Surprise or Countdown

[Kara]

If you have kids, do you usually have a countdown or do you surprise them?
I'd love to hear stories or ideas of both ways as I'm considering which to do. My boys are 11 and 8..we've casually asked if theyd rather go to Disney again or just the ocean and they chose Disney and we booked it yesterday!!!! But now I need a plan!!!

(please move to appropriate forum if needed) thanks!!

 

[PoohsFan1]

Last March we surprised our kids with our Spring Break trip. My DD8 was a little upset at first because she thought she was going to her grandparent's house for the week (they live 3 hours away from us) while mom and dad went on a trip for our anniversary. Our DD6, on the other hand, was overly joyed and was screaming and jumping up and down. My DD8 got very excited once she saw ME and also when she watched the video that ME plays as you go to the resort.

For our upcoming March trip (Spring Break again) we are doing a combo surprise and countdown. Both girls know that we are going to Disney for Spring Break but they do not know that grandma and grandpa (same ones that live 3 hours away from us) are going to be going with us. Since they are from downstate, and will be flying out of a different airport than us, they will be arriving about an hour or so before us so the plan is for them to walk over to our gate and watch our plane come in and as we get off the plane they will be right there . Also, the girls have no idea that we are going to both of their favorite character breakfasts (Akershus and Cape May Cafe), they think we are going to skip out on the character meals this time. Plus I also let Disney know that we are celebrating both of their b-days while there which will make it an even bigger surprise.

 

[Peanut Giggleface]

Last year's trip was a countdown trip that we booked 11 months in advance. We took their grandparents with them, which they knew about, and the whole year was agonizing. I can't remember how many times my son asked how much longer mom? Or complaining that time wasn't going fast enough. We booked this year's trip shortly after returning home. This time we're not telling them. We'll let them figure it out when we board the plane headed for Orlando. That's going to be a fun day!! Either way is fun though. So enjoy and have a great trip.

 

[la79al]

First trip, I started a few months before we left and gave them little 'clues' (new beach towels, glowsticks, etc) and gave them the final clues (guidebook, princess dress) on the way to the airport. Second trip we picked them up from school with the car packed and just headed to DW. They figured it out rather quickly. This trip we are flying again so I am planning on waking them up the morning and telling them to get up because we are going to DW. Whenever they ask me what we are doing 'tomorrow', I always say going to DW so it will be pretty cool. They think we are going in June so I've still gotten their input on must do rides, favorite restaurants, etc but I'm really looking forward to surprising them with an April trip instead.

 

[Kara]

thanks everyone!! is there a forum for this kind of stuff??

 

[la79al]

thanks everyone!! is there a forum for this kind of stuff??

I don't think so, but you might want to try posting on the family board.