There’s nothing quite like the magic of a Disney vacation, and in our family of six, one of the best parts is surprising the kids with the big news! Over the years, we’ve come up with fun and creative ways to reveal the surprise, making the anticipation as magical as the trip itself. If you’re planning a Disney getaway and want to create a memorable reveal for your little ones, check out these unique ideas for surprising your children with a trip to the happiest place on earth!
1. Disney-Themed Scavenger Hunt
One of our favorite ways to surprise the kids is with a Disney-themed scavenger hunt. You can hide Disney-related clues around the house or yard, leading your children on a fun adventure. Each clue could be something like a Mickey Mouse ear, a Disney character toy, or even a Disney movie DVD. At the final location, have something special waiting—like a packed suitcase or a sign that says, “We’re going to Disney!” Watching their excitement grow with each clue is priceless.
Pro Tip: Tailor the hunt to your kids’ favorite Disney movies or characters to make it even more special.
2. Wake Them Up on the Morning of the Trip
For a big surprise with minimal prep, we love the idea of waking the kids up the morning of the trip—with everything already packed and ready to go! There’s something thrilling about waking up and finding out you’re heading to Disney that very day. Picture their sleepy faces transforming into pure excitement when you tell them, “Surprise! We’re going to Disney today!”
Bonus Idea: You could even play Disney music or pack a fun breakfast for the car ride to add to the excitement.
3. Personalized Puzzle Reveal
Another creative way to share the news is with a personalized puzzle. You can have a custom puzzle made that, when completed, reveals the message, “We’re going to Disney!” This is such a fun way to let your kids piece together the surprise, and they’ll love the process of discovering the big news one piece at a time.
Where to Find: Many online stores, including Etsy, offer custom puzzle options where you can personalize the design with your family’s big Disney surprise.
4. Gift Basket Surprise
A gift basket filled with Disney-themed goodies is a great way to set the tone for your upcoming vacation. You could include items like Mickey ears, autograph books, Disney T-shirts, sunscreen, and maybe even some park essentials like portable fans or water bottles. Tuck a card inside that says, “Pack your bags—we’re going to Disney!”
Tip for Parents: This surprise works well if you want to give them a few days to get ready and build up the excitement. You could even involve the kids in packing for the trip once the secret is out!
5. Disney Movie Night Reveal
If your family loves movie nights, consider turning it into a Disney-themed surprise! Plan a special movie night with your kids’ favorite Disney films, and during the credits, make the big announcement. You could create a homemade video that plays after the movie, revealing the surprise, or simply bring out suitcases packed with Disney gear.
Optional Idea: Serve Disney-inspired snacks and drinks to make it even more fun!
6. Magic Mail from Mickey
Send your kids “Magic Mail” straight from Mickey Mouse! You can create a custom letter or postcard from Mickey (or their favorite Disney character) announcing the trip. The letter could arrive in the mail, or you could deliver it as part of another surprise (like inside the gift basket or at the end of the scavenger hunt). It’s a magical way to reveal the big news and build excitement for the trip ahead.
Why We Love Surprising Our Kids with a Disney Trip
In our family of six, surprising the kids with a Disney vacation has become a tradition. Whether it’s the excitement of a scavenger hunt or the thrill of waking up to find out we’re leaving for Disney that same day, these moments are some of our most cherished memories. Every family is different, so choose a surprise that matches your style and your children’s personalities.
At the end of the day, the most important part of any Disney trip is the time spent together, creating magical memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you decide to plan a big surprise or keep things simple, the joy on your kids’ faces when they hear “We’re going to Disney!” is what makes the whole experience worth it.