Need your help with Aulani surprise!

[Billinaz]

OK, Im hoping someone here has some creative ideas to help me.

The family thinks we are going on a trip to Disneyland. Ive done everything including random comments about Disneyland and the Grand Californian and leaving fake Delta Airline receipts for the short one hour hop to LAX lying around.

In reality, I have tickets on Hawaiian Airlines and will book a room at Aulani when it opens in a few days.

I need some way to break the surprise. Even the limo driver to the airport knows not to let on. All I have right now is to walk towards the Delta ticket counter then at the last second go to the Hawaiian Air counter.

Anyone have any ideas on a way to break the surprise thats more creative?

 

[abbydancer]

I don't have a specific suggestion (will come back if I think of something) but last year we surprised one of my nieces with a trip to Disneyland. She was at camp when my sister figured out they could go the week after labor day. They live in NY and were visiting us here in Northern California. Her mom told her that she (mom) had to be back in NY and because this was a somewhat last minute trip, they had to fly SW through Orange County. While they were on the plane, I had a friend text that their connecting flight was canceled for the day.

Sister then called me to "get them a hotel for the night". My niece was very confused as she saw all the signs to Disneyland as the cab took them to the Grand Californian.

So I don't know if that gives you any ideas, because I guess you can't take Hawaiian Air to Disneyland.

 

[GeminiAngel]

Wow! Can I be in your family? LOL. I would just move right along with the travel and check ins at the airport. Let them figure it out for themselves. Have a great time let us know how it happens!!

 

[Tigger's ally]

Well, you could duck into the first bathrooms in the airport and take the hula skirt out of you carryon out, put it on along with a flowery shirt. I am sure they would be surprised as heck when you came out!

Cmon......you can do this.

 

[jitterbug]

If the limo driver is already in on it...when you get in the limo, have him play some Hawaii music like 'Tiny Bubbles' and of course, you guys will be like "what? change that. who wants to listen to that?" Then have him switch it to something like Iz singing 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' and then something from the Lilo & Stitch soundtrack like Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride...would they even catch that reference?...then start a dialogue about how the driver must like Hawaiian music and did you know that maybe it's not a good time to go to Disneyland because you heard that Mickey and Minnie are on vacation...in Hawaii....so maybe you guys should go see them there? Then at that point start pulling out fake flower lei from your carry-on and instant pa`ina (Hawaiian for party)!

No idea if that is along the lines of what you were thinking. But anyway you decide to do it, I'm sure your family will love it!

 

[ekatiel]

OK, Im hoping someone here has some creative ideas to help me.

The family thinks we are going on a trip to Disneyland. Ive done everything including random comments about Disneyland and the Grand Californian and leaving fake Delta Airline receipts for the short one hour hop to LAX lying around.

In reality, I have tickets on Hawaiian Airlines and will book a room at Aulani when it opens in a few days.

I need some way to break the surprise. Even the limo driver to the airport knows not to let on. All I have right now is to walk towards the Delta ticket counter then at the last second go to the Hawaiian Air counter.

Anyone have any ideas on a way to break the surprise thats more creative?

I'm not sure what ages your kiddos are, but I would make 100% sure that they won't be disappointed when they find out they aren't going to Disneyland. You and I know that Hawaii is a MUCH better trip, but kids might not see it that way. Just something to think about.

 

[GeminiAngel]

This is a possibility. Wow good thinking.

 

[Billinaz]

I'm not sure what ages your kiddos are, but I would make 100% sure that they won't be disappointed when they find out they aren't going to Disneyland. You and I know that Hawaii is a MUCH better trip, but kids might not see it that way. Just something to think about.

They are 14-18. They have been on more than a dozen DCL cruises, and multiple trips to WDW and DL.

I can do the flower shirt at the airport, but the hula skirt is a bit much.

Im actually not wanting to go to Hawaii, but you know how it is to maintain domestic bliss.....

 

[mrsmacsparky]

Once they see you take a turn towards Hawaiian airlines, isn't that a big hint? Give them coordinates of the Aulani and see if they can figure it out. Or hand them their tickets with their Hawaiian names on it. You can find out all that stuff on the internet. You can also play the Aulani music on your device. You'll want that music anyways. Finally, can you either buy a box of chocolate macadamia nuts or get a can and put a note inside of it? Or put a small Stitch plush or photo of Stitch on the box since he is their mascot. Have fun! We went last year and the Aulani is not only gorgeous but there are a tons of things to do there.

 

[Billinaz]

Actually, my Delta Airlines deception has a reason. We are usually die hard US Air customers, but Hawaiian Airlines is in a different terminal.

In order to get to the Hawaiian Airlines counter, you have to go by the Delta desk, which is only a few feet from the HA counter.

As soon as I mention anything about Hawaii, they will know whats up!

Great ideas though.

 

[Ilivetogo]

While I LOVE the surprise trip to Hawaii, I am starting to wonder if everyone who doesn't know they're going to Hawaii would pack differently - want to bring other things, put something different in their carry-on, bring extra in-flight snacks..... (I would probably pack another SD card for my camera, an additional sun-dress or different shorts, or different flip flops for wearing at the beach, etc.)

If it was ME, I'd rather be surprised just BEFORE leaving (a day or so?) so that I could plan accordingly. Not that it's THAT big of a deal, but stuff is super expensive in Hawaii and I wouldn't want to have to purchase something because I didn't have it. Just sayin'.

But either way -- have a FANTASTIC time. And I'm certain everyone will be thrilled! I would be.

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