So when might my DD4 figure out where we are

[DrDavid]

My family is going to be going to WDW for the first time this weekend (wow, it feels weird to be writing that!). Anyway, my wife and I are taking our two DDs (4.5 and 1.5). As it's been over 20 years since I've been there and my DW never has, I'm wondering when my DD4 might start figuring out where we are, since we have given her no clue other than "We're taking a long trip." She would certainly recognize Cinderella's castle or Mickey stuff plastered everywhere, but what I'm wondering is, when exactly do these things become visible? From the highway? Only on Disney property? Not really at all? Any help would be appreciated, because I'm half tempted to have DW video the reaction if we can semi-predict it.

Thanks.

 

[mom2travel]

Are you driving or flying? Staying on-site or off (i.e., if flying are you taking the Magical Express)? You will definitely see the Mickeys at the entrance and there are signs all around (with pictures).
When our DS was 2.5 we did a spontaneous day-trip to WDW from visiting relatives near Tampa. We drove onto Disney property and into the MK parking lot, boarded the tram to TTC, bought tix and hopped the monorail and all DS got so far was being caught up in our excitement - he didn't know exactly what was going on, just that it was going to be good. It wasn't until we walked through the turnstiles and past the WDW RR and saw Main Street USA and the castle that he fully understood.

If you are staying onsite, then it would be either driving in seeing Mickey or at your resort that they might suspect, but it could be that first park view that pushes them over the top. I guess you'll just need to have the video camera at the ready
I'm so excited for you to see the surprise and joy on your DDs' faces

 

[momofbcs]

My 3 year old was the same way. She *knew* we were at Disney, but the magic hit her all at once when she saw Cinderella's Castle which was from the square. Its one of my favorite all time pictures. Her jaw literally dropped.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

I think Mickey is waving to you at the FL/GA border...OK not really, but the closer you get to the Orlando area the more Mickey you see. This with a few clues may have her figure it out. Is she a Mickey fan? If so you may get the "can we go?" questions before she figures it is the destination.

 

[DrDavid]

We're driving and staying on site at Caribbean Beach. So I take it the castle is pretty much only visible from the Magic Kingdom. Is that correct?

 

[dyna]

Sort of OT here but I gonna tell it anyway...

My youngest was about 4 an we was going to Wally World (walmart) we go come back out to car get in car an DD started cryin she thought we was going to disney world lol.

When planning DD's 1st trip to disney world we referred to anything to do with the trip as DW I told her DW stood for Dollywood she was 6 at the time an it was not till we passed Dollywood exit on interstate that she figured out what DW stood for. With that I told her the week would be full of surprises an it was..

 

[mom2travel]

We're driving and staying on site at Caribbean Beach. So I take it the castle is pretty much only visible from the Magic Kingdom. Is that correct?

You can also see the castle from the monorail resorts. Driving into WDW from hwy you'll see plenty of signs indicating you are in the midst of the magic. Taking the bus from the CBR to MK you'll pass through the turnstiles and see the railroad but it won't be until you pass under the RR that you'll have your first full view of the castle. That will likely be your best reaction from DD - have fun!

 

[asoko]

My 3 year old was the same way. She *knew* we were at Disney, but the magic hit her all at once when she saw Cinderella's Castle which was from the square. Its one of my favorite all time pictures. Her jaw literally dropped.

Mine too (almost 3 at the time) We were walking down Main St., then she just looked toward the castle, eyes got big and she just said "oh, momma, a castle!"

 

[ChristineAndMatt29]

Well, if you are driving and staying on site, once you reach Disney property, you will drive under "the arch" that welcomes you and if all the advertisements on the drive down don't give it away, I am sure that point in the drive will! It is MY favorite!!!! You just *know* you're at Disney. I would get ready to capture her reaction there. Make sure she is paying attention and awake!

 

[BarbWB]

The second time we went, we surprised our kids. It was the BEST thing ever. Basically, they never figured it out and we had to tell them at dinner at O'Hana! My kids were 7, 5, 3, and 1 at the time

We told them they were going to see their cousins (who live in NJ) for Easter (this was not a lie -- the cousins were joining us on the second day!!). They were completely clueless the whole way.
We flew, so we let the flight attendants and our neighboring passengers in on the secret so no one blew it (direct flight to Orlando w/4 kids is pretty obvious where we're going!)
We thought they'd figure it out on the plane when they heard Orlando, but nope. Then, at the airport, it's pretty hard to miss that you're in WDW country, but again, nothing. Then at the rental car center, my oldest, who was 7 and could read very well, walked over to a Mickey statue and picked up a brochure to show me DisneyWorld, "for the next time we go." Then, all the way from the airport to WDW, there are about a jillion signs . . . no one caught on (and 2 of them could read!!).
The girls sat in the back of the minivan, just playing away. My 3 yo was the only one who even noticed the big arch as we drove on property. He said, "Look, a Mickey Mouse movie . . . can we go?" We said yes . . . no more questions.
Then, we had reservations at O'Hana first thing (we told them we were hungry, so we were going to dinner before we went to see their cousins). We drove to the Polynesian, and started walking in. Realizing that this looked weird for NJ, my 5 yo dd said, "Mom are we in Vermont?" (uhhhhh, no . . . not many palm trees in Vermont!!). We just said no. They were looking all around, but didn't figure it out.
Then, inside, the place was swamped (Easter week). Everyone had Mickey ears, shirts, bags, etc. Clueless . . . Finally, after we sat down in the waiting area, ordered drinks and appetizers, I asked my husband if we should tell them yet. We finally said, okay kids, guess where we are? They said, "New Jersey?" No, Disney World!!! They totally did not believe us. They were laughing and happy, but still cautious. Finally, when we got into the restaurant and had a beautiful view of the castle, they started to believe us . . . . It was so hilarious and sweet and innocent!! I wish I could pull it off again!!!!

We did a surprise on our last trip, but only as far as the airport for the older kids. The little one figured it out as we were leaving the rental car garage.
Have fun with it!! These are some of the most priceless memories!!!