Surprise Disneyland Trip Fails and How To Do it Right

Thinking about planning a surprise Disneyland trip for your kids? Before you hit record and reveal those Mickey ears, let’s talk about why surprise Disneyland trips often don’t go as planned and how to do one the right way.

This article was originally published in 2016. It is updated regularly so you always get the best, most up to date details.

Why Surprise Disneyland Trips Often Fail

You’re SO excited for your surprise Disneyland trip, right?!? And when you finally reveal the huge surprise you know the kids are going to be overjoyed with excitement! Right? 

Not always! Sometimes we get our kids’ reactions very wrong, especially when they don’t really know what to do with the information or their emotions. 

One year when our kids were little we decided to do a surprise Disneyland trip. We were in the car, almost to Anaheim. The kids thought we were just going to Build-A-Bear at Downtown Disney during one of our L.A. vacations.

But, our kids were playing detective. Wondering why the waitress at lunch was overly excited for us (she knew our secret), why Grandpa had brought their Mickey ears to lunch (he knew our secret) . . . it was all good though, We still got to reveal the secret Disneyland trip!

Ok guys! We’re going to Build-A-Bear and then we’re going to spend the night at our friend’s house because tomorrow we’re all going to Disneyland!

Their reaction: Silence. All three of them in the backseat. Saying nothing. 

Where was the hooting and hollering? Where were the excited screams? Not there. We just got some timid, embarrassed smiles and some, “Are we really Mom?” Sure it wasn’t a grand reveal but the reaction was a little underwhelming. 

Here’s why kids might not react well to a big Disneyland surprise:

• Kids need time to process big changes.
• Emotional overload can look like tears instead of joy.
• They know you’re expecting some type of reaction when the phone comes out to video.
• Expectations don’t always match reality.

Sometimes reactions turn out like these ones . . .

But at least we didn’t have tears . . .

Sometimes you get a combination of joy and sadness like this one . . .

YouTube is filled with surprise Disneyland trip fails. Kids are just very sensitive and emotional. It’s not something to mess with.

How to Plan a Successful Surprise Disneyland Trip

Because you know you really want to do that big surprise. I for one, would love a Disney surprise trip. Or any surprise vacation.

Here’s my ultimate list of making your surprise work for your family.

Don’t Lie About Your Plans

Do not create a false story to cover up your surprise Disneyland trip. We teach our kids to tell the truth, and then we lie to them. When you lie, kids have a hard time processing what is true and what isn’t when the actual trip. 

If you say you’re going on a long drive to Grandma’s, but then surprise them with a Disney trip, they will also expect to go to Grandma’s. And they’ll likely be very sad if they can’t see Grandma and go to Disneyland.

Reveal the Surprise In Advance

It’s still a surprise even when it’s a week or two before the trip. Don’t wait until you get on the plane. Don’t wait until the morning of when you wake them at 5:00 am to catch a plane or drive to Disneyland. They likely won’t process it the way you expect and want them to.

Skip the Video Reveal

I know, I know! You want to replay the reaction for years to come. Kids (adults too!) tend to get nervous when you’re videoing for what seems to be no apparent reason. I promise you’ll get tons of great family pictures at Disneyland. 

When you pull out your phone to video, they’re automatically on guard and suspicious. Kids also have a tendency to act differently when we’re recording them, be it very goofy and over-the-top, or shy and reserved.

I know you’re afraid you’ll miss the golden moments like those videos above.

Consider videoing them after they’ve had time to digest the surprise Disneyland trip. Get them comfortable and ask them to tell the camera about the surprise and what they’re hoping to do and see at Disneyland.

Surprise with Extras Instead

There are so many ways to make a Disneyland vacation extra magical whether it’s a meal with Disney characters, a princess makeover in Sleeping Beauty Castle or stay at one of these amazing water park hotels.

Disneyland Surprise Reveal Ideas for Kids

1. Disney Puzzle Reveal – Print out a custom puzzle that says “We’re Going to Disneyland!” and let the kids put it together piece by piece.

2. Treasure Hunt or Scavenger Hunt – Leave Disney-themed clues around the house leading to the big reveal (Mickey ears, or a stuffed Disney character holding a note).

3. Disney Themed Breakfast -Serve Mickey-shaped pancakes, Disney juice boxes, and top it off with a note under their plate saying, “Pack your bags—we’re going to Disneyland!”

4. Disney Countdown Calendar – Instead of a last-minute surprise, gift them a calendar with stickers. They’ll uncover “Disneyland Day” as they count down.

5. Magic Mail from Mickey or Minnie – Create a letter “mailed” from Disneyland characters inviting them to come visit. Bonus if you tuck in autograph books or lanyards.

6. Balloon Box Reveal – Open a big box filled with Disney-colored balloons (red, yellow, black). A sign inside says, “Surprise! We’re going to Disneyland!”

7. Character Video Message – Use Cameo or video editing to make it look like Mickey, Elsa, or another favorite character is inviting them to Disneyland.

8. Disney Movie Night Surprise – During a family movie night (Frozen, Moana, Toy Story, etc.), pause the film and switch to a slide or video that says, “Pack your bags—we’re going to Disneyland!”

9. Gift Basket Reveal – Present a basket with Disney shirts, autograph books, sunscreen, and ears. Add a note: “These are for your Disneyland adventure!”

10. Board Game or Card Reveal – Replace cards in Uno, Go Fish, or a family board game with one that says, “We’re going to Disneyland!”

11. School Pick-Up Surprise – Pick them up early from school wearing Mickey ears and holding a Disneyland sign.

12. Disney Playlist Clues – Play a Disney music playlist in the car or at home. End it with you announcing the surprise trip.

13. Disney Balloon Pop – Hide clues or the final reveal inside balloons. Kids have to pop them to discover the surprise.

14. Personalized T-Shirts – Gift them shirts that say “I’m Going to Disneyland!” and let them figure it out as they read it.

15. Digital Countdown App – Hand them a tablet or phone with a Disney trip countdown already running.

And don’t forget, grab your Disneyland discount tickets from our partner, Get Away Today before heading over to Disneyland Resort. With these prices, you’ll always pay less than buying direct from Disneyland itself.

Once the kids are in on the trip, let them help with the fun. Choosing favorite rides to go on, which food or restaurants sound the most delicious, which parades and shows they want to see. When we plan together it makes our trip so magical. I love hearing how excited my kids are as we pour over park maps and decide if the kids will be joining me on Guardians of the Galaxy this time or not.

Now that you’ve heard our rules for a successful Disneyland surprise, what are your thoughts? What did we miss? Are you ready to reveal your surprise Disneyland trip or will you just clue them in from the get-go?