Surprising a 2.5 year old!

[The Cheshire Cat]

We are going to Disneyland in early December and would like to surprise our son (2.5 years) but we need ideas! He knows what Disneyland is and that they have rides. He knows all the characters and that they "live" at Disneyland and he asks if we can go often. What have you done to surprise your little ones with a trip? Help! This will be his third trip (but he doesn't really remember the first 2).

 

[smartlabelprint]

We don't surprise ours because I feel they need time to prep at that age. We YouTube meet n greets & rides.

 

[SMD]

If he doesn't remember the previous trips then wouldn't it be a surprise if you just go? A surprise trip might be more effective when he's older and there's more of a frame of reference.

 

[Jaina]

2.5-year-olds as a group don't have a lot of time understanding. I would surprise him the day of if it's truly going to be a surprise. We told our kids about our upcoming trip (in 2 months now) finally. They are 10, 8.5, 6, 2.75, and 2 months. Our little 2-year-old seemed very excited, but then was grumpy for a few days because he kept asking if we were going now. "In a few weeks" or "in two months" means nothing to him, and I think he thinks we lied to him... We are definitely watching Youtube videos of the rides I want him to not be nervous about.

 

[The Cheshire Cat]

You guys all make a good point! I think we'll tell him it's coming soon but then let it go and tell him again the day of. Thanks mamas!!

 

[hanna-nana]

Are you driving/flying/arriving a day early? You could be watching one of the videos and then ask "do you want to go there?" Assuming he says yes, then "Okay, lets go!"