Surprise trip and crossing the border

[Kyen]

My sister and I are going to surprise my niece and nephew with a trip to WDW in December! We thought of not telling them until we get to the airport in Buffalo. However our only problem is how do we cross the border without the kids knowing where we are going?

Just wondering if anyone has tried this before ???

 

[keaster]

My DH and I flew out of Buffalo a few years ago for our anniversary. I arranged a surprise trip to Bristol, Tennessee for a drag race and he had no idea. He did know we were going somewhere, and that we were going to Buffalo to fly to unknown destination.

I wrote down on a piece of paper where we were going in case I needed it. When we got to the guard he asked where we were going. DH says "Buffalo, and then I don't know where it's a surprise!" I told the guard I had it written down, would he like to see it? He was cool, just asked how many days and when we were returning and he told us to have fun.

Now, we were just 2 adults. I don't know if the guards press for more information when there are kids involved, but it should be okay. Just have it written down so they know.

 

[Kyen]

Thank you for that hint! I am getting a letter from my other sister giving permission to take my niece across the border and in that letter I am going to explain that it's a surprise, but knowing my luck they won't even ask for it.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Thank you for that hint! I am getting a letter from my other sister giving permission to take my niece across the border and in that letter I am going to explain that it's a surprise, but knowing my luck they won't even ask for it.

I travel with my Grandson several times a year (mostly to WDW - lol) you will definitely need that letter of consent. I've been asked for it 99% of the time & US customs always speak with him directly with questions as well. We've been Traveling together since he was 7, he's now 13.

If you are wanting to be sure you have all the required info on it, govt. of Canada -Service Canada website has a template, but we've found that LawDepot dot com has the best form. Both can be filled in online & printed to take to an Officer of Oaths/Notary Public for witnessing & sealing.

US border service can be quite particular... at least the ones at Pearson can be..

 

[Kyen]

Thanks for the name of that site! It will help a lot.

 

[alohamom]

I am pretty sure you will need the notarized letter and they can turn you away if you do not have it. Like you said, it will probably be your luck that they wont even ask for it, but (even though you are related) it is needed when travelling across the border with a minor who isnt your own child

 

[dancin Disney style]

Yes, you are required to have an notarized letter of permission to take a child across the border without both parents.

Even with that letter I'm not sure that I would attempt to cross without the child knowing what's going on.

Another option you have is to have the parents drive you to BUF and return to pick you up. In that case you could keep it a surprise and just have a note written out to explain the surprise to the border guard.

 

[KNovacovschi]

I would get it to be safe but may not even be asked for it. I have taken my DD over the border since she was 9 a lot & not once have we been asked for it. I have not been with her father since before she was born. I've even taken her friends with us & the letter was never asked for. I always got it just in case though.

Good Luck!!

 

[4under4]

I'm american, so maybe this is a dumb question

If they ask where you are going, can't you just say "Buffalo"?

That way the kids think that's where you're going, and technically it is where your headed.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I'm american, so maybe this is a dumb question

If they ask where you are going, can't you just say "Buffalo"?

That way the kids think that's where you're going, and technically it is where your headed.

you can but most of the time they will ask for the duration of time in the US, not many people are likely to spend a week or two in Buffalo and that could send up flags to the customs officer.

 

[bdoyledimou]

I'm american, so maybe this is a dumb question

If they ask where you are going, can't you just say "Buffalo"?

That way the kids think that's where you're going, and technically it is where your headed.

you can until they ask yo uwhere you are staying -- and you would look awfully foolish saying Florida --

they may also ask if you are continuing your trip --

 

[nataliej_vk]

We did this last trip my friend and I took our kids across at Detroit (which can be pretty nasty bout a lot of things) we told the kids we were going to the zoo. I wrote a sticky note saying we were going to Disney and for how many days but it was a surprise for the girls. The guard seemed really nasty and was pretty terse but he read the note as he asked where we were going and said oh. I replied yes the zoo with air quotes he then asked the other questions like bringing anything and how much cash and we went on our way.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

I'm american, so maybe this is a dumb question

If they ask where you are going, can't you just say "Buffalo"?

That way the kids think that's where you're going, and technically it is where your headed.

Border crossing has changed over the last twenty years. When I was in my 30's I needed nothing to cross the border ... just a driver's license and a smile.

Today is very different and can be hit and miss. I once ran into difficulty for not declaring that I had a bag of Nova Scotia lapel pins to give away (yes, A Nova Scotia flag pin). I was informed that I could be fined and refused entry into US. Some times the experience is the opposite and its the most friendly .... I think a note would be a good back up plan!

 

[thr33boys]

We had no problem surprising our kids in 2012. I had our whole itinerary already typed out and handed it to the guard and whispered 'the kids don't know' and he pleasantly went along. Worked like a charm!

 

[Kyen]

Sorry everyone life and work kinda got in the way of checking in. Thank you for all of your advice.
We are 10 days out from our trip and we have decided to tell the children next weekend so we will only hear "What! You lied to us" for a few days!!! Plus it will give my niece a little more time to come to realization that her mother is not going with us.