Need creative ideas.

[MomofDisneyLoversx3]

Hi all. I have done several trips with the kids and usually they know ahead of time. I've only surprised them once....had a phone call from Ariel the night before letting them know they were going. That being said, I usually do something creative when they find out....scavenger hunt, Easter baskets, custom puzzle that said 'we're going to wdw'.
My kids have had a rough year. I booked a trip on impulse last week. We leave the 28th. They will be with my ex until I get home from work on the 27th (8pm ish). I still haven't decided if we are going to the airport at night or getting up super early.
I have a DD 13, Dd 8 and a DS 3. Any ideas would be welcome.

Heather!

 

[worm761]

Have everything packed and sitting by the door for when they come home. Tell them when they notice the bags.

 

[chris31997]

Have the bags packed, tell them they are going on a trip and take them to the airport. The oldest two might guess something when they find out y'all are going to Orlando, but you can play it off

Then depending on transportation: if you are taking Disney say something about the rental car falling thru and having to take one for the team and going to Disney. Or if you are renting a car, just not saying anything until you pull into the hotel That was fun. Our DD was so mad, but it was soooo great

At the airport you can give them a letter from Mickey saying that because they have had a rough year, he is inviting them down to relax and have some fun.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

One year we surprised the kids, we filled a large cardboard box with fun things for the trip...Disney candy, puzzle books, Disney t-shirts. etc. Then I put in a few Disney helium balloons. I even rigged the box with the mechanical mechanism from one of the musical greeting cards. When they opened the box, the balloons flew up and Disney music started playing! You could do something like that -- box, balloons, and Disney t-shirts to wear on the first day.

Or just keep it simple -- tie a bunch of Disney balloons on the luggage. Leave the decorated luggage right in the middle of the living room

Have fun! Our trip this year is because this past year was a tough one for my kids, too. We all can't wait. Hope your trip is magical & just what everyone needs