Surprising the kids dilemma!

[scribega]

So we leave in 7 days for our trip. We have yet to tell the kids that we are going. Are plans are to wake up Friday and tell the kids "surprise, we are going to the beach" drive down and stop at St. Simons Island for the night. The next day (Saturday) we will drive the rest of the way to Disney (about 4 hours).

The dilemma is: my DW wants to tell the kids when they wake up that Saturday that we are going to Disney. I would rather wait and surprise them when we get to Disney.

What would you do?

FYI: the kids are DD6 and DS3.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[mousehouselover]

I wouldn't say anything and let them be surprised. This would be a really cool camera moment when their faces light up as they realize they're at the gate.

 

[pixiewings71]

I would wait, it's so much fun to do that!

 

[DisneyDaddy-O]

I would wait as long as possible, definitely have the camera or video camera rolling.

I would love to try this, but after 20 hrs of driving I think our kids would figure it out.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[snoopy5386]

well...are you actually going to the beach? I could see the kids getting upset if you tell them you are going to the beach and then don't go, even if you are going to Disneyworld.

Also, at their young ages will they "get it" as they are driving through the gate? I know my 3 yo (who has been 5 times already) would not get it at all.

 

[RMulieri]

well...are you actually going to the beach? I could see the kids getting upset if you tell them you are going to the beach and then don't go, even if you are going to Disneyworld.

Also, at their young ages will they "get it" as they are driving through the gate? I know my 3 yo (who has been 5 times already) would not get it at all.

2nd this...I remember as kids my parents tried to surprise us with a Disney trip by saying we were going to the beach...Well don't get me wrong we were happy about disney, but my parents DID NOT get the reaction they wanted.Initially we were upset because we WANTED the beach!

 

[#1 Goofy Fan]

We recently surprised our children - drove all night - gave them a list a possible places we were going and Disney wasn't one of them. When we pointed out the sign (Welcome to Florida) - they realized where we were going - the reaction is something we will never forget - I can still hear the screams of excitment. I would wait as long as you could to tell the kids - it is worth it.

 

[scribega]

well...are you actually going to the beach? I could see the kids getting upset if you tell them you are going to the beach and then don't go, even if you are going to Disneyworld.

Also, at their young ages will they "get it" as they are driving through the gate? I know my 3 yo (who has been 5 times already) would not get it at all.

Yes. The one night layover from the drive will be at the beach. I don't think the 3 yo will get it when we drive through the gates, but the 6 yo defintely would.

 

[tinkerfan1]

What a wonderful surprise. I'd want to wait as long as I could but I'd probably fail horribly! I'd be so excited. I'm excited for you. I hope you have a wonderful time! I'm sure you will. I love getting on here and reading the excitement in people's words.

 

[SweetPeasMom2]

When I was about 8, we went to visit my grandmother in Naples, FL. I wanted to go to Disney sooo bad. But my mom wasn't able to afford it. A family friend was with us on the trip. On the way home, they told me we were going to go shopping near Disney. We drove in, parked and even walked up to the gates. I still thought we were going shopping. It wasn't until our friend handed me something and said "Here. Here is your ticket to the Magic Kingdom." I can still remember the reaction I had.

I say wait as long as you can. We are going New Years weekend for a cheer competition. Our kids have never been to Disney and we are only doing on day at MK. They will be getting a card from Micky on Christmas morning w/their MK ticket in it . I can't wait to get their reaction on camera! If I could stand it, I'd wait until we were there. But with it being right at Christmas, I can't pass up the chance to make it part of their Christmas.