Last year, after announcing our exciting plans for a trip to Disney World, I discovered why many parents choose to keep such news under wraps until the last moment. It’s not about reliving their own childhood dreams or wanting to witness their children’s astonished reactions. Rather, it’s a strategic move to avoid the endless barrage of questions and whining that inevitably precedes a visit to the happiest place on earth.
If you haven’t been through it yet, picture the relentless “are we there yet?” echoing through the car during a long journey. Now, multiply that by a thousand. Who in their right mind would willingly subject themselves to that torture?
This year, we decided to be smarter about it. In the weeks leading up to our trip, I discreetly sorted through last summer’s clothes to ensure my kids were prepared for the sweltering 90-degree heat. New sandals, bathing suits, shorts, and sunscreen gradually made their way into the house without raising any suspicions. I made hotel and dining reservations while the kids were at school, and packed the suitcases into the car under the cover of night while they slept upstairs, completely unaware.
The big day arrived, and it started like any other morning. “Wake up!!” I called out, “You’re going to miss school!” I rushed breakfast into them and offered a mere 15 minutes of TV time before we had to leave. Then, my partner, Ryan, entered the room, and we revealed our carefully crafted plan, which had been in the works for months. “So, do you guys really want to go to school today?” he asked. Lily was all for it, but the boys were less enthusiastic. “I don’t want to go to work,” Ryan added.
“What if we could go somewhere even more exciting?” I chimed in. “Where?” they asked, intrigued. “Roller skating!” Lily exclaimed. “Bowling!” Ben suggested. Evan just stared, confused about the unexpected interruption to his beloved SpongeBob SquarePants.
“Anywhere in the world, and you pick skating and bowling? Really?” I prodded. “DISNEY!” Ben shouted, perfectly on cue. Ryan and I straightened up, mentally preparing for our moment of parental glory.
“Okay!” we grinned as I documented the unfolding excitement. “Let’s go!!” But instead of the cheers we anticipated, we were met with skeptical frowns. “You’re joking,” Lily said, narrowing her eyes. “No way,” Ben pouted. Evan merely wanted his cartoon back.
“Guys! Go check the trunk! Remember those flip-flops I had you try on? The new swimsuits? The sunscreen we packed? We’re leaving now. SURPRISE!!!!!” It took until we were en route to the airport for Lily and Evan to finally grasp that this was real, while Ben remained a non-believer until we cleared airport security.
At least Ryan and I dodged the relentless whining that would have plagued us in the lead-up to the trip. One morning of chaos was enough!
In conclusion, keeping a Disney trip a secret can be a clever way to avoid non-stop questions and keep the excitement for the big reveal. For more insights on family planning, consider checking out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. In addition, understanding health topics such as insulin resistance can be beneficial, as discussed here.