How To Tell Your Kids They Are Going to Disney...and get the reaction you want
The Big Reveal: Surprising Your Kids with a Trip to Disney!
Let’s be honest—sometimes the big reveal about going to Disney is more for us than for the kids. We’ve all seen the heartwarming videos of teary-eyed children, jumping for joy, and pure excitement filling the air. After all the planning and saving, we naturally hope our kids will respond with the same level of enthusiasm! But here’s a reality check: do your kids actually understand what Disney World is?
Unless you’re a Disney family, chances are they haven’t seen countless ride videos or don’t understand the full magic of what’s ahead. So before you plan that big reveal, let’s lay some groundwork.
Preparing Your Kids for the Big Disney Reveal
If you’re not a "Disney adult," you probably don’t talk about the parks, play soundtracks from the movies on a regular basis, or have Disney fireworks shows playing in the background. That’s totally okay! But in order to make the most of the surprise, a little introduction to the world of Disney can go a long way.
Here are some tips to help get your kids into the Disney spirit! By following these suggestions, you’ll make surprising them even more fun, as they’ll start forming connections with the things they’ll experience in the parks.
Movie Nights with a Purpose: Start having family movie nights where you watch classic Disney movies like The Lion King, Frozen, Moana, or Toy Story. This can help introduce characters they’ll likely see at the parks.
Watch Disney Fireworks on YouTube: You can find past shows like Happily Ever After or Wishes on YouTube. Watching fireworks together gets them excited about one of the most magical experiences Disney has to offer.
Figure Out Their Favorites: Observe which characters, movies, or rides they seem most excited about. That way, you can tailor the big reveal (and parts of your Disney trip) around those interests!
Drop Hints Without Giving It Away: You can start adding little touches without revealing the surprise. For example, start playing Disney music in the car or use a Disney-themed backpack for school. Small things can help build excitement.
Planning Ahead for the Surprise
When it comes to deciding the perfect time to surprise your kids with a Disney trip, timing truly is everything! Young kids, bless their little hearts, often have a "Disney-now-or-never" concept of time. If you tell them too early, brace yourself for an endless loop of "Is it time for Disney yet?" Older kids, on the other hand, might love a countdown calendar, excitedly checking off days until the big trip like seasoned pros. But ultimately, the best approach depends on knowing your own child’s vibe. If your little one’s patience is as thin as a Mickey Mouse pancake, maybe keep the news under wraps until the last minute!
Before you unveil your Disney trip, consider the following:
Timing: Choose a time that feels special, such as their birthday, a holiday, or a random weekend when they least expect it.
Delivery Method: How you reveal the surprise is crucial. Think of creative ways to share the news, like a scavenger hunt or a surprise party with friends and family.
Planning an Age-Appropriate Surprise: Ways To Tell Your Kids You’re Going to Disney
The key to a great Disney reveal is knowing your audience. The surprise should fit your child’s personality, age, and interests.
Here are a few tips to make sure your reveal hits the mark:
Keep it Simple and Clear: If your child is young and just learning to read, avoid complex word puzzles or crosswords. What you think is simple might not be as easy for them. Instead, opt for something obvious and easy to understand for everyone involved.
Don’t Tell Them Too Early: If you can keep the secret, aim to reveal the surprise within 30 days or less. This way, they won’t have too much time to overthink it or get anxious, and you can keep up the excitement with fun countdown activities leading up to the trip.
Character-Driven Surprises: If your child is obsessed with a specific character like Mickey, Elsa, or Buzz Lightyear, consider centering the reveal around them. For example, you could give them a special toy, outfit, or video message from that character to deliver the news.
Incorporate Their Personality: Set realistic expectations. If your child isn’t the type to scream and jump up and down, don’t expect them to. Some kids are quieter, and their happiness might be shown with a huge grin or a simple, “Wow, that’s awesome!” Embrace their unique reactions. Disney magic will hit them once they're there, no matter how they respond at the moment of the reveal.
Fun Ways to Tell Kids They Are Going to Disney
Here are some creative and age-appropriate ways to surprise your kids with the news they’re going to Disney:
Countdown Kits on Etsy!
The Disney Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt at home where each clue leads to a small Disney-related item (Mickey ears, a Disney t-shirt, a map of the park). The final clue could lead to a suitcase packed with Disney gear or a countdown calendar. Do not do this unless they are old enough to read - I am thinking at least 8 years old.
Magic Mailbox: Tell your kids to check the mailbox where a personalized "invitation" to Disney awaits. This could be from Mickey or their favorite princess. Include their names and a special date to build anticipation. I also saw these adorable vacation surprise boxes on Etsy!
Surprise Suitcase: Have your child open a suitcase already packed with Disney essentials—shirts, Mickey ears, autograph books, and sunscreen. When they ask where you’re going, tell them to read the attached note or boarding pass: "We’re going to Disney!"
Countdown Gift Basket: Create a countdown basket with a Disney-themed calendar and small surprises leading up to the big trip—Disney pajamas, snacks, or toys. Each day they can open a new surprise, building the anticipation right up until the day you leave. You can also purchase countdown kits from Etsy or Make a chain link countdown at home!
Surprise at the Airport: If you can keep the secret long enough, pack their bags and wait until you arrive at the airport. When they ask where you’re going, reveal the surprise with a ticket or boarding pass that says “Destination: Disney World!”
The Classic Backpack Reveal: If your family already has some Disney traditions, like using special travel backpacks for Disney trips, simply loading up the car or RV with these familiar items can tip them off in the best way. Imagine their surprise when they notice and you casually say, “Oh, by the way, we’re going to Disney!” This works for us since we are a Disney Family!
Managing Expectations: Every Reaction is Magical
No matter how much you plan the big reveal, remember that every kid reacts in their own unique, unpredictable way. One child might leap for joy like they've just found the golden ticket, while another might just blink, smile politely, and go back to finishing their cereal. And that’s totally okay! Some kids need time to process the excitement, and others might not fully grasp the “we’re going to Disney” magic until they’re standing in front of Cinderella’s Castle. (Trust me, once Mickey himself waves at them, they’ll get it!)
The key is to know your kids’ personalities and craft the reveal to fit them—whether that means dropping the surprise in the car on the way to the airport or unveiling a custom countdown calendar weeks in advance. No need to stress if the reaction isn’t “YouTube viral” material; this is about creating a special memory they'll carry with them forever. And hey, even if you don’t get the over-the-top reaction you envisioned, just wait until they’re on that first ride. That’s when the Disney magic really hits.
I'll never forget the time my husband decided to pull off the ultimate surprise at the airport. We had just wrapped up a two-week-long vacation, and he was determined to top it off with an impromptu trip to Disney World. So, we land in Orlando, and he’s practically bursting with excitement as he says, “Surprise! We’re going to Disney World!” Cue the crickets. The kids, still half-asleep and ready to head home, just looked at him and wailed, "Noooo!” 😂 I had tried to gently suggest that after two weeks away, a “Disney detour” might not go as planned, but he was convinced this would be a magical, unforgettable moment. And, to be fair, it was—but maybe not in the way he’d envisioned! Timing really is everything, especially with kids. Of course, once we actually got to the parks, they were over the moon, soaking up every bit of Disney magic. So if you’re planning a big surprise, remember: a little planning around their energy levels (and how badly they want their own beds) can make all the difference!
A Memory for a Lifetime
At the end of the day, the excitement will come, even if it doesn't unfold quite like you imagined. When your carefully planned trip turns into a whirlwind of Disney magic—watching your kids’ eyes light up as they meet their favorite characters, oohing and aahing over dazzling fireworks lighting up the night sky, and squealing with joy on thrilling rides—you’ll feel that all the effort you poured into this adventure was worth every ounce of sweat and planning.
So go ahead, start dreaming up that perfect, age-appropriate Disney reveal. Remember, it’s not just about the initial reaction; it’s about the treasure trove of memories that will last a lifetime. These moments will become the stories you share around the dinner table, the laughs you’ll reminisce about in years to come, and the joyful “remember when” moments that warm your heart.
Now, grab your phone, head to Pinterest, and let those creative juices flow! Whether it’s crafting a magical countdown calendar, designing an epic treasure hunt, or simply baking Disney-themed treats, there’s no limit to the fun you can have. Get ready to sprinkle a little pixie dust on your family’s Disney adventure—because the best part is that the magic starts long before you even arrive at the parks! ✨🏰🌟
Working on Freebies!
I'm currently working on various games and activities to surprise kids with Disney trips. The first scavenger hunt is best suited for second and third graders, while the word scramble works well for fourth and fifth graders. The Disney character crossword puzzle is ideal for fifth through seventh graders. I'm also developing a preschool scavenger hunt right now. These activities are available as free downloads for now, though eventually, they will be exclusive to newsletter subscribers. For now, I’m sharing them to generate interest!
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family’s favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!
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