A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was planning to take my kids to Disney World for the first time, and I was looking for some advice from some of you more experienced peeps who have been there before. Well, this past weekend, we finally broke the news to the kiddos that we were going. And we did it like this:
That’s right . . . it was a scavenger hunt!! The boys had to go around to different rooms, collecting gifts (one for each, in 4 different rooms), until they had them all and could go to the final room. I had also attached 6 little cards to the presents with a letter on each. Those 6 little letters would eventually spell out the final destination for our trip.
And so it began . . .
The first stop was THE PLAYROOM!
In case you couldn’t figure that one out . . . it’s THE BATHROOM.
Next stop . . . THE OFFICE.
Pretty obvious that this spot is THE KITCHEN.
Our last stop was THE LIVING ROOM (where we began our journey). Then, the boys had to take all the little cards attached to the gifts, each with one letter printed on it, and unscramble it to discover what word those letters spelled out. I was actually surprised at how long it took my oldest to figure it out, as he is very bright and can do crazy math problems in his head. I figured those 6 little letters wouldn’t stand a chance. But he struggled for a while, and my youngest just kept asking, “can we open our presents now?” So, even though my son doesn’t get my math idiocy (thankfully), he did inherit my inability to see the solution to scrambled words. It’s one of my very distinct weaknesses. I just can’t see it. It is so frustrating. And apparently, I passed this down to my son. Sorry, kid.
Finally though, with just a little help from his dad and me, he finally figured it out.
And that’s when we told them we would be going to Disney World in 3 weeks for their spring break. And then there was much excitement and cheering. And present opening, of course.
Now I have to start the overwhelming process of planning all of the details of this whole trip. Oy vey.
Wish me luck!!
Misty's Laws 
Mar 12, 2013 @ 08:49:35
I think you just might be the best mom in the entire world!!!
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:27:35
Cool. Then I’ve finally reached my goal. I can retire now. Phew, just in time . . . I’m freaking exhausted!! 😉
Mar 12, 2013 @ 09:11:30
That is awesome! I am a lazy mom and would never think of doing something so creative, but this is amazing. Would have loved to see the reaction of the kiddos.
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:28:12
I got my ideas from YouTube. The kids were super excited!!
Mar 12, 2013 @ 09:16:31
Oh my gosh, I have to send Babs over here. Not only is she planning an Easter Disney trip reveal for my niece and nephew (she mentioned she commented on your other post), but this gift wrapping / clue paper mounting would make her weep with pride! In fact… I might need a tissue. Can I have some of that perfectly ‘poofed’ tissue paper?
You’re going to have SO MUCH fun. And if you ever need help with a word scramble, I’m your R-L-G-I.
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:29:27
Poofing is indeed my specialty. Crafting . . . not so much. But this was a special occasion.
You had me up until those scrambled letters. You’re my LIRG?
Mar 12, 2013 @ 09:35:46
wow what a lovely thing to do for your kids!!!
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:29:34
Thanks!
Mar 12, 2013 @ 09:49:39
This is so cool! What a perfect reveal. Nice work, Mom! Also, I would like to play you in Scramble with friends please.
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:30:04
Thanks!
Oh, sure, that sound like fu . . . wait a minute!! :p
Mar 12, 2013 @ 11:20:22
Awesome!
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:30:14
Thanks!
Mar 12, 2013 @ 13:39:40
My husband started having scavenger hunts to find Christmas presents when my step-sons were little boys. He STILL does it every year! And they are 32, 30, and 28!!! They love it and look forward to finding their presents to this day…
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:30:54
Ha! That’s awesome. This was my first scavenger hunt, but they seemed to enjoy it. I might have to revisit in the future.
Mar 12, 2013 @ 17:37:27
whoa. Kudos to your perfectly crafted clue cards. I’m egg-cited to develop clues for my reveal during the grans Easter Egg hunt. (ug, sorry.) There’s so much planning to do – maybe I’ll leave that to Jules. I’m sure she has pixie dust somewhere and will magically organize the trip. Have a Wonderful time!
bbsa
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:31:42
Jules will handle everything! She already told me she is totally on it. I think she might even have a Tinkerbelle outfit somewhere. 😉
Mar 12, 2013 @ 18:03:31
Well done, Mom and Dad! Looks like you guys are ALREADY having a blast. 🙂
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:31:56
So far, so good! 😉
Mar 12, 2013 @ 19:20:44
That is so cute! Best parents ever – scavenger hunts are awesome!
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:32:03
Thanks!
Mar 12, 2013 @ 22:08:58
Omg!! That is the sweetest most fun thing ever!! I want Eddie to take me on a surprise vaca just like this!! I’ll tell him you said it was ok. ;0)
Hugs!
Valerie
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:32:31
Not only do I say it’s ok, I demand it!! You deserve it. 🙂
Mar 13, 2013 @ 00:09:00
wow- that was so much fun! I want to go, too!
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:33:24
Sure! I need an extra set of hands to wrangle my wee ones. Pack your bags!! (And buy a plane ticket, tickets to the park, hotel room . . . ). 🙂
Mar 13, 2013 @ 00:59:03
That sounds like so much fun.
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:33:35
They seemed to enjoy it.
Mar 13, 2013 @ 07:31:55
I suspect you might just win the coolest and best mom ever. This was the most fun!
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:33:57
Oh wow, is there a trophy? Bitches love trophies.
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:51:46
Well, if there isn’t there should be and if there is you would certainly win.
Mar 13, 2013 @ 09:00:15
I might be going to Disney at the end of April. Can you surprise me the same way?
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:34:36
Sure. Just read this post again right before your trip.
SURPRISE!!
Mar 13, 2013 @ 13:55:44
I would have thought that was the most awesome thing in the world when I was a kid, nicely done!
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:34:48
Thanks!
Mar 13, 2013 @ 14:22:11
This is great. If I ever get to the point when I can bring children to Disney, I hope I remember this.
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:35:27
You mean you don’t commit to eternal memory every single post I’ve ever written? Weird.
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:50:26
Oh, I do, but who knows how well my memory will hold up as I age.
Mar 13, 2013 @ 16:38:54
You are the best mom. I bet they’ll cherish this vacation always. Have a great time!
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:35:51
I hope so. It may kill ME, but I hope they have fun! 😉
Mar 13, 2013 @ 23:19:59
Such an amazing reveal! You win Mommy-of-the-Year award! Now, can you adopt me? I’ve already been adopted once, so I know the drill 🙂 But seriously, I’m a Disney freak. I haven’t traveled with kids, but have been there every couple years or so as an adult. Reach out if you need to…
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:36:33
I think I’m pretty good for now. I’ve planned within an inch of my life. Shhh, don’t tell the hubs . . .
Mar 14, 2013 @ 01:56:33
Well, everyone else has already said this, but seriously, how awesome are you?
You are one thoughtful momma!
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:37:01
It’s ok, I can probably hear it again. My head won’t get TOO swelled. 😉
Mar 20, 2013 @ 13:02:23
THAT IS SO COOL! Man, even if someone did that for me today I would be beside myself.
Mar 22, 2013 @ 16:37:40
Well, there is talk of me being the coolest mom ever, so there is that. I think I might be getting a trophy. 😉