Disney as part of a christmas gift...

[billnang]

We just returned for disney mid Sept. My kids are already to plan with me another trip... yes.. I like many of you love planning and reading about planning and now my kids enjoy it too...

Well, with finances hard on us... we ttold the kids we probably wont go next year.... but after talking about it and talking about going end of Nov/ early Dec... My Dh and I are really getting into thinking we are going... So now originally I thought I would surprise them with this trip like a week before...but, I know me with planning and I will want their input..they are 2,4,10, 12.... the last 3 really love helping...
So, I was thinking should I give it to them as part of their chirstmas gift this year..... or next year....

If this year, I would do something creative from them to open or figure out this Christmas....

If next year.. then I wouldn't tell them at all... and man would that me tough around this house!!!lol

WWYD?

input...ideas?
Angela

 

[Echo queen]

If you are planning to go Nov/Dec 2009 I would not tell them this Christmas that is an awful long time for them to anticapate WDW. Can you somehow surprise them maybe 4 to 6 mos out so they can help with the planning from that point? Or maybe not tell them at all until it's time. I surprised my boys with a DL Christmas trip in 2006, we would watch the travel channel WDW shows and I ask them many questions as to if they would like to ride that or try this. Good luck

 

[tzolkin]

Are you saying that due to finances you are planning a Disney trip instead of all of the Christmas gifts you normally buy? Or were you just excited and wanted to tell them? I think if you're going to cut back this Christmas to start saving for your Disney trip, that it would be good to tell the kids. It would be good for them to understand the concept of saving and also they may really enjoy the planning (even if it's a long way off).

We just went in May (it was our first real vacation ever). We all had the greatest time and knew we were going to wind up planning another trip. (We thought maybe 2-3 years from now.) My kids, especially my oldest (9), started telling me months ago that we didn't have to get them anything for Christmas or birthdays so that we could save up to go to Disney again. Of course we are still buying them gifts, but they really love the planning and are more than willing to substitute Disney for other things they may have liked. We are planning for next Sept/Oct and I really don't think it's too far out for them to find out. All the little things along the way will keep it exciting-- watching the Disney DVD, getting the customized maps, etc. We even did Disney-themed nights for several weeks before we left to familiarize the kids with the characters/attractions and keep up the excitement.

I don't have any Disney-trip related surprises planned for Christmas (anyone else have any good ideas?), but I have a few already for other holidays. (Well, DH bought each child a pin for their favorite ride from our trip that he's going to put in their stockings.) My oldest's birthday is right after Christmas and I just ordered her some pins for trading (didn't do it on our last trip), a lanyard, and a little tink bag. I also bought the kids Disney themed fanny packs (yes, they really want them--they think they're "cool"), new bathing suits, and Disney beach towels that I'm planning to give them for Easter.

 

[kloei423]

Heres an idea we considered. Still not sure if we will do it or not but it is an option. we have a surprise trip for DS12, DD4 and DS2 Dec 10-15th. It will be part of Christmas meaning less gifts, but DD4 and DS2 won't know because they are so young but DS12 knows and will be advised that there will not be the moutain under the tree, but anyway. We were thinking of taking them to see Santa, and having him give them a "gift" or an envelop and tell them to open when they get home and the whole family is together. This would then be and "early present from Santa" which would let them know they will have something to open Christmas morning but this was a BIG family present... Maybe it would work for you... At this point I am not sure if we will spill before we board the plan

 

[billnang]

Thank you all for the ideas.. and suggestions....

I have priced things out and we have always gone for free dining...so going in a non free dining time is going to cost a family of 6 alot more $$$... I think the more I thought about it, the more I decided to wait to tell them next year..and knowing me, I wont be able to keep it a surprise...but I may try...

To those going this nov/dec time tell us when you get back how it was!!!
angela

 

[Vicatron]

We are camping at Fort Wilderness Dec 19th-26, my 5 yr old daughter has no idea! We intend to put a note in our advent calendar saying we are camping for Christmas then start our 14 hour drive. I am sure she will figure out where we are going about 2 hours into the drive.. especially when she see's her Disney costumes hanging up! Hopefully I can continue to keep the secret.. although its getting harder!!

 

[jnorthington]

I agree that if you are using it as part of their Christmas that they would normally get, then surprise them this Christmas. That way they can also feel they are helping out and it will help them to understand that is why this Christmas may be a little smaller. If it isn't going to effect their Christmas a surprise is always great. Either way they will be excited.



We are also surprising our 7 year old daughter with a trip to Disney for the week right before Christmas next year. We are taking her to Disney also in June 2010. As we were planning that she noticed how the Christmas time looked and kept saying how she wished she could go during Christmas.

We are planning on not telling her at all. We are going to pick her up from school on her last day before break and have the vehicle packed. We will just tell her we are going on a "short trip" to finish some last minute christmas gifts. I hope she will be so excited.

With that being said....I hope her mother can keep it a secret...lol

 

[jnorthington]

Where did you buy the lanyard and pins.

 

[michelleiada]

I think forfitting Christmas gifts for a family trip to Disney is a wonderful idea. I am trying to convince my two brothers and my sister, and all of their spouses, to do the same. Instead of all of us buying for each other, and all of the kids (8 of them), we should surprise them with planning a trip to WDW. My two brothers have never taken their family's and I know the kids would love to go. I would gladly give up Christmas gifts for Disney World.