Anyone else keeping THE secret? Updated list p. 4

[rentayenta]

I love the youtube videos! Some surprises are so elaborate. And I love the one where the little boy is very disappointed and says he wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese. I am doing the big surprise in September. We went to DL in Nov last year so kids do not expect to go again this year. We will pick them up from school and start driving (nearly 7 hours!). I wonder how far we can go before they start wondering what in the world we are doing. I too do all the planning once they are in bed. But they saw a video of Star Tours and DS(9) was mesmerized. I said "too bad it wasn't open when we went there. Guess we missed our chance." I am awful!

You're not awful, you're trying to make it a fabulous surprise! I hear there are like 50+ variations with the new Star Tours, is that correct? My DS is 9 too and loves Star Wars. These boys are spoiled!

I saw that video too Rosie, and I felt so bad for the parents. I think I heard one of them say "well we're not going to let you spoil our trip", and the girl was so excited. If our DD was disappointed I think I would cry, but she is old enough now to know that DL is no comparison to Chuck E Cheese
And as for you being "awful", you aren't necessarily telling a lie! It is too bad that it wasn't open when you were there last, but you are chuckling inside I'm sure Oh, such fun!

Traci

Chuck E Cheese I call it Chuck E Hell. My kids don't even ask to go anymore. I'd rather hand them each $20 and take them to Toys R Us.




DS would NOT go to sleep last night and outlasted me so I didn't get to look at any of the videos.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

We did this in April for the first time, and my kids are 11, 14 and 17. We were visiting the inlaws (who live down in the Los Angeles area) for spring break. We told them we were leaving L.A. on Wednesday (flying out) and going home. We left my MIL early Wednesday morning, presumably to go to LAX and go back home.

This is what happened instead....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbaaE7UYxzs

It was our youngest (11) who figured it out first--right by the Disneyland Drive exit. She was very worried at first because she still had to do her homework before school on Monday, but after we told her it was just one night at the Disneyland Hotel she was very happy. My middle daughter loves everthing Disney, and was super excited. My 17 year old son was so excited that he actually pulled the ear bud out of his ear and cracked a smile!

 

[Dobie]

OK, so this is really really bad,

But Mr. Dobie and I spent so much to send Dobie Daughter (who turned 21 yesterday, OMG) to Japan for summer school that we are ...gasp...going to DL without her (because we can't afford to take her) and we are not telling her because we are parentally cowardly!

So I guess this could all turn out to be a big surprise, albeit a nasty one.

 

[nbliss]

We are surprising our kids (8, 5) with their first trip to DL in October. They've never even stayed in a hotel before, they'll be so excited. Our flight leaves at 6:30 am, so we'll be at the airport VERY early. I've decided to wake them up that morning, tell them we are visiting some friends in Reno, and head to the airport. I'm just going to sit back and see how long it takes them to figure it out. Maybe it will be a ticket person who asks them if they are going to Disneyland. Maybe it will be my daughter who reads the reader board at the gate, who knows. Will be fun to see them figure it out

 

[RedRosie]

We are surprising our kids (8, 5) with their first trip to DL in October. They've never even stayed in a hotel before, they'll be so excited. Our flight leaves at 6:30 am, so we'll be at the airport VERY early. I've decided to wake them up that morning, tell them we are visiting some friends in Reno, and head to the airport. I'm just going to sit back and see how long it takes them to figure it out. Maybe it will be a ticket person who asks them if they are going to Disneyland. Maybe it will be my daughter who reads the reader board at the gate, who knows. Will be fun to see them figure it out

Don't be surprised if your kids are equally thrilled with the hotel as they are with DL! My kids (9&6) think a continental breakfast and hot tub are the greatest things since sliced bread.

 

[RedRosie]

We did this in April for the first time, and my kids are 11, 14 and 17. We were visiting the inlaws (who live down in the Los Angeles area) for spring break. We told them we were leaving L.A. on Wednesday (flying out) and going home. We left my MIL early Wednesday morning, presumably to go to LAX and go back home.

This is what happened instead....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbaaE7UYxzs

It was our youngest (11) who figured it out first--right by the Disneyland Drive exit. She was very worried at first because she still had to do her homework before school on Monday, but after we told her it was just one night at the Disneyland Hotel she was very happy. My middle daughter loves everthing Disney, and was super excited. My 17 year old son was so excited that he actually pulled the ear bud out of his ear and cracked a smile!

Loved this video! Thanks for sharing it with us. Only 101 days to go....

 

[attagirl2]

We are leaving on Sunday- My DD knows about the trip but it is my DS's birthday tomorrow so we are telling him then! Can't wait!!!! I have the character call scheduled for 9:15 tomorrow morning! CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

 

[albumlady]

I am and it is killing me!! I am headed to DL for the 1/2 marathon over Labor Day weekend and am taking my oldest DD with me - but she doesn't know! Her 10th birthday is a week before the trip and it is going to be her birthday present. I also registered both of us to run the 5K race since she started running track this year. All the girls know that I am going for the race but they think that I am going by myself. I am going to tell my middle daughter the day before so she isn't really upset and ruin the present. She will understand because we do a lot of travelling together for her dance competitions - and her older sister makes quite a few sacrafices for her dancing - but I want to give her a day to get happy for her sister before the suprise.

To tell my DD we are going to wrap it up as a gift. The last time we were at WDW she did quite a bit of pin trading and traded for a whole set of cast lanyard pins but never found the chaser. I bought one for her and am going to wrap it up with her plane confirmation, 5K registration and ticket voucher. I can't wait - she is just going to be over the moon! I am also excited to spend some one on one time with her. She is growing up so quick ....

As consolation - while we are gone my DH is taking the other two girls to Great Wolf Lodge for the weekend. He is an absolute gem to let me make this trip for my C2C medal and take my oldest with me. What he may not see coming is that I will now need to take each girl on a special mommy trip for their 10th birthday

Oh! And neither of us have ever been to DL before either .. can't wait!

 

[OregonMickeyLover]

I just love reading about all this surprises!!!! It really does motivate me to try and keep it a secret, but 4 months seems so far away!

Lisa, when I was looking at the videos the other day, I saw your video, so I laughed today when I read your post and pulled up your video

Albumlady, what a special trip you have planned. I know it must be bittersweet to not be taking everyone, but you will have great one-on-one time with your DD, while your DH has the same with your other children. Have a wonderful time!

Mrs. Dobie, what a dilemma you have. Parents need those vacations alone sometimes, and just because you chose DL rather than say Vegas or Hawaii, shouldn't change that. I still wouldn't want to be in your shoes I think your daughter will understand given the fact that you did spend so much money for her to go to Japan. Have a great time with DH!

Nbliss, I am also wondering when she will realize what's going on! The first surprise will be getting the limo, then having the limo ending up at the airport, and lastly, where are we going?!?! Our plan right now is to check our bags in with hopefully one of us keeping her from seeing the "reader board", going to eat breakfast in the airport before getting to the gate, and having the character call happen at breakfast. Now I know there are a million things that could happen to change the plan, but we are going to try our best to not have her find out sooner. Good luck and have a fabulous time!

Thank goodness for the DISboards, because without all of you this secret would be impossible to keep!

Traci

 

[WannaseePooh]

I found this secret too hard to keep with all the planning, and the kids superhuman hearing . The boys know we are going to Disneyland, but they think we are going in Aug. So on July 9th my husband will come home early for work, we know the kids will be excited to see him home early and will ask him why he is there My husband is going to say " I feel like going to Disneyland today, who wants to come with me?" It should still be a suprise, somewhat. Getting very excited, just got my parkhopper vouchers today! I am all set

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Don't be surprised if your kids are equally thrilled with the hotel as they are with DL! My kids (9&6) think a continental breakfast and hot tub are the greatest things since sliced bread.

DS6 is the same way! He loves "rooms." In fact, we stayed in a local Embassy Suites over Memorial Day, and he was on cloud nine. I mean, ten minutes from home, across the street from Super Target, and he was over the moon.

 

[rentayenta]

We did this in April for the first time, and my kids are 11, 14 and 17. We were visiting the inlaws (who live down in the Los Angeles area) for spring break. We told them we were leaving L.A. on Wednesday (flying out) and going home. We left my MIL early Wednesday morning, presumably to go to LAX and go back home.

This is what happened instead....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbaaE7UYxzs

It was our youngest (11) who figured it out first--right by the Disneyland Drive exit. She was very worried at first because she still had to do her homework before school on Monday, but after we told her it was just one night at the Disneyland Hotel she was very happy. My middle daughter loves everthing Disney, and was super excited. My 17 year old son was so excited that he actually pulled the ear bud out of his ear and cracked a smile!

Great video, thanks for sharing! Too cute that your DD was worried about her homework. Teenagers, gotta love them.

OK, so this is really really bad,

But Mr. Dobie and I spent so much to send Dobie Daughter (who turned 21 yesterday, OMG) to Japan for summer school that we are ...gasp...going to DL without her (because we can't afford to take her) and we are not telling her because we are parentally cowardly!

So I guess this could all turn out to be a big surprise, albeit a nasty one.

Love the Dobie parents. You deserve it. It's not like she's slumming it by being in Japan either.

We are surprising our kids (8, 5) with their first trip to DL in October. They've never even stayed in a hotel before, they'll be so excited. Our flight leaves at 6:30 am, so we'll be at the airport VERY early. I've decided to wake them up that morning, tell them we are visiting some friends in Reno, and head to the airport. I'm just going to sit back and see how long it takes them to figure it out. Maybe it will be a ticket person who asks them if they are going to Disneyland. Maybe it will be my daughter who reads the reader board at the gate, who knows. Will be fun to see them figure it out

That is going to be so fun for them. First trips are so exciting too. What have you got planned?

Don't be surprised if your kids are equally thrilled with the hotel as they are with DL! My kids (9&6) think a continental breakfast and hot tub are the greatest things since sliced bread.

That is so true. Mine love the the hotel and DTD and of course the pool.

We are leaving on Sunday- My DD knows about the trip but it is my DS's birthday tomorrow so we are telling him then! Can't wait!!!! I have the character call scheduled for 9:15 tomorrow morning! CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

How exciting! What a fabulous birthday gift! How do I set up a character call?

I am and it is killing me!! I am headed to DL for the 1/2 marathon over Labor Day weekend and am taking my oldest DD with me - but she doesn't know! Her 10th birthday is a week before the trip and it is going to be her birthday present. I also registered both of us to run the 5K race since she started running track this year. All the girls know that I am going for the race but they think that I am going by myself. I am going to tell my middle daughter the day before so she isn't really upset and ruin the present. She will understand because we do a lot of travelling together for her dance competitions - and her older sister makes quite a few sacrafices for her dancing - but I want to give her a day to get happy for her sister before the suprise.

To tell my DD we are going to wrap it up as a gift. The last time we were at WDW she did quite a bit of pin trading and traded for a whole set of cast lanyard pins but never found the chaser. I bought one for her and am going to wrap it up with her plane confirmation, 5K registration and ticket voucher. I can't wait - she is just going to be over the moon! I am also excited to spend some one on one time with her. She is growing up so quick ....

As consolation - while we are gone my DH is taking the other two girls to Great Wolf Lodge for the weekend. He is an absolute gem to let me make this trip for my C2C medal and take my oldest with me. What he may not see coming is that I will now need to take each girl on a special mommy trip for their 10th birthday

Oh! And neither of us have ever been to DL before either .. can't wait!

Wow! What a special trip that is going to be. Good luck on the race.

I found this secret too hard to keep with all the planning, and the kids superhuman hearing . The boys know we are going to Disneyland, but they think we are going in Aug. So on July 9th my husband will come home early for work, we know the kids will be excited to see him home early and will ask him why he is there My husband is going to say " I feel like going to Disneyland today, who wants to come with me?" It should still be a suprise, somewhat. Getting very excited, just got my parkhopper vouchers today! I am all set

They do hear everything! Good thing taking advantage of the price before they went up this morning. I bought the two youngest their Hoppers.

 

[nbliss]

Rentayenta, don't have much planned yet, as it's not until October. Will do a character meal for sure. Going to do the Halloween party as well. I just keep reading the boards to get info. It's very helpful!

 

[rentayenta]

Rentayenta, don't have much planned yet, as it's not until October. Will do a character meal for sure. Going to do the Halloween party as well. I just keep reading the boards to get info. It's very helpful!

The Halloween party looks like so much fun! We're going to WDW in October 2012 and doing MNSSHP. I have already been thinking about costumes.

We've done a few character meals at Disneyland. Goofy's Kitchen was fun. We also did the Lilo and Stitch meal at the PPH. I'd like to try Minnie's breakfast if they still have it.

 

[paty]

this will be our first trip to DL and my kids have no idea! we leave on Thursday.
I've been planing it for about 6 months, I think, and I have no problems in keeping the secret just to see their faces when we tell them!

we went to WDW last year so they are not expecting another trip this year. Also, last year we went with family, so we left with the feeling we didn't enjoy it that much. It was just difficult managing 8 people with different opinions, so this time will be just us.

DH is putting together a video with the best moments from last year and I also got them autograph books, a t-shirt and a few other things from the disney store close to us. We will watch the video and when it's over we will ask them if they want to go right now!! can't wait to see their reaction!

 

[OregonMickeyLover]

Sounds like a great plan Paty! I am especially jealous that you have only 8 more days, while I have over 4 months Like you said, my motivation to keep the secret will be seeing her reaction when she finds out! I also can relate to going with other family and feeling like you need to accomodate so many needs. And as the person who does all the planning, I really wanted to make sure everyone had a great time. This time will be the first time out of 4 trips that it will be just the three of us, and DH and I are really excited about that. I hope you have a magical time!

Traci

 

[DangerMouse]

Hi again Jenny!

We're keeping our trip a surprise, but mostly because it isn't a sure thing yet, and we hate to disappoint the kids if we have to cancel. We're in the middle of buying property/building a house and money is questionable... (know you can relate).

It does look like we might overlap your dates. We have ressies at the HoJo Tue-Fri, the week after Thanksgiving.

 

[paty]

4 more days to go!!!!
i have to say the last week has been the most difficult to keep it quiet!!!

 

[RedRosie]

My DD just busted me writing on another thread telling about where I bought tickets! Good thing she is not a good reader. But she knew this was about Disneyland and lamented about when we can go again. I said "maybe one day..." I have to be more careful!

 

[frijolefrito]

You have to keep the secret for me or every five second we doing to disneyland yet. LOL I'm so excited tho!