Welcome to planDisney!
Oh boy Tameshia, what a great question! Planning a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation is one thing, but keeping it a surprise is such a task. While I may not love being on the receiving end of surprises, I definitely love planning them, so I'd be happy to help you plan your grand reveal to your family.
I did a little digging, and Mickey and his pals are not currently able to make phone calls to announce a trip to Walt Disney World. But, “Hakuna Matata”, Tameshia. I have some ideas on how you can make the reveal just as magical as if Mickey himself was involved. My first idea is to do a reveal in the style of a "gender reveal." Head to your local dollar store and pick up a large packing/shipping box and a handful of Mickey and Disney-themed balloons. Put all the inflated balloons in the box (you can decorate the box with hints if you like) and tape it closed. Then when your family removes the tape and the balloons float out, you can "spill the beans!" I love this idea because it is easy to clean up, doesn't take a lot of effort or money, and you can capture it on video to remember for a lifetime.
My second idea I have nicknamed the "Operation Into the Unknown." I actually have it EARmarked to one day do with my children. You have to be a little sneaky and carefully plan out a series of hints in this plan. Over the next few weeks, casually drop hints about your upcoming vacation, such as randomly placing a Mickey Mouse plush in the bathroom or cutting a sandwich in the shape of Mickey's ears. A subtle hint goes a long way, so don't go too overboard. The goal is to keep the mystery going until you are on your way to the airport. Then while you drive to the airport or Orlando, have a sing-a-long with Disney music in the car. Then with the moment feels right, reveal that you are taking them to Walt Disney World! They will then put the pieces together from the last few weeks, and it will all click. Admittedly this idea will take a little more work than the previous one, and it works best with smaller Mouseketeers because you can pack for them and keep them in the dark, but if you aren't above giving vague clues to "how should I pack?" for adults it can work for them as well.
My final idea is a scavenger hunt. I love scavenger hunts because they allow me to stretch my "pun" writing muscles, but if you aren't particularly creative, you can always find ideas for the clues online. Create a scavenger hunt to find letters that spell out Walt Disney World or
items they would need for the trip (such as an autograph book, sunscreen, Disney-themed clothing, camera, etc.). Then when they have found them all, have them work together to figure out what it all means. It is sure to be a fun way to reveal the surprise to your family that they won't forget.
I'm sorry I couldn't give you the answer you were looking for; I hope I've given you some ideas that can still help you reveal the surprise. If there is anything else you need, please come back and see us!
Happy Planning,
Ashley F.