Surprises on a budget...

[DisneyLvr55]

We are leaving for The World in 22 days

I'm super excited to go, but one thing is nagging on me. For every trip we've gone on, I've pulled off a good surprise for everyone during the vacation. Once year it was an Illuminations Cruise (which ended up not happening due to other reasons...) two seperate years I did speciality fondant cakes for my parents/kids (of course my dad had a heart attack and didn't make the trip), and one for my FIL (he actually made it!!). This trip is just myself and my two DDs 7 & 9 and I haven't done any special surprise yet
The trip in itself is actually a pretty darn big special surprise since I pulled it together last minute, and on a very tight budget...
My original surprise was the kitchen sink at B&C. But with my touring plan, dinner plans and FP+ its not going to work.

So what other surprises have you guys done for your kids on the cheap? We are eating at 1900PF, Chefs de France, La Hasienda & HDDR if you've ever done restaurant surprises. I was thinking the glass slippers at 1900, but its a buffet, and thats just kinda a waste of money....


Thoughts appreciated!!!!

 

[Sparkly]

Why not just let the trip itself be the surprise? You don't need to have another one to make it special and magical

 

[DisneyLvr55]

We've done surprise trips a few times now, I think at least twice. They know about this one already though. They really enjoy being involved in the planning of it all!

 

[Crl1817]

Pick a pearl at Epcot? You can buy cage pendant settings in advance for not much money so the total cost seems like it would be under $30 per kid.

Gift card for each to pick out a souvenir on their own?

 

[MSSANDRA]

I am sure your little girls will be happy with the trip and doubt they will even think about a surprise. If you really want to do something, maybe a disney gift card on their pillow to use for whatever they want to buy. Amount can be based on your budget. Maybe purchase something ahead of time like new outfits or swim suits or beach towels and wrap them as gifts to give them there. Maybe add one more special meal? Maybe do a spa day and have nails done? Maybe book the afternoon tea at the GF?

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

There's the mini version of the kitchen sink at the Plaza ice cream shop in MK. Get to keep the Mickey pants container, too. How about the hot air balloon ride at DTD? Might be way too late, but the Wishes Dessert Party? Gift baskets delivered to the room ahead of time?

 

[3princes+1princess]

Have you done the family magic tour at MK? It is not expensive (as Disney goes at least) and it is tons of fun, magical, filled with surprises. I would highly recommend it. It doesn't seem to be too know about/popular, so you may still be able to get reservations for it!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/family-magic-tour/

Its $34 a person, but you get a discount on it if you have a Disney Visa...

 

[DisneyLvr55]

There's the mini version of the kitchen sink at the Plaza ice cream shop in MK. Get to keep the Mickey pants container, too. How about the hot air balloon ride at DTD? Might be way too late, but the Wishes Dessert Party? Gift baskets delivered to the room ahead of time?

Reading this yesterday, I thought to myself - Does this person think I'm new to Disney?! Of course I've already checked, and its totally booked!! Then I decided to check again..... AND I GOT A TABLE!!!
My only issue now is that we had an ADR at 7:45 for 1900PF that I'm going to have to replace with something a lot earlier. I'd love to get an earlier reservation for 1900PF, but so far, not happening. So untill I find that (FINGERS CROSSED!) I'm thinking of somewhere in Epcot for around 4-5pm.
So thanks mom2AidenAndEli for making the suggestion at the exact right time - Because I've checked a countless number of times, and come up with nada every single time!

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Reading this yesterday, I thought to myself - Does this person think I'm new to Disney?! Of course I've already checked, and its totally booked!! Then I decided to check again..... AND I GOT A TABLE!!!
My only issue now is that we had an ADR at 7:45 for 1900PF that I'm going to have to replace with something a lot earlier. I'd love to get an earlier reservation for 1900PF, but so far, not happening. So untill I find that (FINGERS CROSSED!) I'm thinking of somewhere in Epcot for around 4-5pm.
So thanks mom2AidenAndEli for making the suggestion at the exact right time - Because I've checked a countless number of times, and come up with nada every single time!

That's too funny!!!! All about the timing, isn't it? We did this last year and I really enjoyed it. Very relaxed. No fighting over space to watch the fireworks. Covered area if you get one of those passing evening showers. Great desserts--large variety. Just a nice experience.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[Smilemaker30]

Good luck with your surprise very cute idea!

 

[sleepyz]

I think the dessert party is THE BEST idea and so happy for u that it worked out! What a special vacation with just you and your girls! Enjoy!!!

 

[boltfan]

I know with my girls at that age I purchased them princess dresses from ebay and reserved a princess breakfast, and then the morning of, surprised them with the dresses. They were ecstatic. Or a trip to BBB is always fun, and the cheapest package isn't TOO insanely expensive. Or something as simple as letting them buy one of the charm bracelets and picking out their own charms. My girls are in their teens and still pick out 3 new charms for each trip.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

What about a horse drawn carriage ride? It is $45 total for 25 minutes, around Port Orleans and there is another that goes around fort wildnerness, I believe. A little girl would find that magical. We are taking the girls on a carriage ride on our way to dinner with Cinderella and Prince Charming at 1900 Park fare.