How are you surprising them?

[disneydreamer21]

The excitement is building... 28 days to go and the only way I can get through it is to post my surprise! I would love to hear how you plan on surprising your family, too.
Our plan: The kids (10, 8, 5) think DH and I are going on a cruise with DS and her DH- we are packing all our bags, and the kids' bags, because they think they are staying with "Nana" while we are gone on vacation. (she is going, too and will put her luggage with my DS)
At the airport, (they will think they are dropping us off to say goodbye) we will give them each a 'going away gift' from us. They are t-shirts that say "I am going to the Walt Disney Resort!" Only 2 of them can read, so the youngest will have to catch on by seeing the Mickey Mouse on his shirt!
We expect lots of screaming, maybe crying.... the kids have been BEGGING for a trip to WDW- haven't been in 4 years, and with all the advertising on TV, it is driving me CRAZY not to tell them!
We will then have to put the luggage tags on all the bags- probably the only thing that's going to be a hassle.
The kids think the only vacation they are going on is a trip to Six Flags. Not very exciting when you've been half a dozen times!
Hoping this is going to be a magical experience for us all!

 

[WDWPolyFan]

We just booked a trip and plan to surprise my 6 year old son in the car. We're going to tell him that we're heading to the beach for the day. We usually pass the airport on the way to the beach anyway. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he realizes we're not turning off for Ocean City.

 

[readytogotodisney]

I love surprise trips to WDW! We're surprising my son, niece and nephew on Christmas for our trip 2 weeks later in January. While we love the surprise aspect, we want them to have a little bit of that anticipation too.

We plan on giving each of them a present, their last one to open, which is a new suitcase for each of them. Not very exciting, but they need new ones. Inside will be an helium filled Mickey balloon, with a countdown chain attached. There is also going to be the customized maps from WDW, an a printed out itinerary, and their plane "tickets" (http://omatic.musicairport.com/) and a few little items for each of them. A penny collection book for my niece and change, some new mickey crocs for my son, but we haven't quite figured out what to do as my nephews extra gift.

We're also thinking about giving hints throughout the morning too, but not sure yet. Things like mickey shaped pancakes for breakfast, mickey candy in their stockings, things like that.

 

[disneydreamer21]

We just booked a trip and plan to surprise my 6 year old son in the car. We're going to tell him that we're heading to the beach for the day. We usually pass the airport on the way to the beach anyway. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he realizes we're not turning off for Ocean City.

Love that idea! You may want to bring some ear plugs for the car... he's bound to do some major squealing!

 

[disneydreamer21]

I love surprise trips to WDW! We're surprising my son, niece and nephew on Christmas for our trip 2 weeks later in January. While we love the surprise aspect, we want them to have a little bit of that anticipation too.

We plan on giving each of them a present, their last one to open, which is a new suitcase for each of them. Not very exciting, but they need new ones. Inside will be an helium filled Mickey balloon, with a countdown chain attached. There is also going to be the customized maps from WDW, an a printed out itinerary, and their plane "tickets" (http://omatic.musicairport.com/) and a few little items for each of them. A penny collection book for my niece and change, some new mickey crocs for my son, but we haven't quite figured out what to do as my nephews extra gift.

We're also thinking about giving hints throughout the morning too, but not sure yet. Things like mickey shaped pancakes for breakfast, mickey candy in their stockings, things like that.

I have gone back and forth with the fact that my kids will miss the "anticipation" aspect of the surprise. Not to mention, the "bribery/blackmail" I could use against them when it comes to cleaning their rooms, fighting, etc. My DH and I agree, they will so much more excited this way, and be a little "magical" for us all!
I love the idea of the customized maps- may have to do this so they can look at it on the plane!

 

[Oliquig]

We're planning on surprising my niece on Christmas Day for our February trip. Now we just have to see if we can not say anything for almost 7 months.

Right now we haven't decided exactly how the surprise will go, any ideas would be helpful.

 

[momH2the4th]

We just got back last week from our surprise vacation. Last year we told the kids that we were going to skip going in 2011 because we are planning a grand gathering for 2012. That really was the plan! Well, the PIN came and while I ignored it for quite a while and was set on keeping my word, my husband had other ideas. The kids found out they were going on the day we were leaving which was also the last day of school. They came downstairs that morning to find their suitcases and a 2011 WDW shirt laying on top of each one. It was priceless! They were completely surprised. It always so hard to keep that secret, but so worth it in the end!

 

[the_green_machine]

I am planning on surprising my wife this Christmas with a 7 day trip to Disney World near the end of Jan. 2012.

This, literally, has been her life's wish for the 16yrs we've been together and this year Im going to make it come true.

So here's how Im doing it, that being said with help from all the Dis'ers that have given me their opinions on my posts.

Christmas morning she will open a few gifts initially, ideally each gift will be somewhat specific of one of the theme parks. So perhaps slippers for Magic Kingdom (Cinderella.....get it?), A new camera (Epcot, travel), perhaps a new Blu-ray (Hollywood studios)...Im stuck on Animal Kingdom, but I'll figure it out. Lastly there will be 2 gifts remaining.

The largest one (hopefully the box will be at least 3 to 4 feet tall) will contain something attached to foil helium ballons that will float to the ceiling once opened revealing the surprise (still working on that one).

Lastly, once she has caught her breath or regained consciousness there will be a smaller box which, when opened, will contain a parchment scroll sealed with wax inviting her to Cinderella castle for supper (written in calligraphy) one night during our travels.

I know it may seem over the top but shes worth it and It will mean the world to her.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

A few years ago I helped one of my nephews surprise his seven year old daughter. I sent her a greeting card with no return address, but on the envelope clearly marked "Do No Open Until November 29". Because of the contents he let me know when it arrived. This was driving his daughter crazy; especially when on the 29th her mother said she would have to wait until she was home from school to open it.

Anyway, evening comes along and she finally is allowed to open the envelope. Inside she finds a generic card with Mickey on the front. When she opens it three tickets drop out. The inside of the card says: "Dear Emma, I hope you and your parents will come down to visit me" and was signed by Mickey. (It helps to know some people who have been trained to sign Mickey's name.)

And her parents told her to start reading what was on the card (3rd grade). She starts off where it says "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas" and then sees (and reads) where it also says "Valid Only November 30". She looks at her parents, and says in a very anguished tone: "But that's tomorrow!"

And the next day they flew down.

(Side note - I had recorded the numbers of the tickets in case the envelope got lost as there was no return address.)

 

[GrumpyCAdad]

You are a good man, my friend!!! I am sure your wife will be thrilled!!!

I am planning on surprising my wife this Christmas with a 7 day trip to Disney World near the end of Jan. 2012.

This, literally, has been her life's wish for the 16yrs we've been together and this year Im going to make it come true.

So here's how Im doing it, that being said with help from all the Dis'ers that have given me their opinions on my posts.

Christmas morning she will open a few gifts initially, ideally each gift will be somewhat specific of one of the theme parks. So perhaps slippers for Magic Kingdom (Cinderella.....get it?), A new camera (Epcot, travel), perhaps a new Blu-ray (Hollywood studios)...Im stuck on Animal Kingdom, but I'll figure it out. Lastly there will be 2 gifts remaining.

The largest one (hopefully the box will be at least 3 to 4 feet tall) will contain something attached to foil helium ballons that will float to the ceiling once opened revealing the surprise (still working on that one).

Lastly, once she has caught her breath or regained consciousness there will be a smaller box which, when opened, will contain a parchment scroll sealed with wax inviting her to Cinderella castle for supper (written in calligraphy) one night during our travels.

I know it may seem over the top but shes worth it and It will mean the world to her.

 

[Christine9125]

Our kids also think we are going to the beach (Myrtle Beach), but we are going to the Beach Club. I have made vacation books for each of them (dd20, DD15, DS15), the 1st page is all about our hotel we normally stay at in Myrtle Beach, but once they turn the page it is all about our Disney Vacation. The book has all the info about POP (this is where we were originally staying, but I upgraded us) and our flight (always drive, never flew down). We are taking ME to the resort, when we get to the Beach Club I will get up to get off the bus, they will then be surprised with the resort. When we get off the bus, we will be taken to the club level to check in for our deluxe club level room (I really upgraded us). The trip is for my 40th birthday and our 10th anniversary, so I am pulling out all the stops, plus it will probably be our last trip for awhile all together.

 

[macbitt]

Im stuck on Animal Kingdom, but I'll figure it out.

Maybe a stuffed animal? Or something for safari but that is useful for more general outdoor travel?

Love the plan, I'm sure she will too. I'm at the beginning of a very similar surprise for my anniversary in Feburary and a Christmas gift presentation is on my short list. I might check out those helpful posts you mentioned

 

[disneydreamer21]

Our kids also think we are going to the beach (Myrtle Beach), but we are going to the Beach Club. I have made vacation books for each of them (dd20, DD15, DS15), the 1st page is all about our hotel we normally stay at in Myrtle Beach, but once they turn the page it is all about our Disney Vacation. The book has all the info about POP (this is where we were originally staying, but I upgraded us) and our flight (always drive, never flew down). We are taking ME to the resort, when we get to the Beach Club I will get up to get off the bus, they will then be surprised with the resort. When we get off the bus, we will be taken to the club level to check in for our deluxe club level room (I really upgraded us). The trip is for my 40th birthday and our 10th anniversary, so I am pulling out all the stops, plus it will probably be our last trip for awhile all together.

WOW! That is going to be quite a surprise!! We are staying at the Beach Club, too. This will be our very first "on site" experience. I'm thinking we should've slowly built up to Deluxe Level- but a free dining pin code tempted me into spending more than I originally planned! I would LOVE to stay at club level- it just wasn't in the budget this time!

 

[disneydreamer21]

A few years ago I helped one of my nephews surprise his seven year old daughter. I sent her a greeting card with no return address, but on the envelope clearly marked "Do No Open Until November 29". Because of the contents he let me know when it arrived. This was driving his daughter crazy; especially when on the 29th her mother said she would have to wait until she was home from school to open it.

Anyway, evening comes along and she finally is allowed to open the envelope. Inside she finds a generic card with Mickey on the front. When she opens it three tickets drop out. The inside of the card says: "Dear Emma, I hope you and your parents will come down to visit me" and was signed by Mickey. (It helps to know some people who have been trained to sign Mickey's name.)

And her parents told her to start reading what was on the card (3rd grade). She starts off where it says "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas" and then sees (and reads) where it also says "Valid Only November 30". She looks at her parents, and says in a very anguished tone: "But that's tomorrow!"

And the next day they flew down.

(Side note - I had recorded the numbers of the tickets in case the envelope got lost as there was no return address.)

That's amazing!!! I don't know how you kept her from opening that letter... my kids would NOT be able to handle that kind of anticipation! I'm sure they would've snuck it when I wasn't looking and ripped it open! Good idea, though! I'm sure she was super excited~ probably made it hard for her to sleep, too!!!

 

[disneydreamer21]

I am planning on surprising my wife this Christmas with a 7 day trip to Disney World near the end of Jan. 2012.

This, literally, has been her life's wish for the 16yrs we've been together and this year Im going to make it come true.

So here's how Im doing it, that being said with help from all the Dis'ers that have given me their opinions on my posts.

Christmas morning she will open a few gifts initially, ideally each gift will be somewhat specific of one of the theme parks. So perhaps slippers for Magic Kingdom (Cinderella.....get it?), A new camera (Epcot, travel), perhaps a new Blu-ray (Hollywood studios)...Im stuck on Animal Kingdom, but I'll figure it out. Lastly there will be 2 gifts remaining.

The largest one (hopefully the box will be at least 3 to 4 feet tall) will contain something attached to foil helium ballons that will float to the ceiling once opened revealing the surprise (still working on that one).

Lastly, once she has caught her breath or regained consciousness there will be a smaller box which, when opened, will contain a parchment scroll sealed with wax inviting her to Cinderella castle for supper (written in calligraphy) one night during our travels.

I know it may seem over the top but shes worth it and It will mean the world to her.

Your wife is SOOO lucky! I could only dream of my DH doing something like that. I am the only vacation planner in the family- if it were up to him, we would NEVER go anywhere!
As for the AK gift, I think a Safari Hat would be a cute idea- that way she can use it for the trip if she wants. They are sold at any kind of Sporting store, even Wal-Mart or Target! Pretty cheap, too- maybe $8-10.

 

[the_green_machine]

Maybe a stuffed animal? Or something for safari but that is useful for more general outdoor travel?

Love the plan, I'm sure she will too. I'm at the beginning of a very similar surprise for my anniversary in Feburary and a Christmas gift presentation is on my short list. I might check out those helpful posts you mentioned

Yeah, Just search my profile for my posts and about half way down I started one called "Help make her dream come true"...there are a lot of good ideas in there.

 

[weheartdisney]

I was thinking of a hat to go along with the AK park too. Or a pair of binoculars.

This trip we are surprising the boys the morning that we leave. We are planning to take the boys to breakfast in DH's vehicle. One of the restuarant's owners is going to make the boys Mickey shaped pancakes. We'll ask them if they could go anywhere that day, where would they want to go? I'm sure our oldest will say Disney...he always does. The youngest will chime in along with him. We'll say, "OK...let's go", and I'm sure they'll think we are kidding. We'll give them Disney 2011 t-shirts for them to wear down there. My car will already be packed for WDW, so once we get back home...we'll switch into my car and head down to Orlando!! I can't wait to see their faces. They don't think we are going this year.

 

[Goofyta]

At first I wasn't going to tell my dd8 until the morning we were to leave, but then I started get worried about how she would react to the plane ride, so I decided to tell her about 2-3 weeks before we leave so she can prepare herself. I was going to take her to the Disney Outlet store and tell her and let her pick out some t-shirts that she can wear while on the trip.

 

[dawnn12]

last year we did this to our dds (11 and 6 at the time) we told them poppop(my dad) was going to pick someone up whos a friend and we were going to go with him. when we got to the airport they asked why are we here i told them we are going away for a week and they were both alittle upset(thought they were staying home) till they seen their luggage being taken out of the van with the disney tags on it. (then i wished i had a video camera )they were screaming "were going to disney" people at philly airport were laughing at them but it was so worth it

side note when we got to mco dh and dd's took ME and i picked up our rental car they said ME was "cool" i wasnt thinking and didnt bring cash with me for tolls the guy from enterprise gave me toll money and told me he loves disney also and have a great time

 

[stisler]

I am taking my youngest godchild (8 yrs), her little sister (7 years) and their Mom. We have been planning since last June and our departure is just two days away. Each year we go to a different zoo but last year we went to Kings Island (Cincinnati, OH) so we didn't do a zoo. We never tell the girls where we are going. This year their mother will tell them on Sunday that I've asked them all to go somewhere with me and that we will be staying overnight. We're leaving on Monday and driving to Valdosta, GA to stay the night. I'm going to tell the girls we're going to Georgia (they don't know enough about geography yet to realize how close we will be to Florida) and we are going to a zoo (Animal Kingdom) and the largest aquarium they could ever imagine (Sea World). On Tuesday morning when the girls are taking their showers, I will lay out their clothes for them on the bed. First a black headband with Mickey ears. On top of that a t-shirt face down (I'm going to a Walt Disney World Resort). On top of that, their shorts. We're hoping that when they put on their shirts there will be screams of excitement and that their four days at Disneyworld and one day at Sea World will be a vacation for them to remember for a long time.