How do you tell your kids?

[ConnieC]

We are going in mid May. But my kids don't know yet.
Which do you recommend, to tell them or not to tell them till the we fly ?
They are 6 1/2, 4 and 2.
*Warning: 6 1/2 boy is very hyper and talkative.
TIA

 

[canwegosoon]

If you have managed to keep it a seceret...then I would tell them on the way to the airport. But me...who can't hold back the excitment...discusses everything with them...So what rides would you like to do? Where should we eat? Do you want to have Christmas at home or WDW? Have agreat trip

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I would keep it a secret. You have done so good so far. I have always wanted to surprise my kids with a trip. I am such a planner and want to discuss everything, so it has never been a surprise.

 

[Unregistered]

I would tell them. They way I look at it is you're spending a lot of money for a vacation to Disney World for so many days, why not get more bang for your buck by getting your kids excited for it? Looking forward to a great vacation is half the fun. If you tell them and they get excited, then in essence you're making the trip last longer. I always plan our trips with our kids and have them earn souvenirs with good behaviour and helping out.

Just my opinion! Either way, you're taking your kids to Disney World!!! They are going to be psyched and have a great time no matter what you do!!! Have fun and let us know how it works out!

 

[jagruti6]

I would tell them just because of the 4 and 2 year old, we are taking our 2 and 1/2 year old for the first time this may, We told told him about the trip already so that we could get him used to the idea of how big the characters are so he won`t be afraid, and be able to really enjoy the trip. We even got him a couple of dvds that show the characters in there costumes so he can get a good idea of how they are. We are also using the time between now and Our trip to tell him how some of the rides are dark but still fun. He so excited!!! We are also watching a different Disney movie every week so he`ll know there names.

 

[la79al]

Tell them a few days before if you don't want to listen to the 6 1/2 year old forever. We told DD4 and DS8 on the way to the airport last year. DD was so terrified of flying that she did not speak for 3 hours. (Ended up doing fine after we talked to her a lot at the airport about what was going on). I was expecting the kids to both be so excited about Disney World because we had watched the planning video and talked a little bit about it. However, neither of them had ever been to DW so they had no concept and they were both like 'oh ok'. Very disappointing. When we go next year we are probably giving them 6 week advance notice. I really want them to feel like they have some input even though I am making all the big decisions way before then. So, my advice is, tell them at least a little in advance so you can help get them excited and quiet any anxiety that may come up.

 

[Tegra89]

We are going in mid May. But my kids don't know yet.
Which do you recommend, to tell them or not to tell them till the we fly ?
They are 6 1/2, 4 and 2.
*Warning: 6 1/2 boy is very hyper and talkative.
TIA

Maybe a couple of days before you leave, give them the luggage tags in a gift box and let them open them. Explain what they are and then if you have the planning video show it to them. I don't think I could hold the secret that long!

 

[ckphila]

I would go to the dollar stores get some disney books and then tell them on the plane and pack them each a backpack for the plane with things related to disney. I also got some window clings (disney of course) so when we got to our room I let the grandkids decorate the window this way they knew which room was ours too! Coloring books are good and reading books little things to keep them occupied on the plane, you can also get little stuffed disney animals and put them in the front window!! Have a fun trip and don't forget the pictures! You could even give your 6 1/2 and 4 yr old their own disposible cameras!!

 

[disney-princess]

In December we went on an all girls trip. The two youngster, 8 and 11 were kept in the dark. It was the hardest thing to do. They were picked up from school and were told they were going to the mall to get their christmas picture taken so they had to put on matching clothes. And as they pulled into the airport they were video taped and asked where they were and they said the airport and then were asked what do you do when you're at the airport and then replied, fly somewhere and then they were told they were going to Disney World to have their Christmas picture taken and they both started to cry. And the older girl said she was glad it was a surprise because she didn't have to wait for it. They were so excited and happy it made everyone cry. Wait if you can, the expression on their faces will be priceless.

 

[AnnieRN]

im having the same issue. we too are going in mid may. i was thinking about telling them on the day i graduate from college (this is a trip to thank them for being so suportive over the last three years).

 

[dizluvr71]

I would tell them before hand. My DS8 loves surprises, but he also likes to be prepared for things. Especially if this is their first time flying. Besides I agree with being able to talk to them before hand about what they would like to do. We also let DS8 and DD17 help us pick out where they would like to eat.

 

[Samantha/NC]

I can not keep a secret!!!! I think the build up is the best part. Our kids have known since we booked the house at Christmas. It is so much fun to get on the net and look at pictures. I have also been introducing the kids to other characters that they may see in the park. Like I said we have so much fun planning and talking about the trip, I could not keep it a secret!!!!!
Good Luck

 

[Breakfast@Tiffany's]

DH and I took dd (4) for the first time Nov 05. We didn't have a plan in mind of how we were going to tell her, we just kept waiting to see if she could figure it out. On the plane, she knew she was going on vacation, and many other passengers asked her if she was going to WDW. She still didn't seem to catch on, it wasn't until we were at the gates of MK during the opening ceremony that she screamed, I'm at WDW!

For me, it was easier to plan everything on the sly (well, not so much, dd's obviously kind of clueless, lol) than to deal with "Are we going yet?" everyday until vacation time. But you will get some great ideas from this board about how to surprise them, whenever you do it.

 

[Unregistered]

I think you should tell them to pack their things, but not tell them where you're going till the last minute.

 

[Unregistered]

We are going in May - My husband and I have been many times but this is the first time for our 3 and 4 year olds. I have told them because I want to prepare my children for the experience. I have been watching Disney movies with them and we have watched the planning video and are looking at everything online so they are excited instead of scared of the experience. I am sure we will go again when they are older but I want them to be prepared so they have fun instead being scared.

 

[canwegosoon]

im having the same issue. we too are going in mid may. i was thinking about telling them on the day i graduate from college (this is a trip to thank them for being so suportive over the last three years).

I think this is a good plan...it makes it like a reward for hanging in there.

 

[byoung]

Tell them now and let them enjoy the majic now.

 

[ConnieC]

im having the same issue. we too are going in mid may. i was thinking about telling them on the day i graduate from college (this is a trip to thank them for being so suportive over the last three years).

AnnieRN,

Congratulations on your graduation ! You must be graduating from nursing school.
I thought about becoming a nurse a bit. But I gave up. It's too hard. 6am clinical? How did you do that with kids?! You must have been working so hard for past several years. Enjoy your trip in May!

 

[AnnieRN]

thank you for the congrats and yes....i will finally be an RN. ive had my share of 7am-7pm clinicals....but well worth getting up at 5am and dragging the kids to the babysitters in the middle of the winter. once im done...the babysitter will come to us because im getting a nannie!!!!! i dont know if im more excited about that or disney! thanks again!

 

[ConnieC]

Thank you everyone for great input!!
Let me think about it for a while and I will let you know how it went!