Ideas for DL Trip Announcement

[Mickey&Co]

The family and I are taking our first trip to DL in November. It's a trip my DS has been hoping to take for years. I would like a fun and special way to let him know we are finally making the trip to Anaheim. We live in NY so we are flying to California. Not sure if I should wait until we are at the airport or tell him before hand. Would love some ideas from my Dis family.
Thanks!

 

[mcjingles]

Our trip in October is a surprise for DD as well. We went to WDW last year and she asks when we are going back. She is 4 and we have talked about a DL in CA where Sleeping Beauties castle is (vs Cinderella in WDW). I am going to wait until we get on the plane (or airport not sure) and give her a gift to open that holds a DL autograph book. She will totally get it and I can't wait!

 

[2tinkerbell]

I have given a present to my DD that contains the Birmbaum's Official Guide to Disneyland, a gift card, a notebook with the confirmation numbers (and that she can write what rides/attractions she wants to experience), air confirmation paper, park tickets, and an Autograph book. She really enjoyed the couple of days of anticipation and planning. But, she is older.

I have seen surprises at the airport backfire on some people, so I would do the surprise at home. Maybe a couple of days ahead so everyone can enjoy the anticipation and Mom isn't stressed out trying to keep a secret while packing everyone and getting ready. But that is just me.

Have a great trip and have fun with your surprise!

 

[DisneytheKid]

I have given a present to my DD that contains the Birmbaum's Official Guide to Disneyland, a gift card, a notebook with the confirmation numbers (and that she can write what rides/attractions she wants to experience), air confirmation paper, park tickets, and an Autograph book. She really enjoyed the couple of days of anticipation and planning. But, she is older.

I have seen surprises at the airport backfire on some people, so I would do the surprise at home. Maybe a couple of days ahead so everyone can enjoy the anticipation and Mom isn't stressed out trying to keep a secret while packing everyone and getting ready. But that is just me.

Have a great trip and have fun with your surprise!

Fair point

 

[Gisele]

Just thought of giving fortune cookies after a meal (Several days before trip) that contains a Disney trip related message.
I realize this won't work for all ages. It just came to mind when having read the thread title. Anyway, it would work wonderfully for me.
Have fun!

 

[valiamo]

How about a treasure hunt around the house, where there are clues that lead up to the actual event.

Leave subtle clues around the house, books, brochures, hotel details... make him wonder what is happening without actualy spilling the beans.

Be careful on the "airport" surprise as they have a way of going wrong at the wrong time (personal experience) and you do not want an upset child at the TSA security line.

Give your DS at least we week or two to get excited about the trip. I feel a lot of the excitment is the anticipation to the big day.

idea... Make up a countdown calendar, with tasks on each that have to be completed to move to the next day (ie: make your bed takes one day off the calendar).

Most of all have fun and enjoy your wait! It comes quickly.

Please tell us what happens and how you break the news.

 

[Phoenixrising]

We let our kids know just before the taxi was scheduled to take us to the airport for our trip to DL in Oct/11. That worked really well for us. As I plot, plan and save for our trip to WDW in 2017 I asked the kids how far in advance they wanted to know when the next family vacation is going to happen. My DS10 doesn't want to know until we are in the air flying to WDW. My DS11 wants to know the week before. So it's a matter of knowing how your child reacts to change and how to make the trip as stress free as you can. I would rather give them no indication of an upcoming trip as to take the stress away from them. I've learned the hard way not to make up an elaborate cover story, only to have it backfire when the time came to leave on the trip.

 

[BirdsSingWords]

Saw a cute one on YouTube. Mom got a Mickey Mylar balloon and attached a sign to the string that said, "We're going to Disneyland!" Wrapped it in a big box, and when kids opened the box, the balloon floated up out of it with the sign. Priceless!

 

[wisegal]

Our trip is a surprise to the kids. They think we are saving to go next year. My plan is to make Mickey waffles for breakfast and then tell my DH that I want to go to Disneyland and have him say Ok let's go! Our kids are 7&8.

The other way I have thought of is to go to the Disney Store and get each of them a stuffie and attach a not to it that says " I'm so happy that you are coming to visit me tomorrow,"

 

[Mickey&Co]

Thank you all for the wonderful ideas. We decided to order him a personalized gift card to present to him with the guide book and JetBlue confirmation and we will give it to him the day before we leave. He knows we are going on vacation, just not to DL. I can't wait...I will post his response.
Thanks again...