We're Going to Disney World- A Surprise Scavenger Hunt

Yes, it's a dream come true for us! I have heard the countless and exciting stories from everyone who has made a trip to Disney World. My husband went to Disney World when he was younger, but I have never even been to Florida. Of course, my three children have not experienced the "World" yet either. My husband and I started talking about going, and then we took the plunge in December. We booked our hotel and flight. Fortunately, we were able to use points that we had earned for the hotel. Because we were booking well ahead of time we were able to get great flight times and routes to Orlando and back.
It was a bit torturous not to tell our children right away...for us, at least. But, we did not want to tell them the news and then make them wait and wait for months. We did, however, want to get them prepared for the trip and help in some of the planning process. So on Easter we gave them a surprise they would not forget!

How We Told Our Children

After we went to Sunday mass, opened Easter baskets, and searched for Easter eggs in our back yard, my husband took our kids for a nice, long walk. I placed eggs and clues throughout the house. Each clue would lead to the next clue and egg. In each egg there were alphabet letters that they would have to unscramble at the end of their scavenger hunt.
The kids were greeted back with a letter telling them how proud we were of all of them. It also explained that as an extra special treat they were going to go on a scavenger hunt around the house.
My kids had no clue that Disney World was even being considered by mom and dad.

We took videos and pictures of their hunt and their reactions. I cannot even explain how happy we were to tell them and how ecstatic they were when they realized where they were going this summer. My six year-old kept "fainting" afterward. It was quite funny to watch them jump up and down, and see the giddiness that followed.

Though I am sure it would have been an awesome surprise to tell them the morning we were leaving on our flight, I am glad we chose to do it ahead of time. Not too early and not too late. They have had time to plan what they want to wear and pack, get even more excited and countdown the days until the trip, research and read about the rides and adventures that they want to experience, and watch lots of Disney movies!

P.S. I know I am a month overdue with this post, but I cannot tell you how busy we have been since then..Disney and many other events have taken over our life. Haha! More Disney fun to come!

Travel Activities for Kids

Are you traveling during this holiday season? More importantly, are there kids in your traveling future? Today I am sharing some of our own ideas on how we keep our children entertained for those long car rides.

First, decide how and where you will put all their junk toys and activities.

These carriers have worked best for us:

• Backpacks-Child-size (backpacks work well if you will be walking a lot on your trip or if you are traveling by plane)
• Reusable Grocery bags (these sit nicely on an empty seat next to them or at their feet for easy access)
• Drawstring or zipper close bags (I liked using these when the kids were smaller. They had just a few small toys that they could carry around and often pack themselves.)
• Easy-to-open storage containers (like a plastic shoe box container or a small container with latches and a handle)

When choosing items to pack for your child remember their interests and don’t forget their favorite toys. But, also set aside toys, books, and travel activities that are reserved solely for road trips and time away from home. They will be like “new” toys for them and hopefully, will keep their interest longer.

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Find age-appropriate activities for each child ahead of time and pack them in their individual bags.

For your Baby:

• Board books, touch-and-feel books
• Teethers, baby rings and chains
• Rattles and other favorite baby toys
• Any toy that squeaks, rattles, or makes noises (great distracters)
• Pacifiers or anything that soothes your baby
• Baby essentials, bottles, and snacks

For your Toddler or  Preschooler:

• Board books, Busy books, touch-and-feel books
• Favorite stuffed animal or lovie
• Mini-photo albums (my little ones loved flipping through photo books and seeing familiar faces)
• Stickers and paper (foam stickers work well, too)
• Crayons, washable markers, coloring books
• a travel lap desk, clipboard, or flat tray for coloring/writing
• Magna-Doodle
• Magnetic dolls, magnetic letters, and a magnetic cookie tray
• Sewing Shapes
• Small dolls or toy cars (put in a drawstring bag or Ziploc bag to keep together)
• Small flannel board or felt piece with storytelling flannel pieces
• Dry-erase board with dry-erase markers

For your Older Child:

• Picture books and Chapter books, bookmarks

• Crayons, markers, colored pencils, papers
• Etch-a-Sketch
• Travel games (travel board games, peg board games, and magnetic games)
• Go Fish and other card games
• Wikki-Stix, Bendables, and pipe cleaners (to make different shapes and “building”)
• Magnetic paper dolls, magnetic words, and a magnetic cookie tray or board
• “I Spy” books, “How to Draw” books
• Coloring and Activity books

Electronics:

• Leap Pad, Leapster, or other learning game
• IPAD, IPOD (with downloaded Apps for children)
• DVD’s and Media or DVD player (pack children’s shows and animated movies that they have never seen or haven’t seen in awhile)
• DS or other handheld games (We don’t have these, but I know they are popular with other families!)

* *Don’t forget the extra games, batteries, and chargers

Other:

• Travel Pillow and Blanket
• Lovies or favorite toy
• Snacks and water, handwipes
• Tissues
• Trashbag or canvas bag (to hang from the seats for trash along the way)
• Puzzles, play-doh/mat, and other toys for hotel rooms
• Frisbee, jump rope, small ball, or other outside toy for rest stops

These are just a few ways to keep your sanity during the busy travel season. Have a safe and happy trip!