Hi Christina,
Thanks for the fun question! What better way to start a magical trip than a magical surprise? I have seen some really cute ways to reveal a family trip: scavenger hunts using clues to find more clues, surprise wake up calls the morning of the trip, holiday/ birthday presents, and using the family's favorite Disney movie to somehow reveal the planned trip. There are a lot of great ideas that can be found with just a little bit of searching on the internet.
An idea you could do is print out the
3D Pixar UP House from DisneyFamily.com and glued it together. Instead of using the printed balloons, buy helium balloons so the house will float. Place a magical note with the big trip reveal inside the house, then have the house floating when your family wakes up or arrives home. It will be the start of a big adventure!
My husband and I surprised our kids by telling them we were going to see their cousins. Then we were able to keep them in the dark until our 6-year old saw the Disneyland entrance sign as we drove past. It was a memorable way to start our vacation at The Happiest Place on Earth.
I hope this helps you on your creative quest.
chEARs!
~Lynette