Tell me what you think - Planning By Myself - Without DW Knowing

[xa-minister]

I have never planned a vacation by myself before, and this one is a surprise Christmas present for my DW and DD2. Here is what I have.

Staying at CSR from 12/21 - 12/26
6 Day Hopper w/ DDP
Cost: $1446

ADR's:
12/21 - Play N' Dine at Hollywood and Vine (2:00 PM)
12/22 - Cinderella's Royal Table (12:15 PM)
MVMCP that evening
12/23 - Princess Storybook Breakfast (9:00 AM)
12/24 - Hoop Dee Doo Revue (5:00 PM)
12/25 - Chef Mickey's (10:40 AM)
Bippity Boppity Boutique - Castle Package (3:00 PM)

I am giving this to my DD2 and DW for Christmas (they will find out over Thanksgiving.) The vacation package is paid for. I have a $200 gift certificate from the Bippity Boppity Boutique to give to my daughter to cover the Castle package. I have a $200 gas card to get us there. And I am giving my wife $400 plus a $60 rewards card for spending money.

I know we will have to pay a little OOP for two of the meals because CRT and HDDR are each 2 TS credits. But I will cover that too. What do you think?

Thanks for you input.

By the way, before anyone says it, my DD2 will only be about a month from turning 3 and she loves having makeup and her hair done. She is an extreme girly girl.

 

[kvogel11202]

Looks like it will be great! Wish my DH was this sweet!

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I think your family will love what you have planned. What a great present! You did a really great job with the planning.

Keep in mind that it will be extremely crowded toward the end of your stay, have a good touring plan and be prepared for crowds. Arrive at the parks EARLY!

Have a wonderful and magical trip!

 

[beck0321]

This sounds like a great plan! Hooray for you!

I have one question though. How did you pay for all this without the DW knowing? I always wondered about people who surprise their spouse with big gifts like this. I could not do that for DH because he would immediatly notice a drop in funds, ya know? Maybe a credit card?

 

[WVParkfan]

As a fellow "Disney Dad," I think it is awesome that you are putting in so much time into of the planning. You will truly feel the reward when your little princess gets to see the castle for the first time.

I think your plan looks great. Just make sure to take your time and avoid trying to shove too much into one day. If you miss something that you really wanted to do, then you have a good reason to visit Disney World again (in a year, or whenever you can go again).

Once you surprise your wife with the news, allow her to help with the plans. She might really enjoy the planning, too.

Take lots and lots of pictures, and have a magical visit!

Also, enjoy Coronado Springs. It is our absolute FAVORITE Disney resort.

 

[The Sweetness]

That does sound lovely, but here's my two cents. Alot of dis'ers here have reviewed the CRT and felt that it was not worth the 2TS Maybe you want to reconsider switching to a breakfast or dinner at 1900? (I think) Cinderella is there for dinner as well. Either way, Have a wonderfull trip with your family. What a thoughtfull thing to do

 

[Sleeping Becca]

This sounds like a great plan! Hooray for you!

I have one question though. How did you pay for all this without the DW knowing? I always wondered about people who surprise their spouse with big gifts like this. I could not do that for DH because he would immediatly notice a drop in funds, ya know? Maybe a credit card?

DH has no idea how much (or how little) money we have. He never sees a bank statement or a credit card statement. So for me it would be very easy.

 

[Piglet42]

DH has no idea how much (or how little) money we have. He never sees a bank statement or a credit card statement. So for me it would be very easy.

Same here! We already have our trip booked for February, but I'm thinking about surprising DH with the Backstage Magic tour on one of our days. I'm just trying to decide if I give it to him around Christmas or wait until the night before we do the tour. The bad side of being in control of the finances, we never have a chance of being getting surprised. So, to the OP, hats off to you! Your wife and daughter will love it!

 

[Kaitysmom]

There is nothing like dining in the castle for the first time. I think we forget how magical that is to a little girl - I mean Princess. I think you should stay with your original plan and don't worry about the 2TS. I love planning surprises - have fun!

 

[beck0321]

Ok Well I am going to surprise my DH with an anniversary cake when we eat at Ohana the night BEFORE our anniversary. We're eating at Wolfgang Puck for our actual ann. But since I don't have to pay for it upfront, I am not going to worry about the surprise being ruined. I also want to buy him a gift, but that may have to go on my CC because then he will see online how much and where I spent it.
It's our first year ann. and I can't bring the top of the wedding cake so Disney's cake will have to suffice.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

What you are doing is really really nice. I'm sure they'll love it!

 

[xa-minister]

it has been difficult because my wife does all the finances. I have basically ebayed my way. I have sold old stuff that i don't need, other than that, I have been planning this for about 4 months, so i put away a few dollars here, a few dollars there. I have $100 left to go.

I also always look at clearance isles at Walmart and Target. A lot of times you can find something really cheap and sell it on ebay for double the price. It has been tough, and DW knows she is getting something big, she just doesn't know what or actually how big of a gift this is.

(Oh and by the way, this will be my DD2's third trip to Disney.) We are raising her up right.

And we aren't too worried about seeing everything because my wife has been planning a trip to go in April. (She just doesn't know she will get to be there twice in less than 6 months.)

 

[xa-minister]

Oh i forgot to say, I am giving it to her via a scrapbook. It will have pictures of all the places we are going (thanks to disboards) and all the gift cards and traverlers's checks and MVMCP passes.

 

[garris3404]

As a fellow Disney plan it all kinda guy, I salute you! You have a great plan, and what a supprise for you wife and little princess.

Just 2 suggestions, make the character meals a suprise for that day, and not in advance. I would also strongly suggest that you have princess outfits for her royal lunch and breakfast. Give them to her just before the meals. She can change in the bathrooms. I did that for my DD6 and she loved it. It took a very long time to get that smile off her face. [Try right after Halloween for the Disney princess outfits (usually 50 - 75% off.]

 

[PixelPusher]

Good job! DH and I will be there at the same time, no suprises here, though. Have fun.

 

[scanne]

Sounds fabulous!!! I would LOVE it if DH did something like this! I've been the one surprising him with trips. Let's see him turn the tables!

I hope you post a trip report when you get back!!!

 

[Cmbar]

Wow what a guy! Wish My hubby surprised me with ANYTHING! He is the "go out and buy yourself something for your birthday" kinda guy. BUT he lets me talk him into a Disney trip each year!

Have you done HDDR? If not, save it for your next tirp. You have a LOT of "signature" events for one six day trip! Not to say you won't love them, just might be overload, especially if you are going within six months and you are having to pay out of pocket for them. Also, HDDR is a pain to get to if you are not staying close to the resort. You will have to allow a lot of time to get there. Just a thought since you said you will be going in April! I would go to the Grand Floridian 1900 Park Fare (1TS) instead since it will have the gingerbread house and beautiful tree in the lobby and of course Cindy and Prince charming! You can't see those decorations in April, but HDDR will be there in the spring!

Are you passholders? Might be an advantage for two trips inside a year. How many Park days are you actually using. I am tired just looking at your itineary and knowing the parks will be Super crowded!

You might want to pay for those tickets to be upgraded to a 10 non expiring ticket for the next trip.

Have Fun! looks like a great surprise! You did a great job. I would only worry that your DD will be on overload with that much going on in Five days and with the parks being crowded! But you know your kid. My kids would be exhausted by day 3 on your plan! Too many sit downs stress them out!

Your a great DisneyDad and DisneyHubby!

 

[Kaitysmom]

"Oh i forgot to say, I am giving it to her via a scrapbook. It will have pictures of all the places we are going (thanks to disboards) and all the gift cards and traverlers's checks and MVMCP passes."

Wow!!! Your family is so very lucky to have you - I'm blown away. I love how you're doing this whole thing from start to finish and all the details you've considered. Take lots of pictures so you can share later!

 

[kvogel11202]

Oh i forgot to say, I am giving it to her via a scrapbook. It will have pictures of all the places we are going (thanks to disboards) and all the gift cards and traverlers's checks and MVMCP passes.

OK, Stop, you're making my DH look like a complete oaf. Not only would he never THINK of doing something like this, he would never pull it off.

 

[bedgraynexl]

Another Disney Dad here (Hey cut it out, you're making the rest of us look bad)

I have been wanting to plan a surprise trip for DW and the DK's too. It sounds like you have al your bases covered. Have a great time!

Guess I need to get busy. About how long did it take to raise the extra funds?