magic for my boys. Oh, I can't wait to see their faces! Little over two weeks to go...please make the days go by faster!

[beckyboo87]

I recently bought some discounted vinylmations on sale at the disney store, then used them to trade in vinylmation trading at the park. It was an inexpesive way to get started. I did have a hard time trading them though because they were so cute to begin with.

Originally Posted by AnneUCSB

This is our third trip to DLR (in November) and two years ago I started a tradition that Mickey Mouse "visits" the boys each night before we go to the parks. That means Mickey leaves a small present for each of the boys in our hotel room at HoJo so that when they wake up they go to the entry of the room and find their gift. I do small things like a Mickey water bottles for each of them (super useful to give on day one because then they can use them in the parks everyday), Mickey lollipops, small plush Mickey or Disney characters that they are into that year, Mickey pencils, erasers, etc. I mostly find things at the Dollar Store or Target so it's pretty cheap. The JOY on the boys' faces each morning is priceless. They are now age 2, 5, and 7 years- just right for believing in all the magic

I've spent the morning shopping online and finding things for our upcoming trip. This year they will be getting a Mickey Sing-A-Ma-Jig (oldest DS has been wanting this), a baseball Mickey beanie baby from eBay for littlest DS (he loves baseball), and a Mickey dressed in karate gear for middle DS (he's really into karate). It's been so fun picking everything out and anticipating our upcoming trip Off to find more items to "help Mickey" pay a visit!