Last year, when I revealed our imminent trip to a renowned theme park, I grasped why many parents choose to keep such thrilling news under wraps. It’s not merely to witness the astonishment on their children’s faces when they learn that the adventure they’ve been dreaming of is just hours away. Nor is it a nostalgic yearning for experiences they missed out on as children, or a desire to sprinkle a little magic into their routine lives.
The truth is simpler: savvy parents want to avoid the incessant questioning that often accompanies the anticipation of a Disney trip. Imagine the relentless chorus of “Are we there yet?” during a lengthy car ride—now multiply that by a factor of one thousand. Who would voluntarily sign up for that?
This year, we took a more strategic approach. In the weeks leading up to our departure, I quietly sorted through last summer’s clothing to determine what the kids would need to combat the 90-degree heat. New flip-flops, swimsuits, shorts, and sunscreen gradually found their way into our home, all while keeping the children blissfully unaware. I secured hotel and dining reservations while they were at school, and even packed the suitcases in the car one night while they slept soundly upstairs.
The morning of our surprise started like any other. “Time to get up!” I called out. “You’ll be late for school!” I hurried them through breakfast and offered a brief 15 minutes of TV before we left, emphasizing the urgency. Then, my partner, Mark, entered the room, and we initiated the surprise we had been carefully orchestrating. “How about school today?” he asked. Lily was eager to go, but the boys were less enthusiastic. “I don’t want to go to work,” Mark replied playfully.
“What if we could go somewhere exciting instead?” I interjected. “Where to?” they wondered. “Roller skating!” shouted Lily, while Ben suggested bowling. Evan simply stared, puzzled about why he had to stop watching his favorite show early.
“Anywhere in the world, and you choose skating and bowling?” I teased. “How about DISNEY?” Ben exclaimed, and Mark and I straightened up, ready for the triumphant moment of being the best parents ever.
“Alright!” we grinned, capturing their reactions on video. “Let’s get going!”
However, instead of the joyous celebration we anticipated, we were met with skepticism. “You’re joking,” Lily asserted. “No way,” pouted Ben. Evan just wanted his show back.
“Guys! Check the trunk! Remember those flip-flops I made you try on? The new swimsuits? The sunscreen? We’re leaving now. SURPRISE!”
It wasn’t until we were en route to the airport that Lily and Evan began to believe it was real, while Ben remained unconvinced until we passed through airport security. It seems my children are not particularly fond of surprises.
At least Mark and I sidestepped the alternative of relentless whining in the days leading up to our trip. One morning of that was more than enough!
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In summary, planning a surprise trip can alleviate the stress of constant questioning from children. The right preparation ensures that the excitement unfolds smoothly, making for a memorable experience for the entire family.