Best time to reveal the surprise?

[nats1211]

Hey,

We are going back for our 2nd trip in October, currently this is a surprise for my son Charlie (8)

The reason for this trip is because Charlie lost his Daddy last year and my long term partner and I really wanted to do something for him as he’s done so well and we are just so proud of his maturity and how well he is done over the last year. He’s handled his grief in a way that’s astounded me. His capacity to face such pain yet still be so incredibly kind and compassionate to others is staggering.

After our last trip, Charlie has mentioned how much he’d love to go back and stay in a Disney hotel and so we’ve booked Coronado Springs for 10 days.
Initially I thought we would tell him the morning we go, but then I decided that could be too overwhelming so thought we’d tell him the weekend before.
I’m now thinking maybe I shouldn’t deprive him of the build up.

So when have you broken the news? Any suggestions on the best time to tell him?
Thanks in advance.

[Chrissie H]

I think about a week before would be nice and then he could enjoy the last minute build up and planning. I have watched a lot of travel day vlogs where children have been told on the travel day but a lot of them haven’t coped very well and got quite upset.

[Bianca]

Charlie sounds like a very special individual.

Especially since he's said he'd love to go back, I'd tell him a.s.a.p. so he - and you - can enjoy the build-up and planning together.

It sounds like it would be a boost for him knowing he's going, as well as getting involved in organising and anticipating what you'll do.

Have a fantastic trip.

[loves2plan]

We normally tell ours about 10-14 days before we go (they're now 16 and 18 and have no idea about our October trip that was booked last April). We've done it both ways - told them straight away and they've had the long wait, and kept it a surprise and told them nearer the time, and they've both told us they prefer the surprise. They have zero interest in planning, and when it's such a long time away, they don't enjoy the build up, they just feel the long wait. With 10-14 days they get really excited, can tell friends, go shopping, pack their bag etc. Every family is different though, so it's finding what works best for yours

[Michyloulou]

Ah, bless him. He sounds like a wonderful little boy.
I also think a week or 2 begore you go for the reveal - he might appreciate being included in the build-up, watching a few Youtube videos of rides etc & getting to pack his own carry-on.
As others have said, on-the-day reveals often don’t go to plan.

[TinselAngel]

Maybe tell him when you are getting ready to book fast passes? Then involve him in choosing what to book. He sounds like a lovely child and I’m sure he’s going to appreciate what you have done regardless of when you tell him. I just think FP time is a ‘natural‘ time to tell him, if you see what I mean.

[bluedave]

My children at a similar age loved the build up, the planning, the seeing what’s new etc so I’d be telling him sooner rather than later so he’s got something magical to look forward to. He’ll be able to have some input about the fastpasses you choose - and I think most children like to be involved in decision making to some extent.

[Bullpeppar]

I would agree with bluedave, tell him as early as possible to let him savour the excitement of the build up which will add to his enjoyment of the trip.

[saratogajan]

Whenever you tell him I’m sure you will pick the right time for him. I hope you have a wonderful time.
I took my niece and nephew (aged 9 and 12) 3 years ago for my sisters 50th present. Told them the night before at the Radisson at Manchester Airport then went for a TGI Fridays. They still talk about the surprise now as being the best day they’ve ever had.
My sister felt this was the best time for her children so went with that. X

[TC Devon]

Tell him when you can book ADRs and you can book and get excited together.
He sounds like a special little boy x