When to tell the grandchildren

[Simba's Mom]

We're taking our DGDs (6yo and 4 yo)to WDW this coming October 2017. DS and DDIL (they're going too) are letting us tell the kids. DS suggested telling them now so that they can help choose the hotel (they have been there before, but might like a different hotel this time). DH is tempted to wait, thinking that at their ages they'll probably like almost any hotel that's DVC (which we are), and also because he says that kids that age aren't good with time, and if we tell them we're going in 7 months, they'll start asking "Is today the day?" about next week? So, for those with young ones, how far out did you tell them?

 

[Vijoge]

We told ours about 3 weeks before our trip. I'm glad I didn't tell them any earlier-they drove us nuts.

 

[powellrj]

At that age, I would wait because I agree that they would be asking every day is today the day we leave.

 

[Realfoodfans]

All children are different - travelling to WDW with our grandchildren in October and we talk about it occasionally now when something comes up eg my Disney binder with paperwork/planning sheets blank and ready to fill!
Nearer the time we will build the anticipation.
My DGS has special needs and it helps him to have everything as familiar as we can make it - he will be 8 and still likes to talk about his previous visit when he was 4.
DGD doesn't really know what we mean - she loves flying and all the Disney princesses (favourite Cinderella) and will take it all in her stride!
Hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[ktlm]

We've taken DD every year since she was 2. At age 4 and 6, she definitely knew we were going over 6 months in advance, and having been there before she always had definite input on where she wanted ADRs. As far as which resort-I think they pretty much all have something the kids enjoy. I wouldn't let a little kid dictate my resort, but I will say that DD definitely had ideas on where she wanted to stay after seeing places on her toddler trips though- and I will admit that in that age range we did stay at the GF one (or maybe 2) Christmas seasons because she really wanted to stay at "Cinderella's hotel" and asked to stay there repeatedly. She never really pestered about when we were going. I just told her Christmas time and so she didn't start asking until about Halloween! You could just say after summer is completely over, and maybe that would prevent lots of when are we going questions.

 

[planningjollyholiday]

With my own kids I have found that the "sweet spot" is around 2-3 weeks out. Long enough for them to get excited, do a countdown, tell their teachers etc, but short enough that they don't drive me nuts. At those ages they don't necessarily need to be involved with the planning, they will just be happy to be there, and most importantlt, happy to be there with their grandparents.

 

[dmea10]

We're taking our DGDs (6yo and 4 yo)to WDW this coming October 2017. DS and DDIL (they're going too) are letting us tell the kids. DS suggested telling them now so that they can help choose the hotel (they have been there before, but might like a different hotel this time). DH is tempted to wait, thinking that at their ages they'll probably like almost any hotel that's DVC (which we are), and also because he says that kids that age aren't good with time, and if we tell them we're going in 7 months, they'll start asking "Is today the day?" about next week? So, for those with young ones, how far out did you tell them?

I agree with your husband. My 4 year old granddaughter knows we are planning a trip at some point but has no idea when we are going. I could not deal with her asking me all day everyday when we are going lol We plan to tell her the day we are leaving if we can manage to keep it a secret that long (we live together) Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[andera42]

Oh wow,. We are also taking our grandkids to DW in October. They will also be 6 yo and 4 yo. We will wait to tell them until a few weeks before,. But I'm so excited for them to experience DW.

 

[mkb3]

I'm 38 and super excited about going with my daughter in May. Wife wants to wait the day of to tell her and I can't wait. It's hard to hold in the secret.

 

[Steel78li]

I would wait as long as possible. I love the videos of people who wake the kids up and tell them they are going to Disney.... I've never been able to do that but I definitely agree kids don't do well waiting for long periods of time - could be a tough. Our of months!

 

[whitney250]

I would wait until closer to the trip but, if you want to tell them now maybe make a physical countdown of some sort. That way they can see how many days are left, and maybe they won't drive you bonkers asking how much longer lol

 

[Surgie]

I think you have to know your kids. Some of the fun would be gone for our grandkids if it was sprung on them last minute. They like talking about the trip, picking out a princess dress to bring for their BBB appointment and looking at ride videos to calm any fears.