Oh the Questions, concerns, needed tips

[npmiller001]

My husband and I are taking our three boys (7 years old and twin 4 year olds) to DW for the first time in February 2013 (the week of Mardi Gras...Yes, I am from Louisiana). This is going to be my first trip to DW too and it has been over 15 years for my husband. I want to make it extra special for everyone (my MIL, aunt in law, grandparents in law are coming too) especially the boys.

We are going to surprise them and tell them we are going to the beach and drive most of the way there on Friday. Then wake up early early Saturday morning and drive the rest of the way (only hoping for 1-2 hours of driving on Saturday). I am hoping they fall back to sleep so that we can wake them up to the castle. Every time they watch a Disney movie and they see the castle, they ask when we are going there.

I am planning on bringing extra surprises for them glow mask, glow sticks, tshirts, a mickey mouse blanket that mickey will send with a note the morning we are leaving to go home, etc. I already booked Chef Mickey and looking to book a gift of a lifetime for me and the hubby on valentine's day. What am I missing? I am trying to do this on somewhat of a budget. However, I want everything to be perfect and lots of surprises.

If someone would like to help plan things or has suggestions or tips let me know.

 

[ChitownFamily]

My husband and I are taking our three boys (7 years old and twin 4 year olds) to DW for the first time in February 2013 (the week of Mardi Gras...Yes, I am from Louisiana). This is going to be my first trip to DW too and it has been over 15 years for my husband. I want to make it extra special for everyone (my MIL, aunt in law, grandparents in law are coming too) especially the boys.

We are going to surprise them and tell them we are going to the beach and drive most of the way there on Friday. Then wake up early early Saturday morning and drive the rest of the way (only hoping for 1-2 hours of driving on Saturday). I am hoping they fall back to sleep so that we can wake them up to the castle. Every time they watch a Disney movie and they see the castle, they ask when we are going there.

I am planning on bringing extra surprises for them glow mask, glow sticks, tshirts, a mickey mouse blanket that mickey will send with a note the morning we are leaving to go home, etc. I already booked Chef Mickey and looking to book a gift of a lifetime for me and the hubby on valentine's day. What am I missing? I am trying to do this on somewhat of a budget. However, I want everything to be perfect and lots of surprises.

If someone would like to help plan things or has suggestions or tips let me know.

I have found a lot of useful knowledge in reading/joining the Happy Dance Threads located in the theme parks & attractions boards. They are specifically for the time frame you are traveling.

I had to LOL at your use of: gifts of a lifetime & Budget in the same sentence.

Personally i'm not one for surprises as for me- perfect & surprise are usually not in the same circumstance, but that's just me.

Have fun planning!

 

[Marionnette]

My husband and I are taking our three boys (7 years old and twin 4 year olds) to DW for the first time in February 2013 (the week of Mardi Gras...Yes, I am from Louisiana). This is going to be my first trip to DW too and it has been over 15 years for my husband. I want to make it extra special for everyone (my MIL, aunt in law, grandparents in law are coming too) especially the boys.

We are going to surprise them and tell them we are going to the beach and drive most of the way there on Friday. Then wake up early early Saturday morning and drive the rest of the way (only hoping for 1-2 hours of driving on Saturday). I am hoping they fall back to sleep so that we can wake them up to the castle. Every time they watch a Disney movie and they see the castle, they ask when we are going there.

I am planning on bringing extra surprises for them glow mask, glow sticks, tshirts, a mickey mouse blanket that mickey will send with a note the morning we are leaving to go home, etc. I already booked Chef Mickey and looking to book a gift of a lifetime for me and the hubby on valentine's day. What am I missing? I am trying to do this on somewhat of a budget. However, I want everything to be perfect and lots of surprises.

If someone would like to help plan things or has suggestions or tips let me know.

I hate to disappoint you, but you really cannot see the castle until you are well into Disney property and then only from certain spots when you're outside of the Magic Kingdom.

You will see this gateway when you enter Disney property. You might want to wake the kiddos for it. I always get a little excited to see it.

 

[ladybug0506]

Have you considered booking tickets for Pirates and Pals? We are doing that for the first time in December and it sounds like it will be a lot of fun - and bonus, the boys will get to meet Captain Hook, Smee, and Peter Pan

 

[laceemouse]

Well, we need more details in order to help you. Do you have a resort booked? Is it on Disney property or off? Do you have the Disney dining plan? Have you booked any sit down meals (popular places book up months in advance!)

How long will you be staying? What types of tickets do you have? Do you plan to do all 4 parks? Do you have hopper tickets?

You really need to have a basic plan of which park/which day. Look at the crowd calendars to help you decide.

I am a Disney travel agent. I help people plan every aspect of their trip. There is a lot to think about and a lot to decide. Many people go not expecting it to be so big and so complicated. If you are going to plan this all yourself you need to read, research, and study a LOT! I hear people walking around confused every time I am there, it makes me sad that they did not have anyone to help them plan better

 

[jillybeene71]

I hate to disappoint you, but you really cannot see the castle until you are well into Disney property and then only from certain spots when you're outside of the Magic Kingdom.

You will see this gateway when you enter Disney property. You might want to wake the kiddos for it. I always get a little excited to see it.

I love passing under this!!!