Need Female Perspective

[tackle13]

So two weeks ago I set up a surprise trip (7 days) to WDW for my wife and son (2 yrs). This will be our first real vacation, and we leave in 3 weeks. So I've been doing all the planning myself, without her knowing. My wife has really wanted to go to WDW for a long time, and I know she'll be blown away once she finds out.

My plan has been to tell them we're going on a surprise trip the night before (without saying where), get on the plane, and head out.

Now that we're 3 weeks away, I'm having second thoughts about the whole "surprise" aspect of this trip. After reading this board, I can see how much fun the planning process is, and my wife is missing out; she also won't get a chance to plan specific things she'd like to do. Plus, other than Mickey, my son doesn't know any of the Disney characters, and has never been on a plane. So I'd kind of like to explain to him what's going on.

I've already booked the package (flight, hotel, etc), and have even begun buying & packing various things for the trip (all of which has to be done in secret...I've got the suitcase hidden in the garage). So the major decisions have already been made. Should I stick with my original plan, or let the cat out of the bag?

 

[ilandrazdsw]

Let the cat run free and throw away the bag!!!! If she is not a surprise person.
I'm not a fan of surprises at all...at least ones that are that big with that much planning. Surprise of a trip...GREAT! Surprise with no time to organize personally for packing...Possibly Couch...Until we got to Disney, then I'd be over it
1st-packing. some men think it is all good to throw clothes in a bag...most women I know, not so much!!! Especailly between packing for self (organizing suitcases and incidentals) and DS. Laundry. FL climate can still be hit or miss too.
2nd-planning. As you said it can be fun to plan. Let her in on the experience. Now if she likes surprises and isn't really into/has time for planning then let what you have planned be the surprise. You decided to go to Disney that was the BEST plan!
3rd-DS. If DS is not very familiar with characters they could frighten him. Show him pictures and pictures of Disney. By showing our kids the rides and characters they were willing to try everything (because they kinda knew what to expect). Does he like planes? Talk about flying and you experiences flying.
You can keep the trip a surprise for DS! Even with showing him pics and talking about planes you can say some day we can visit there...don't have to tell him when!

Surprise or not you'll have a great trip!!!

Really want surprise her...bring my family

 

[MnMomW3Boys]

I have a little experiance in this...10 years ago my dh had me convinced that we were going to Canada for our honeymoon...nothing aganist Canada, but we live in Minnesota and got married in November...I wanted sun and 90 degress. He had actually booked a ten day cruise for us and he did not tell me until it was the night before. I was totally in love and so excited, but I felt so unprepared...If I were you I would tell her now!!! If she is anything like me she will want to be part of the planning especially since she has never been before. And what about warm weather clothes for the kids if you have been hibernating the last few months like we have the kids will need some new clothes and shoes....you see where I am going with this.

Wow kudos to you for planning the entire trip...now let her in on the fun.

Have a magical trip.

 

[worm761]

As much as I love going to Disney, I would need to pack my own clothes. And that takes some planning. Tell her this weekend. Maybe make a scavenger hunt or buy a Disney movie to watch and break it to her then. But you should tell her soon so she can plan for it.

 

[bartleby1]

I agree with the previous posters. If I were your wife, I would want to know and be able to do some planning and packing. Maybe come up with an exciting, creative way to tell her the surprise?

I have to say though, you must be one special guy to have planned this trip as a surprise! I'm sure your wife will be thrilled!

 

[DizneeMommy]

Wrap something up in a really nice gift box for her to open that will clue her in. Still the element of a surprise gift, but she'll have time to plan as well!

 

[Ariel on Land]

yeah... you should tell her. Still find a fun way to "surprise" her, but give her a bit of time to do some planning too. If it were more of a "relaxing" slow paced vacation- like hanging out on the beach for the week, maybe it'd be ok, but there's so much TO Disney that planning really is a lot of fun, and needed. I remember last fall thinking how glad I was that I had spent 3 months ahead of time planning for it- it really made for a better vacation. And FWIW- I think she'll be THRILLED! Hope y'all have a great trip!

 

[npmommie]

Yes, I agree tell her!!!! now!!! the planning is part of the fun!

 

[katyjeka]

What a great thing to do. I say, give her the surpise a little early so that she can pack her own clothes!! I trust my dh 100% in planning a Disney trip, BUT, letting him decide what clothes I'll need is well, SCARY. Have a magical time. Janice

 

[Mouse House Mama]

If it was not your first trip then I would say keep it a secret. Since it is then I would tell them. BUT- I agree with the whole scavenger hunt thing! You are a great DH to plan something like this. They are going to love it and you all will have a ball!

 

[cruiserkaren]

I like the idea and if it was just the 2 of you I'd say go for it! However if my dh told me we were leaving tomorrow on a big trip-plane-hotel-away from the comforts of home-for a week with a TWO year old I'd probably keel over on the spot.

Planning a trip with a 2 year old is big undertaking. It takes lots of planning and prepration, especially mental! I think I'd want to know so I could wrap my head around it, think it thru and check and double check that I have the things my 2 year old needed. I've traveled with my kiddos quite a bit and knowing I was completely prepared was very comforting.

 

[luvwdwfla2]

I agree it is time to tell her, but do it in a special way.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

I'd tell her now too. It's still going to be a great surprise, but this was she will be able to enjoy a few weeks of planning and anticipation. We surprised our kids once, and the trip was not nearly as great as our otehr trips where we were getting more and more excited as it grows near.

You did a great thing, but it's time to let her in on the surprise!

Great job!!!

 

[mjkacmom]

We surprised the kids, and it was great. However, I just can't imagine DH telling me we were going on vacation the night before - heck, I usually pack for him, too! If he told me we were going away tomorrow, I would have a major anxiety attack. Give her some warning!

 

[minimandymouse]

You Must Tell Her Now In A Very Surprising Way Of Course
But She Will Want To Organise Things For Herself I.e. Clothes I
I Dont Think She Will Be Too Happy Not Having Any Time To Prepare
If It Was Just The 2 Of You Then Mayyyyybeeeee
Let Us All Know What Happens
What A Lovely Man You Are

 

[minnie2]

What a wonderful thing to do but I kind of agree tell her now. Maybe buy her a trip planning book or a book on WDW and one of those sing along song videos with the characters from the parks for your 2 yr old and wrap them up and give them to her. Of course tell her once the cat is out of the bag that you where going to surprise her all the way up until the plane ride but you where having so much fun planning the trip you thought she would want to join in on the fun.

I would still save the bag in the garage for extra surprises for the trip though!
Either way it is a win win situation for you!

 

[skitt]

I am a wife in a very similar situation! My DH booked a trip as a surprise and we're going Feb 28. He wasn't going to tell me until closer to the time we leave, but my parents talked him into telling me a week ago (they're going too). We also have a 20 month old daughter. I am *so* glad he told me. A lot of the clothes I have for DD for summer are still too big, and I didn't have any footwear yet. So I've been buying clothes for her, I bought some organic shelf stable milk to bring with us, and I got myself a new pair of walking shoes. What I would do if I were you is take her to the mall, give her $100 or whatever and tell her to buy some summery clothes because she's going to Florida! Unless you live in really warm climate already of course.

 

[Erin1700]

What a great guy you are!!! My only concern would be looking at my DH, he would not have a clue what to pack for a 2 yr old. Remember you need stuff for him to do on the plane, little toys for sitting at the table in restaurants, sunscreen, medicines you might not be using now, but could need...

 

[LadyShea]

My DH plane traveled alone with DS at 1 month and again at 15 months...so I would have no problem letting him plan for toddler travel. My issue would be with him doing the touring plan. He is a "let's show up and see what happens" kinda guy and I can't do WDW that way!

You are a really marvelous guy for doing this, but yeah I would let her in on it!

 

[Myhappythought5]

You will still surprise her because you planned a trip and took care of all the major things. But being a woman there are things I would want that my husband wouldn't think of. we surprised the kids one year but since I pack their stuff anyway it was kinda different.
I am with the other give her a surprise card or something and keep the stuff you alread bought a secret for when you get there but let her have a little say in what she takes and maybe a dinner or two.
Also have a great time!!!