How I told my kids!

[west&east]

I have been combing the boards and the web for ideas about how to tell our kids about our upcoming trip to Disney. Tonight was the last night of Hannukah and they (DD9 and DS5) knew they were getting something "big". We did a scavenger hunt in which they found a piece of a puzzle along with the next clue. The puzzle was a "Guess Who's Going to Disney World" printout I got from the creative board here on DIS. I also got the "Boarding Passes" for each child. The kids had a blast with the scavenger hunt. My DD started to get an idea of what it was about halfway through from seeing the puzzle pieces (I tried to cut them up so they wouldn't give it away.) I tried to include some disney themed clues- "To infinity and beyond!" led them to the Buzz Lightyear toy, "This is soft, has two earsm and is a mouse." led them to the last clue which was Mickey. I will post all the clues if anyone is interested. I videotaped the entire thing. They were so excited when they finally put the puzzle together. We then watched the first part of the Disney planning DVD. My daughter has some vague memories of her previous trips to Disney (last time was 4 years ago) but my son has only been as an infant. He was absolutely mesmerized by the dvd. We leave Jan 21st- the next few weeks will be full of anticipation and addiction to the DIS. Thank you DIS for all your ideas and inspiration.

 

[parmtoo]

What a nice memory for you and your family. Enjoy!

 

[dougsmom98]

How magical! I hope you enjoy the anticipation and the trip!

 

[tnd]

That is wonderful! We also told our 3.5 year old last night via a letter from "Mickey" since it was the last night of Hanukkah and he totally didn't get it. Wanted to open his other presents instead. I am not sure the concept of days is really concrete for him yet, so he doesn't understand how close our trip is. He did tell my mom on the phone that he got a letter from Mickey, so something stuck, but definitely not the big excitement your kids got! Have a great trip!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I'd love to see the clues you used - we are going April 25th and I think I want to tell the kids on Easter. A scavenger hunt would be a great idea!

 

[west&east]

Here are the clues I used. At the beginning, we handed them a piece of paper that said:

Your present from Mom and Dad this year
Stated quite simply isn’t here.
Not in a box, where it’s easy to see.
But hidden somewhere…where could it be?
To find your gift you’ll have to look
Maybe you should start…where you cook.

This led to the stove where they found an envelope which contained this:
A puzzle piece you say?
Oh, what fun we’re having today!
Collect them all – it won’t take a week!
They’ll help you find the gift that you seek.

The envelope contained the first puzzle piece and the next clue. Here are some more clues:

There will be magic and fun! Find the first clue where the laundry is done. (I put the next envelope in the dryer which was empty for a change.)

You may run into a duck or a mouse. Find the next clue where you enter the house! (I put it under the door mat- my kids didn't get the hint about duck or mouse).

To Infinity and Beyond!!! (To the Buzz Lightyear toy).

Very good! Moving right along! But to get the next clue, you’ll have to sing a song. Choose your song carefully and don’t sing too low. And be sure your song has something about snow! (My kids were a bit confused at first. Then they realized we really wanted them to sing. Once they did, we just handed them the next clue/ puzzle piece.)

What a nice song! That was such a treat. Now how about something to eat! I have a rumbly in my tumbly and only this will help! (I had a pic of Pooh with this one- which led to the honey in the pantry.)

Oh the next clue is in the house! It has two black ears, is soft, and looks like a mouse! (Stuffed Mickey)

You found the last clue! You know what to do. Put the pieces of the puzzle together and your fabulous gift you will discover. (I had extra puzzle pieces so I just put them all in the last envelope.)

Hope this helps! I read an idea about putting the clues inside Easter Eggs which might be fun for you. Have fun!

 

[DisMomAmy]

That's fantastic! Thanks so much - I was kind of thinking of incorporating the Easter Eggs into the plan - depending if their cousins are here for the hunt. Maybe we'll do a separate hunt earlier or later in the date if the cousins do join us on Easter. I'm also trying to figure out how to incorporate the new Mickey Mouse luggage set I got for each of them...

 

[mommytoone]

WOW How exciting!! Bet they are so excited, and can't wait to go.

Have a great time and enjoy your vacation.