So I decided to do it -- Taking my cousins for the first time to the world.

[snowbell]

Hey Gang.... After going back and forth... and back and forth... I have finally decided that I am going to take my two younger cousins to Disney World from July 13th - July 16th. I know it is only for a long weekend, but these girls are 14 and 18..... and they have never been to the Disney before

So I am starting my trip report.. First things first --- How should I suprise them with this trip. They have no idea that they are going. I have to try to keep costs down on this trip b/c I am going again with dbf in November -- So I am staying at Pop Century (First Time There)

My cousin Rachel is getting her confirmation at the end of March and My cousin Sarah is graduating high school this year. I think they are going to be so excited. I hope so anyway -- I know I am

Any suggestions to the suprise would be GREAT!!!

 

[Goofster57]

Will you be flying down or driving down?

 

[blue_river]

I read on the boards here about a mother who surprised her family by putting a poem written about the plans/trip to WDW in a fortune cookie. It was really neat!!!

 

[snowbell]

Yeah - I will be flying down. From Newark Airport. The fortune cookie sounds neat.... sounds like a good idea.

Any other ideas???

 

[Goofster57]

I have heard of people putting together gift packages that contain Disney stuff like Ears, Park Guides, favorite Disney Stuffed Animal., maybe a Disney Luggage tag.

You could make a big deal about a special announcement at a family dinner and present them with the packages.

Thank goodness I am better at planning vacations then surprises.

 

[lynn71092]

When I surprised m niece a few years ago, I got one of those giant cookies from the Mall and had them write "Guess Who's Going To Disney World" on it.

 

[blue_river]

Thank goodness I am better at planning vacations then surprises.

 

[Goofster57]

When I surprised m niece a few years ago, I got one of those giant cookies from the Mall and had them write "Guess Who's Going To Disney World" on it.

Okay, I like the cookie idea, you get great news and then you can eat it.

Double Chocolate Chip Please

 

[snowbell]

ok - So I have not written anything in a while. I actually could not figure out how to find my thread... hee hee

I have decided to tell my cousins this weekend. dc14 is having her confirmation on saturday and dc18 birthday is tomorrow.

I went to the disney store and target yesterday and picked out a whole bunch of different presents for their goodie bag... some of the items included, Disney UNO, cards, and a POTC game for the plane.
carry on bags, tiaras, stickers, princess figures, plush dolls, picture frame, note pads, autograph books, and water bottles.... I think that is enough. oh -- I also have maps and a guide book

My plan is to laminate the hotel map and plane tickets and give it to them in their cards after they open the bag. I am sure they will figure it out before hand but I am just so excited to see their faces. They have never been to the world. Only four more days until I break the news.. I had to share with you guys first. I keep wanting to call them up to ruin the suprise.

I will keep you guys posted. I am at work right now so I have to keep this short but sweet... Don't want to get fired.

 

[Goofster57]

Sounds like a great plan, but I didn’t see anything about the Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Would love to see some pictures of the finished surprise packages and their faces when they get them.

My plan is to laminate the plane tickets:

Can you do that and still use them?

Don't want to get fired.

Yeah that would be a trip killer

 

[princessjv]

Pictures please! I am planning a surprise trip for my ds, I love to see the kids excitment!

 

[DisneyJo]

What a great cousin you are

 

[snowbell]

Thank you Thank you. I really try. I am an only child so these guys are the closest thing to real sisters. I will definitely take pictures. I just hope that they are truely as psyched as I am.

Goofster - I am not actually laminating the plane tickets, I am going to make copies of my e-ticket. hee hee.

I am not the best artist in the world so I think I am just going to go to staples and get construction paper, glue and disney stickers and make a homemade card out of what I have.

Any other ideas??? I still might buy "you are going to disney" cookies too!!!

 

[snowbell]

Hey Gang -- So that cat is finally out of the bag.

On Sunday Morning, DC 13 (she will be 14 at time of trip) and dc 18 came over to my Mom's house for her 60th birthday. Waiting for them were the two goodie bags filled with the Disney goodies. They really had no idea why they were getting such childish gifts when the spotted something that I was holding behind my back.

uh--- "What is that behind your back snowbell?

I had put together a powerpoint presentation of with the Title - "Guess who's going to Disney World?"

It was about 7 pages long and it highlighted everything from our hotel to the dining reservations I had made.

They are so excited. We were supposed to go to Disney two years ago, but my Dad got sick and we had to cancel the trip.... so -- I have been trying to put together this trip since and finally came up with the money to do so.

I am so excited... Of course I think I am still more estatic -- but once they see the castle, I think things will change.. yippee!!!

Now here is my question -- Do you think I should do the DDP? I am only technically going to be there for three nights, so I don't know if it is worth it.

 

[princessjv]

Yea! What fun! I am glad to hear that they are excited about the trip...well maybe just not as much as you...but we can't win everything!

I would skip the DDP for this trip...for sure for your fall trip though!

I think with such little time, you will not want to spend much time sitting and eating. I would instead plan to hit the parks. Maybe just scheudle 1 fun TS, if time allows (could be on the day you arrive or before you leave).

 

[Goofster57]

Glad to hear it went well, I know you will all have a great time.

As for the DDP, if you plan on eating an expensive, large meal everyday it may be worth it, if not I would skip it.

Looking forward to a report when you get back

 

[snowbell]

I am so bad at writing trip reports. .... So the fact that I never updated my pre trip report is a real tell tale sign that I am better at reader other reports...

I am so involved in so many other trip reports right now that I have a hard time conentrating at work (which is where I am right now.... on a lunch break of course )

I also finally figured out what a LGMH is.... what a dope. I am going to Home Depot this week to stock up on them..

So where did I leave off?? I told my cousins that we were going to Disney World. I am obsessed with the world just like everyone else here. My cousins on the other hand... well --- They like their summer vacation.... With their friends.... at their pool .. They are as excited as then can be --- they just wish they were going later in the year (cannot win at everything ) I guarantee, however, that once they get back from this trip, they will want to come back to the world - IMMEDIATELY!

I guess I should mention the cast of characters.

Me -- a 30 years commercial credit sales rep that needs a vacation every three months. I live with my dbf and have dreams that we might eventually get married at the world. I am running out of people to go with so I might start lurking on some of the solo traveler boards for next year....

Sarah -- 18 high school graduate that got a scholarship to college next year. -- Franklyn & Marshall. She was waitlisted at Cornell.. Her dream is to get into Cornell her softmore year and wants to be a doctor. She has been to Disneyland when she was little, but has never been to the world.

Rachel - 14 (by time of trip). She is my sweetheart. She has such an innocence about her. She loves thrill rides and is usually game for anything. I planned this trip as Sarah's graduation present and Rachels confirmation present.

We arrive on the 13th around 6pm. I am a very good packer and plan on not checking any luggage.

My goal is to get to Pop Century by 8 pm and to MK by 9 for EMH. I don't care if we go on any rides on this night. I just want them to experience a little bit of magic before the crazy days ahead.

When I get onto my personal computer tonight I will post my itinerary.... And just like many others on the boards.... They have changed multiple times... I will also try to find some pictures to post... they will definitely be on my trip report.

Oh -- and Like the title says -- I have not told my job yet that I needed the days off. I was in stuck in Mexico in April and have negative vacation days left. I am going to have to call in sick. You gotta do what you gotta do.

 

[DisneyJo]

Calling in sick! You naughty girl you

 

[MeMom]

Since you say reading trip reports keeps you from doing your job, and I KNOW I've been guilty of "tripping" on reports during my job, then it seems the Dis may be doing a lot of damage to America's workforce! Evil, evil Disboards!


I hope you're not too late on the Mickey heads. Home Depot is getting rid of those, according to some reports of late.

I hope your cousins get totally hooked on Disney on this trip. Of course there are two more jobs in the future that will be destroyed by reading trip reports! I hope you all have a great time at the good old Pop Century. I can't wait!!!

 

[snowbell]

Oh no -- I still have not had a chance to go to Home Depot. Help! What should I do if there are no LGMH ? Any suggestions??? Anything at all