Surprise Nov. trip - itinerary, dining...thoughts?

[svioli]

Leaving in.....OMG.....6 weeks.....

here's the story -
DH and I, talked to BIL/SIL about oging to DW together - this was earlier this year. Well, we decided to take the plunge, and make it a surprise for our kids - DD 13, DS 11, and DS 9.

We've laid the groundwork, and things are going well so far...We've told the kids that we're going to Phoenix (had to tell them something as they'll miss a week of school). I told them that I had got really cheap airline tickets - we have to go from our home town, to Houston, to Orlando, then to Phoenix. (Yes, they really bought it, although my daughter teared up when she found out we'd stop in Orlando and NOT go to DW!). I think that's the extent of our lies - can't wait to see their faces when we get our luggage and get on Magical Express.

BIL, SIL and DN will be on the same flight with us. They go to DW at least 4 times a year, so we can explain that they're getting off in Orlando and staying. MIL and other BIL will be meeting us there later in the afternoon.

So - Nov 7 through 14 at the Beach Club

Nov 7 - arrival day, MK, 5:50- at Crystal Palace
Nov 8 - H Studios, 5:50 at Prime Time
Nov 9 - 7:30 a.m. at Chef Mickeys - (don't know what park today)
Nov 10 - Epcot - 7:05, Rose N Crown and fireworks
Nov 11 - Universal studios
Nov 12 -
Nov 13 - MK - 6:30 at Whispering Canyon, MVMCP
Nov 14 - 11:05 Kona Cafe - departure

So, looking for your thoughts, critiques, general suggestions, etc...

I'm so excited to go, I'm even more excited to see the kids reaction!

 

[adctd2WDW]

I am so excited for you. I did a surprise trip for my 13 yo DD back in May. I am so glad I kept it a surprise. She thought she was going with me to a very important doctor's visit one morning. In stead we drove to the airport and I got out and gave her a gift as soon as we got out of the car. It was a shirt I had made with DISigners help:

Here is her reaction:


How are you going to tell your kids? I had thought of one other thing to do if I could have come up with a reason to tell her that we were flying to Orlando. I had booked a limo to make our Mother Daughter Celebration extra special. I can only imagine what her reaction would have been if that is how she had found out- the driver holding up a sign that said, "Hannah, follow me to the Happiest Place on Earth!"

I can't wait to hear how you will be telling your kids. I was so excited when I actually pulled out the shirt to tell Hannah that I was shaking. A definent adrenaline rush.

 

[Kcat1971]

I'm not enough of an expert to critique your plans but I just wanted to post because well be there at the same time.

 

[Perditamarie]

Sounds great! Just wanted to mention that I read on here that the Osborne Lights are starting Nov 10...not sure if that is the case, but if it is, make sure you squeeze in a DHS day to check them out (they are FABULOUS)!

Have a great trip!

 

[sbpebbles]

We will be there that week too...I'm sure the kids will LOVE the surprise..make sure to tape it so we can all view it lol...

 

[arkie]

I'll be there at the same time also.

 

[svioli]

I will definately try to tape the kids reaction, I'm thinking that we tell them since we have a long layover in Orlando, that we'll just go to the hotel with BIL/SIL and hang until it's time to go back.....

we did that once on a trip to Kansas City. We told them we were going to KC to look at a car. We were actually in the market for a new one. We got there and stopped at Great Wolf Lodge - told them that Dad had to go to the bathroom. They walked around with DH while I secretly checked in. Then we told them that they were nice enough to give us a room, cause DH had to REALLY go......they actually bought that story, and it took them about 10 minutes of sitting in the room, waiting for DH who had shut himself in the bathroom until they "got" it!

Any thoughts on things not to miss at Universal?
How about any ideas on what table service meal we can do on Thursday?

thanks!

 

[SheenaXena21]

Nov 7 - arrival day, MK, 5:50- at Crystal Palace
Nov 8 - H Studios, 5:50 at Prime Time
Nov 9 - 7:30 a.m. at Chef Mickeys - (don't know what park today)
Nov 10 - Epcot - 7:05, Rose N Crown and fireworks
Nov 11 - Universal studios
Nov 12 -
Nov 13 - MK - 6:30 at Whispering Canyon, MVMCP
Nov 14 - 11:05 Kona Cafe - departure

Are you on the dining plan? If you are, I suggest maybe, from my experience, Coral Reef is fun and we've always LOVED the food, Kona Cafe has really good food, Boma was suprisingly good, and Le Cellier is great. For Le Cellier, you might not be able to get an ADR for there, it goes very quick. You might be able to get lunch.

Also, are you not planning on going to the Animal Kingdom? You could go there on the 12th and eat at Boma for dinner. I would suggest around 5 p.m. It starts to get really full around 6 p.m.

And on the 9th, I would go to EPCOT. We love EPCOT and there's so much to do there. It would be impossible to get everything done in only one day there.

Your plans look pretty good though. We'll be there 13-20.

You picked out a good week though. The weather may be hot or cold, so I would definately check out accuweather before taking your trip. Last year, it was 80 one day and in the 60's the rest of the week. So plan for sweaters and jackets. The crowds are low too. You'll have a blast!!!

 

[svioli]

Thanks Sheena - i completely forgot about Animal Kingdom! I defininately do not want to miss that one!