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SUPER Cute Ways to Tell Your Kids You’re Going to Walt Disney World

A young child with curly hair, wearing a sleeveless shirt, stands excitedly next to a person in a Mickey Mouse costume. Behind them, there is a large castle with blue and gold accents, reminiscent of a fairy tale setting. Both appear to be at a theme park.
Credit: Disney Dining

Planning a Disney trip is an exciting experience filled with choices about dining, accommodations, and outfits. However, one of the most magical moments happens before you even leave—the moment you reveal the surprise to your family!

Whether you choose to announce it months in advance or moments before departure, making the big reveal special can create memories that last a lifetime.

Here’s how to craft the perfect Disney trip announcement.

When to Reveal the News

One of the first decisions to make is when to announce the trip.

Two main options are sharing the news well or surprising your family just before departure.

Announcing in Advance

Pros:

  • Builds excitement and anticipation.

  • Allows family members to be part of the planning process.

  • It gives kids time to prepare, pick activities, and shop for vacation essentials.

If your children love getting involved in planning and counting down the days, announcing early can add to the excitement.

They’ll enjoy helping choose Disney-themed outfits, making dining reservations, and creating a personalized itinerary.

A young girl in a red dress is joyfully interacting with Mickey Mouse in front of a castle at Disneyland. Despite the cheerful scene, whispers of a recent blackout float through the crowd, yet people continue to walk and smile under the clear skies and green trees.

Credit: Disney

Last-Minute Surprise

Pros:

  • It adds an element of surprise and spontaneity.

  • It avoids constant questioning about how long until the trip.

  • Keeps the trip a fun secret until the perfect reveal moment.

A surprise reveal may be easier to pull off for families with younger kids, especially if your children don’t suspect an upcoming vacation.

However, consider their personality—some kids might find a sudden announcement overwhelming, especially if they need time to prepare for travel mentally.

Creative Trip Announcement Ideas

Once you’ve decided when to share the news, it’s time to choose how to make the big reveal.

Here are some fun and memorable ways to announce a Disney trip:

1. Suitcase Surprise

Pack a suitcase with Disney-themed travel essentials—Minnie ears, themed t-shirts, autograph books, and MagicBands.

Let your kids open it, and watch their faces light up as they discover the trip’s destination!

2. Holiday or Birthday Reveal

If your trip is a gift, make it part of a special occasion.

Wrap up Disney-themed items like park tickets, a countdown calendar, or customized vacation shirts.

  • Christmas: Hide a note in a present under the tree that says, You’re going to Disney!

  • Birthday: Fill a gift box with Disney goodies and let the birthday child open it for the big reveal.

3. Balloon Surprise

Wrap a large box filled with helium Disney-themed balloons.

When your child opens it, the balloons float out with a sign that says, Pack your bags—we’re going to Disney!

You can find custom balloons online or write your message on them.

A cluster of colorful balloons floats against a bright, sunny sky. The balloons are inside clear outer balloons with vibrant designs, including flowers, butterflies, and cartoon faces, creating a whimsical and joyful scene. In the background, you can slightly see trees as a dad refuses to take his daughter to Disney.

Credit: Disney

4. Scavenger Hunt

Create a series of clues leading your family to the big surprise.

The final clue could reveal a Disney vacation countdown, park tickets, or even a Mickey plush with a letter announcing the trip.

You can customize this based on your child’s age—shorter hunts for younger kids and more complex riddles for older ones.

5. Parent-created letter from Mickey

Nothing beats a personal invitation from Mickey Mouse himself!

Create or print a letter “sent” from Mickey inviting your child to visit the parks.

Parents can design and personalize these letters to make them extra special.

6. Disney-Themed Dinner Reveal

Plan a Disney-inspired meal at home if your kids already associate certain foods with Disney (like Dole Whips or Mickey Waffles).

Use themed recipes and decorate the dining table with Disney decorations.

After dessert, reveal the big surprise!

7. Puzzle Piece Reveal

Create a custom puzzle that, when completed, spells out We’re Going to Disney!

You can order personalized puzzles online or make one by writing your message on a blank puzzle board and having your kids assemble the pieces.

8. Disney Countdown Calendar

Surprise your kids with a Disney-themed countdown calendar that starts today!

This works great for early reveals.

Each day, they get to remove a piece of paper or open a tiny gift related to the trip.

A family of four, consisting of two adults and two children, poses for a photo in front of a castle at a themed amusement park. The woman wears Minnie Mouse ears with a bow, and they all smile happily while hugging each other.

Credit: Disney

Capture the Magic

No matter how you reveal the trip, capture the reactions!

Record a video or take pictures of your family’s excitement—you’ll love looking back on their surprise and joy.

Remember:

  • Some children, especially those who have never been, may not react with the excitement you expect.

  • That’s okay! Their excitement will grow as they learn more about the magic that awaits them.

  • Make the reveal interactive and suited to your family’s personality.

  • Whether it’s a grand gesture or a simple, heartfelt moment, the goal is to create lasting memories.

Planning a Disney trip is exciting, but revealing the surprise can be just as magical.

Whether you choose an elaborate scavenger hunt or a simple letter from Mickey, the joy of sharing this experience with your family is something you’ll never forget.

Happy planning, and enjoy your magical adventure!

About Mike Ramirez

Mike Ramirez is a theme park fan born and raised in Mexico City. From a young age he's loved to learn all there is to know about the history of the Disney parks and rides. Whether it’s riding The Haunted Mansion, geeking out over the MCU, or singing along to show tunes, he's all about celebrating the magic of storytelling and imagination.

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