How to tell my kids, "We're going to DISNEY WORLD!!!!"

[Firstimerz]

So, somehow we have managed to keep the world's biggest secret from our three boys... We, are going to Disney World.

Now I am in panic mode! We leave in just 4 days and still haven't thought of a way to drop the bomb. My initial plan was to wait until they see some BIG welcome to Disney World sign while we are driving. But I started thinking, "crap, what if this sign doesn't exist. Or what if it does, but the route we drive doesn't pass it."

I need help!

We are flying into Sanford-Orlando and driving a rental car to our resort, Port Orleans Riverside. Do any of you know if there is a big WDW sign on the way to our resort? I've seen pictures of a Welcome to WDW archway with Mickey and Minnie on each side... But will we even drive under that?

Or is there somewhere we can pull over that exudes Disney before we get to the resort? I'd like it to be a big announcement, not just driving up to the resort.

They, boys 8, 7 & 5, are under the assumption that we are taking our yearly trip to Hilton Head where Grandma and Grandpa live.

Also it may be worth mentioning that this is my first time at WDW as well as theirs. I'm clueless! But probably more excited than I have been for just about anything in my life!

Advice? Suggestions? Help!

 

[margot31]

Depending on which highways you take there should be signs as you start coming into the area of Disney on the highways.

 

[richmo]

I believe on any of the Disney entrances off I-4 (with the exception of Hotel Plaza Blvd - from SR-535) you'll pass under one of the archways. If you take the Greeneway in (SR-417), you'll also pass under one of the signs...(of course, there will be road signs well before you get off).

And I haven't been to SFB, but I imagine they'll realize they're in Disney territory just walking thru the terminal and not South Carolina.

 

[mdejesusjr85]

if you leaving down from Sanford, the drive down I-4 toward Disney they will be able to see Universal Studios, IOA and Seaworld from the highway before you get to Disney. once you get to Disney though they have big welcome signs right before you get on the property. there will also be billboards signs all around Orlando with Disney on them.

 

[RustManFan]

Heading to POR from the airport I never pass under the large arch welcome sign. The one that I believe you are thinking of is on the road that leads into the Magic Kingdom and the MK resorts... never saw another similar sign

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

There are signs as you enter WDW to go to your resort. Just don't stop.to take photos, VERY unsafe!

 

[richmo]

Heading to POR from the airport I never pass under the large arch welcome sign. The one that I believe you are thinking of is on the road that leads into the Magic Kingdom and the MK resorts... never saw another similar sign

I'm thinking you're probably coming in on Osceola Pkwy and I don't recall if that one has the arch. MK (World Drive) definitely has one and so does Epcot Center Dr. (accessed via World Drive/536)

 

[RustManFan]

I was just going to say that the sign I know is over World Drive. We exit Route 4 for 535 and then come in by Crossroads Plaza, Hotel Plaza Blvd past Disney Springs and then up Bonnet Creek Parkway.... this is when we drive from Sanford after using the Auto Train which we have done most of our more recent visits

 

[DumboBoy]

I think it would be cool to wrap their Magic Bands as gifts and place them in airplane seat compartment in front of them. Or maybe once you rent the car have someone place them in the trunk first and have the boys open the trunk.

 

[Firstimerz]

I'm thinking you're probably coming in on Osceola Pkwy and I don't recall if that one has the arch. MK (World Drive) definitely has one and so does Epcot Center Dr. (accessed via World Drive/536)

I googled directions and it says to take exit 67 toward Epcot/Downtown Disney and merge onto Epcot Center Drive then take the exit toward Downtown Disney Resort Area...

 

[Firstimerz]

I was just going to say that the sign I know is over World Drive. We exit Route 4 for 535 and then come in by Crossroads Plaza, Hotel Plaza Blvd past Disney Springs and then up Bonnet Creek Parkway.... this is when we drive from Sanford after using the Auto Train which we have done most of our more recent visits

What's the Auto Train?

 

[Rose DiVerona]

This sounds like so much fun! I have fond memories of the time my parents surprised us with a trip to WDW. My only concern would be that the boys will realize they're in Florida sooner than you think, so it might be best to spring the surprise on the plane or when you get to SFB.

 

[Lothlórien]

There are hundreds of youtube videos where parents tell their kids. Maybe you can watch them for a while after you put them to bed and get some inspiration.

 

[bumbershoot]

There are hundreds of youtube videos where parents tell their kids. Maybe you can watch them for a while after you put them to bed and get some inspiration.

And the OP will also see the videos of kids who are actually sad that they aren't doing the thing they were told they were doing.

The older two are surely going to realize something is up at the airport and then on the roads with billboards and such.

I personally would just tell them. It's going to be a surprise no matter how or when you tell them, after all.

 

[cdnjason]

Show your boys this thread?

 

[SaintsManiac]

I would tell them and be done with it. At least when you're at the departure airport.

 

[SillySallySews]

Just my opinion, and not to be a debbie downer, but I wouldn't wait until you're driving on property to tell them. Since you have never been before, let me tell you that once you drive under those signs in the picture above, you are pretty much almost at your resort anyway. You cannot pull over to have a special moment to reveal your big surprise anywhere near those signs. There are other signs that specifically tell you not to stop or get out of your car, and it is dangerous! Plus at those ages your kids are going to know when they get on the plane they are not going to SC. I would tell them before you go. Just tell them exactly what you titled this thread, give them their magic bands, watch some YouTube videos, and then go on your trip in four days and have fun!

 

[wishtdream]

On our first trip we kept the secret until we were in front of the big sign! My DH has my then 5yo DDs reaction on video. You can do the same.

 

[MommaBerd]

When my DH surprised me, it was at the gate at the airport. Your kids will know that your not flying to SC and that you ARE flying to Orlando the minute you get there (and get your boarding passes). It was a great surprise! (I knew we were going somewhere, just didn't know where - and it was Disneyland) And it gave us something to talk about and anticipate and enjoy together from that point on. Plus, I understand some kids need a little bit of time to let it all sink in. They'll have lots of time to ask questions and process the surprise on the way. Then they aren't shell-shocked right as you get there.

 

[bababear_50]

So, somehow we have managed to keep the world's biggest secret from our three boys... We, are going to Disney World.

Now I am in panic mode! We leave in just 4 days and still haven't thought of a way to drop the bomb. My initial plan was to wait until they see some BIG welcome to Disney World sign while we are driving. But I started thinking, "crap, what if this sign doesn't exist. Or what if it does, but the route we drive doesn't pass it."

I need help!

We are flying into Sanford-Orlando and driving a rental car to our resort, Port Orleans Riverside. Do any of you know if there is a big WDW sign on the way to our resort? I've seen pictures of a Welcome to WDW archway with Mickey and Minnie on each side... But will we even drive under that?

Or is there somewhere we can pull over that exudes Disney before we get to the resort? I'd like it to be a big announcement, not just driving up to the resort.

They, boys 8, 7 & 5, are under the assumption that we are taking our yearly trip to Hilton Head where Grandma and Grandpa live.

Also it may be worth mentioning that this is my first time at WDW as well as theirs. I'm clueless! But probably more excited than I have been for just about anything in my life!

Advice? Suggestions? Help!

Hi
Maybe a note saying
"Look who's Going to Disney World?
Let me know if you'd like one personalized for your boys--just need family name or kids first name.
feel free to say thanks but no thanks
Have a wonderful surprise trip
Hugs Mel