How should I surprise my son???

[rmjkharrisfam]

I need ideas!!!! My son is a HUGE Harry Potter fan. He is turning 8 next weekend and for his birthday we are taking him to Universal for WWOHP. The trip isn't until Aug 23-27 but we are planning to tell him on his birthday. We're trying to come up with some creative way to surprise him. Any ideas??

 

[mjohnson96]

Maybe try and make a card that is similar to the ones from the first movie that invites him to visit the WWOHP for his birthday. You might also be able to get something off the website like the Hogwarts Crest Rolled Parchment or any other type of WWOHP item that he might like. http://www.universalorlando.com/merchandise/HPCategoryList.aspx?parentCategory=harrypotter(merchandisebasecatalog)&categoryName=harrypotter(merchandisebasecatalog)#

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I love MJ's idea. If you can get a Harry Potter Universal brochure sent to you or picked up at a travel agency or AAA office, that'd be awesome. Cue some HP score music and it'll be magic. (Can I say magic on this side of the boards?)

 

[tinkerbell_mom]

We will be surprising our 11-year old. Since he's turning 11 - the age to go to Hogwarts - he will be finding a surprise Hogwarts letter in the car when we pick him up from school that day. He thinks we are going to a wedding over his break I can't wait to see his face!!!

 

[rmjkharrisfam]

I love MJ's idea. If you can get a Harry Potter Universal brochure sent to you or picked up at a travel agency or AAA office, that'd be awesome. Cue some HP score music and it'll be magic. (Can I say magic on this side of the boards?)

I'd love to get a brochure - any idea where I can request one?

 

[indimom]

Maybe try and make a card that is similar to the ones from the first movie that invites him to visit the WWOHP for his birthday. You might also be able to get something off the website like the Hogwarts Crest Rolled Parchment or any other type of WWOHP item that he might like. http://www.universalorlando.com/merchandise/HPCategoryList.aspx?parentCategory=harrypotter(merchandisebasecatalog)&categoryName=harrypotter(merchandisebasecatalog)#

I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!

Use heavy cream paper, fancy green text and put on the envelope:
John Smith
The room at the top of the stairs or end of the hall (or whatever)
Your address

Create the letter inviting him to Hogwarts inside. Make it as close to the original as you can, but so he still "gets it" that he's taking a trip to IOA.
On a seperate sheet (the school supply list) incude items he will need like a wand, and add that all these items can be found at Hogsmeade???
How amazing would that be for any kid who has loved the books.
I'm depressed that I'm too old for this.

 

[rmjkharrisfam]

Maybe try and make a card that is similar to the ones from the first movie that invites him to visit the WWOHP for his birthday. You might also be able to get something off the website like the Hogwarts Crest Rolled Parchment or any other type of WWOHP item that he might like. http://www.universalorlando.com/merchandise/HPCategoryList.aspx?parentCategory=harrypotter(merchandisebasecatalog)&categoryName=harrypotter(merchandisebasecatalog)#

EXCELLENT!!!!! I hadn't seen the parchment. I think the letter is a great idea...if only I could have it delivered by a real owl

 

[rmjkharrisfam]

I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!

Use heavy cream paper, fancy green text and put on the envelope:
John Smith
The room at the top of the stairs or end of the hall (or whatever)
Your address

Create the letter inviting him to Hogwarts inside. Make it as close to the original as you can, but so he still "gets it" that he's taking a trip to IOA.
On a seperate sheet (the school supply list) incude items he will need like a wand, and add that all these items can be found at Hogsmeade???
How amazing would that be for any kid who has loved the books.
I'm depressed that I'm too old for this.

Yep - I think I'm sold on this. I love the idea of a booklist. We could make it a hunt when we get there to find all of the things on the list.

I'll have to post a picture once it's done.

 

[indimom]

I didn't even think of the scavenger hunt angle.
I may have to steal this for my kids, even though we may not get there for a year....

Definitely show us your finished product. I would love to see it.

 

[j9000]

do you have tickets yet?
if so get one of the dvds or books (if he's not got it already even better)
and slip it inside
when he's opened it, mention you hope its ok, the bloke in the shop said its supposedly some special edition, with extras in the case.

that said the hogwarts letter, brilliant idea, take a look at the first movie to see how it should look.
dont forget to seal with wax!