How would you surprise your kids?

[Castillo Mom]

I have a question for all of you. We're staying at WDW for 9 days, our first ever trip. A few months ago after curiousity got the best of me, I checked out the Universal Resorts thread, so we decided it would make a great addition to our trip, especially due to the great deal we got. Now our boys know about Disney World, but we're keeping Universal a secret. With the cute Universal Orlando commercials they keep showing, it's making it hard for me and DH to keep our mouths shut and not let the cat out of the bag. But I digress. We check out of the Beach Club the morning of 8/23. FL Tours limo will pick us up for our transfer to HRH. We had planned on not saying anything and just letting them figure it out as we pull into the driveway of HRH. What would you do? BTW, we have 3 boys ages 10, 12 and 14 (soon to be 15) and they're all thrillseekers when it comes to rides.

 

[Candice30]

i can't believe that you haven't told them already. i would tell them. having them plan along with you and map out what they want to do at the parks is part of the fun. i started booking my trip with the kids back in august and i held my tongue until easter when i put messages in plastic easter eggs that they had to find. once they found them all, it spelled out where we were going. now, i am having so much fun looking at photos on the internet with them and they are writing packing list for the trip and are so excited which makes me more excited.

if it were me, i would definitely share it with them and let them share in the excitement. that way, everytime they see the commercials, they will get even more excited.

 

[Motherfletcher]

I think what you are doing is great! Maybe you could let them figure it out by giving them all Hulk or Mummy shirts?
If you can hold out thats "Cool" too!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Oh my gosh, we're doing the same thing in reverse! The kids know we're going to US/IOA HRH but think we're not going back to WDW until next July. My kids are a little younger, 4 5 and 6. I think I'm going to put on the DIsney custom tees that say Surprise Walt DIsney World Vacation on them and wait for the six year old to figure it out, or when the towncar comes to pick us up wait and see how long it takes them to figure out the Mickey signs. Of course I'm constantly going through this in my mind changing all the time of how we'll tell them. The hardest part is keeping the surprise!

 

[Figment22]

Castillo Mom,

If you have been getting into UO because of the commercials, how about getting a CD/cassette with Cheap Trick's "Surrender" on it that you could have the driver pop into the car's stereo system on the way to USF/IOA. Kind of the "soundtrack" for your trip up. Maybe DH could wear an old tee shirt that he could
"Hulk out" of like the guy in the commercial???

Don't worry, I already know I'm nuts!!!

 

[Motherfletcher]

Figment22,
I asked the attendant if we had to rip our shirts off to ride the Hulk. He said Yes so we turned and walked off.

 

[Daydreamer64]

I'm doing the same thing to my kids and their GRANDFATHER- US/IOA for 5 days then on the 6th we're supposed to check into the Coronado Springs resort to swim, "rest and pack" for the trip home for 2 days BUT....


I told a lie and said since Grandpa has never ridden the monarail before, that we have a reservation for 7:30 AM ( no reservation needed- just had to come up with something to get them to the gates -) on "rest/pack" day at the front gates of the Majic Kingdom just to ride the monarail!!! It will kill them to be that close to the gates and think they are not going in!!!

They will be none the wiser because they know money has been very tight and know that we don't have any extra for WDW- They don't know yet but I sold a washer and dryer to a friend and got $200 out of it and there is most of the money for 2 adults and 2 kids for one day tickets!!!

 

[Figment22]

Originally posted by Motherfletcher
Figment22,
I asked the attendant if we had to rip our shirts off to ride the Hulk. He said Yes so we turned and walked off.

 

[Castillo Mom]

What to do?! What to do?! Motherfletcher, I love the idea about the T-shirts. I live only 30 minutes away from Universal Hollywood, so maybe I could get some Mummy shirts from the Universal store. I actually bought a Spiderman and a Spongebob shirt for my youngest son, but it's hard to find Universal type shirts for my eldest unless I go to the Universal store.

I also love the idea about popping in the Cheap Trick CD. Actually, we probably have it somewhere. If not, since my husband is a DJ, I'm sure he can get it from the music service he subscribes to.

Thanks so much for the ideas! If anyone has any more let me know.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

I would watch Spiderman the movie, then Hulk....have a movie night. Then maybe back to the Future. I would then create like a trivia game and have the prize be the trip!

 

[highlander447]

We havent told our kids we are returning to RPR for 2 weeks this January we are waiting till Xmas day we got our son T-2 Shirt and our daughter a Betty Boop necklace we are intending to give them these on Xmas day can't wait to see there faces esp if they think thats all they are getting I mean as a parent u gota have a little fun

 

[Motherfletcher]

My son is 15 almost 16 and the only 2 Universal shirts he'll wear are the Mummy and HHN. You are right, those you have to get at Universal or try Ebay.
I've made the trip at their age the other way across the country to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. I don't think they can get much more excited than they are right now. I think I would keep to your pretend schedule and when you are packing to leave WDW you ask the boys if you need to pack 'these' shirts? Let them think?

 

[Daydreamer64]

I've got a great idea!

Why don't you drop hints by saying things like-

"WOW, I can't wait to ride the Hulk" you may get a response like- "MOM! the hulk isn'at WDW"- "it's not? - wish I could ride it. "

or "I'm looking froward to shopping at Citywalk"- make sure they see the pamplets from Orlando that include Universal and IOA- to get their interest up. If they become familiar with the parks and what's in each this should do the trick for the older ones.
HTH

 

[4greatboys]

I wouldnt say anything and just watch their reaction when you arrive at Universal.
This trip the boys knew we were staying at RPR and the Poly but they had no idea we were staying on club/concierge level. You should have seen their faces when they realized it. It was great.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Such great ideas, I don't know which one to choose! DS just walked up behind me and saw Spideyhulk's avatar. Still clueless!

 

[goofygurl12]

I dont have any kids cause I am only 12. But, I think you should wake them up in the middle of the night and get them on a plane heading to Florida. Then, check them into the hotel or where ever you r staying and let them sleep at the hotel. It's not much but thats what I am going to do when I take my kids to WDW or where ever.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Why do you want to get your kids up in the middle of the night? My kids hate that! Why would you use a plane living in Florida? Why don't you let them sleep in the back of the mini-van that your going to have to get? Get one that plays DVDs or Playstation2!