Hi Peter,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Clearly, you are planning a delightful surprise. I wish I could see the reactions when your children discover they are on their way to the Walt Disney World Resort!
Currently, the
planning videos can only be streamed online. I could not find a way to download them so I called to speak with a cast member in website support. But never fear, we always have options. You could record the video with your phone or other mobile device. I tried this on my phone and just recorded as close as possible to my computer screen so that all I can see in the recorded video is the streaming video. Then you should be able to copy the video file to a blank DVD. Typically, I worry about copyright violations, but I think you should be fine for this purpose.
A second option would be to just stream the video on your phone or another portable device and let the kids watch from there. We use a portable WiFi device when we travel. With this device, our girls can stream movies in the car. It has been a lifesaver when we cannot access complimentary internet services.
Finally, you could let them know the night prior to the trip by setting up clues around the house. For one of our prior trips, when we combined a trip to Walt Disney World with a week of space camp for the girls, I created clues that I hid around the house. Each clue had a picture, question and a hint for the location of the next clue. By the time they got to the final clue, they screamed (with joy, of course)! Since they knew about the trip beforehand, they had time to grab their favorite things they wanted to take on the trip.
Peter, I am so excited for you! Whatever you decide, I am sending pixie dust your way trusting that the surprise will be one to remember!
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell