Surprise him or not?

[disneyworldluvr349]

Ok,
I have a little brother(5 years old) and I was wondering whether it would be better to surprise him or to have him countdown as well. I know even know when I am going on 15 I want to be surprised but my family was wondering this as well. If you could help that would be super! Examples would be fantastic!

 

[MamaOfTwoPrincesses]

We surprised our daughter 1 day before we left for WDW in January. This was her 5th birthday present, as she turned 5 while we were there. She had wanted to go to Disney forever, and talked about it constantly, even though she really didn't know too much about it.

So, the day before we left, we handed her a card, saying it was an early birthday card. It had a picture of Tinker Bell on it, and I covered up the message with my own. There was also some pixie dust (glitter) inside. The message told her to blow some pixie dust on herself, close her eyes, and make a wish. She did so, and very quietly said, "I wish to go to Disney World!" (I had hoped she would say that! ) We then gave her another card, which had a picture of all of the princesses. Inside was an invitation asking her to join them at WDW for her birthday celebration. She didn't quite get it at first, but then she said, "Are we going to Disney World?! FOR REAL???!!" She was so cute and excited. It was definitely worth keeping it a secret for 6 months.

 

[jessica52877]

I think it is fun to count down, but never could surprise my son. He knows if I start packing that we are taking a trip, usually to disney world. He also asks weekly if we can go.

If a surprise was doable that would be fun I think! If counting down you could make a paper chain, pick out fun clothes to wear, buy little things for the trip. Watch a video about it.

Either way, he'll love it!

 

[disneyworldluvr349]

Sounds good anyone else?

 

[Hannathy]

I always think the anticipation is almost as sweet as the actual trip! I would tell him so he can enjoy the build-up and planning to go. Makes the treat that much longer.

 

[DizneeMommy]

My kids (DS9 & DD5) will be going on their very first trip in June and are LOVING every minute of the countdown!! We let them in on the secret on Valentine's Day, and have been having a ball ever since. We're re-watching every Disney movie they have, and borrowing or renting all the ones they haven't. (I printed a list and we're checking them off!) They are earning money for their Disney Jars by doing chores--they'll use it for souveniers. Their Easter baskets are all Disney stuff. We made tie-dye Mickey shirts today for the trip and plan on making iron on sets as well. They've also been watching videos of rides and shows online so they can decide what they want to do most when we arrive. The highlight of each evening is when they can mark another day off their Disney countdown calendar!! In other words, I'm glad I clued them in--my DH and I are having a ball planning the trip with them!!

Can't WAIT!!

 

[jtopp]

We surprised our three children with a long weekend in early December to see the Christmas decorations. We secretly packed, and on the way to school made a wrong turn and ended up at the airport. The look on thier faces was worth more then the trip. Enjoy

 

[emh1129]

We didn't surprise our kids. Ds (1 month shy of 5 yrs at time of trip) and I had so much fun talking about what the trip would be like each night before bed
I think we might surprise them someday, though!

 

[disneyworldluvr349]

So many different answers! I don't know what to choose! I think he would love either options and my parents seem to think the countdown is the way to go. I just had always wanted to be surprised so I don't know what to choose.
Thanks for the great info so far

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

My kids are aware of all our Disney plans each time we go-with the exception of ONE time. Oh, it killed me to keep the secret...but I actually managed to go 9 months without uttering a peep. Did I mention that I kept it a secret from my husband too? Yup, I had planned a Disney Cruise and a week at Disney and we were set to leave late on Christmas Day-none of them had a clue. My kids were 10 (dd) and 12 (ds) at the time. Well, Christmas Eve (after the extended family all went home), we traditionally get to open up one gift each before bed. Well, I gave my one gift to the kids and my husband and said they all had to unwrap them at the same exact time (video recorder in my hand)...they all opened their boxes and saw Disney brochures and boarding passes...then saw the date and well, I can't type exactly what they said, but they went WILD! (I think my husbands jaw hit the floor, but he recovered quickly). By far, it was SOOOO worth keeping that secret to myself for all that time. They still talk about the time mom blew their hair back with the last minute trip (last minute to them anyway).

Every so often I will goof with them and say, "What do you say we drop everything and just go to Disney tomorrow"...they give me that hesitant look as if to say is she serious? They never know when I'll pull the next rabbit out of my hat...and they LOVE it!

 

[disneyworldluvr349]

That is so neat! I bet you are excited for your trip! Only one day left! Packing must be hectic!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

That is so neat! I bet you are excited for your trip! Only one day left! Packing must be hectic!

Hectic is an understatement! In 7 hours we leave for the airport and I am just finishing laundry and ironing. Yuck! What I am doing checking my mail is beyond me-oh, that's right...I'm addicted to the Dis!

Well, AKL...here we come!