Hi folks, I could use some of your creativity here. My DH and I are taking the kids DS 13 and DD 6 to WDW. Due to our crazy planning style and the fact that the trip is centered around a business trip that very well could have been cancelled, we haven't told the kids yet that we are going. Since we've made it this far without spilling the beans, I would like to surprise the kids and not tell them until the last possible moment. If I thought they wouldn't figure it out until we get to the park, I would do that, but that isn't realistic.

Here are the details. We are using frequent flyer miles and my aunt's timeshare condo, so we aren't staying on property. (Waits for gasps of horror to subside.) I wish I could but with the uncertainty and the free lodging, I had to go with it. Due to the frequent flyer situation, we are leaving Albuquerque on Thanksgiving Day, which will throw off the kids anyway since we usually eat at mom's house and won't be able to now. We then have a stop over in Dallas, and fly out at 6 the next morning for MCO.

So what I am asking of you fabulous creative souls is a way to clue the kids in. I would like to do some sort of Treasure map scenario with clues and such. I think ultimately I would like the kids not to figure out where we are going until we get on the plane to MCO, but I think that might stress them out too much. So I might let them know the final destination when we get to Dallas. Does anyone have suggestions on the format for clues, timing and how to get the proper items packed in their luggage if they don't know where they are going?

Thanks in advance!
Brandi

I am one that will not argue with offsite lodging when it's FREE! I am highly likely to encourage you to rent a car, though!

AND, if you are planning on anything besides counter service, PLEASE tell me you've made your ADRs! If you want to sit down in a restaurant and eat with real silverware (vs plasticware!) you're going to need reservations. Make them now if you haven't yet!

Did I read right that you're spending the night in Dallas, or will you be doing a red-eye? If you're spending the night, I'm assuming you're not spending it in the airport (been there, done that, don't recommend it!)

I'd maybe give them hints on the first flight, and then 'really big' hints (telling them, without saying it outright) in Dallas. Initial hints would be Mickey mouse playing cards in their 'keep occupied in the plane' bag (not sure if they have them at the Disney store or elsewhere, or if you have time to do that). Maybe some of the Disney snack foods? And then in Dallas, the book put out by Birnbaum's "Disney World for Kids, by Kids". If they can't figure it out from that book, then you tell them. I think anything in between those in the level of Walt Disney World-ness that you could get your hands would be good, too.

I haven't decided about the car yet as the timeshare is supposedly (according do DH) across the street from Downtown Disney. It is the Blue Tree Resort which I believe is on Cypress. Please let me know if this is incorrect.

ADRs are next on my list although I am still unsure of where. At this point I might have to just take what is available. :rolleyes:

My aunt lives minutes from the Dallas airport so my uncle will pick us up and take us back the next morning.

I completely forgot about the Disney kid snacks!! That's a great idea!!

I just googled Blue Tree Resort and found their website (http://www.bluetreeowners.org/bluetree.location.html) which had a link to googlemaps - so I searched for 'sandwich' near them, and Earl of Sandwich came up (as I was hoping!) - with an address listed as 1750 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL - and it doesn't appear to be easy walking distance to me. Here's the map I pulled up (http://maps.google.com/maps?near=12007+Cypress+Run+Rd,+Orlando,+FL+32836&geocode=&q=sandwiches&f=l&hl=en&sll=28.394194,-81.502848&sspn=0.033675,0.056219&ie=UTF8&ll=28.383321,-81.511173&spn=0.033679,0.056219&z=14&om=1) The green arrow is the resort, Downtown Disney is "F"

Also, how are you getting from the airport to the hotel?

I'm REALLY glad you've got relatives in Dallas. Maybe you could slip the book to your Aunt to have on the coffee table or something?

And I'd tell the kids you're going to visit Aunt so-and-so in Dallas, at least to 'explain' the first flight. You wanted to do something different this Thanksgiving!

I can tell you right now... that is pretty much not reasonably walkable.
You already have free lodging and are doing the frequent-flyer thing. Getting a car will not cost all that much in comparison to the hassle it will save for you.

Here is a cute thing for the kids.... get everyone matching Disney shirts. Wear them on the plane as a hint. :)

Wow, that really doesn't look like a walk I want to make on a regular basis. This is vacation after all. ;) The resort has a free shuttle but I don't know how often or where it will stop so I will check into that and make the final call on the rental car tomorrow some time.

Airport to Hotel, I was going to use Mears' luxury car service because it is actually cheaper than the shuttle. The shuttle is around $27 per person each way, but the luxury car is $65 total one way. They meet you in the airport and there are no extra stops to make. If anyone knows of a similar service for less, I'd like to check it out.

I love both of your ideas and if I can talk DH into matching shirts, I'll use them both. I think I will order the book on Amazon now and have it shipped to my aunt.

Thank you so much for your help! It's easy to become overwhelmed with all this planning.

my suggestions are to get them each a copy of the "disney with kids" guide to wdw and give it to them on the plane ride. it'll give them something to focus on and let themthink about what they can and should try to do at each park.

Sounds like you could make it as far as your Aunt's by telling a totally convincing story about visiting family for thanksgiving - had to go on the day itself due to available flights or whatever you think would be a convincing reason. Now, forgive my ignorance, but do you give presents as part of Thanksgiving? Perhaps you could start the 'formal' guessing game on the plane to Dallas - how about a present of an autograph book and a Disney pen? Personally with a six year old involved I'd not leave the actual reality until getting into the park - too much joy all at once with mine can soon result in emotional overload that can quickly tip either way ;) Perhaps knowing (ish) from Dallas onwards will allow enough giddy excitement to get through the final flight with much planning and excitement and avoid the need for excitement overload when you first step foot in a park. In terms of transport I think Drince has probably saved you a dreadful disappointment - looks like TOO FAR to walk for me! I can recommend Tiffany Towncars for an excellent service from the airport to final destination. We booked them on line, months in advance and had a delayed flight which kept them waiting a long time but there they were - with our bags before we'd had chance to look, smiling and giving a great service. The chap we had was lovely. I hope your lucky children enjoy their wonderful surpirse!

I second Tiffanys. Good service. Nice company. However, just be sure to tell them how much luggage you have when you are going - you might need a bigger car! When we took them, we had plenty of room for the 5 large adults, but barely enough room for the luggage we carried for 10 days! However, on the way back, we just upgraded to a van, with only about $10 more. Even got the same driver.

As for telling them - you could make up games to play on the way - the winner gets a clue card. So, you could play crazy eights or whatever, but use disney cards... Each clue card would be one word - - and you keep playing till they both get where they are going! I agree about telling them before you get there - - that way you can ALL share in the fun of planning your days there!