There’s nothing more exciting than gifting your kids an unforgettable Disneyland trip, especially for Christmas! We did this last year and it was so fun. A few notes before I share the Disneyland trip reveal ideas…
Before the Reveal
- First, be sure to have your camera ready. You’ll want to capture the reaction.
- Second, if you want them to be SO excited, think about doing the trip reveal first-thing on Christmas morning.
- Third, temper your expectations (just a little). Keep reading to find out why… 😉
My Trip Reveal Experience
We gave our kids a Disneyland trip for Christmas last year. They had been two years prior and our then 5-year-old loved it, and talked about it regularly over the next two years. I “knew” he would know exactly where we were going and would jump up and down with glee, hugging me, with tears in his eyes. I spent 6 months planning the trip, spreadsheeting my heart out to craft the perfect trip. (At one time I held four different hotel reservations while I figured out which one would be perfect for us – I know, it’s a lot – but that research deep-dive is what led me to become a travel agent specializing in Disney!)
It came to trip reveal day (aka Christmas morning), we opened all of our presents (most of which were Disney-themed items in prep for the trip) and then it was time for the “big” one! I arranged the kids behind the box with the tree in the background, my husband had my phone ready for a video (I had told him to keep filming longer than he thought he needed to, you know, to capture all the tears and magic). Then kids opened the box, giant Minnie and Mickey-shaped balloons floated out with “You’re going to Disneyland” cards attached, and… they had no idea what was happening… They looked at me and said, “yay, big balloons!”
Once they figured it out, they were SO excited, but I was certain these kids would know what was happening the moment they saw THE mouse. So just be prepared, and don’t hype yourself up too much… Hindsight, I would’ve done this first, or later in the day, separate from any other presents (I have no idea how all the Mickey and Minnie outfits didn’t tip them off!)
So, on to ideas for making the perfect trip reveal for your kids…
1. Create a Custom Disneyland Ticket Reveal
What better way to surprise your kids than handing them a “real” Disneyland ticket? Kids love feeling like they have the same tickets adults get, and with my customizable Disneyland ticket templates, you can make it personal with your child’s name and departure date, then easily print them off at home (perfect for the present Christmas Eve scramble).
How to Set It Up:
- Place the tickets in a Christmas stocking so they pull it out first thing in the morning.
- Tuck it under the Christmas tree as a “last-minute” present that they open after the rest of the gifts.
- Include a Disneyland map or Mickey ears in the same package to give them more clues about their big surprise.
2. Countdown Calendar Reveal
A countdown calendar is a great way to keep the excitement alive from Christmas morning all the way to the day of your trip. Kids love tracking the days, and it makes the waiting process feel like part of the fun.
I’ve found Disneyland countdown printable signs are easy to print and use. We like to slide them into a frame with glass, or one of those plastic sign holders and use a dry-erase marker to update the days left. Bonus: it helps the kids work on their penmanship and counting!
Ideas for a Countdown Reveal:
- Put the countdown in their advent calendar: Instead of candy or trinkets, let them open a note revealing “We’re going to Disneyland!”
- Hang the countdown on the wall and wrap it as a gift with the first date already circled.
This reveal builds excitement every day leading up to your magical vacation!
3. Disneyland-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Turn your trip reveal into a fun scavenger hunt with clues that lead your kids to the final surprise—Disneyland! This is an exciting way to keep them guessing and make the experience interactive.
How to Plan the Scavenger Hunt:
- Write a series of clues that mention their favorite Disney characters or Disneyland rides.
- Leave small Disney-themed prizes (like a plush toy or Mickey ears) with each clue to build excitement.
- Use the final clue to reveal the surprise: It could lead them to a wrapped gift containing their Disneyland tickets or a countdown printable.
This is a perfect opportunity to incorporate our Disneyland ticket templates at the end of the scavenger hunt!
4. Video Message from Mickey or Santa
Why not let Mickey or Santa himself announce the surprise? You can create a personalized video message using apps like Cameo or record your own fun message with a friend dressed up as Santa.
How to Deliver the Video Message:
- Have your kids watch the video on Christmas morning.
- Wrap the video link in a small box, along with Disney-themed accessories, like Mickey ears or autograph books.
- Record their reaction—it’s a memory you’ll want to treasure!
Pair the video reveal with a Disneyland countdown printable for the days leading up to the trip.
5. Disney Pajamas and Suitcase Surprise
Another simple yet exciting idea is to gift your kids Disney-themed pajamas or a new suitcase filled with items they’ll need for the trip. The idea is to let them slowly put the pieces together until they realize they’re going to Disneyland.
How to Pull It Off:
- Wrap the suitcase or pajamas with a note inside that says, “Pack your bags—we’re going to Disneyland!”
- Include a set of Disneyland tickets from my Etsy shop to complete the surprise.
- Add a few Disney-themed travel essentials like sunglasses, Disney autograph books, or Disney pins.
This reveal adds a practical element to the surprise while still being lots of fun!
6. Disney Christmas Morning Balloon Drop
For a festive and dramatic reveal, try a balloon drop! Fill balloons with confetti and small notes saying “We’re going to Disneyland!” and let the kids pop them on Christmas morning. I love this idea but have never tried it myself (if you do, let me know how it goes!)
How to Do It:
- Use Disney-themed balloons in red, green, and gold for a holiday touch.
- Fill the balloons with glitter or confetti, along with small notes or clues about the trip.
- Have the kids pop the balloons to discover the final message.
You can even slip a custom Disneyland ticket inside one of the balloons for the ultimate reveal!
Make the Disneyland Reveal Magical
There’s no better gift than the gift of family memories, and surprising your kids with a Disneyland trip for Christmas is the perfect way to create unforgettable moments. Whether you choose a scavenger hunt, a countdown calendar, or a balloon drop, the key is to make the reveal fun, personal, and filled with Disney magic.
I know you’re busy, so check out my Etsy shop for custom Disneyland tickets and countdown printables to help bring your reveal to life.
Ready to plan the perfect Disneyland trip? Check out my Disneyland vacation planning services for more tips, or browse my blog for more travel inspiration. Merry Christmas and happy travels! 🎄✨
Discover more from Best Day Ever Travel by Brittney
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
