Thanks for the book ideas. I think we will pick up both of those. Maybe we'll pop out with the WDW book about half ways through Texas since the kiddies don't know where we are going yet. Thanks.
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Thanks for the book ideas. I think we will pick up both of those. Maybe we'll pop out with the WDW book about half ways through Texas since the kiddies don't know where we are going yet. Thanks.
So it's a surprise to them? Very cool. Here's one of my favorite memories with my kids: My husband used to travel a lot for work. When they were 5 and 7 we decided they were old enough to enjoy Disneyland. But I didn't want weeks of "when are we leaving?" stuff to deal with. We decided to surprise them by pretending we were taking Daddy to the airport to leave on a business trip and the reason why we were packing their bags was that we were going to go stay with my sister while he was gone for a visit.Quote:
Originally Posted by amukia
My kids were oblivious to the fact that we brought their luggage from the car into the airport. Didn't even question it.
So, we're in the boarding area and they start boarding. My husband says to them "Oh, heck, I don't want to go off and work. I'd rather go to Disneyland. So, let's just go there instead." At first, the kids just looked at him funny so he said "We're going to Disneyland." They continued to look at him with confusion. So he said "OK, listen to me, we're all getting on that plane right now and we're going to Disneyland."
They both squealed, jumped up and down, starting running circles around the room laughing and giggling, shouting "We're going to Disneyland!!" to everybody in the boarding area. People there laughed and some of them even clapped. It was hysterical.
My kids walked onto that plane with the biggest grins I've ever seen on anybody before or sense. They were beaming.
This was the best surprise I ever pulled off. Personally, if I were you, I'd hide the book and just plain pull up at the WDW entrance and have them find out that way. However you do it, I hope the surprise is as enjoyable and memorable as the one I pulled on my kids.
Enjoy!
Although the surprise that Judy and her husband pulled off was memorable -- anticipation is a great motivator and as much fun as you have had getting ready for this roadtrip -- it would be my suggestion that you let your kids in on the secret early -- so they, too, can savor that most rare gift -- anticipation.Quote:
Originally Posted by amukia
Mark
While there's a bit of truth in that, I think the incessant "are we there yets?" would make a surprise better in this case. Or wait until just the day before. Not several days. All, imho, of course.Quote:
Originally Posted by Editor
Either way, they're going to love it. I did the same thing to my daughter on her 12th birthday -- she had no clue where we were going until we got to the airport (I didn't tell her -- she figured it out). We both still treasure that day. Except I embarrassed her for life by wearing "mouse ears" home that evening (on the plane and everything). It's OK though -- the child (now almost 30) still loves me anyway.
We haven't let the bag out yet, as far as where we are going, but I did tell them we were going on vacation in a month. So the "when do we leaves" are an everyday thing from my 5 year old.
The day we told them we were going on vacation there was some serious anticipation going on. My wife and were going to sleep when we heard some movement in their room. It was almost ten at night (8 is bedtime). We walked in and asked what was going on and my boy, was staring at the ceiling with a big smile on his face. He said " I'm too excited about the trip to go to sleep." SO the countdown has definitely begun and they are ansier by the day.
That was a great story Judy. I might still get them when we pull up to the gates.
LOL....see, this is why we sprung it on 'em. If they find out they're going to WDW, I'm sure the excitement will increase exponentially and they'll never get any sleep just anticipating it.Quote:
Originally Posted by amukia
Kids are so fun. However you do it, it's gonna be a fantastic memory.
I have read this thread with great interest and would like to know if there are any UPDATES?? How did this trip go??? You can't just leave us all hanging!Quote:
Originally Posted by amukia
;-)
I just came across this old thread started my my husband and can't believe he didn't let you guys know how this trip went. Everyday he wrote down "stuff" about the crazy things that happened on this adventure. It was a great trip. I'll see if I can get him to post. Sorry about the LATE response.
Please tell us the tale. I love a good roadtrip story.