Tips for surprising the kids?

[kimwim8]

Does anyone have any tips for how we can surprise the kids? We're going to WDW in November, and our flight is at 12:30pm, so I don't know if I'll send them to school for just an hour or two or just keep them home & distract them somehow. I'd prefer for them to not know what's going on until we are on the way to the airport or pull in to the airport (it's only a 15 minute drive from our house).

Any info/advice/experiences are appreciated!!

Also, if you have any ideas for surprise things to pack in their carry-on bags that they wouldn't expect.

Oh, and they have both been to WDW more than 5 times and their ages are: DD8 and DS6 (by the time we go!)

Thanks so much!!!

 

[bnk1120]

I say send them to school and then pick them up. Tell them you planned a surprise day for them. See if they figure it out by the time you get to the airport. I always wished that would happen to me! I still wish my husband would try this sometime!!!!!

 

[PrincessNED]

Send them to school but tell them you are picking them up for a dentist apointment - then head to the airport

 

[kimwim8]

Thanks, guys. I think you're right. Sending them to school is probably the best way for DH and I to pack up the last minute items & load up the van without them around.

Packing really is gonna be the toughest part of this whole surprise thing. Usually we have the suitcases laid out for weeks ahead of time & I just throw things in as I think of them. But this time I guess I'm gonna have to keep them in the attic and do that sort of thing after they go to bed.

At least it won't be summer weather here, so they won't suspect anything if their shorts & t-shirts are missing.

Thanks again!

 

[T. Lynn]

My daughters a heavy sleeper and if this is the case, you can grab things out of their closets and drawers and pack the suitcases in your bedroom.

 

[oogieman8541]

I would tell them you were going to visit relatives, then do one of the following:

By car- Drive half way and stop at a rest area, then give them letters that in side say... WERE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!

By Plane- dont do anything justmake them think that you are on the plane to see relatives, then if you take Disney Magical Express cover their eyes when getting on the bus, then they will figure out the rest.

 

[abeyst]

I've sent mine to school before we left (last time the flight left at 3:30) and this year they'll be going to school as well (the flight leaves at 12:15).

You could paint "we're going to Disney World" and Mickey heads on the car windows or something before you pick them up from school. Or write them a note and have the teacher give it to them right before they leave class and have the teacher tell them to open it once they get to the airport. It could say something like "Have a great time at Disney World!" Or you could ask the gate agent at the airport to do the same thing. It will be hard to do, though, once you get to the airport and they see the destination listed behind the gate counter. Or if they peek in the carry-on bags on the way to or at the airport and see Disney stuff in them. (I would do it at the school, that way you have the whole ride to the airport to share the kids' excitement!)

I always pack trinkets ("junk") from the dollar store to open and play with on the plane. Usually it's Disney-themed, but not always. Every plane trip we make our Tinkerbell Bags (Tink leaves them little presents each night at the hotel). I get cheap gift bags and Disney stickers at the dollar store, then the kids decorate their bags while they fly. It takes up a good chunk of the flight doing the decorating! And every year they never know what kind of stickers and bags they're gonna get! I keep all this stuff hidden in my "Disney planning" tote bag (it's secretly stashed), and the day before we leave I take their favorite back-pack and pack their trinkets/bags/stickers in it.

I keep the suitcases hidden in the basement. I have a "stash" spot in a closet where the kids never go, and that's where I stack up clothes. Then the day or 2 before I leave I'll pull out the stack, assess what I REALLY need to bring, then pack it all that night in the basement after the kids are asleep. For the toiletries I have a basket under the bathroom sink that I'll start my stash of toiletries. They get packed up after I get ready that morning.

 

[kimwim8]

Thank you so much, guys. GREAT info!!

Yeah, I think I'll have to tell them at school or in the car on the way to the airport, since we've done the routine so many times...they know the deal.

I love the Tink bag idea. I might just have to use it!! (and it might help us save money on souveniers that way!

Thanks again!!! And keep the ideas coming!

 

[FreddyBeach]

Most of the fun my kids have had with our trip (we surprised them at Christmas for our trip this May) is in the planning. What they are going to ride, looking at pics, researching...

You may want to consider telling them a bit early so you can get some mileage out of the anticipation of going!

Mike in the Maritimes.

 

[beattyfamily]

We've been to Disney many times so last year's 'girls only' trip, I decided to surprise them.

It was tough with the packaging but I did it.

Then it was tough to think of a reason for our dogs to go in the kennel and for the girls to get up early. Finally, I decided to tell them that we were going to see their aunt and cousin in PA for the weekend.

When we pulled into the airport, they freaked!! My youngest was in shock. She said 'you got me good, ma ma!".

I'm so glad I pulled it off. The photos Dh took at the airport are priceless. You can see the shock on their faces.

I like the idea of picking them up early from school for a doctor's appointment. But how much further is the airport to the doctor? Will they wonder why they are going much further than where the doctor is?

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Chrissie-riel]

Gotta agree with FreddyBeach - sometimes it can be good to get mileage out of the anticipation. We always do a chore chart for a a few weeks or months before a Disney Trip. If they are good and earn all their magnets each day on the chart, they get a Disney Dollar! That is the money that they will have to spend at WDW on souvies, Mickey Bars, bottled beverages, etc. No asking Mom and Dad for more or "I want that...." You've got your own money to spend on whatever you want. Teaches some excellent skills - earning your own money, saving and budgeting what you have when you get there! Our kids know about the trip we have coming up in September, and they have been bugging me already to know when the chart is going up!

 

[Disbound]

I like to make a special booklet with puzzles, mazes, tic-tac-toe boards, etc that I have printed off the computer with Disney clip art on them! It's always fun for my daughter on the plane and keeps her busy while waiting in restaurants etc when we are there. I also printed out my own autograph book for her to use as well. Here are a few links to go to if you haven't found them already! Have a great trip!
www.disneydollarless.com/100...keypuzzle.shtml
www.disney.go.com/activities
www.disneywarehouse.comwww.disneyzone.net
www.puzzlemaker.school.discovery

A google search will get you more!

 

[kimwim8]

I like the idea of picking them up early from school for a doctor's appointment. But how much further is the airport to the doctor? Will they wonder why they are going much further than where the doctor is?

The airport is in the opposite direction than the doctors, but they're both about 10 minutes from home. Maybe we'll blindfold them & tell them it's a surprise treat that they're going to.

As far as telling them soon, it might end up happening. But for now, they think that we're going back to WDW in 2008 (we went 3 times between Dec 2005 and Nov 2006 ) so when I ask them questions about what they'd like to do, or where to eat, or where to stay...I just preface it with, "when we go in 2008..."

Thanks for the tips, you guys. I really appreciate them. And they get more even more excited!!!

 

[bluwater]

I'm in the same boat. Leaving next Tuesday and not going to tell my DD9 until I pick her up from school that day.

I was thinking of picking her up and saying "let's do something....what do you want to do?"...and she'll say something like "let's go to the playground" and I'll say "nah, that's too boring...something better!".....and she'll keep going while I'm driving to the airport..... Eventually, maybe she'll say "ok,mom, YOU decide" and I'll say "let's go to Disney World!". She'll probably say either "Yeah, right!" or, more likely "Are you serious!!??!!"

OR....
I'll say "I wish we could go to Disney World".....and I'll have (hidden) that little Disney wand thing that makes the jingle sound when you push the button (like a wish has just been granted)....and I'll have the plane tickets and park hoppers packaged in a beautiful box with a big bow hidden next to me in the passengers seat (she'll be in the back)...when she hears the little musical sound from the wand she'll say "what was that?"...and I'll say I don't know....but I'll look over to the passenger seat and say "what's this?"...and lift up the package. She'll ask for it and I'll give it ot her to open....tickets inside...maybe a little trinket and some glitter....and a letter from Cinderella asking her to come for a visit to the Castle. At that point, I'll act like the car is driving on it's own and I can't control where it is going.

Just a couple of ideas. Still thinking about it over here. I wish you a fabulous time!

 

[abeyst]

I'm in the same boat. Leaving next Tuesday and not going to tell my DD9 until I pick her up from school that day.

I was thinking of picking her up and saying "let's do something....what do you want to do?"...and she'll say something like "let's go to the playground" and I'll say "nah, that's too boring...something better!".....and she'll keep going while I'm driving to the airport..... Eventually, maybe she'll say "ok,mom, YOU decide" and I'll say "let's go to Disney World!". She'll probably say either "Yeah, right!" or, more likely "Are you serious!!??!!"

OR....
I'll say "I wish we could go to Disney World".....and I'll have (hidden) that little Disney wand thing that makes the jingle sound when you push the button (like a wish has just been granted)....and I'll have the plane tickets and park hoppers packaged in a beautiful box with a big bow hidden next to me in the passengers seat (she'll be in the back)...when she hears the little musical sound from the wand she'll say "what was that?"...and I'll say I don't know....but I'll look over to the passenger seat and say "what's this?"...and lift up the package. She'll ask for it and I'll give it ot her to open....tickets inside...maybe a little trinket and some glitter....and a letter from Cinderella asking her to come for a visit to the Castle. At that point, I'll act like the car is driving on it's own and I can't control where it is going.

Just a couple of ideas. Still thinking about it over here. I wish you a fabulous time!

Those are great ideas, too! My problem is they're already asking me (Daily!!) when we're going back! And DD4, everything she smells reminds her of Disney. "Mom, smell that? doesn't it smell like Disney?"

Anyway, I'm trying to keep enough money out of the budget to have a limo take us to the airport. There's 8 of us going total and we'd need transportation anyway, so I'm trying to find a cheap way to have the limo pull up in front of school and pick him up. When he sees that he'll know where we're going!!

 

[bluwater]

"smells like Disney".....now I've heard it all!

Yes, your DD4 is clever! You have your work cut out for you. I like the limo idea. I wonder if you can get them to put a little Mickey flag on the antenna (itf it has one). You know how you see limos flying the flag of whatever they represent?

I've decided to go with this idea:

Pick her up from school and on the way "home" I'll say, "I'm done work for the day, let's do something fun. What do you want to do?". She'll suggest things
like playground, mall, park, etc...I'll make faces and say that isn't fun
enough....eventually, I'll say "I wish we could go to Disney World! Now
THAT is fun!".

I'll them push the button on the Disney wand I'll have hidden in the door pocket to make that jingle sound (brrrrring) like a wish is being granted.

On the passenger seat, under my jacket, I'll have a box wrapped up in
special paper (maybe silver and tied with a huge bow). Inside will be
plane tickets, park tickets, the passes to the Disney Magical Express,
some trinkets I'll get from Dollar Store, DD's crown (yes, she has one - not from the toy store!)etc...and this letter (in caligraphy, rolled into a scroll)...

Please let me know if you have sugegstions.

My Dearest Princess (DD's Name),

I have missed you terribly and realize that it has been 4 long years since
your last visit to my Castle.

Yesterday, I was speaking with Belle, Ariel and Snow White about you. We
remember when you came to visit us and you had some of the most beautiful
gowns in your collection. After that visit, we wrote your name on the
Princess list that is kept in a special glass case inside the castle, next
to my glass slipper! Only special girls are included on this list, if they
demonstrate to us that they are true Princesses!

We were wondering what you have been doing and how busy you must be now that you are 9 years old. We suppose you must have outgrown your gowns by now. But, once a Princess, always a Princess, my dear!

Then, we had the most magical idea. We decided to ask Fairy Godmother to
cast a spell on your mommy to make her wish for you to come to the Castle.
If a mommy wishes something for her daughter, it always comes true! The
spell has worked, your mom has made the wish, and the wish has been
granted! Oh, we're all so excited!!

Princess (DD's name), TODAY, you will come to the Castle. Please tell your
mom to just let the magical spell work on your car and it will guide her
to where she needs to go next.

Enclosed in this package, you will find everything you need to get to the
Castle before the clock strikes 12. When your magical car parks itself,
please look inside the trunk. We hope you like what we have selected for
you!

Tinkerbell has arranged, for you and your mom, a magical flight to our
World. Once you land, Minnie has arranged for you to be transported in
Mickey’s Magical Express. Your magical passes for the Magical Express are
also enclosed in this package. The Magical Express will whisk you to our
beautiful Disney World Resort where you will spend 5 nights in a magical
hotel that is part of Disney World. Your mom not have to rent a car
or drive anywhere once you are here. You will be a special guest of the
Princesses and our magical carriages will take you everywhere you need to
go!

Oh, Princess (DD's name), everything has been perfectly arranged! Fairy
Godmother has done it all for YOU. We are ALL so excited and can’t wait to
see you this evening. In celebration of your visit, Mickey has arranged
for all of the parks to stay open extra late while you are here. Your
magical passes to ALL of the parks are also included in this package,
Dearest Princess.

For this magical spell to completely work, you must now say these magic
words: “Bippity Bobbity Boo!” Please say them now with your eyes closed!

Safe travels Dearest Princess! See you tonight!

Let the Magic Begin!
Love,
Cinderella

P.S. There is one extra magical surprise, but you will not find out until
tomorrow!

 

[kimwim8]

OK....that letter just made me cry!! That is the sweetest thing you can do for your daughter!! I have a DD8, who I know would melt from that letter!!! I might just have to incorporate a letter from the kids' favorite characters somehow.....

abeyst - I have a DS like your DD4. He relates EVERYTHING he sees, smells, hears and tastes to WDW!

I hope all of these surprises work out for us!! Make sure to have your cameras ready to take the "surprise" pics!!!

And thanks for sharing your ideas and plans!

 

[MousekaMaddi]

omg,,,,,fabulous letter........im doing that NEXT trip!!!

 

[happy2go2wdwmom]

I won through Disney's Magical Rewards Sweepstakes, a free call from Mickey Mouse (which, as I am sure you already know, you can buy for just a few $$) and I've arranged for this to occur the night before we go to WDW. My son knows we are going but the call will be a surprise. I am also surprising my husband and son w/ a limo ride to the airport (friends are picking us up on return trip---I figure we'll be so sad it is over that having friends to pick us up will perk us up, too)! I also won a DIS unplugged t-shirt which I will put in my hubby's Easter Basket, along with some other Disney items (a DGF of mine just gave me some WDW coffee from the Land for watching her child for a few days)--

I am also ordering PJ Pals and other products, like pins (the on sale PJ's are only $3.50 today) on the Disney shopping website. (They often also have the light up stuff for night time online.) I have also been buying from the $1.00 store (kites, chalk, stickers, glow sticks,...) to be placed on DS8's bed every night, and bought a Disney MP3 player to go into his Easter basket.

I ordered the Special Maps from WDW they offered onli9ne (DS LOVES MAPS!)...EVERY day, a part of my plannign is thinking out some of these surprises. The note idea is FANTASTIC and a new addition to my plans---I may write notes for my DH as well as my DS and will put the notes on the limo seats!!!

 

[abeyst]

What a GREAT LETTER!!! I would love to use it, too, except DD4 (a.k.a. The Sniffer!) doesn't like the princesses! Luckily she loves Disney so much that I won't disown her over that! I'll just have to modify it with characters she does like!! Duh, then get her brother to read it to her! (What am I thinking, a letter for a child who can't read yet!)

Good luck everyone with your surprise announcements for the kids!