First Family WDW SECRET trip

[C Skywalker]

I have been planning my family's first trip to Disney for several months now. I have been twice before when I was a child but my wife, mother in law, and 3 kids (ages 10f, 7m, 4f) have never been. I have told them that we are going to Clearwater Beach this August as the cover story. Im trying to determine the best way to spring the surprise. My current plan is to drive towards Clearwater and stop by one of the WDW parking lot to "take a look around and stretch our legs". I've been thinking that this would be the time to give my wife the box of magicbands which will be wrapped up. Each person will also have a box of their own to open with costumes, dresses, Disney clothing etc.

I'm really trying for the best way to spring the surprise. I've even thought to do something like just walking up to the resort and seeing if they "have a reservation for us". Does anyone have any good ideas. We will be staying at the art of animation resort in a finding nemo room. Any ideas /suggestions ????
Thanks

 

[C Skywalker]

What about reserving a resort ADR... and telling them your stopping at Disney on the way to Clearwater, for lunch/dinner?

We stopped at Sanaa (AKL) on our drive up from Naples... absolutely loved it... dined while watching giraffes, zebras, etc roam and snack throughout the savanah.

There are plenty of Resort Options on property... browse a few menus to see what would appeal to everyone.

With this option, everyone already knows they're going to be on property and security is expecting you... you're family just doesn't know they get to actually 'stay' in Disney!

If it was us, we'd walk in with our usual back pack of supplies... and during lunch/dinner... I'd excuse myself (with the back pack) and consult with the hostess to see if she could deliver the Magic Bands (within the backpack, and wrapped if you're that good) with a fun surprise card.

If you book a character meal... your wife won't be thrown off with having a camera out, etc.

Happy Planning!

I really like this. I had no idea you could just stop by for lunch. That is awesome!!

 

[Swissmiss]

I agree that the lunch/dinner option would be the best (and probably simplest) way of keeping a total surprise - particularly if you own up to the meal reservation on the drive - "I heard that we could eat in any WDW restaurant so I booked a reservation as our lunch/dinner stop on our way down". Another option, if you have GPS, is to plug in your hotel address and start making comments as it directs you towards the hotel about how "weird" it is that the GPS is sending you thru WDW and not on the route that you thought it would send you. Good luck!

 

[Chernaboggles]

I completely understand this point of view and I've considered telling my wife about a month before we depart. Still undecided about that one. My wife kinda has a hard time saving money so that's why a trip to Disney has always been so far outta reach for my family. I've made certain arrangements that will allow me to save this money without her knowledge. Without getting too personal, she wasn't really ever taught how to save and this is a way of showing her that if we tighten our belt, Disney could be a common destination for us every other year or so.

I know how that is! We have the same problem in our family except it's the other way around - I'm the one that's good with money. I think it would be nice to tell your wife in advance so she can enjoy planning the surprise for the kids with you, but you know her best. I hope you all have a wonderful trip!

 

[disneydudette]

I really like this. I had no idea you could just stop by for lunch. That is awesome!!

It was the first time I had done something like that... stopping for just a meal... but it was a fantastic overall experience!

We choose Sanaa for the location (just on the edge of property, easy on/off) and the resort itself. Another perk for you would be it's close to AoA.

After hours in the car... it was quite refreshing to pull in, stretch our legs, and explore. The savanahs at both resorts are stunning... though we favored Kindani's (where Sanaa is located.)

Our [late] lunch at Sanaa was fantastic... we were seated around 2:15p (2:10p ADR) and received a lovely table by the window overlooking the savanah. The food was just as good as the view and atmosphere!

Definitely explore the option!

 

[Dafid Duck]

I have been planning my family's first trip to Disney for several months now. I have been twice before when I was a child but my wife, mother in law, and 3 kids (ages 10f, 7m, 4f) have never been. I have told them that we are going to Clearwater Beach this August as the cover story. Im trying to determine the best way to spring the surprise. My current plan is to drive towards Clearwater and stop by one of the WDW parking lot to "take a look around and stretch our legs". I've been thinking that this would be the time to give my wife the box of magicbands which will be wrapped up. Each person will also have a box of their own to open with costumes, dresses, Disney clothing etc.

I'm really trying for the best way to spring the surprise. I've even thought to do something like just walking up to the resort and seeing if they "have a reservation for us". Does anyone have any good ideas. We will be staying at the art of animation resort in a finding nemo room. Any ideas /suggestions ????
Thanks

I misunderstood your thread title and thought this was reporting a secret trip by the Obama's. I was thinking, "How could they go to Disney without anyone knowing?"

I love your surprise idea! I think a meal at a resort would be a great way to announce the news. How about a resort with a character meal? Maybe you could ask if a character could hand your wife an envelope for the big reveal. Sounds like great fun!

 

[Doc Disney]

This is so exciting!! When are you going to Disney? I have no idea how you are able to keep this a secret! We surprised my mom with a trip but had to only keep it a secret for like a month and that was hard enough (*we had to tell her early because we need to train for the princess half marathon). I can't wait to hear about it no matter what you decide!

 

[Weather_Lady]

I think by the time you draw near to WDW, they'll have figured it out. I'd stop for lunch (or breakfast, or whatever) about an hour's drive from when you arrive, and soberly inform the family that you have a secret to share, and that you just can't live with it any longer. Then make your "reveal" by sharing the "surprise packages" you described.

I think that having even an hour or so to "process" will help your family to ramp up their anticipation as you approach the Disney gates (shift gears, as a wise previous poster put it), and make your triumphal entry extra-special. Regardless of what you decide, I'm so impressed that you've been able to keep the secret!

 

[C Skywalker]

The secret has been the toughest part about all this. I've had to do a lot to keep everything under cover. I've had to get a separate bank account and have $X direct deposited into that account weekly. I have everything shipped to my work (a lot of boxes) where I also do my research and planning during down times and lunch breaks. A few friends know, my Dad and brother know also.

My wife thinks money is tight right now so we are having to make adjustments (less eating out, etc) which is good. Is will be nice to tell me wife that not only are we going to Disney world but I also make a "little" more money than I have been leading on.

There have been countless times that Ive wanted to tell them. When we watch tv and the Disney world commercials come on, especially on ABC, I just keep telling them "daddy will get us there someday. I promise"

 

[LAM378]

I think this is awesome, @C Skywalker , and I applaud all your secret planning! I'm assuming your wife has expressed an interest in going to WDW at some point--right? If she has, then I would totally go with the last-minute reveal and I like how you're trying to teach her something about financial responsibility in a fun, kind way.

That said, my main worry would be your mother-in-law. Is she healthy and energetic enough to tour the parks in that extreme heat? It's a physically tough "vacation" any time of year, but walking around those parks in August is like being at a theme park on the sun. Your kids will happily adjust, I know, and your wife most likely will, too, but it's different for an older person. Is there any shot that if you told your mil in advance--and gave her a chance to opt out for some made-up reason--that she would keep the secret from your wife?

 

[C Skywalker]

This is a big concern for me. My mother in law is in her early 50s so her age doesn't bother me, but she isn't in shape. This is further complicated by the fact that her husband, my wife's dad, passed away about 7 months ago. It's a big part of why I want her to be there with us. As many of you already know, there is a big price difference adding that 6th person/3rd adult to the trip. I had to get a bigger room to accommodate 6, plus the tickets, meal plan, and she will even have her own box to open with my kids and wife during the reveal. So it's a significant increase in $$ but very important that I include her in everything we do now that she doesn't have her other half.

My mindset has been that I can't tell her. It would ruin the surprise plus she will try and pay or help pay for it, and this is my gift to my family which now includes her, so I can't let her do that.
My idea has been that I wouldnt have high expectations of her on this trip. She isn't coming as a babysitter and she will be able to do whatever she likes while she is there. I know she has never been before and would love to go and that's good enough for me. I have suggesting to my wife that in Clearwater ,FL (decoy destination) there is a lot to do within walking distance so we all need to be eating better and to try and get in better shape for a lot of walking .

 

[JillC LI]

As a side note I would be pretty butt hurt if my husband had all the fun of planning Disney without me. Picking our ADR, hotel, FP+ rides.

I think about this sometimes. Because I am insane, I have taken steps to ensure that if my darling husband ever surprises me with a trip to WDW, he is aware from the many hints I've dropped over time that "my dream resort is..." and "I'm dying to try _______ restaurant" and "we just have to try the new __________ ride" and "I can't wait to ride _________ again." He always pays attention to my hints.

 

[LAM378]

I know she has never been before and would love to go and that's good enough for me.

Well, if you're sure that's how both women feel, then I would go with the full-on surprise! I'd drive through the Disney gates and tell the family that you're surprising them with lunch (or whatever meal) in WDW. Get through the gates of AoA like you're visitors, not resort guests--I'm not sure how you could do this without spoiling the surprise, but if I were you I'd call the AoA call center and get their opinions/suggestions. Wander around with your family for a few minutes and let them be dazzled by all the Disney magic. AoA is truly impressive and so much fun. There's a good chance your family will start wishing out loud that they were going on a Disney vacation instead of a Clearwater vacation. Lament right along with them and tell them, "Maybe next year..." . Then sit them down somewhere, whip out the Magicbands, and tell the the truth. I like this because it lets them fall in love with the place they're staying before telling them. If you give away the surprise on the ride, it gives them the chance to feel unprepared, or to compare the two vacations in their heads, etc. Once they're in Disney World, they won't want to be anywhere else, or give the other vacation a second thought.

You'll be keeping an eye out in the spring for discounts on the suite, right?

Btw, it's clear from your posts that you are an incredibly thoughtful husband and father. The reasons for your vacation, and the way you're planning it, are so generous and sweet. I have so many questions! Where are you taking them after check-in on the big day?

 

[KIsAPrincess]

I have written and erased my response so many times. Your family is so very lucky! I do all of the planning in my family and would love to have a surprise like this. I really like the idea of just driving up on your way to Clearwater - maybe you can say that the GPS was a little wonky and you guys have made great time, maybe we can explore the area at Disney? Then give the security the note and head in to your resort.

Or maybe you can call Guest Services and explain to them what you are doing and if they have any ideas or suggestions on how to do the big reveal to your family??

Please, please, please post the video of their reactions once they realize!!!!

Also - keep the surprise from your wife. Speaking as a wife, any anger about not being able to "plan" my trip will go out the window when I see all the time and effort my hubby put into this.

 

[C Skywalker]

Well, if you're sure that's how both women feel, then I would go with the full-on surprise! I'd drive through the Disney gates and tell the family that you're surprising them with lunch (or whatever meal) in WDW. Get through the gates of AoA like you're visitors, not resort guests--I'm not sure how you could do this without spoiling the surprise, but if I were you I'd call the AoA call center and get their opinions/suggestions. Wander around with your family for a few minutes and let them be dazzled by all the Disney magic. AoA is truly impressive and so much fun. There's a good chance your family will start wishing out loud that they were going on a Disney vacation instead of a Clearwater vacation. Lament right along with them and tell them, "Maybe next year..." . Then sit them down somewhere, whip out the Magicbands, and tell the the truth. I like this because it lets them fall in love with the place they're staying before telling them. If you give away the surprise on the ride, it gives them the chance to feel unprepared, or to compare the two vacations in their heads, etc. Once they're in Disney World, they won't want to be anywhere else, or give the other vacation a second thought.

You'll be keeping an eye out in the spring for discounts on the suite, right?

Btw, it's clear from your posts that you are an incredibly thoughtful husband and father. The reasons for your vacation, and the way you're planning it, are so generous and sweet. I have so many questions! Where are you taking them after check-in on the big day?

I am working with a Disney travel agent who has helped me out a lot. When the discounts come out, we will both be ready.

When we get there, I want to do the reveal (still unknown) then be able to say "alright we gotta hurry up because we have a dinner reservation with Mickey"at Chef Mickey at the Contemporary. Then hang around the hotel/pool/downtown Disney for the rest of the day. We also have to have a family meeting to make sure everyone gets to see their characters and just lay out the plan for the week.
I will try and video the reveal if possible. If it's in the car I can probably get away with it.

 

[C Skywalker]

I have written and erased my response so many times. Your family is so very lucky! I do all of the planning in my family and would love to have a surprise like this. I really like the idea of just driving up on your way to Clearwater - maybe you can say that the GPS was a little wonky and you guys have made great time, maybe we can explore the area at Disney? Then give the security the note and head in to your resort.

Or maybe you can call Guest Services and explain to them what you are doing and if they have any ideas or suggestions on how to do the big reveal to your family??

Please, please, please post the video of their reactions once they realize!!!!

Also - keep the surprise from your wife. Speaking as a wife, any anger about not being able to "plan" my trip will go out the window when I see all the time and effort my hubby put into this.

I'm gonna try calling guest services. Has anyone ever contacted guest services for anything like this? Does anyone have any stories of special requests from guest services?

 

[hanwill]

Have you thought about telling just your wife the morning you leave? And then letting her keep the surprise with you for the ride down? It will be so exciting for her to see the kids reaction and her mom's... Either that- or when your kids see that huge sign- it is a "squeal" moment when my kids see that- I would tell them at that second! Have a great trip!!!!!

 

[hanwill]

BTW- you can't go to anything on Disney property without driving under that amazing sign.... It is worth seeing their excitement for that! I promise you will be about to bust when you see that sign.

 

[smk]

What about reserving a resort ADR... and telling them your stopping at Disney on the way to Clearwater, for lunch/dinner?

We stopped at Sanaa (AKL) on our drive up from Naples... absolutely loved it... dined while watching giraffes, zebras, etc roam and snack throughout the savanah.

There are plenty of Resort Options on property... browse a few menus to see what would appeal to everyone.

With this option, everyone already knows they're going to be on property and security is expecting you... you're family just doesn't know they get to actually 'stay' in Disney!

If it was us, we'd walk in with our usual back pack of supplies... and during lunch/dinner... I'd excuse myself (with the back pack) and consult with the hostess to see if she could deliver the Magic Bands (within the backpack, and wrapped if you're that good) with a fun surprise card.

If you book a character meal... your wife won't be thrown off with having a camera out, etc.

Happy Planning!

I LOVE THIS IDEA! Like a simple meal, maybe stop at Downtown Disney or a place on property, eat there and surprise everyone during the meal that you're staying! Maybe even your wife would be not suspect a thing!