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surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

15 Creative Ways To Reveal A Surprise Disney Trip

April 27, 2021 //  by  Mckensie Shiner //   1 Comment

Planning to book a surprise Disney trip to gift to someone in your life? Then, keep reading! It’s everyone’s dream to be surprised with a trip to Walt Disney World. The only tricky part is, how will you tell the person the news? Will you give a countdown calendar to your significant other or tell your kids they’re visiting relatives out of town?

Whoever you’re surprising, we are sure to have a great way to make the Disney trip reveal magical for everyone involved.

1. Countdown Calendars

Personally, we LOVE this idea because we have everything you need for this! A countdown calendar is a great way to let everyone know of your surprise Disney trip! On our Facebook page, you can find some of our free countdown calendars and print them out!

Feel free to hang it in plain sight or package it up like mail and give it to whoever you’re giving your surprise Disney trip to. This is a great Disney trip reveal and doesn’t take a lot of planning. 

This is a great choice for those who don’t have a lot of time or for older teens/adults who don’t require a very extravagant approach, as younger kids may need a bigger surprise. 

Join our Facebook group to access free printable Disney countdown calendars for your surprise Disney trip announcement. 

Disney surprise trip countdown calendar from disneytrippers

2. Disney surprise box

Have you considered giving a Disney surprise box for your Disney trip reveal? If you want to give a memorable trip to the person you’re surprising, this is a great way to do so!

One of our favorite websites for sending a Disney surprise box, chock-full of goodies from the Disney parks, is Pixie Dust 2 U. From this site, you can choose a boy or girl box. Some boxes have contained the following items: Disney luggage tag, color pack, Minnie/Mickey drawstring bag, non-park lightweight ears, lanyards, and other fun Disney items! 

Use the code “WELCOME2U” for 10% off your first order!

disney surprise trip box from Pixie Dust 2 U site

3. Disney Shirts Reveal 

Another great way to pull off your Disney surprise trip is by revealing it with Disney shirts! Whether you are surprising your significant other, friend, or family member, this is another simple fun way to let them know what you have planned!

In order to do this, it’s important to incorporate their favorite Disney character or movie to make it all that more sentimental for everyone involved. You can also save the shirts and wear them for your trip!

 A popular design for Disney shirts is the family vacation ones which normally have the family name, month, and year. 

Check out our Disney shirt post here, which is all-inclusive when it comes to the relationship with the person you’re surprising.  

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

4. On the way to the airport 

A great way to surprise kids with a Disney trip is to wait until the last minute to do so. This approach can be even more exciting since they have no idea the surprise Disney trip is coming.

As you approach the airport, ask them where they think you’re going. Drop hints such as dressing them in Disney clothing or playing Disney music in the car.  

Once you arrive at the airport, let them know what you’ve planned. Their reactions will be worth the wait!

disney surprise trip world of disney entrance in disney springs with stitch in front

5. Scavenger Hunt

For the adventurous person in your life, a scavenger hunt is a great way to reveal a Disney trip! Start with a small note in the house and lead to the backyard, garage, etc. until you finally reveal a clue that reveals the surprise!

There are SO many of these scavenger hunts on Pinterest and the possibilities are endless with this approach. However you decide to set it up is your choice, but there are so many neat ways to really make the person wonder what you’re up to! If you’re wondering how to surprise kids with a Disney trip, this is the way!

Click here for this Disney scavenger hun t to buy on Etsy!

disney scavenger hunt trip reveal

6. Going to Grandma’s House 

If you are able to commute to Disney World, telling your kids they’re going to a relative’s house is a great way to surprise them. This approach even allows you to pack clothes for them and not have questions asked when loading up the car.

This is best for small children, but older children may appreciate this one as well. It definitely depends on the child, though! Some may feel overwhelmed when planning for one thing and getting something completely different. Surely, once they get there, they will be in their element!

disney surprise trip Cinderella Castle from afar

7. Suitcase filled with Disney items 

This surprise is a great way to give the person you’re surprising some extra gear for the trip and being extra thoughtful while doing so! I mean, really, who wouldn’t love a suitcase or bag full of Disney items?

Some items to include are a pair of ears, character hand sanitizer, character masks, Disney keychains, autograph books, and anything else you can think of! Bonus points if the suitcase or travel bag is Disney-themed! 

For more Disney items you could include here, try reading our article  Disney items from Amazon!

disney surprise trip boardwalk

8. Mickey balloons wrapped in a large box  

Similar to the gender reveal trend, this Disney surprise trip reveal involves a large box and Mickey-shaped balloons! Simply fill them up with helium (or air) and cut the box open to show your surprise! 

If you decide to fill the balloons with air, you will just have to pull them out by hand. That is why this is ideal with helium balloons so they float to the top! 

You can find cheap balloons at your local dollar tree! These include Mickey as well as other Disney character balloons! Read our Disney Dollar Tree post for more cheap finds!

Click here for Mickey balloons on Amazon!

9. Invitation From Mickey 

This Disney surprise trip is foolproof and just requires some paper, a p en, and maybe some colored markers and stickers if you really want to seal the deal! Writing an invitation from Mickey is a great way to surprise someone with a Disney trip! 

Since Mickey is the star of the show here, it’s only right he sends the invitations out, to be honest. There are so many different options for what to say in this letter, but including one of Mickey’s famous catchphrases like “oh boy!” Or “see you real soon,” is sure to authenticate it. 

Click here to shop for this trip reveal letter on Etsy!

surprise disney trip printable letter from Etsy

10. Disney-inspired breakfast

What better way to let someone know about a surprise trip to Disney than by bringing a little bit of Disney to them? Especially when it comes in the form of food!

Make some Mickey waffles or Gaston’s famous cinnamon rolls and let them guess what exactly it is you’re planning for them by giving them one of their favorite Disney treats as a hint. 

If you’re not a great cook or baker, it’s always okay to store-buy items, too. It helps if everything is easily identifiable as Disney snacks, but if not, simply have them guess where they can find most of these tasty treats! It should be pretty obvious!

We also have a recipe for Epcot’s Violet Lemonade here , which is a great addition to whatever you decide to prepare!

disney surprise trip breakfast pastries from kusafiri coffee shop in animal kingdom

11. Customized Disney Tickets

An easy at-home Disney surprise reveal involve making customized Disney tickets! With this idea, you can pretty much do whatever you would like as far as designs go. You can use construction paper or cardstock and either design them online or handwrite them!

Additionally, there are also templates online which you can utilize to carry out this Disney trip reveal. Add names and their favorite Disney items or characters to really make this one special!

Shop these adorable custom tickets on Etsy here!

disney surprise trip custom tickets from Etsy personalized with names and attractions

11. Decorate a space in the house

What better way to announce the surprise than to decorate a spot in the house and throw a mini Disney party! This is one of the best ways to announce this since it’s pretty obvious what is coming when you set this up! 

Refer to our Disney Dollar Tree post to find some awesome decorations to do this with!

Shop for Mickey decor on Amazon here!

disney surprise trip chef mickey's sign

12. Disney Surprise Puzzle 

This is yet another great idea due to the creativity that comes with it. It is also a great idea for kids! Give them a blank puzzle box and tell them the surprise is in the completed puzzle. They will be so excited to put it together and even more so when they realize what the surprise is!

There are hundreds of puzzles online for this Disney surprise trip reveal! You can find puzzles like the one below on Etsy here.

Disney surprises trip puzzle which includes names and photos of Minnie and mickey

13. Drop gifts as hints

Similar to the surprise box and suitcase full of gifts, this is nearly the same but a little dialed back. As you await the initial surprise announcement, you can start to give gifts that may allude to the surprise. For example, maybe give them a new Disney shirt and when they ask what the occasion is, say it’s for something coming up. 

This can be done with virtually anything, such as wax melts, hats, or jewelry! Some great Disney gifts including the one below can be found on Etsy or by clicking  here!

disney surprise trip gift ideas etsy bracelet

14. Disney button

Disney buttons are an instant giveaway for a Disney trip and are perfect for anyone who doesn’t like to keep a secret for too long, or feels that the person/people they’re surprising will catch on quickly! By gifting a Disney button, you’re also giving them something to wear during the trip, which is always a bonus!

This great Disney button from Etsy can be found here.

disney surprise trip button white background and black text with Mickey on it

15. Play Youtube videos as a hint

If you’re looking for another simple and. cost-effective reveal, this is the one for you! This can be as simple as playing the fireworks from Happily Ever After (which is on YouTube in HD), or maybe a clip from their favorite ride. 

Even more simply, you can play a Disney promo video such as this one!

There are also hundreds of Disney surprise trip reveal videos on the site you could easily show them and then ask them what they would do if that was them… then tell them it is!

disney surprise trip animal kingdom

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Surprise Disney Trip Reveal Ideas (And Free Printable!)

Surprise Disney Trip Reveal.

There are few things more exciting in parenting than surprising your kids with something they will legitimately lose their little minds over! And a surprise Disney trip reveal is one of the most fun things to put together as a parent!

Surprise! We’re Going to Disney!

We’re wrapping up our own Disney trip, and we’ve had so much fun surprising our boys and building up anticipation!

***Also, I have to note early, we have a huge hack for Disneyland Discount tickets ! They do Disneyworld discounts too!  Use the code FRIDAYLOVE to get an extra $10 off all packages! Here’s our favorite place to book our Disney vacations to save major money!

Disney Surprise Reveal Pinterest Pin.

And be sure to follow my Instagram M-I-C-K-E-Y highlights to follow along with our Disney magic!

Disney Trip Reveal for Kids

It doesn’t have to take a lot of work (or money, you’re spending enough of that on your trip)! But with a little creativity, the right free Disney trip reveal printable, and the perfect wrapping job later turns into a really fun surprise Disney trip reveal idea that you’ll remember forever!

There’s also a free We’re Going to Disney printable at the end of the post.

Surprise Disney trip reveal ideas.

Surprise Disney Trip Reveal Ideas

Here are 10 easy and really fun way to pull off a surprise Disney trip reveal!

Disney Balloon In a Box

Disney reveal box, disney themed scavenger hunt.

My parents did this when I was a child, and it’s still one of my favorite memories!

Mickey Mouse Pajamas for Disney Trip

We're going to Disney World printable with Disney shirts.

  • A Musical Surprise Find three Disney songs you know your family loves. I love using Disneyland Songs played in the park. Zip A Dee Do Dah , It’s a Small World , and A Pirate’s Life for Me always queue my son to think about Disney parks! Play the songs and ask your kids what they all have in common. When they guess it let them open a surprise envelope with the big reveal.

 Puzzle Reveal Surprise Disney Edition

  Letter From Mickey Mouse Inviting to Disney World (or Disneyland!)

Kid holding a Surprise We're going to Disney Printable sign.

We’re Going to Disney Balloon Idea

  • We’re Going to Disney Balloon Idea Purchase several Disney balloons from the dollar store. Have your kids do a Disney surprise treasure hunt (balloon style) following the balloons. Leave the You’re Going to Disneyland Surprise Printable (or Disney World version) at the end of the balloon trail. This is extra fun for little kids!

 Advent Calendar Countdown

Last year, we did a huge surprise trip for a Disney Cruise . We gave big hints we were leaving from Florida and used this awesome reveal as the final gift Christmas morning. But we added a few small Christmas gifts that were Disney-themed to help them guess. One of them was a Mandalorian advent calendar. I snagged it on mega sale at the end of the holiday season, and had my boys use it the following month to countdown to our trip. The advents as a trip countdown were the biggest hit- so much so that we’re gifting bonus Disney themed Lego Advent Calendars to our kids this year with a surprise trip reveal!

Look for a free printable Disney countdown calendar, make one yourself, or buy an advent calendar to use as part of this big surprise reveal!

You’re Going to Disneyland Surprise Printable

Be sure to grab Disneyland and Disneyworld Discount Tickets and this printable and you’re all set for the best surprise ever!

Grab the Surprise You’re Going to Disneyland or Surprise You’re Going to Disney World free printable here!

Just enter your first name and email and the free download will come straight to your inbox!

* Many email clients auto-download once you confirm your email. Please check your Downloads folder for the printable PDFs. 

Like this Disney trip reveal post? you may like these posts too!

Disneyland Discount Tickets: Disneyland Ticket Deals

Is Getaway Today Legit? An Honest Review of Getaway Today Discount Disney Packages

Like this helpful Disney trip post? Be sure to check out these other Disney blog posts too:

How to Do Disneyland Pregnant Disneyland with Toddlers Tips and Tricks What to Wear to Disneyland

Must Take Disneyland Pictures

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

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I sent the printouts to my email and I didn’t receive them. Is there any way, I can resend them?

Double check your downloads folder. Most email clients auto download these days and it is likely there!

Is the download still available?

Hello! I tried to download the free printable but it would not let me. Is this something you can email to me? Thanks so much!

Double check your downloads folder, sown email clients auto download files.

Hello. I would like the “We are going to Disney World” free printable sign. I filled in my first name and email address, but there is no way for me to submit it.

Hopefully the button on the bottom of the form showed for you. A simple page refresh usually does the trick!

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14 Ideas for Doing a Disney World Trip Reveal Surprise

14 Ideas on how to surprise someone with a Disney World trip reveal

So you’ve booked a trip to Disney World and now it’s time to share the news with your family! Do you want to do a special surprise Disney World trip reveal so that you can capture their reactions?

This is quite common with Disney World trips and they often make for some of the best videos. Who doesn’t love watching someone scream with joy or cry happy tears when they realize their dream trip is about to become a reality?

  Here are some of my favourite ideas I have seen when doing a surprise Disney World trip reveal:

Mickey Balloons

This one works best if you are revealing the trip as part of a gift. It involves wrapping up a large box filled with some balloons, and some added magic is if the balloons are Mickey themed. When your family opens up the Disney World surprise box, the balloons will come flying out and you can include a message in the box (or attached to the string of the balloons) that says “You’re Going to Disney World!”

Scavenger Hunt

This one involves a bit more planning and preparation, but the result is super fun. You create a bunch of clues to lead them on a scavenger hunt and hide them throughout your house.

The kids often get so wrapped up in the fun of the game, that they don’t even realize that there may be a big surprise at the end. The treasure at the end is so worth it and will get some great reactions!

Reveal It When You Hit the Gates (Road Trip)

If you are driving to Disney World, then you can certainly pull this surprise off if your children are young. You tell them you are going somewhere else and then hit the road for Florida.

If they are young enough, they won’t pay attention to the road signs and will be unaware of where you are going. Once you are about to enter the Disney World property, now it is time to get them ready for your surprise trip reveal. Tell them to pay attention and look out the window. The Disney World gates are hard to miss and they’ll get pretty excited once they spot them.  

Fake Airport Drop-Off

This surprise is for parents that are really good and covert at keeping secrets. You’ll need to keep the trip a secret from them until the last minute and also manage to pack all their stuff without them noticing. You disguise your trip to the airport as a drop-off for one of the parents for a business trip, but then you let them all in on the surprise!

Play a Fun Family Game

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Jigsaw Puzzle

Do you have a kid or loved one that loves puzzles? Time to get creative and design a special puzzle made just for them! You can create your own design for your puzzle for free on Canva.com .

Once you have your image created with the message “You’re Going to Disney World!” on it, you can upload it to a puzzle making service. You could use a site such as  www.createjigsawpuzzles.com  or Vistaprint . Then, once you receive it, give it to the one you are surprising and watch them piece it together.

Advent Calendar Surprise

Are advent calendars a big hit in your house during the month of December? Why not make your own and customize the contents? Make a homemade advent calendar and provide the kids with little hints throughout the month leading up to Christmas. You can then have the big reveal inside the day of the 25th which will make for a fun Christmas morning!

Gift Them Their Magic Bands and Disney Goodies

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Early Morning Surprise

Give them a reason to jump out of bed! If you have an early morning departure, keep the secret up until the very last minute. Wake them up when it’s time to go with their bags all packed and ready to go.

They’ll wake up feeling like they are in a dream and you will surely have no trouble getting them out of bed once you let them know where you are going!

Mail Them a Letter

Kids love getting mail. What better way to surprise them with a letter from their favourite Mouse! Send them a letter and then have them open it and read it aloud. You can find a Disney World surprise letter template online like this one from mommytravels.net.

Disney Mad Libs

Mad libs are a fun game where you have to fill in the blanks of a story before you read it aloud. Here is an example of a printable you can use to announce your trip. Have your child give you some answers for the blank sections and then give the completed story to them to read.  

Organize a Disney Breakfast

Trick Them!

There are so many ways you can trick your kids and surprise them with a Disney vacation, but I really like how this mom orchestrated this one:

Box in a Box in a Box in a Box…..

This one is great if the surprise is a birthday gift. Make them work for it and wrap up several boxes in to each other making them go through several layers until they get to the very end. You could make the reveal their MagicBand or perhaps a letter saying “You’re going to Disney World!”. It makes for a really fun game and the anticipation really builds up as they open each layer.

Have you ever surprised anyone in your family with a Disney trip? If so, I would love to hear how you revealed it to them, leave me a comment below!

Don’t forget to sign up on my email list for your FREE access to my planning worksheets that will help you plan your magical vacation 🙂 And you can get a quote below from our favourite authorized Disney travel agency , Click the Mouse.

Disney World Trip Reveal Surprise! How to surprise someone with a trip to Disney World, 14 different ideas!

Our preferred travel agency is Click the Mouse. They specialize in Disney destinations and will help you plan out all the little details. Best part is that their services are FREE when you book your vacation with them. Personalized service at no extra cost to you! To get a quote from a Click the Mouse travel agent, simply click on the quote button below and they will be back in touch with you:

Laura is a mom of one adorable girl with a love of all things Disney. She traveled to Disney World with her family in 2010 and was hooked. They have since been a total of over 15 times. With all her knowledge of planning Disney trips, she now wants to share that with others. She loves giving guidance, tips and advice to others planning their magical vacation!

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surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

We have a tradition where we go out for Chinese on Christmas Day. I removed the fortunes in the cookies and replaced them with ones I made stating we were going to disney

I love that idea, that is great way to do a trip reveal! 🙂

We got plush Mickey and Minnie head easter baskets. We put in Disney shirts, their Magic bands, sunblock, a handheld fan/misting bottle, beach towels, goggles and Mickey shaped goldfish crackers. Gave them to our girls and asked them to figure out the surprise.

I love that, such a great idea!!!

Can I ask how you swapped the fortunes?

We have never surprised our kids with a trip to Disney, but we have surprised my best friends daughter(also my daughters best friend) and our kids that my friend and her daughter were going with us on our trip last summer. I made a video at MAgic Kingdom a couple months before her birthday and for her birthday showed the video to her and my kids to reveal that they were coming with us to Disney World. My kids knew about the trip but not that our friends were joining us. I’m planning to surprise them for our spring break trip this coming year. Hoping I can hold out until it time to wake them for the drive to the airport.

If you want to make a trip to Walt Disney World a little more magical, I suggest WDW Florist Service. When I took my sons for the first time, I ordered special gifts for them that were waiting in our room when we arrived with a special message from Mickey! Was it an extra expense? Yes. Was it worth every penny? You bet!

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Mickey Visit – Ultimate Disney Planning Guide

Disney Trip Surprise Ideas – 10 Ways to Reveal Your Trip

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Announcing a Disney trip to your kids whether it's for Disneyland, Walt Disney World or a Disney Cruise is one of the best parts! There are so many unique Disney surprise ideas for a trip reveal that work for all ages whether you have teens, toddlers, or school aged kids.

Especially for kids that have never been to Disney before this can be a great opportunity to make a special memory with the Disney surprise idea you pick.

I have compiled some of my favorite Disney surprise ideas for you to best surprise your kids with the big reveal! Some of these I have used on my own kids, especially for their first time trips, and my son remembers them even now as a teenager. Keep scrolling for our best Disney surprise ideas and tips on when to time the big surprise announcement.

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Timing Your Disney Surprise Ideas

The timing of the Disney surprise is something we want to talk through first before going over all our different surprise Disney trip reveal ideas.

How soon do you want to announce a Disney trip? Do you want your kids to be surprised with the news as you're heading to the airport? Do you want them to have time to be part of the planning process and tell them further in advance?

Essentially you have two main options: surprising them  prior to the trip whether that's weeks/months in advance OR surprising them with ‘look we're at Disney RIGHT NOW!' Let's go through some of the pros and cons of both approaches as you plan for a surprise Disney trip reveal.

1. Disney Surprise Reveal En Route to Disney

For folks that are looking to surprise their kids en route to the Disney destination, you first have to make sure you don't spill the beans too soon by giving away clues. I personally could never do this because I'm not capable of keeping a secret that long! But if you have the willpower, this is surely a way to make this an unforgettable way to announce a Disney trip.

Word of caution: make sure you know that this is the right way for your kiddo to find out. Some kids don't like surprises like this. I had a friend that tried this and her son started crying in the airport! He was so shocked and excited that it just overwhelmed him. Not the fun Disney trip surprise video she was hoping for! There's plenty of ‘Disney Announcement Fails' all over YouTube- it can be a risky way to announce a trip. Part of what makes up those fails is the idea of telling your kids a false destination in its place- sometimes kids might really want to go to grandma's house! You know what's best for your kids and if this is the right way to surprise them with a Disney trip.

If you do decide the spur of the moment Disney surprise is the right choice, still consider the timing of this Disney surprise reveal. You can wait until you arrive at the airport and announce it prior to departure. This may be the easiest if your kids are older because most kids would be asking a million questions about where you are going. If your kids are smaller, it's easier to get away with waiting for the announcement until you literally arrive at Disneyland or Walt Disney World.

So if this is your plan- timing is everything. Consider if you can make it all the way to your flight arrival without the Disney trip surprise being spoiled if this is your plan. Some airports will be covered in Disney ads or souvenir stores which might clue in older kids. If you make it through the airport with the big reveal still a surprise then you have two options: reveal the surprise en route to the hotel/at the hotel or at the Disney Park you are heading to.

If you're visiting Walt Disney World and staying in a Disney owned hotel, many of the hotels offer services that decorate your room with Disney themed toys or decor to start off the vacation in an exciting way. Over at Disneyland, you can also find plenty of local Anaheim services that take care of this for you too.

And of course, if you debut the surprise at the park entrance- you really don't need more than the magic of the Disney Parks entrance to make your kids squeal with excitement.

2. Disney Surprise Ideas in Advance

There are a few benefits to revealing your Disney surprise in advance. For one, the announcement process can be more detailed and creative! You can also then incorporate countdown chains, calendars, or ask your children to get involved with the trip planning which can held build excitement! If you book with our travel partner, Get Away Today , you will receive tons of links to free downloads for printable vacation countdowns, packing lists, and more which can help build that excitement.

You can also consider holidays or birthdays in relation to your trip announcement. Is the trip a birthday or Christmas celebration? As experiences replacing material possessions get more popular this is one Disney surprise idea to tie in your trip and also make that holiday/birthday an unforgettable experience.

Think about how far in advance you want to reveal the news. I have found in my personal experience that if I reveal it too far in advance that the excitement is rather muted. “Oh, we're going to Disneyland?! But not for eight months….?” Time can be a struggle for kids to understand so I recommend revealing the news closer to the departure date so it's close enough to look forward to but not too far to feel irrelevant.

Now that we've talked the timing, let's get into all our best surprise Disney trip reveal ideas! All of these Disney surprise ideas work for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruises. You can adapt any of these Disney surprise ideas for your destination.

Surprise Disney Trip Reveal Ideas

There are a variety of great Disney trip surprise ideas and you can also incorporate your specific destination into the Disney surprise reveal as well. You can tailor these Disney trip surprise ideas for any age but always consider your trip timing into the surprise as well.

1. Suitcase Surprise

Fill a suitcase with that they will need on their trip to Disney. Make sure to include some Disney related t-shirts, Mickey ears or autograph books to help clue them in. This way the excitement is revealed and they have some goodies to enjoy right away too! Bonus points if you get them their own little suitcase- that can make the experience feel more special for kids that are traveling for the first time.

2. Christmas Morning

If you're giving the gift of Disney for Christmas or a birthday then half the fun is in the present opening. You can give gifts that clue them in on where the trip is (Minnie ears? Stuffed Mickey Mouse? Magic Bands?) and then let them guess! Or you can be more direct and put the tickets in a small box (consider using printed out fake ones just so you don't risk damaging your real ones) and have them open it!

3. Wrapping Disney Balloons 

This is one of my favorite Disney surprise ideas. Get a big box, wrap it, and fill it with helium balloons. You can get a custom balloon done (check local party stores or go online on Etsy) and have it announce your trip. Or fill it with Disney themed helium balloons. You could put a sign on the balloon that says ‘You're going to Disney!' or write it out on a card to put in the bottom of the box.

4. Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt that includes clues about your trip and ends with the big reveal. You can find plenty of scavenger hunt templates on Pinterest or by searching online. For smaller kids, you can also start this into a string scavenger hunt to keep them focused and on track. Consider keeping the scavenger hunt confined to a smaller space if you want to be able to get the best video of it.

5. Letter from Mickey

Imagine the excitement when your kids receive a personalized letter from Mickey inviting them to Walt Disney World or Disneyland. You can find plenty of printable options online for free or on Etsy for an additional cost.  You could include the letter in a large box of Disney goodies or you can mail it to your kids! Our travel partner Get Away Today offers a template for this on their website .

6. Breakfast or Dinner Reveal

For some kids that have been to the parks before, they might have learned to associate certain foods with the Disney Parks. You can find some recipes online to create your own Dole Whips or Mickey waffles at home and surprise the kids with a themed meal.

7. Universal Studios- Hogwarts Letter

If Universal Studios is on your destination list and your kids are big Harry Potter fans then you can't resist sharing the news with Hogwarts acceptance letter along with a ticket to the Hogwarts Express! Our travel partner Get Away Today shared this awesome free printable for both Hollywood and Orlando on their blog.

I used this surprise idea when my son was little for his first trip to Universal Studios Hollywood during our upcoming Disney vacation. He had been asking for awhile because he loves Harry Potter so I printed these out, rolled them up like scrolls, and attached them to a stuffed owl. I told him over dinner and he loved it! He thought for a moment Hogwarts actually sent the letters. A very cool memory to have.

8. Disney Cruise Fish Extender Surprise

If you are looking for a Disney Cruise surprise idea, incorporating the popular fish extenders into your Disney surprise reveal is a great idea. This also builds into the excitement leading up to the trip for kids as they prepare their gifts for trading. Fish extenders are just hanging storage pockets you put outside your stateroom and then you can join online Facebook groups to plan small gift exchanges with others on the ship. The name is derived from the fact that outside every stateroom on a Disney Cruise is a little fish clip that holds communications from the ship, you hang our storage hanger from the fish and then you have a fish extender! For this Disney Cruise surprise idea I would recommend surprising kids with the fish extender and then begin planning your cruise exchanges to build excitement to the cruise.

9. Disney Surprise Box or Gift Bag

This is what I did for my son's first trip to Disneyland. I filled a Disney tote bag full of Mickey ears, stickers, a countdown activity, Disney themed candy, and a Mickey Mouse t shirt. It didn't take him long to figure out why I was gifting him all these Disney themed items that we would need for a Disney trip. But just in case, you may want to also include an obvious “We are going to Disney!” item in the box like a copy of their tickets (or fake ones online!) or even just a printed out paper announcing it. 

10. Social Media Announcement

This is a nice Disney surprise idea for teens although it depends on if your teen actually follows you on social media. (My son has a tendency to “accidentally” unfollow me on TikTok) But posting a status update or even getting creative with a video and posting it to your social media announcing your upcoming Disney trip and waiting until your teen sees it can be a fun Disney surprise idea.

Considering the amount of time, money, and planning that goes into a Disney trip it makes sense to dedicate some energy to the big Disney surprise reveal. Coming from experience of a mom that has done a few of these reveals along with a few epic fails, here is a piece of advice for those of you taking first timers to the parks: don't be disappointed if they're not that excited. If they've never been to Disney before, they may not fully know how amazing it is. The excitement will come later, don't worry!

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surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

The best way to announce a Disney trip depends on the age of your kids and how you should time the announcement. Surprising kids with a Disney trip is a fun way to announce a Disney trip or tell them in advance so they can help you plan.

You can make a Disney surprise box or gift bag full of items they will need on their trip that allows them to realize they are going to Disney!

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About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

Great post!

A lot of create ideas. Thanks for creating this.

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How To Surprise Your Child with a Disney Trip for Christmas

Leah

Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with joy, love, and the spirit of giving. This year, why not make the season even more special by surprising your child with the ultimate gift – a trip to Disney World! This article offers several creative ways to reveal this unforgettable surprise, along with tips for planning the perfect Disney Christmas trip.

Surprising your child with a Disney trip for Christmas involves careful planning and creative reveal ideas. Start planning your trip 6-12 months in advance, including booking a Disney Park Pass and Advanced Dining Reservations. For the surprise reveal, consider a Disney-themed advent calendar, a scavenger hunt, a Disney surprise box, a movie night reveal, or a decorated Disney space in your house. You can also build excitement with travel-themed gifts or activities that hint at the trip without revealing it.

Planning Your Disney Christmas Trip

Planning for a family trip should ideally start 6-12 months in advance. This allows ample time to secure the best prices on airfare, lodging, and activities without the stress. For a Disney trip during the Christmas season, make sure to reserve your Disney Park Pass for each day of your trip and book Advanced Dining Reservations 60 days in advance.

Disney World weather in December can be chilly, so pack layers to handle any weather forecast on your trip. Also, remember to download the My Disney Experience App, which will be very useful during your trip. You can use it to make dining reservations, mobile order food, reserve Genie+ and Lightning Lane reservations, check wait times, check show times, and more.

Creative Ways to Reveal the Surprise

Disney-themed advent calendar.

Create a homemade advent calendar with little hints about the trip throughout the month leading up to Christmas. The big reveal can be inside the day 25 box.

Scavenger Hunt

Set up a scavenger hunt around the house, leaving clues that lead to the surprise Disney reveal at the end. Each clue could be Disney-related trivia or hints about your Disney trip reveal.

Disney Surprise Box

Consider giving a Disney surprise box for your Disney trip reveal. This box could include Disney-themed items like character hand sanitizer, character masks, Disney keychains, autograph books, and more. You can even purchase pre-made Disney surprise boxes online.

Disney Movie Night Reveal

If your family loves Disney movies, you can create a special movie night. You could have classic Disney films playing, or perhaps rent a new Disney movie to stream at home before revealing the exciting news.

Decorate a Space in the House

Decorate a spot in the house with Disney decorations and throw a mini Disney party. The decorations can hint at the surprise trip.

Building the Excitement without Revealing the Surprise

Gift a travel essential.

You can gift a travel essential that would also double up as a hint towards your chosen destination. For instance, if you’re planning a beach vacation, you could gift a new swimsuit or a beach towel.

Movie Night

Plan a movie night at home and pick a movie that has been shot in or around your secret holiday destination. This can subtly build up the suspense without revealing the actual surprise.

Treasure Hunt

Send your children on a treasure hunt with clues scattered all over the house that will lead them to the final clue that reveals the fact that they will soon go on a trip.

Make them solve a surprise trip reveal puzzle. You can draw or print out a picture that either gives a clue or announces your vacation destination directly. Now cut this up into smaller pieces – the more pieces, the more puzzling! Let them put together the entire puzzle and watch the delight on their faces.

Themed Gifts

If you’re planning a surprise Disney trip, using souvenirs as a gift is a fun reveal to the announcement. You could order Mickey Ears, have Magic Bands sent to the house, or present kids with a big box of theme park goodies.

Surprising your child with a Disney trip for Christmas is sure to create a magical and unforgettable experience. Regardless of the method you choose for the reveal, make sure to capture their reactions on video to cherish the memory forever. Happy planning and have a magical trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the disney park pass and why do i need to reserve it in advance.

The Disney Park Pass is a reservation system introduced by Disney to manage the capacity of its parks. Due to the high demand, especially during peak seasons like Christmas, it is recommended to reserve your Disney Park Pass well in advance to ensure entry into the park.

What is the My Disney Experience App and how can it help me during my trip?

The My Disney Experience App is a mobile application developed by Disney. It allows guests to plan their entire trip, from making dining reservations to checking wait times for attractions. It’s an essential tool to have during your trip as it helps streamline your experience and make your visit more enjoyable.

How can I make a Disney-themed Advent Calendar?

You can make a Disney-themed Advent Calendar by purchasing small Disney themed items or writing Disney trivia on small pieces of paper. Place these in 25 small boxes or envelopes and number them 1 to 25. Each day, your child can open one box or envelope, building anticipation towards the big reveal on Christmas Day.

What are some items I can include in a Disney Surprise Box?

You can include items such as Disney character hand sanitizers, masks, keychains, autograph books, or even small Disney-themed toys. The idea is to give your child a taste of the Disney experience before announcing the trip.

What movies could I watch for a Disney movie night reveal?

You could watch classics like “The Lion King” or “Cinderella”, or more recent movies like “Frozen” or “Moana”. You could also choose a movie that’s relevant to the parks, like “Pirates of the Caribbean” or “Star Wars”. The goal is to create a Disney-themed atmosphere before revealing the surprise.

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10 Awesome Ways To Reveal A Surprise Disney World Trip

Avatar photo

Part of the fun of going on a Disney World vacation is surprising friends and/or loved ones with the trip – at that moment, the person gifting the experience gets to make someone’s dreams come true.

Then, of course, once arriving at the parks, Disney World takes care of the rest.

Ten awesome ways to reveal a surprise trip to Disney World include:

  • Having Mickey balloons spring out of a box
  • Planning a scavenger hunt
  • Revealing the trip during family game night
  • Creating a surprise advent calendar
  • Mailing a letter of invitation from Mickey Mouse
  • Cooking a Disney-themed breakfast or dinner
  • Making custom Disney t-shirts
  • The dog collar reveal
  • Filling a suitcase with Disney merch
  • Concealing the trip until pulling up to the resort gates.

This article explains how each surprise trip reveal can be perfectly executed and who might enjoy them most.

10 Ways To Reveal A Surprise Disney World Trip

  • 1) Surprise Mickey Balloons in a Box

Close-up photo of Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse balloons.

Nothing says “surprise” like something popping out of a box.

For this reveal, pack a box with helium-filled Mickey Mouse balloons and Disney items that spring from within once opened.

To really drive the message home, tie a small banner announcing the trip between two balloons.

This idea can be dressed up for holidays or birthdays by wrapping the box in festive paper and ribbons.

To make the receiver work a little harder, planners can also utilize the box-in-a-box method. 

Start with one big box that reveals a smaller package and then an even smaller one until the balloons are released.

  • 2) Plan a Disney Scavenger Hunt

Planners can draw out the surprise by creating a scavenger hunt that ends in the big reveal.

This idea will take careful coordination and is more fun if Disney-themed items are used for clues along the way.

For excellent foreshadowing, the gift-giver can even have the scavengers search for hidden Mickeys around the house.

This Hidden Mickeys scavenger hunt is the perfect prep for the real Hidden Mickey challenge – a popular side quest for eagle-eyed guests visiting Disney World theme parks.

  • 3) Incorporate the Surprise Into a Game Night

A family of four is playing a board game in the living room.

Blend the reveal seamlessly into an already exciting game night.

The opportunities to execute this surprise are as vast as the number of board games stuffed inside a closet.

Planners can use the trip as a prompt in games like charades or Pictionary or even customize playing cards to announce the upcoming vacation.

For extra creativity points, have the recipient(s) piece together a personalized jigsaw puzzle that lists the date of the trip once the final piece is snapped into place.

Players may also be so consumed by the chosen game that it takes them a moment to realize what’s happening. 

Once they figure out they’re going to Disney World, it will make for a funny and memorable reaction everyone will surely enjoy.

  • 4) Create a Disney Advent Calendar

The holidays are the perfect time for gift-giving, and for many, nothing is better than a surprise visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Traditions like Christmas advent calendars can be customized to reveal a hint each day until ultimately unveiling the Disney vacation on Christmas morning.

Tiny Disney trinkets, candy, or written riddles are the perfect compact items to place inside each calendar compartment.

For those who want trip-goers to work for their prize, combine the advent calendar with the puzzle or the scavenger hunt.

This idea is also extremely versatile, making it great for kids, significant others, or friends.

  • 5) Mail a Letter of Invitation From Mickey Mouse

A red envelope on a yellow surface.

No matter how digital the world becomes, everyone still loves a letter in the mail – especially children receiving one from Mickey Mouse himself.

To ensure the invitation feels authentic, writers should incorporate some famous phrases from the Disney icon, such as “oh gee,” “that sure is swell,” or “gosh.” 

Mickey’s letter can also be framed on a wall, pressed into a scrapbook, or tucked into a memory chest so parkgoers can cherish the moment for years to come.

  • 6) Cook a Disney-Themed Breakfast or Dinner

Tease every traveler’s taste buds with a Disney-themed breakfast or dinner.

Not only will the thematic treats lead up to the perfect announcement, but they will also give everyone a taste of the magical meals they can expect when visiting Disney.

Some park favorites include Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles, beignets, or giant pretzels.

Any Disney fan would be thrilled by a Mickey-shaped meal and even more ecstatic about their upcoming Disney vacation.

Apart from Disney-shaped or inspired foods, planners can also recreate dishes from their favorite Disney films.

For example, a date-turned-Disney-trip-reveal pairs great with the iconic Lady and The Tramp spaghetti and meatballs.

  • 7) Make Custom Disney T-Shirts

Back view of a woman wearing a white t-shirt with Mickey Mouse written on it.

The internet is a treasure trove of custom-made items that Disney trip planners should take advantage of.

A great personalized idea for revealing a Disney trip is to design customized Disney t-shirts.

These shirts can include the receiver’s favorite Disney character, slogan, or even their name and the dates of the trip, and can be easily slipped into a gift bag for a simple yet heartfelt reveal.

  • 8) The Dog Collar Reveal

Even if travelers don’t plan on bringing their dog to Disney, they can still involve their furry friend in the trip reveal.

Planners can write out the details on a small piece of paper, roll it up so it fits snugly in the collar, and send their dog to surprise their significant other or family members.

Once the pets and head scratches are over, receivers will either notice the note or be directed to it.

After reading the paw-delivered message, the excitement will surely leave hearts racing and tails wagging.

  • 9) Fill a Suitcase With Disney Merch

A woman in a blue sweatshirt is zipping a suitcase on the floor.

Tackle two tasks at once by filling a suitcase with Disney merch to surprise upcoming Disney guests.

Whether using new luggage or the tried-and-true carry-on, unsuspecting parkgoers will love unzipping their way to their dream vacation.

Not to mention, by filling the suitcase with Disney-themed clothing and accessories, half the packing is already done!

To browse and purchase Disney merchandise beforehand, future visitors can use shopDisney or the My Disney Experience app . 

  • 10) Reveal the Trip When Pulling Up to the Park Gates

To reveal a Disney trip at the very last minute, planners can pack up the family for a surprise road trip.

For the best build-up, keep the final destination a secret until pulling up to the front gates of Disney World.

This idea works best with younger kids who won’t catch on when passing signs leading up to the resort’s entrance.

Playing Disney music and having the family wear Disney-themed clothing is also a sneaky way to set the tone and drop hints for what’s to come.

Ten awesome ideas for revealing a surprise Disney trip are:

  • Having surprise Mickey balloons pop out of a box
  • Planning a Disney scavenger hunt
  • Incorporating the surprise into family game night
  • Creating a Disney advent calendar
  • Keeping the trip a secret until reaching the front gates.

These trip reveals can be combined or expanded and tailor-made for Disney fans eager to visit the theme parks.

  • Pinterest 94

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I love traveling. I've been to every continent except Antarctica, and I always looking for the next adventure.

Ever since I was a child, my favorite trips have been to theme parks – I love getting lost in the magic of Disney and have never had a bad experience at Universal Studios.

I never shy away from trying new things and enjoy making new memories wherever I go.

MickeyBlog.com

8 Best Ways to Surprise Kids with Trip to Disney World

by Mickey Blog · December 4, 2018

Must Try

Every year, we are flooded with YouTube videos from families who have surprised their kids with a trip to Disney for Christmas — whether it be Disneyland, Disney World or a Disney cruise . If you’re thinking of giving your children that big surprise this year, we have some tips on how you can pull off the best surprise ever:

Make it the Last Gift They Open

This should be a given since — most likely — no other gift will top a trip to Disney! But, of course, sometimes you’re so excited that it’s impossible to wait. Do what’s best for you and the kids!

Do a Scavenger Hunt

  Place clues around the home. Once the children collect all of the clues, have the kids piece them all together. Once they finish the puzzle, it should say something like, “You’re going to Disney!”

Pack a Suitcase

Wrap a carry-on suitcase or backpack with various items — coloring books, t-shirts, games etc — to keep them busy on the trip to Disney. At the bottom of the suitcase (because you know they’ll go through everything), put a sign that tells them they are going to Disney!

Give Fake Presents Leading Up to the Reveal

One sister decided to surprise her younger sister with a trip to Disney World and gave her several gag gifts at first, including a wrapped fork, a rug and a fake rose. The last was the true gift, which made her reaction absolutely priceless. Spoiler alert: she cried.

Make a Video

Are you especially creative? Then put your talents to use and create a video that provides clues to your big reveal. Then, just like any good movie, make a great ending that tells the kids where they are going. We are sure your movie will get rave reviews!

Balloon Word Puzzle

Break up the word Disney and put the letters on balloons. Pack the balloons in a box and when the box is opened the kids need to arrange the balloons to spell Disney. It’s not as easy as you think and will keep the surprise going!

Use the Advent Calendar

Make an advent calendar for the holiday season and use each day to provide another clue to your reveal. Then the Christmas morning calendar day will reveal your big surprise trip!

Do the Box-Inside-the-Box Surprise

It drives kids’ crazy and builds anticipation for the tiny box inside — what’s in the tiny box? It could be a Magic Band, an airline ticket or something else related to your trip. Either way, the frustration of opening box after box will be gone as soon as they get what you’re doing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqaya9Hc5CU

By the way, don’t forget to record their reactions to your surprise! You’ll look at it for years to come and maybe it will be your family surprise video we will be watching next on YouTube!

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Sunshine Whispers

Creative Ways to Reveal a Surprise Disney World Trip

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

There are so many fun and creative ways to reveal a surprise Disney trip to your kids! Here are some great tips! 

While planning a trip and going to Disney can be fun in itself, one of the most underestimated parts of planning a trip to Disney is the moment that you tell your family you’re going. For kids that are big Disney fans, making that announcement more special can have such a fantastic effect on your entire trip. There are so many great ways to surprise your kids with a trip to Disney, so here are some creative ways to reveal a surprise Disney trip to your kids.

Related:  Mulan Mickey Ears Disney Ornament Craft

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

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First, decide when you will do your big reveal

When it comes to surprising your kids with a trip to Disney, the first thing you need to decide is when or how soon you want to tell them. Do you want them to be surprised as they head in the car or to the airport, or do you want to tell them before the trip? You have two options when determining when to announce to your kids. First, you can tell them before a trip, weeks or even months before the actual trip. The second is that you surprise them by either telling them when you’re on the way to Disney or heading there.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Surprise them with a Disney suitcase

A cute and creative way to surprise them is by filling a suitcase with everything they would need for a Disney trip. Some things to include that will help give this away would be some Disney shirts, Mickey ears, autograph books, and other park essentials that will help clue them in.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Unwrap a Disney gift or Disney clues

If you’re planning to give them a trip to Disney as part of a Christmas gift or maybe even a birthday gift, then let them open a present. Give them clues toward the trip, such as a stuffed Mickey Mouse, a Magic Band, or maybe a pair of new Mickey Ears.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Box up Disney Balloons

A fun way to surprise your kids with a trip is by getting a big box, filling it with custom balloons (or store-bought Disney balloons), and then having them open the box to announce your trip. You can even put a sign on a balloon that says something like, you’re going to Disney or write it on a card if the balloons don’t give it away.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Give a letter from Mickey himself

If you want to create something that they will cherish for a lifetime, you’ve got to try this! You Can find a printable option or get one on Etsy. You can find some Mickey-inspired fonts and make a letter with a box of Disney goodies and mail it to your kids! This is such an exciting way to feel like they are getting invited by Mickey himself to Disney.

Now that you have announced your trip to your kids, it’s time to start planning your trip! There are so many little details that come with planning a Disney vacation, so if you haven’t started already, make sure you do!

More Disney Posts and Ideas! 

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  • How to Have a Disney Themed Day at Home
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surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

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27 comments:

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

This is such an adorable idea!! I am totally going to do it next year!!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Thanks Kendra, I'm glad you can use it! :)

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

This is so awesome, what a great idea on how to give them all the details and play the game! I would have been just as excited as a parent waiting for them to open!!

I really was so excited to see them open it & find out! :)

That's a great idea and if we ever are able to go to Disney World I am definitely using it!

Thanks Kathleen :) I hope you get a chance to use it! :)

I love all the questions you answered. The shirts and ears are so cute!

Thanks Betsy :)

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

I love the game you devised. So fun! I always give in and share my secret way before I can do anything like this. I suck at keeping secrets from my kids I think. LOL. One day I will be able to stifle my impulsivity and do something great like this to surprise them.

haha :) I'm glad we didn't surprise them the morning we were leaving or anything though, because it was fun to make plans with them involved in the process :)

This is so adorable and creative! Love it and hope I will one day be able to do the same.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

My dream is to surprise my son with a trip to Disney - what a fun surprise to plan! I love how you added the questions, very original!

Thanks Randa! :) I hope you get the chance to do it!

YAY! You must be on route or just arriving! I cannot wait to hear all about i! Have the most magically of times.

Thanks Tammy :) I can't wait to share!

Love these ideas! We just decided to go next Feb and I think we're going to do something similar to tell little man :)

Love this idea! Where did you find the princess card to put in the box?

Thank you! We put it together in Photoshop & printed it at home.

We are doing this idea this Christmas but a little different. We are also turning it into a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood so it’s a game too.

That sounds like a really fun twist!

Love this idea and I plan to use it this year! Would you share the final printable or where you found it? Thanks.

Thank you! My husband put together the little announcement printable but I don't have a copy of it to share unfortunately!

No problem. Just thought I'd ask:-)

This is a great idea! We want to tell our kids before Christmas, so they can help plan the Fast Passes, so we have modified it a bit. The day we decorate for Christmas, the gifts will magically show up under the tree (ages 9, 11 and 13). Here is how we plan to modify based on our personal travel: WHAT Early Christmas gift WHY Because we love you and want to plan this together - we are also add a special note around what we love about each of them WHO stick figures of the 5 of us HOW We'll fly there ( giving them each a luggage tag) WHEN calendars marking the dates WHERE we are wrapping 3 gifts (one for each) and including their mouse ears. Each one will say something different about the "what": Disney World Universal Studios Staying at DisneyWorld and Universal Studios hotel in Florida Thanks so much for this GREAT idea!

I love it! We are surprising our kids this Christmas and this look like it will be the perfect way to do it. Reading this made me cry....I am so excited to make these memories with our kids.

I love this idea, totally using this to surprise my girls. Please tell me how did you get those cards that says “we are going to Disney”. Also did you have gifts inside these girls boxes related to the trip?

If you read the text of the blog post, it explains what was inside of each box & includes photos of the items. We printed the "we are going to Disney" announcement. It's been a few years, but I believe my husband created the image that was printed.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment- I love reading them! :) ~Heather Lynne

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The Elf on the Shelf Disney Vacation Christmas Surprise

Surprising your kids with disney vacation for christmas.

Have your Elf on the Shelf help you surprise them!

Every day, your Elf can leave “clues” that culminate in a big Christmas morning reveal!

In this article, you’ll find…

Have elf on a shelf help with the surprise.

D oes your family receive a visit from an Elf on the Shelf each Christmas season?

Are you surprising your family this Christmas with a dream vacation to Disneyland, Disney World, or maybe even a Disney Cruise?

Involve your Elf in the fun of surprising your kids with your upcoming trip from the very first day he/she arrives.

The ideas included below work perfect for the following Disney vacations:

  • Disney Cruise
  • Walt Disney World

Wondering what is Elf on the Shelf? Read all about Elf on the Shelf here . Or if you haven’t bought one yet, get it here .

A photo posted by Jillian (@jillybean306) on Nov 28, 2015 at 7:51pm PST

How to Have Your Elf Leave Clues

F ollow these steps to plan an easy Elf on the Shelf surprise:

Introductory Message

Elf starts with an introductory message explaining the game (suggested message is below ).

Every Day, New Hint from Elf

Each night thru Christmas Eve, put the Elf in a new pose or position that doubles as a HINT or a CLUE about where you’re going on vacation, what you’ll do, or how you’ll get there. Full list of pose ideas is below .

Change the Clue Difficulty

Make the clues more difficult and obscure in the beginning and get progressively easier to decipher as you get closer to Christmas.

Last Day, Leave Goodbye Message from Elf

On the last day (usually Christmas Eve), when your Elf is ready to head back to the North Pole, leave a much more obvious clue and a final message with a goodbye ( suggested message is here ).

On Christmas, Combine with My Scavenger Hunt

I have created a free printable Disney-themed scavenger hunt that is perfect for extending the magic on Christmas Day to reveal the big surprise of your trip. Check it out.

A photo posted by Traci Chandler (@ohsugargirl) on Dec 7, 2016 at 6:27am PST

Suggested Introduction Message

Here is a message you can leave out with your Elf on the first day.

From Your Elf on First Day

Hello again – I’m back from the North Pole!

I hope you are being good because this Christmas is going to be a doozy!

I have learned that Santa and your parents joined together this year to get you an EXTRA SPECIAL gift.

Can you figure out what the gift will be? Watch me every day as I will be leaving CLUES for you.

Good luck, be good, and remember…I’m watching you!

Suggested Goodbye Message

Here is a message your Elf can leave your family on the last day (probably Christmas Eve).

From Your Elf on Last Day

Dear Family,

Did you figure out the big surprise from Santa and your parents? I hope there were a few clues that got you thinking.

You’ll find out tomorrow…and you’re going to be so excited!

Spending this month with you has been so much fun . I have to go back to the North Pole to help Santa now, but I can’t wait to come back to visit you next year.

Merry Christmas!

30 Suggested Elf Poses (and Hints)

Below is a list over 30 Elf on the Shelf poses/positions that would work well as “hints” for your Christmas surprise.

I have broken them into two sections:

  • Poses for ANY Disney vacation
  • Poses specifically for Disney Cruise

These ideas are for your inspiration and ideas. Modify them, add your own, and put them in whatever order works best for you.

And I bet you have awesome ideas too! Let me know your ideas and I’ll get them posted here.

Elf Poses/Hints for Any Disney Vacation

(including disneyland, disney world, disney cruise).

  • Elf with a toy airplane (if you’re flying)
  • Elf with elf-sized suitcases
  • Elf with personalized luggage tags
  • Elf builds an igloo with Olaf
  • Elf in a Star Wars lightsaber battle
  • Elf having tea with a Disney Princess doll
  • Elf hides in Christmas tree behind one of your Disney-themed ornaments
  • Elf pin-trading with stuffed animals
  • Elf watching a Disney movie
  • Elf looks through a photo album of a past Disney trip
  • Elf reading a Disney book
  • Elf playing a Disney board game
  • Elf with a Disney character autograph book
  • Elf drawing Mickey or the Castle
  • Elf with crayons and coloring book of Mickey or Minnie Mouse
  • Elf having a snowball fight with Olaf (click for free printable)
  • Elf drawing Mickey Mouse ears on a photograph with dry erase marker
  • Elf “FROZEN” in ice with Elsa figurine. (Tip: Put the elf inside a clear plastic zip baggie first)
  • Elf taped to wall surrounded by little green army men
  • Elf writes “Can’t Hold It All Inside…Let it Go” on toilet seat in dry erase marker
  • Elf has snowball fight with Disney characters

Frozen Elf on the Shelf

Credit: Imgur

Elf Poses/Hints for Disney Cruise

  • Elf with ice cream (there’s unlimited free ice cream on the ship)
  • Elf golfing (there’s mini-golf on the ship)
  • Elf by the pool
  • Elf playing with sand toys
  • Elf on a towel with sunscreen beside him, hands behind his head
  • Elf making snow angels in the sand
  • Elf wearing snorkeling gear
  • Elf going down a slide (for the water slides on the ship)
  • Elf goes “Under the Sea” with Ariel (put in water-tight baggie into fish bowl)
  • Elf playing with toy boat in sink
  • Elf dressed as pirate holding treasure map (make a mini eye patch and pirate hat)
  • Elf spells out the name of your cruise ship (Dream, Wonder, Magic, or Fantasy) with wooden alphabet blocks or fridge magnets
A photo posted by Ashley Burton Brooks (@aburton24) on Dec 16, 2015 at 5:24am PST

Pin for Later

Elf on the Shelf Disney Vacation Surprise

The Chirping Moms

Fun Ways to Surprise Your Kids with a Disney Trip

February 24, 2022

Looking for ways to surprise your kids with a Disney trip? Over the years we’ve taken the kids to Disney World quite a few times. We’ve often taken just one or 2 of them as a special birthday trip and each time we have gone we have surprised them last minute. There are few things as fun as surprising people with a trip and if it’s Disney… even better! Here are a few fun ways to surprise kids with a Disney trip.

Ways to Surprise Kids with a Disney Trip

1. A Character Calling to Invite Them

Do you personally know Cinderella? No… but I bet you know a ton of ladies that your kids would not recognize their voice on the phone! Many years ago when Maggie and Alex were 2 and 4 we were about to go to Disney for the first time. We had my friend call and pretend to be Belle. She called and said that her and the other princesses wanted to personally invite them to come to see them and their castles. My girls’ minds were blown. They frantically packed every dress up gown in the house and we left the next day. 

Mid trip we were at a character dinner where the girls got to meet Belle and Maggie thanked her for inviting our whole family to Disney World. The surprise plan worked for sure! 

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

2. A Card in the Mail 

We did this one time when my parents were coming with us. Mickey mailed a letter and it arrived one day when the grandparents were there (slash I put it in the mailbox that day). It was a sweet note about spending time as a family and Mickey couldn’t wait to see us all. 

I made the card but I saw there are a lot of really cute ones on Etsy like this one and these that look like tickets.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

3. Surprise Shirts 

I ordered these shirts from Etsy (click here) before the trip. I decided that since it was such an early flight and would be dark out, I’d give them the tee and a fleece to put over it when they were just waking up, groggy. It worked! They had no idea they were wearing the shirts until we were past security! I told them to “look at your tshirts”. They were SOOOO surprised! 

4. The Airport Surprise 

If you can… wait until the airport (or car if you’re driving). Knowing they are going on a mystery vacation adds a lot of excitement! The first time I ever waited until the airport to surprise someone was when I took Alex to Disney for her 7th birthday. I wrapped up Mickey Ears and had her open them at the airport. Her reaction is one of my favorite videos ever and a moment neither of us will forget! 

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

5. A Scavenger Hunt 

I have heard of lots of people doing scavenger hunts at home before a Disney trip. I think it’s such a fun way to get the whole family excited about the trip. You can find lots of cute options on Pinterest. 

Looking for Disney planning tips for the actual trip? Here are some favorite posts that I have put together for this blog and Travel We Will. At this point I have visited Disney with all ages from under one on up to tweens! 

Disney Dining Tips & Our Favorite Character Meal // Four Seasons Orlando // Toy Story Land with Preschoolers //                Our Favorite Non Ride Attractions // 20 things to Know Before Booking a Disney Cruise // 

And get the kids excited with these Disney “park prep” crafts! 

DIY Disney Autograph Book

DIY Disney Savings Jar

DIY Mickey Mouse Frame for Park Photos 

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Savvy Mama Lifestyle

31 Gifts For A Disney World Trip To Add More Magic

Categories Family Travel , Theme Parks

There’s so much excitement and anticipation when you’re planning a Disney Parks vacation. If you’re planning a trip, or know a family that is going, I’ve got the perfect Gifts for Disney World Trip travelers! These add an extra touch of magic and really help you be prepared.

Best Gifts for Walt Disney World Trip

Or maybe you know a Disney adult that loves going to the parks. These gifts are perfect for them, for families headed to Disney World and also work for Disneyland travelers.

Let these gifts inspire you and get creative. You can show some creativity with how you package them, and add even more Disney touches!

When To Give Awesome Disney Gifts

There are a couple of things you want to consider when you’re giving a travel gift. Do they need the gift before the trip? Can you surprise the family and give the gift when they’re on the vacation? Or is it a gift that can be given at any time?

Once you take all of those things into consideration, you can shop for a fun gift and decide how you want to give the gift. I’ve got gift ideas for all budgets and the gifts range from small to even digital!

If you need some ideas on when to give a gift for a Disney World traveler, here are some ideas:

  • Christmas Gifts + Stocking Stuffers
  • Birthday Gift
  • Mother’s or Father’s Day
  • Mickey’s Birthday (November 18)
  • Spring Break
  • On the road trip to WDW
  • Upon arrival at WDW resort hotel `

Make Your Gifts For Disney World More Magical

The gift itself is magical, but you can add even more special touches to ensure it’s a super special gift. You can use some Disney wrapping paper – like this cute Minnie Mouse Ears Wrapping Paper .

If it’s Christmastime, use my FREE Printable Christmas Disney Gift Tags and print from the PDF download. Lastly, check out Disney gift sacks that make everything easier and fit any awkward-shaped item.

31 Gifts For Disney World Trip To Add More Magic

Whether your family is going to Walt Disney World or you have friends going, these are the best gifts for somebody going to the parks! Surprise them with these gifts for an added touch of magic!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

American Tourister Minnie Mouse Hardside Luggage (Amazon)

They'll be stylish with this Minnie Mouse Luggage from American Tourister! I love the sturdy sides, so you know it'll last for a long time.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

American Tourister Disney Hardside Luggage (Amazon)

How cute is this rainbow Mickey luggage? I love it for anyone visiting during Pride Month in June!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Minnie Mouse Fanny Pack (Amazon)

This Minnie Mouse Fanny Pack is great for Disney Parks. It's so great to keep your hands free for snacks and drinks!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Minnie Mouse Luggage Tag (Amazon)

Disney was giving out free luggage tag with magic bands, but that stopped. Check out this Minnie luggage tag!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Minnie Mouse Hanging Toiletry Bag (Amazon)

This Minnie Mouse inspired hanging toiletry bag is cute and functional! I love saving space in smaller hotel room bathrooms.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Disney Laptop Pillow Desk (Amazon)

Work in Disney style with this cute laptop pillow desk! It's a great way to be cozy while booking those DIsney vacations.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Mickey Mouse Headphones For Kids (Amazon)

These cute Mickey Mouse headphones even have ears! Kids can use these for their road trip to Disney World.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Cars Movie Activity Case For Road Trips (Amazon)

Speaking of road trips, keep the kids entertained with this fun Cars Lap Activity Case! it's got activity sheets and art that kids can complete on the go.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Adult Coloring Book (Amazon)

Relieve some stress with this relaxing coloring book for adults. It features pictures from famous Walt Disney World locations to color.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Wearable Neck Reading Light

You might wonder why somebody would want this in the parks, but when you're closing down the parks, it really comes in handy! It can get really dark and crowded in the parks at night.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Disney Neck Pillow (Amazon)

If you're flying to Walt Disney World, this is the cutest themed neck pillow with mouse ears!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Minnie Mouse Travel Set For Kids (Amazon)

If you're traveling with a little girl, this Minnie Mouse travel set is adorable! It has everything she'll need to fly in comfort.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Baby Yoda Sleep Mask (Amazon)

You know you're a Disney adult when you have no shame wearing this adorable Grogu sleep mask on the plane! Perfect for any Star Wars fan.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Disney Snack Bags (Amazon)

Snacks are a must if you're visiting the parks and you can save money with these reusable Disney snack bags!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Disney Princess Snack Containers (Amazon)

I absolutely love these stackable containers to hold snacks! They toss into bags so easily and you can seperate snacks.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Disney Mickey Mouse Travel Tumbler (Amazon)

If you want to carry water with you into the parks, why not do it in style? I love these Mickey tumblers.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Electronics Organizer Cable Travel Case (Amazon)

When you want to stay connected in the parks, it's going to come with a lot of cables. Keep them organized with this handy pouch!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Portable Phone Charger (Amazon)

I cannot stress this enough - EVERYONE needs a portable phone charger for the parks. You need to access the My Disney Experience app!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Disney Hand Sanitizer (Amazon)

Keep germs at bay with this cute Disney hand sanitzier! Clip it onto your park bag and you're ready to go.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Disney Lanyard For Parks (Amazon)

If you have a pin collector fan, they'll love this Disney lanyard! It's perfect for pin trading.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Vacation Fund Bank (Etsy)

If you have someone that's always saving for their next trip, let them do it in style! This cute "UP" piggy bank is the way to go.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Making Memories With My Mom Shirt (Etsy)

This shirt set is adorable for a matching mommy & me look! It's got cute minnie ears and still subtle.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Vacation Reveal Box (Etsy)

Have someone who doesn't even know about their trip yet? This is the perfect suprise gift for Walt Disney World trip!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Disney Passport Cover Disney Passport Holder (Etsy)

Personalize a passport cover for your favorite Disney fan! I love this gift for anyone going from land to sea - on a Disney Cruise.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

WDW Vacation Planning Printable (Etsy)

If your Disney fan is Type A - then they'll love this vacation planning bundle that makes the perfect digital gift!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Drinking Around the World Temporary Tattoo (Etsy)

For the Disney adult! Check out these fun Epcot Drinking Around The World Tattoos! Perfect for a stocking stuffer.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Countdown Sign (Etsy)

I love this cute sign to build excitement with a vacation countdown!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Hidden Mickey Book (Amazon)

Guests can find all of the hidden Mickey's at WDW with this complete guide book.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Disney Gift Card

Whether you order an actual gift card or do an e-gift card, there are so many designs to pick from! And they can use these at any park or Disney Cruise Line.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Galaxy's Edge: Traveler's Guide to Batuu

If you have a Star Wars fan visiting Batuu for the first time, this is the must-have guide.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Be a part of the magic with this interactive MagicBand+! It's not included with their park stay, and makes a great gift.

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How to Surprise Someone With a Trip to Disney for Christmas: Disney Surprise Letter

Get this free printable Disney surprise letter by top Disney blogger Marcie in Mommyland. Image of a letter from Mickey Mouse and fake tickets to Disneyland

Sharing is caring!

Are you looking for a cute way to surprise someone with a trip to Disney for Christmas? Keep scrolling to get this free printable Disney surprise letter that makes the perfect Christmas gift!

This printable surprise disney trip letter was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Are you looking for a unique gift idea this holiday season?

Christmas is the season of joy and cheer. And during the holiday season, what better way to express love and appreciation for your family than by giving them a special gift they’ll never forget?

By far the best gift anyone can give is the gift of great memories together. This year, plan a Disney vacation for your family and give them a magical experience filled with laughter, wonder, and memories that will last for a lifetime.

What better way to celebrate the holiday season than at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland in Anaheim?

Your family will thank you forever when they receive this special treat on Christmas morning because it’s guaranteed to make them smile big time!

Keep scrolling to get my printable Disney surprise letter that makes the ultimate Christmas gift for people who love Disney. And I’ve even included a few Disney surprise ideas to make it extra special!

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Disney Travel FAQs

You could totally create a surprise Disney trip scavenger hunt with clues having to do with Florida. Clues could be a map of Orlando, a Florida guidebook, glitter for pixie dust, and the final clue could be a little Mickey plush toy.

Walt Disney World is MASSIVE, which is why I recommend starting with Disneyland. However, you’ll probably want to visit the park that is geographically closer to where you live. This will make it cheaper. You might also check out which attractions you’re most interested in and figure out which park has them.

That’s a great question! One of the easiest ways to save money on a Disney trip is to travel in the off-season (when school is in session). That’s when you can get the best deals on Disney hotels. Otherwise, you can bring in your own food, find hotels that offer free breakfast, and get some Disney souvenirs on sale before your trip.

Surprise Disney Trip Reveal Ideas

If you’re looking for a way to make this Christmas one everybody will remember, take them on an unforgettable trip through Disney World or Disneyland.

Whether it’s their first time ever stepping foot into these parks and resorts in Florida or California–or if family members are frequent visitors themselves- there is plenty of fun ahead!

I have put together some ideas below (and links) so that you can start coming up with the perfect plan for surprising kids with a Disney trip.

Here are some ideas to help you surprise your family with a fabulous trip to Disney World or Disneyland this Christmas.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Wrap a large box with plenty of tissue paper to dig through and place this “ We’re going to Disney ” sign in the box.

You can even print the sign out for each person and have them unwrap their big gift all at the same time!

And if you’ve already planned the trip, then print out an optional copy of their itinerary so they know what’s coming next.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Print out the Disney “ tickets ” for each person and put them in their stockings as a special surprise. These tickets come with Disneyland or Disney World already printed on them, so they are perfect for both theme parks.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

Print out this letter from Mickey Mouse , roll it up and tie a pretty Christmas ribbon around it and hide it in the Christmas tree for a fun game of hot or cold. You could even “discover” it and have the kids read it to the family while you record the special moment.

Or you could give everyone in your family these printable Disney letters and tell them to open them at the same time.

surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

A gift bag filled with Disney-themed items for your trip like a water bottle, t-shirt, Mickey or Minnie ears with a printout of the letter, tickets, or sign is also a great way to announce the trip.

Give everyone in your family a Disney suitcase as a Christmas present. You could even fill it with matching family Disney shirts, coupons for everyone to pick a few attractions to add to the itinerary or Disney autograph books.

Start Planning Your Dream Disney Trip Today!

I hope these surprise Disney trip ideas have inspired you. No matter how you use this Disney vacation announcement printable, it’s sure to be a magical experience!

Love Star Wars and Mickey Mouse? You’ll definitely also want to download this Star Wars Ugly Christmas Sweater game to play, Mickey gingerbread man craft to make, and get this Disney Christmas Countdown printable !

Looking for more Disney travel resources? Find out how to plan a trip to Disneyland while pregnant , best Disneyland hotels for families, how to book a Disneyland photo shoot , Disneyland Princess Breakfast review , and how to save money at Disneyland .

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IMAGES

  1. Pin by Vanessa Clark on Disney!

    surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

  2. 5 ways to SURPRISE your kids on Christmas with a Disney vacation

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  3. How to Surprise Your Kids with a trip to Disney World on Christmas

    surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

  4. Surprise Disney Vacation! Our Disney trip reveal ⋆ Exploring Domesticity

    surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

  5. Pin by Katie Y on Road Trips & Travel

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  6. How To Surprise Your Kids With A Disney Trip for Christmas

    surprise disney trip ideas for christmas

VIDEO

  1. NEW 2023 Magic Kingdom Christmas Decorations Walkthrough at Night in 4K

  2. Surprise Trip to Disneyworld part 2

  3. Surprise Disney Trip Reveal

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  5. SURPRISING OUR KIDS WITH DISNEY WORLD TRIP!! UK FAMILY ~ CHRISTMAS 2021 AT DISNEY WORLD ORLANDO! OMG

  6. Surprise! We're Going To Disney World!

COMMENTS

  1. 15 Creative Ways To Reveal A Surprise Disney Trip

    Their reactions will be worth the wait! 5. Scavenger Hunt. For the adventurous person in your life, a scavenger hunt is a great way to reveal a Disney trip! Start with a small note in the house and lead to the backyard, garage, etc. until you finally reveal a clue that reveals the surprise!

  2. Best Christmas Ever

    Then progress towards more specific and revealing clues like Disney shirts or Magic Bands. The box-within-a-box technique is a lot of fun too. Wrap a series of boxes nested inside each other until they get to the surprise. Some ideas for the last box: Helium Mickey balloons that float out. A letter from Mickey. "Tickets" to Disney World.

  3. Surprise Disney Trip Reveal Ideas (And Free Printable!)

    Surprise Disney Trip Reveal Ideas. Here are 10 easy and really fun way to pull off a surprise Disney trip reveal! Disney Balloon In a Box. ... But we added a few small Christmas gifts that were Disney-themed to help them guess. One of them was a Mandalorian advent calendar. I snagged it on mega sale at the end of the holiday season, and had my ...

  4. 14 Ideas for Doing a Disney World Trip Reveal Surprise

    Mickey Balloons. This one works best if you are revealing the trip as part of a gift. It involves wrapping up a large box filled with some balloons, and some added magic is if the balloons are Mickey themed. When your family opens up the Disney World surprise box, the balloons will come flying out and you can include a message in the box (or ...

  5. Disney Trip Surprise Ideas

    8. Disney Cruise Fish Extender Surprise. If you are looking for a Disney Cruise surprise idea, incorporating the popular fish extenders into your Disney surprise reveal is a great idea. This also builds into the excitement leading up to the trip for kids as they prepare their gifts for trading.

  6. How To Surprise Your Child with a Disney Trip for Christmas

    Surprising your child with a Disney trip for Christmas involves careful planning and creative reveal ideas. Start planning your trip 6-12 months in advance, including booking a Disney Park Pass and Advanced Dining Reservations. For the surprise reveal, consider a Disney-themed advent calendar, a scavenger hunt, a Disney surprise box, a movie ...

  7. 10 Awesome Ways To Reveal A Surprise Disney World Trip

    Revealing the trip during family game night. Creating a surprise advent calendar. Mailing a letter of invitation from Mickey Mouse. Cooking a Disney-themed breakfast or dinner. Making custom Disney t-shirts. The dog collar reveal. Filling a suitcase with Disney merch. Concealing the trip until pulling up to the resort gates.

  8. 10 Fun Disney Reveal Ideas To Surprise Your Family

    Day 1 - Disney-themed scavenger hunt to find the advent calendars using these printable scavenger hunt cards. Day 2 - Letter from Elf and activity to draw themselves as a Disney Princess or superhero. Day 3 - Lily's birthday prank with a hint at a Disney vacation surprise and a badly wrapped box revealing there was no Disney trip inside.

  9. A Special Way To Reveal A Disney Vacation This Christmas

    Choose a reasonably clear area of the puzzle where you can write on it, and it will be easy to see. Now, it is time to leave your big reveal message. Something simple like "WE ARE GOING TO DISNEYLAND". If using a 100-piece puzzle, you want it to fit within 6 or 12 of the pieces. This will allow you to either reveal your writing over the ...

  10. 'We're Going to Disney!' How to Surprise Your Kids with a Disney Trip

    We're Going to Disney!' Ideas. Advent Calendar. Christmas time is when we break out the Advent calendar. If you're planning the big Christmas Day reveal, leaving 25 days' worth of clues can definitely build curiosity. ... Making a surprise trip to Disney can be a surprise in itself. Find a way to reveal the trip when they least expect it. Hang ...

  11. 8 Best Ways to Surprise Kids with Trip to Disney World

    Every year, we are flooded with YouTube videos from families who have surprised their kids with a trip to Disney for Christmas — whether it be Disneyland, Disney World or a Disney cruise.If you're thinking of giving your children that big surprise this year, we have some tips on how you can pull off the best surprise ever:

  12. Disney Surprise Ideas: How to Reveal the Magic

    Have your Elf on the Shelf display your children's MagicBands for the Disney Surprise. Photo: Christy Slavik. SheBuysTravel Tip: If you are giving the trip as a Christmas gift, consider waiting until January 1 to travel.The crowds in Walt Disney World and Disneyland are at an all-time high from Christmas morning through New Year's Eve. In my opinion, this is the worst time (crowd-wise) to ...

  13. Creative Ways to Reveal a Surprise Disney World Trip

    Box up Disney Balloons. A fun way to surprise your kids with a trip is by getting a big box, filling it with custom balloons (or store-bought Disney balloons), and then having them open the box to announce your trip. You can even put a sign on a balloon that says something like, you're going to Disney or write it on a card if the balloons don ...

  14. How to Surprise Your Kids on Christmas with a Trip to Disney World!

    This is a great idea! We want to tell our kids before Christmas, so they can help plan the Fast Passes, so we have modified it a bit. The day we decorate for Christmas, the gifts will magically show up under the tree (ages 9, 11 and 13). Here is how we plan to modify based on our personal travel: WHAT.

  15. Looking for a BIG Disney Vacation Reveal Idea? You'll LOVE this

    If so, here's a fun idea to help you reveal the BIG trip on Christmas Day: Alisha at Picture The Magic is here today to share her Disney themed Scavenger Hunt Printable with you. We are planning our first Disney Cruise in 2017 as part of Disney SMMC 2017: Disney Land and Sea. It is our first time on a cruise and really wanted to surprise the ...

  16. The Elf on the Shelf Disney Vacation Christmas Surprise

    30 Suggested Elf Poses (and Hints) Below is a list over 30 Elf on the Shelf poses/positions that would work well as "hints" for your Christmas surprise. I have broken them into two sections: Poses for ANY Disney vacation. Poses specifically for Disney Cruise. These ideas are for your inspiration and ideas.

  17. Ways to Surprise Kids with a Disney Trip

    Her reaction is one of my favorite videos ever and a moment neither of us will forget! 5. A Scavenger Hunt. I have heard of lots of people doing scavenger hunts at home before a Disney trip. I think it's such a fun way to get the whole family excited about the trip. You can find lots of cute options on Pinterest.

  18. 31 Gifts For Disney World Trip To Add More Magic

    If you need some ideas on when to give a gift for a Disney World traveler, here are some ideas: Christmas Gifts + Stocking Stuffers. Birthday Gift. Mother's or Father's Day. Mickey's Birthday (November 18) Spring Break. Hanukkah. On the road trip to WDW. Upon arrival at WDW resort hotel `.

  19. Printable Disney Surprise Letter for Christmas

    Idea #3. Print out this letter from Mickey Mouse, roll it up and tie a pretty Christmas ribbon around it and hide it in the Christmas tree for a fun game of hot or cold. You could even "discover" it and have the kids read it to the family while you record the special moment. Or you could give everyone in your family these printable Disney ...

  20. Free Printable Surprise Christmas Disney Tickets For Your Family Trip

    Here is the sign up to receive the link to the Canva Template to edit and download your free printable Disney World or Disney Land Tickets. Simply add your name and a valid email address and you'll be sent to the Canva site with the option to edit your tickets. Choose which template you'd like and edit the name, date, message, place, and ...

  21. How to Give a Disney Trip for Christmas

    It is quick and practically free! Start by downloading the "Disney Vacation Ticket Surprise" template. There are two sides to the ticket, so be sure to download the front HERE and the back HERE. Print the first side onto cardstock paper. The ticket prints up better if the paper has a little bit of heft to it.

  22. How to Surprise Your Kids with a Trip to Walt Disney World

    Order a cake from a local bakery. Ask them to decorate it with a "We're going to Disney World" message. Ask the department store Santa to break the news. Spell out the reveal with refrigerator magnets. Write a "We're Going to Disney World" message in soap on their bathroom mirror.

  23. Surprise! You're Going to Disney! Trip Reveal Ideas

    Dec 5, 2019 - Ideas to surprise the kids/family with Disney Trip!. See more ideas about disney trips, disney surprise, disney vacations.