We do a similair thing and have since dd's first trip at age 2. Mickey leaves her some surprises in the room when we get there. We have done this for 6 or so trips and she is now 8, it makes the trip for her. It's not what he leaves but that he leaves it, that just makes the trip for her. He also leaves a personalized note. Mickey also leaves grandma's things and a note. We just took my MIL for the first time and Lexi's biggest thing was would Mickey
leave Nanny a present and note? He did When we walked in the Grandma's room there on each of their beds was alittle goodie bag and a note. Of course Nanny's note said how glad Mickey was she had come for her first visit and how Lexi could show her the ropes. Lexi was So excited over that, more than her own stuff I think. The funny part was my MIL was just thrilled and went on about it so much that my mom finally looked at her when they were alone and said" IT's All a SCam!" My MIL was so dissappointed to know it was me and not Mickey behind it.

I think I get more fun out of planning it.