Surprise

[wlfarm]

DW and I have a surprise trip to WDW for 2nd week of March for DD(12). This will be our third trip. We began planning in June and booked in August. All with the intention of waking DD on the morning we are to leave and telling her we are going to Disney and leaving for airport in 1 hour. We are now considering telling her of the surprise on Christmas morning, being that the anticipation is part of the fun, too. We think she would be so thrilled at the surprise to wake up and go. But, also might enjoy looking forward to it as well. Don't think she would miss planning if she didn't know ahead of time, as she will be fine with anything we plan. Would love to hear your thoughts on whether we should stick with our plan or tell her on Christmas.

Thanks!

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

Personally I like the anticipation. If you were to wake me up and tell me we were going to Disney, I'd probably be a little stunned, think you were joking or that I was dreaming, and go back to bed. I'd probably panic and scramble in the hour before leaving, too. Ultimately though, it's your daughter, and you know her best, so pick what you think she'll enjoy more.

 

[theotherlostprincess]

I dont have any kids yet but i think it would be fun to tell her on christmas that way you could let her open presents and then tell her about this trip ao it would seem like an even more special present. Also, this way she can help planning or have some input on fastpasses and maybe dining reservations if they arent all completely decided on yet. And she can have the anticipation of it and if you give her allowances it will give her time to save up for souvenirs (even if you plan on giving her extra when you go she doesnt need to necessarily know that)

 

[Alexle2007]

We did a surprise Disney cruise for DS7 last year and we let him figure out. Even we got on Fantasy, he thought we were just taking a tour. It was so much and his excitement was beyond awesome! We are doing a surprise Disney cruise for DH's big birthday in April. Hope we can keep that surprise until it's time for the cruise. So my vote is for that day you are leaving!

 

[cyneswith]

As much as I love the surprise thing, I would probably be irritated... It's not like 12 year olds tell their parents every detail of their lives. If I had plans with a friend for that afternoon, I wouldn't have necessarily told my parents. And the whole time I'd be worried about having stood up my friend. At least tell her the day BEFORE you go, so she has a chance to tell her friends.

At that age, though, anticipation just let me get my hopes up. Expecting this wonderful, joyful experience? Murphy's law reigned, and I ended up miserable. Expecting nothing? Still miserable weather, tended to get sick, family still got awkward, but I had a good time because I expected nothing better.

 

[NotTheBatesMotel]

Tough choice-either could be fun! It really depends on how your daughter handles surprises.

I realized after a few surprises that my H gets really uncomfortable/stunned from surprises (he almost had a panic attack when I threw him a surprise bday party several years ago) while I love surprises. It really depends on how your daughter handles them.

Does she get the post-Christmas blues? If you told her at Christmas that could help with the blues! She might like to give her input for travel plans at that age too so that could be fun.

 

[CoffeeCup]

Of course, I don't know your daughter, but many kids her age would be upset to learn they were going on a surprise trip in a few hours. They have school obligations and deadlines, sports and other activities, and plans with friends. In my opinion, surprise trips work for very young children, but older kids often have busy schedules and need time to adjust their plans and obligations. I also think she would enjoy being involved with plans for the trip, Fast Pass+, dining reservations, etc. My family enjoys the anticipation and planning before a vacation.

 

[awalker1015]

We did the airport surprise thing last year. It was fun but they were so shocked they did not react like I had hoped. The anticipation of the surprise was a lot of fun for me, though.

This time we are going in March and since they will be almost 8 and 10 we are doing a Christmas Eve surprise. This way they can be a part of the planning with FP etc. and have something fun to look forward to.

 

[bjscheel]

We did a surprise when the girls were 11 and 8. (Our third trip too) It was at 10 days out, and the girls said that was perfect. They were going to miss 2.5 days of school, so I didn't want them to freak out about that without warning. This gave them time to make a short countdown, decorate their new autograph books, help make some plans, and pack for themselves (this is pretty important!).

Definitely at 12 I would give at least a week warning. It will still be a great surprise to find out a trip is so close and yet give her a taste of the anticipation too.

 

[verleniahall]

I would purchase maybe a guide book, make some fake tickets, maybe a box of "vacation goodies" and make a scavenger hunt for her to find each of the items. Vacation GOodies first, guide book second, fake tickets third.

THen she gets to help with the planning.

I agree with the school obligiations. I would also inform the teachers that she will be missing X amount of school and find out what yoru district policy is. Ours is no school missed for vacations - if you do, it is considered truency.