I want to do it but I dont want to be like everybody else.

[Mousin' Around]

I am so grateful your wife has a husband like you! I am also so sorry that you all have had such a difficult year. At the same time, I'm happy that things must be getting better if you can take this amazing vacation you have planned! Maybe tell your wife a few days prior to the trip so she can pack what she needs. Women can get pretty particular about what we want to wear...LOL. It will also give your wife the opportunity to share in the joy when you tell the kids. Tell them the day of. I think that would be awesome! No matter how you decide to handle it, I hope that this trip is a true blessing to you and your family! You are in my prayers.

Thank you for your kind words and great advice for me to follow.

Another member suggested telling her a few days before.

I think I will do it that way. Her first and then we can tell the kids together.

 

[Mousin' Around]

I'm sorry for your hard year, a trip will be a good way to celebrate life. you know your wife better than we do, if she loves last minute surprises, especially after the year she had I can imagine the need for what is important in life. I change to: go for it!
My only other concern would be: I take it your wife has fully recovered and has the stamina by then to have a long Disney vacation? You have quite a full schedule planned.

Full recovery!

 

[Mousin' Around]

I just meant keeping the secret gets harder and harder because of what has to be done. I had no question as to whether you could handle the packing, just felt an adult would need more lead time.

I’ve been on that road only I lost my husband so I’m in year 6 now of taking care of my family alone after 4 years as his caregiver and I’ve met others on the same road doing it all for their children. I hope you all enjoy your trip. Glad she is better.

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[Micki NJ]

We surprised DD at 4yo by saying we were flying to Florida. We actually filmed her in the backseat as we drove to the park - she was looking out the window commenting on the Disney signs, but didn't figure it out until we strolled up to the monorail and saw a CM waving at her with a huge Mickey hand. Her reaction was one of general confusion for about an hour - still makes me laugh.

We surprised her again at 6yo telling her the day before we left by giving her an autograph book I made for her with a note saying, "You're going to DisneyWorld .... TOMORROW". This time there were screams and tears and something about me being the best mommy in the world - haha

This year no surprise - we're going for 2 days pre-cruise, so I wanted to include her on the planning. Not saying I won't surprise her again though. She likes surprises, but I know not all kids enjoy that type of last minute notice. I think telling your wife first then both of you telling the kids together is a great idea.

BTW - your trip sounds amazing and so happy you get to spend a fun family vacation after all the struggles. I am sure your wife and kids will love it and appreciate your planning such a perfect getaway for them!

 

[MainMom]

Haven't read the other posts, but can you do multiple surprises? One just the fact that you are going. Next Deluxe resort when you get there. Then all of the extras.

 

[tobikaye]

Thank you for your kind words and great advice for me to follow.

Another member suggested telling her a few days before.

I think I will do it that way. Her first and then we can tell the kids together.

I was reading through this and had hoped this was the route you would go and was going to suggest it if someone had not. This way you can have a private surprise with your wife and it gives her that thrill of being involved with the surprise for the kids. I hope that you have a wonderful trip.