Things to do to build excitement?

[3girlsfun]

We will be to WDW for Thanksgiving this year. Our oldest DD has been to DL, but doesn't remember, as she was only 18 months. This will be her first trip to WDW, and also our two Younger DD's.

DH and I want to do some thing to build the excitement, as we are hoping this is something that can turn into a family tradition sort of thing.

Last Saturday me and older DD had a "date night" and watched Cinderella and shared popcorn. It was a blast! On Sunday she drew me a picture, and guess what it was? Cinderella's carriage! It was so sweet, and me and DD shared a "moment."

So, give us some more ideas. We took a look at the Disney theme night thread, and are going to try to do at least one or two a month. (We are very family oriented, and do everything as a family, almost always.)

We are also going to do some type of countdown calender or chain of some sort.

Any other ideas?

 

[verlee]

Before our first trip I got a CD with disney music. It was fun when we were down there because the boys would get really excited when they knew the songs in the lobbys and buses ect.. We also watched some you tube videos of some of the attractions and shows and parades. This really helped because they had no idea what to expect. I would show them rides/shows and then ask them what they wanted to go on/do. The wdw planning video also helped. The boys made a count down chain. Every day they took off a piece of the chain so they could see how close we were to going.

Just a few things we did. Have fun!!

 

[tweedlemom]

About 4 months before our Disney trip, I tape maps of all the parks and Downtown Disney to a wall in our main hallway, along with a basic schedule of our trip. (Which parks on what days.) The kids enjoy helping with the planning, and it also familiarizes them with what our vacation schedule will be. Plus, the maps are just beautiful and I love looking at them too!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

We hit up the library and got CDs with Disney music (I tried specifically to find park/movie music, not Disney "artists"). We watched A LOT of movies, over... and over... and over... - mostly the ones that had relevant counterparts in the parks.

We also made a countdown chain, but that was to help show DS the whole time concept. He picked out the colors, asked me to write things on them (like mommy, daddy, sissy, Monster's Inc, Lightning...)

We talk a lot about what we are/want to do on our trip. He's reminded me on several occasions that he was too little to ride Stitch last time and he really wants to do it this time (oh if he only knew what he's missing... )

He's helped pick out his costume for MNSSHP and I keep asking him if he wants to have colored gel put in his hair at the barber shop (I keep getting a no!). We also talk about who he'd like to see on this trip (he's become quite the autograph hound) and some of the places we are going to eat.

He knows we are going back this fall and has been really good so far about asking when but yesterday I heard it over and over! We're leaving 3 days after DDs 2nd birthday, he wanted to hold her birthday party this weekend.

 

[pjtm]

what about each having a little piggy bank to help stash money in? Use an oatmeal container and decorate it?

Are you going to do pin trading? they can practice with each other? My kids love to do that. Silly, I know!

Make tshirts? have you checked out the creative dis threads yet?

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

Starting last Fall, we have had family movie nights every Friday. We each take turns picking our favorites. It really helps build excitement for our upcoming trip. We also have a dry erase board in the kitchen that we use for our countdown. Have a great trip!!

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

About 4 months before our Disney trip, I tape maps of all the parks and Downtown Disney to a wall in our main hallway, along with a basic schedule of our trip. (Which parks on what days.) The kids enjoy helping with the planning, and it also familiarizes them with what our vacation schedule will be. Plus, the maps are just beautiful and I love looking at them too!

I really like this idea!!

 

[Perditamarie]

Definately check out the Creative Disign Board:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105

You will be inspired to design custom t-shirts, make autograph books, make passports for Epcot, etc. One of my favorite things to do has been to make autograph books - the kids loved deciding which characters to include.

Also, pour over the menus at :

http://allears.net/din/dining.htm

and figure out what your family would like for CS, TS and snacks

You could also: try on your clothes and make a list of clothes/shoes/bathing suits etc you will need for your trip. Make sure you have time to "break in" your Disney shoes!

Practice the quick draw on your camera! I also had fun buying little trinkets for Tinkerbell to leave in the room - that was magical for the kids!

Have the kids collect shiny pennies and quarters to make pressed pennies!

Happy planning!

 

[3girlsfun]

All of these ideas are awesome!!!! I definitely want to check out the creative board, thank you for the link!

We talked about ODD saving her allowance to buy something really special at WDW, she is so excited about saving every penny! I can't wait to see what she ends up with, she will have quite the stash by the time we go!

Keep the ideas coming!