So, what are the chances this is going to work out?

[tlbwriter]

DD took her first trip to WDW last year (age 5.5). She found out we were going in May, and had almost 8 months to be excited about it. We're going again this December, and this time we're going with my SIL and BIL and their two kids (will be 7 and 8). They don't want to tell the kids - they want it to be a surprise, and they won't know where we're going until they see the sign that says Walt Disney World. I prefer the anticipation, but I can see the charm of the surprise too. However, I am *not* going to surprise DD. Can't keep it a secret that long, don't want to try. The problem is, we're visiting these inlaws this summer, which means I can't tell DD until after the trip. Which also means I shouldn't tell my mother (and therefore the rest of my family) because I'm sure she'll let it slip in her excitement. AND it means that when we go in December, we'll have to spend a whole day with SIL and BIL without DD letting her cousins know where we're going. I think this little plan is doomed!

 

[HM]

Sounds like you have to keep it a secret to help your inlaws pull it off.
It won't be that bad. Kids love to be surprised. You can do it!!!
-HM

 

[DZNYMGCFAM]

Yeah, sorry to have to agree, but I think the plan is doomed to fail. I would probably wait to tell her until the summer trip, there is more of a chance to slip then when they will be together for a longer period of time. Good Luck!!

 

[tlbwriter]

Well, I'm definitely not telling her until after our summer trip - that's already part of the plan. The question is, is she going to be able to keep it a secret from her cousins once we get to their house? We're meeting at their house and driving to Orlando together (separate cars, though). I just don't think she's going to be able to hold it in. I also don't know if I'll be able to keep it a secret from my parents until after the summer trip, because I'm so excited it's all I can think about!!!

 

[The Edgington's]

I also think the plan is doomed. My kids tell strangers "we're going to disney world!". I can't imagine telling them they can't tell their cousins. The suprise would be cool, but like you I cannot keep a secret that long. I know with my kids, they would tell the first chance they got because they're so excited!
Good luck!!

 

[rt2dz]

I think that plan is doomed to fail. It has to be a secret for all or chances are, they will find out.

Why not surprise your DD? Our kids know this time and are enjoying the excitement of anticipation, but the surprise trip we took last year is probably the coolest they've had (compared with other trips/outings that have great anticipation like WDW). There was all the same excitement (waiting doesn't get you more excited), maybe even more, and then they got to do everything right away. If anything, *I* think it was nicer/better. You always have all your other future trips to build up the excitement.

 

[tlbwriter]

Why not surprise your DD?

Because it's too inconvenient to only talk about the trip when she's not in the room. Because I need to explain to her *before* Christmas that she's not getting gifts from mom and dad, and we'll shop in the park instead. Because I need to tell my family, and I don't want them to carry the burden of keeping it secret as well. We like surprising her sometimes. Just not this time.

 

[JeffreyY]

How about just telling her about your family going to WDW and not mentioning her cousins, aunt and uncle.
She can be excited but won't spill the beans.

 

[disneyfanfamily]

We are surprising our kids (10, 8, 4). We are going in July and booked in January. We have talked about Disney World. We have told them that we are checking into rates, etc for next year or the year after - since we have to save a lot of money. They so far have NO idea. They will not know until we get on the plane. (If things work out as planned!) I cannot wait until that moment! They will be so excited! Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[tlbwriter]

How about just telling her about your family going to WDW and not mentioning her cousins, aunt and uncle.
She can be excited but won't spill the beans.

That would work except we're meeting at the cousin's house and driving down to Orlando together. So they'd know we're all going to the same place.

 

[rt2dz]

That would work except we're meeting at the cousin's house and driving down to Orlando together. So they'd know we're all going to the same place.

What about using the above idea of telling her you're going to WDW, but not exactly when. Then it is a surprise she's going with the cousins & a surprise when she gets there, no beans spilled, but still you don't have the burden of keeping a secret.