Last year, after announcing our exciting trip to Disney World, I finally understood why so many parents choose to keep such plans under wraps until the last minute. It’s not merely for the joy of witnessing their children’s astonishment at the news that a dream adventure is just hours away. Nor is it about reliving their own childhood fantasies or trying to sprinkle a little enchantment into the mundane.
No, the real reason is far more practical: savvy parents want to avoid the relentless barrage of questions and pleas leading up to the trip. Picture the relentless “Are we there yet?” during a long car ride, and then amplify it by a thousand. Why would anyone willingly put themselves through that kind of torture?
This year, we decided to play it smart. In the weeks leading up to our trip, I discreetly sorted through last summer’s clothing to ensure the kids were prepared for the sweltering 90-degree heat. New sandals, swimwear, shorts, and sunscreen were gradually snuck into the house, all while keeping my little spies in the dark. I made hotel and dinner reservations while they were at school, and stowed away suitcases in the car while they slept peacefully upstairs.
The Big Reveal
The day of the reveal started like any other. “Get up!!” I yelled, “You’re going to be late for school!” I rushed breakfast down their throats and offered them a brief 15 minutes of TV time before we had to leave. Then, Jeff entered the room and we unveiled our meticulously crafted plan. “Do you guys really want to go to school today?” he asked. Lily was game, but the boys were less enthusiastic. “Well, I don’t want to go to work,” Jeff added.
“What if we could go somewhere awesome?” I chimed in. “Where?” they wondered.
“Roller skating!” Lily suggested.
“Bowling!” Ben declared.
Evan merely stared, confused about the sudden change in routine and missing his precious SpongeBob.
“Anywhere in the world, and you choose skating and bowling? Come on!”
“DISNEY!” Ben shouted, right on cue. Jeff and I exchanged proud smiles, anticipating our moment of glory as the ultimate parents.
“Okay!” we said, capturing their excitement. “Let’s go!!”
Unexpected Reactions
And that’s when everything went haywire.
Instead of the cheers we expected, we were met with scowls. “You’re lying,” Lily accused. “No way,” Ben pouted, while Evan wanted SpongeBob back.
“Guys! Check the trunk. Remember those flip-flops I had you try on? The new swimsuits? The sunscreen? We’re leaving now. SURPRISE!!!!!”
It took until we were en route to the airport for Lily and Evan to accept the reality of the situation, and Ben didn’t truly believe it until we passed through airport security. Good to know my kids aren’t the biggest fans of surprises!
At least Jeff and I avoided the alternative: an endless cycle of whining leading up to the trip. One morning of chaos was more than enough.
More Parenting Tips
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In summary, the joy of a surprise trip to Disney can sometimes turn into unexpected chaos, but with a little planning and discretion, parents can navigate the excitement without the typical pre-trip meltdowns.
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