KOTS Folks

[mello]

What do you do about packing? (and other minor details)?

We're not officially keeping any secrets yet, just thinking ahead a little, and wondering how those of you who have revealed as you're on your way have handled the packing and the luggage?

Here's what we're thinking...

Kids will be 14, 12, and 5.

We've got a big family reunion trip coming up in May, and it is not going to be relaxing at all. We thought about adding a few extra days to chill out at the end, but then got to talking about how we'd love to go in December some time. Then it hit us, we'll have AP's for the May trip, and a few DVC points left over, all we'd need to worry about is airfare and food for a December trip. I started reading the KOTS thread, and suggested to dh that if we do a December trip, we'd surprise the kids, since they would never in a million years think we'd go twice in one year. He loved the idea, and we worked out how we'd reveal it to them.

They know that DH and I are sort of Disney-obsessed (so I'll be able to plan right in front of them without them thinking anything of it ), and dh says on a regular basis things like, "I'd sure love to go to Disney today", or "Let's just fly to Orlando this afternoon". So of course if we just happen to be in the car one day in December and he says it, the kids won't take him seriously. They may not even think much of it if we drive to the airport, because ds 14 has always liked planes, so dh takes the kids to look at planes once in awhile. The plan is to see just how far we can go until they figure out we're really going to Orlando. Should be fun!

But the details are the hard part... How to work out packing a family of 5 in secret?!?! How to work out getting the luggage into the car (can't do it while they're in school because they won't be). How to work out getting the dog, gerbil and fish farmed out to be taken care of? You know, those kinds of things.

So.... I'm very interested to hear how you all have or are planning to work out those kinds of details. And about your reveals as well - love those stories! So bring on your stories and plans!

 

[fan_of_small_world]

I never joined the KOTS thread, but DH and I completely surprised our kids last October with our trip. They were 4.5 and almost-8 at the time. Like you, mine know I'm a Disney nut, so seeing my planning info was no big deal (they thought we were planning a spring trip).

Since you're going "out of season," it will be easier for you. Do you have a guest room, den, or basement to use? Just start moving the clothing you'll need to that room, saying you're getting ready to put things away until it's warm again. That way you can lay things out and organize without anyone noticing.

As for things like shampoo, toothbrushes, etc., I just bought new everything and put them in a Rubbermaid bucket. With the lid closed nobody has to know what you're stocking up for.

I lucked out with the luggage. We had an early-morning flight on a Saturday, and I loaded the car on Friday afternoon while the kids were in school. That night, I actually drove them to a birthday party, and somehow neither one noticed the entire back of the minivan stuffed with luggage. Pets also weren't a concern for us. Sorry I couldn't be more help on those things!

 

[mello]

Great idea on the clothes - "putting them away for the season". That would work great, and I've got just the place to do it. Thanks for the idea!

How did you do your reveal?

 

[fan_of_small_world]

We got them up at 3:30 am (our flight was at 7:00 am) but didn't tell them right away why we were waking them. We did this to them once before, when we went to the Bahamas. DS remembers that, so he caught on pretty quickly that something exciting was happening when we woke him up. DD, on the other hand, wasn't even 2 for the Bahamas trip and wasn't sure what to think.

Once they were both dressed and we had the video camera rolling, we let them in on the secret. Then it was off to the airport.