How does this sound

[BitsnBearsMom]

Just doing my letter for the border guard - how does this sound - we will hand this to him with our folder of passports and reservation confirmations.

Destination: Surprise trip to Disneyworld staying at Disney's Saratoga Springs 1960 Broadway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Flying from Buffalo to MCO Dec 13 Southwest flight number XXX departing at XXX
returning on Tuesday Dec 16th southwest flt number XXX arriving in Buffalo at XXX

 

[bbrnca]

Well I hope it works for you..... got to let us know when you get back......Have a great trip......

 

[maryliz]

Sounds good ... hopefully you get a border guard that has some Holiday Spirit in them and will smile at the letter and just tell you to have fun "today".

Have a great time.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I hope it works for you.

I'm not sure how to word this but I'm thinking about the possibility that the guard might think you are kidnapping some kids. Have you considered that? Are your kids old enough to speak for themselves should some questions be asked?

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

they are almost 9yo and 14.5yo so yes they are old enough plus we will hand their passports with the letter - thought of that already!

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Sounds good, the only thing I would add is the complete address of the resort, that's a new thing they're asking now. That saves you from saying it out loud. You are going to have so much fun!!!

 

[Ham Ham]

Let us know how it goes.

Hoping you hit the right customs agent.

You might want to include an itinerary with your note and tickets/boarding passes.

I'd add an extra hour incase you get the grinch.

Are you actually planning to stop at the mall? It would add to the con.

 

[fivebyfive]

I'm not sure how to word this but I'm thinking about the possibility that the guard might think you are kidnapping some kids. Have you considered that?

I agree with this. Problem is, the first question they always ask is "where are you heading"? The guard will ask you this before you even have time to hand them the letter. If you stall or say something like "please read the letter", you could be asking for trouble.

I would avoid the whole 'shhh...secret' thing and start the first sentence of the letter as quick an to the point as possible:

"We are taking the kids on a surprise trip to Walt Disney World, Florida." or something of that nature.

As someone mentioned, I would also hand them your WDW vouchers with the passports and letter, as this way there is no question where you are going.

Good luck!!!

 

[BellyBaby]

Whoo boy! I agree with the above poster. My husband is a Border Officer, and, sad to say, fits the profile of the typical serious-business border dude.

If someone handed him a letter before answering his first question, there'd be serious concern. Take out the "Shhh secret" thing, (because you're kind of telling them what to do, and that just might tick the wrong guy off - last time we crossed the officer going to the states was a knob) and just hand over passports with the note and say: "We're heading down south for a xmas vacation, our complete itinerary is listed on here, can you please read the details as a favour? Then make is SHORT AND don't try to make it cute, most of these guys really don't care. Point form is great:

Destination: Surprise trip for kids (in backseats) to WDW Florida, Resort name
Via: Drive to Buffalo, plane (name airline) to Orlando.
Length of Stay: ----
Thanks for your help.

He/she will likely ask you to roll down the back seat windows or open the van door so he/she can see the kiddies. Any other questions (I can't think of any) hopefully can be answered without giving anything up. Also hoping your kids will be busy with their music/psp's or whatever at the right time.

Crossing my fingers, hope you get a good guy/girl!

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

Thanks for the advice.... Changed it up and hopefully it will work. If not they will get their surprise at the border!!