Magical Birthday Surprise

[Zooshoveller]

Where to start?

I have been to WDW twice. Once when I was 5 for an Auburn bowl game, and once when I was 13 as a friend's guest. Or maybe I was 6 and 12? Whichever. It's been a couple of decades. DH and the kids have never been.

Our family LOVES all things Disney. While in college, DH and I both had our own collection of Disney VHS movies. Once married, the collection was combined and then replaced with DVDs. Our b/g twins have always wanted to go to WDW, but it has never been financially possible until now. Daycare for 2 for almost 6 years adds up!

I've never planned a "real" vacation before. We have friends and family that have graciously allowed us to use their vacation homes. So the only planning was what to pack and how much gas money.

Around Christmas last year, I kept seeing all the WDW commercials of parents surprising their kids with Magical Disney vacations. I asked DH wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do that? His reply - Why not? So the planning began!

2 Adults and 2 kids
Nov 9-11
CBR, pirate room

Itinerary:
Nov 8 - Surprise the kids. Drive to Orlando. Stay in a cheap hotel.

Nov 9 - Wake up early. Check in CBR and get tickets. MK. Lunch Crystal Palace. Dinner Chef Mickey's.

Nov 10 - Breakfast O'hana. AK. Lunch Rainforest Cafe. Epcot. Dinner Akershus. EMH MK.

Nov 11 - Check out. HS. Lunch Sci-Fi Dine-In. "One Mores". Drive back to cheap hotel.

Nov 12 - WWoHP. Drive home.

Nov 13 - Rest, Relax, Recover

 

[Zooshoveller]

Forgot about the Surprise part -

We will eat lunch with kids and bring cupcakes for their classes. Thats the usual birthday routine. Surprise! We are checking y'all out! That itself will cause massive joy and squeals. Then once outside another surprise, early birthday presents to open! A gift bag with Ears, autograph book, lanyards and pins, and other Disney goodies. Pause for reaction. Confusion? Figured it out? SURPRISE the van is packed and we are leaving right now!!!! After 3 magical Disney days... Wait, there's one more. Surprise we are going to WWoHP!

So it's a surprise within a surprise within a surprise within a surprise.

 

[reyasmommy]

Sounds AWESOME! Can't wait to read more!

 

[Zooshoveller]

My Pinterest Disney board is getting a lot of pins. DH is a little worried! LOL

 

[Zooshoveller]

I'm thinking about making a notebook/binder for the kids to read on the drive down with info on WDW, CBR, maps, fun facts...

I think it may be better for them to get a little heads-up before we arrive, since so much will still be a surprise. Like a section about CBR but keep the PotC room a secret. I also want to list the rides with descriptions so they can pick a couple that they really want and a couple of runner-ups.

It's their birthday and this trip is for them. I want them to pick out what they want to do, but within limits. We have one full day at MK and 1/2 days at the other 3. I scheduled a 1/2 day for One Mores.

We are also going to 3 Character Dinings. I'm hoping this will cut down on waiting at Meet & Greets. Even though the meals are long, I'm also hoping these will help ease tired feet.

I don't want to rush, but I know we only have a short time to try and see/do a little of everything.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Almost cried.

Went to the Disney Store website to buy the two autograph books and they are sold out! Thankfully, I found some on eBay for only $3 more each with free shipping. Also bought lanyards and pins.

The only things left for their bags are Mickey Ears and maybe a Mickey shirt.

Also on my list are Sharpies, a picture frame matte, and a couple rolls of quarters.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Changed the Itinerary. No Downtown Disney on the first night. What was I thinking?! MK from opening until it closes at 7, then Chef Mickey from 7:50-?. I'm betting the last thing anyone wants to do after all that is shop. I think sleep will be in order!

Since we only have 3 days, I think the best time management would be to pick a pearl at Epcot and build a lightsaber at DHS since we will be visiting those parks.

We may not visit DD at all.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Lanyards and pins arrived today!!!

 

[Zooshoveller]

Autograph books arrived today!

Just need order Mickey Ears. Next payday.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Ordered Mickey ears for the kids last night!

40 days to go!

 

[Zooshoveller]

So close to getting an ADR at Crystal Palace. Waited for DH before I changed lunch plans, 10-15 minutes, and it was gone!

Received an email that the Mickey Ears have been shipped!

T-shirts and fabric have been handed over to an amazing lady for appliqued Mickey heads.

Waiting on Mickey Mail.

Disney iPhone app count - 7.

35 days to go!

 

[Zooshoveller]

Ears arrived!!!

I think Monday I might do some of the crafty projects while the kids are in school. Pressed penny tubes and shirts.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Mickey Mail arrived!!!!

 

[Zooshoveller]

After checking a million times, I got a lunch reservation at Crystal Palace!

 

[Zooshoveller]

My sister just texted and the Mickey head appliqué shirts are ready! Can't wait to see them!

I may still need to add Minnie's bow. I wanted to use a real ribbon instead of an appliqué bow.

19 days to go!

 

[Zooshoveller]

Went to Walmart to buy Sharpies. They had the clickable 8 count for $12 or the regular 16 count for $12. We bought the regular ones. Color variety won in the end. Also picked up new printer ink and transparent tape for pressed penny money containers.

 

[Zooshoveller]

What great luck!

I've been wanting a new holster style camera bag for our trip but really didn't want to spend that extra money. While buying Halloween costume accessories for the kids at a thrift store, I found one for only $3! It's black and has a red flap with a yellow pinstripe - very Mickey Mouse! LOL

Just bought our Universal Tickets from Undercover Tourist! Went with the $5 USPS Priority shipping (5 business days) since we are cutting it close.

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

Congratulations on your surprise trip! I love surprise trips

I too have B/G twins. I'm guessing based on your "daycare for six years" comment that the twins are turning 7? How exciting for them... please continue to keep us updated on the plans and the surprise

 

[Zooshoveller]

Universal tickets from Undercover Tourist arrived today! Bought them only two days ago after paying $5 for 5 day shipping.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Having a sad day. There's really nothing left to plan. I really loved all the planning. Everything is paid for except gas and souvenirs. All reservations made. Itinerary set. Packing list written. I could start packing a little.

I do have a couple more little things to buy. DH and I decided to get a new backpack, I still need to go by Michael's and buy pin backs and a matte for autographs, and get quarters from the bank. I'll finish any needed shopping on Monday.