WDW Announcement Surprise Help (Book Recommendations?)

[WNYDisneyDad]

A quick background: Was scheduled to visit in November 2020, but postponed to November 2021. I am going to surprise my son with the trip announcement in September for his 13th birthday. It'll just be him and I. I have everything booked that I can, so now have started thinking about how the surprise will play out. We are both huge Star Wars fans and my initial thought is to make a scavenger hunt/treasure map where he's gotta find the 4 digits to unlock an iPad. On the iPad will be a video with a customized Star Wars crawl announcing the trip. I'm not sure of the text yet, but something like, "BATUU IS IN TROUBLE" as the title and then make up something about how we have to travel there to help the Resistance.

Since the trip will be the main present, and I can't really wrap that, I'm also going to give him a box with Magic Bands and I was hoping to include a book regarding the rides at WDW. He was last there as a 4 year old and I'm sure he knows very little about the rides. I know I can pull up YouTube videos of the rides but I'd really like for him to experience the rides for the first time while riding them, not watching videos. I guess my intention is for him to be able to know some things about the rides, such as their names, what they are (coaster vs. a boat), which park they are in, etc., that way I can say, let's go ride Space Mountain or lets go on Tower of Terror and he'll know a little about it. Perhaps it would also help with the anticipation a bit in the 2 months from the reveal till when we go.

My question is this: Is there a book out there that would fill this need? I see a few "Travel Guides" on Amazon, but those appear to be geared to adults and are contextually intended to be more about WDW travel-hacks. There are some kids-centric ones, but it's hard to know if those are age appropriate for will be 13-year-old. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[scrappinginontario]

A quick background: Was scheduled to visit in November 2020, but postponed to November 2021. I am going to surprise my son with the trip announcement in September for his 13th birthday. It'll just be him and I. I have everything booked that I can, so now have started thinking about how the surprise will play out. We are both huge Star Wars fans and my initial thought is to make a scavenger hunt/treasure map where he's gotta find the 4 digits to unlock an iPad. On the iPad will be a video with a customized Star Wars crawl announcing the trip. I'm not sure of the text yet, but something like, "BATUU IS IN TROUBLE" as the title and then make up something about how we have to travel there to help the Resistance.

Since the trip will be the main present, and I can't really wrap that, I'm also going to give him a box with Magic Bands and I was hoping to include a book regarding the rides at WDW. He was last there as a 4 year old and I'm sure he knows very little about the rides. I know I can pull up YouTube videos of the rides but I'd really like for him to experience the rides for the first time while riding them, not watching videos. I guess my intention is for him to be able to know some things about the rides, such as their names, what they are (coaster vs. a boat), which park they are in, etc., that way I can say, let's go ride Space Mountain or lets go on Tower of Terror and he'll know a little about it. Perhaps it would also help with the anticipation a bit in the 2 months from the reveal till when we go.

My question is this: Is there a book out there that would fill this need? I see a few "Travel Guides" on Amazon, but those appear to be geared to adults and are contextually intended to be more about WDW travel-hacks. There are some kids-centric ones, but it's hard to know if those are age appropriate for will be 13-year-old. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Not exactly what you're looking for but, for trip prep I'd recommend looking at the descriptions on the MyDisneyExperience app. That's a great way to get an idea about what each ride is like, location, etc. A subscription to Touring Plans can also be very beneficial both in planning, preparing and when you're there.

A book my 12yo still enjoys is one about finding Hidden Mickey's. Great book and adds some things for the 2 of you to do together while there.

 

[txcorey]

A quick background: Was scheduled to visit in November 2020, but postponed to November 2021. I am going to surprise my son with the trip announcement in September for his 13th birthday. It'll just be him and I. I have everything booked that I can, so now have started thinking about how the surprise will play out. We are both huge Star Wars fans and my initial thought is to make a scavenger hunt/treasure map where he's gotta find the 4 digits to unlock an iPad. On the iPad will be a video with a customized Star Wars crawl announcing the trip. I'm not sure of the text yet, but something like, "BATUU IS IN TROUBLE" as the title and then make up something about how we have to travel there to help the Resistance.

Since the trip will be the main present, and I can't really wrap that, I'm also going to give him a box with Magic Bands and I was hoping to include a book regarding the rides at WDW. He was last there as a 4 year old and I'm sure he knows very little about the rides. I know I can pull up YouTube videos of the rides but I'd really like for him to experience the rides for the first time while riding them, not watching videos. I guess my intention is for him to be able to know some things about the rides, such as their names, what they are (coaster vs. a boat), which park they are in, etc., that way I can say, let's go ride Space Mountain or lets go on Tower of Terror and he'll know a little about it. Perhaps it would also help with the anticipation a bit in the 2 months from the reveal till when we go.

My question is this: Is there a book out there that would fill this need? I see a few "Travel Guides" on Amazon, but those appear to be geared to adults and are contextually intended to be more about WDW travel-hacks. There are some kids-centric ones, but it's hard to know if those are age appropriate for will be 13-year-old. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

The Unoffical Guide to Disney World would be good for this. They have it broken down by park and give great descriptions of all the rides, restaurants and entertainment. I buy a new one every time we go. They also have touring plans that are awesome.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I kinda started this when I knew the land was about to open...Make a story or your own Travel Guide .
Today My travels have taken me off course. I fear I am lost in this harsh landscape. Am I entering a tunnel or a cave? Will I be greeted by friendly inhabitants or hostile environment?
I trust my method of communication will translate as I seek refuge temporarily and directions to my home environment a Magical Place called DisneyWorld.
It is late but I will try to think of more planning fun .

 

[DL1WDW2]

I hope you keep us “UpToDate” with your creative loving surprise .
Thanks for reminding me of the excitement for my first trip into the unknown... I’ll try to figure out where the special photopass locations are.I would plan to buy at least one official print from Disney . They can place a border with date, etc to customize and they usually “ surprise” with a official Disney photo . Photopass is located at entrance (exit at end of night) of each theme park and a really nice one with special backgrounds in Disney Springs. It would be a loving keepsake memory.
And remember to collect the Map Brochure for each theme park for free trip souvenir .