Last year, after announcing our impending trip to Disney World, I finally understood why many parents choose to keep such exciting news under wraps until the last minute. It’s not just about wanting to witness the sheer joy on their children’s faces when they learn that a magical adventure is just a few hours away. Nor is it because they wish they’d had such an experience as kids, or because they’re trying to sprinkle a little extra magic into their everyday lives.
Nope, it’s much simpler than that. Wise parents aim to avoid the endless nagging leading up to a Disney trip. Seriously, who wants to endure the relentless chorus of “Are we there yet?” that inevitably comes with a long car ride? Multiply that annoyance a trillion times, and you’ll see why many parents choose to keep their plans a secret.
This year, we decided to play it smart. For weeks, I secretly sifted through last summer’s wardrobe, preparing for the 90-degree weather ahead. New sandals, swimsuits, and sunscreen made their way into the house bit by bit, all while keeping my little detectives in the dark. I made hotel and dinner reservations while they were at school and stealthily loaded the car with suitcases while they slept blissfully above.
Yesterday morning started like any other. “Get up!!” I shouted, “You’re going to be late for school!!” I hurriedly shoved breakfast into their mouths and offered a mere 15 minutes of TV time before we had to leave. Then Jeff came in, and we unleashed our well-crafted plan. “Do you kids really feel like going to school today?” he asked. Lily was all in; the boys, not so much. “Well, I don’t want to go to work,” Jeff added.
“What if we could go somewhere else?” I chimed in. “Where?”
“Roller skating!” Lily exclaimed. “Bowling!” Ben added enthusiastically. Evan stared at us, confused, probably wishing he could return to SpongeBob.
“Anywhere in the world, and you choose skating and bowling? Seriously?!”
“DISNEY!” Ben shouted, just as we hoped he would. Jeff and I exchanged proud looks, ready for our moment of fame as the ultimate parents.
“Alright!” we beamed, capturing the moment on my phone. “Let’s go!!”
And that’s when our perfectly laid plan went awry. Instead of the cheers and joy we anticipated, we were met with skeptical scowls. “You’re lying,” Lily said flatly. “No way,” Ben pouted. Poor Evan just wanted SpongeBob back.
“Guys! Check the trunk! Remember those flip-flops I made you try on? The new swimsuits? The sunscreen we bought? 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. Ben, however, only accepted the truth once we passed through airport security. Good to know my kids aren’t exactly fans of surprises.
At least Jeff and I managed to dodge the constant whining that often accompanies such trips. One morning of that is more than enough!
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Summary
Keeping a trip to Disney World a secret can save parents from the incessant questions and nagging that often accompany such announcements. This article shares a humorous account of how one family pulled off a surprise Disney trip, highlighting the unexpected reactions from the kids and the joy of avoiding pre-trip whining.