We’re Going to Disney! Fun & Creative Ways to Break the Big News

Surprise! We're going to Disney! puzzle. Photo from Etsy seller CrochetedChari.

So, you’ve finally done it. You’ve booked a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth, and now you have the power—the power to drop the biggest, happiest surprise bomb on your kids, your partner, or even your unsuspecting parents. But how do you break the news in a way that’s as exciting as the trip itself? Fear not, fellow Disney dreamer! Here are some fun, creative, and downright magical ways to announce your Disney vacation!

1. The Classic Gift Box Reveal- Fill a box with Disney-themed goodies—Mickey ears, park maps, a countdown calendar, and a note that says, “We’re going to Disney!” Bonus points if you record their reaction because trust me, happy tears are priceless.

Surprise We Are Going to Disney reveal box. Photo from Etsy seller InfinteCollectLLC.

2. The Mickey Balloon Surprise- Wrap a large box and fill it with Mickey-shaped balloons. When they open the box, the balloons will float out, revealing a note or banner that says, “We’re going to Disney!” This is an especially magical way to surprise younger kids who will love the dramatic reveal.

Mickey Balloon Surprise box. Photo from Etsy seller TarasWonderWorld.

3. The Disney Movie Night Twist 🎬 Plan a cozy Disney movie night and pick a film set in a Disney park (like The Happiest Millionaire or The Parent Trap). Hand out Disney-themed snacks and subtly slip in tickets, a Disney gift card, or a note revealing the big surprise. When the credits roll, BOOM—dreams come true!

Princess and the Frog Movie Night Surprise. Photo by Lifeisaparty.ca

4. The Scavenger Hunt Adventure- This one takes a little effort, but the payoff is magical. Leave clues around the house, each one leading to the next, with the final clue revealing the big news. Imagine the excitement as they piece it all together—especially if you end the hunt with Disney-themed balloons or a suitcase packed for their adventure!

Surprise! We are going to Disney Scavenger Hunt. Photo from Etsy seller, LaurelJamesPrints

5. The Countdown Calendar Build-Up- Start a countdown calendar a few weeks before your trip, but don’t reveal the destination. Each day, let your family open a small envelope with a clue about where they’re going. On the final day, the last envelope will announce, “Surprise! We’re going to Disney!”

We are going to Disney Countdown Calendar Stickers. Photo from Etsy Seller, BirdsFlyStudios

We are going to Disney Countdown Calendar Block Set. Photo from Etsy seller UtterlyInspired

Surprise! We are going to Disney Countdown Chain. Photo from Etsy Seller Playingwithplaydough

6. The Fake Chore List Trick- Tell your kids they have some ‘important’ tasks to do and hand them a list with increasingly suspicious chores like:

• Clean your room.

• Take out the trash.

• Scream as loud as you can because we’re going to Disney!
  Watch as their confusion turns into sheer joy.

Disney princess editable Chore Chart. Photo from Etsy seller EZPartyPrints

7. The “Oops, I Left Something in the Fridge” Approach- Slip a note or Disney tickets inside a lunchbox, cereal box, or even the fridge. Imagine their surprise when they go to grab some milk and instead find a letter saying, “Pack your bags—we’re going to Disney!” Bonus points if you hide Mickey-shaped clues leading up to it.

Surprise we are going to Disney sign and banner hanging inside home refrigerator.

8. The Customized Disney Shirt Reveal- Gift your family members matching t-shirts with “I’m going to Disney!” printed on them. Have them open the shirts at the same time and wait for the excited screams to follow.

Custom family "I'm going to Disney!" t-shirts. Photo from Etsy seller Magicalfamilyshirt

9. The Personalized Family 'We’re Going to Disney' Video- Create a special video featuring clips and photos of your family’s favorite Disney moments—past trips, favorite characters, or just excitement for Disney in general. End the video with a big reveal: 'Surprise! We’re going to Disney!' Play it during a family movie night or over dinner for a heartwarming and unforgettable moment.

Personalized family Disney vacation video reveal. Photo from Etsy seller WithloveCW

10. The “We’re Late for Our Flight” Prank- This one is next-level, but so worth it. Pack their bags in secret, then wake them up saying, “Hurry! We’re late for our trip!” Watch the confusion melt into excitement when they realize where they’re actually going.

Mickey Mouse's luggage is packed, and he is ready to go. Photo from Disneyaddicts.com

11. The Magic Mail Delivery- Send your kids or partner a letter “from Mickey” himself, inviting them on a magical adventure. A little pixie dust (a.k.a. glitter) in the envelope makes it extra special.

Surprise Disney trip letters from Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Photo from Etsy seller ItsAMagicalDayCo

12. The “Normal Day Gone Disney” Surprise- Act like it’s just another ordinary day—school, work, errands—and then, instead of heading to school or the office, drive straight to the airport or Disney itself! Imagine their faces when they realize what’s happening in real time. Pure magic.

Entrance gates to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Photo by Vistapointe.com

13. The Disney Puzzle Surprise- Get a custom puzzle made featuring an image of the Disney Parks with the words "We’re going to Disney!" imprinted on it. Hand out the pieces and have everyone work together to assemble it. As the picture comes together, so does the magical realization of where you’re headed!

Surprise we are going to Disney puzzle. Photo from Etsy seller CrochetedChari

14. The Romantic Disney Date Reveal- Want to surprise your significant other with a day at Disney? Plan a romantic dinner at home, complete with candles, Disney music, and their favorite meal. Then, present them with a box labeled “Your Magic Awaits” containing tickets to the park and the message "we are going to Disney." Perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, or just because!

Surprise we are going to Disney reveal box. Photo from Etsy seller byMariG

15. The Disney-Themed Wake-Up Call- Set up a Disney-themed breakfast with Mickey-shaped pancakes, Disney mugs, and a small, wrapped box containing the surprise. As they sip their morning coffee, tell them, “You better get dressed… we’re going to Disney!” Their sleepy reaction will be priceless.

Mickey/Disney themed breakfast used to reveal Disney trip. Photo by Karla Currington.

No matter how you decide to reveal your Disney trip, the key is to make it fun and memorable! Whether you go all out with a scavenger hunt or keep it simple with a heartfelt letter, the magic is in the moment—and, of course, in the adventure that follows.

How did you break the news about your Disney trip? Share your best surprise ideas in the comments!