Hello there, Pilar! Oh boy, we absolutely love surprises over here at planDisney! Since your visit is coming up next week, we better get a move on helping you plan that perfect reveal!
I've searched high and low (well, maybe not quite to infinity and beyond, but I checked the Disneyland website thoroughly!) for a printable postcard, but no luck this time. But fear not! There are tons of other ways to surprise your kiddos. Here are a few ideas to get started:
Sneak a Peek at Your Park Tickets: Load your park tickets in the Disneyland mobile app by tapping the menu button (three-lined icon at the bottom right), then selecting “My Tickets & Passes”. Take a screenshot, print it out, and tuck it into a card to give to your kids. For extra magic, find a Disney-themed card at the store—a classic Mickey Mouse one would be perfect!
Puzzle Time = Surprise Time: Head over to the Disney Parks Blog and check out the downloadable wallpapers. Print out your favorite, cut it into fun puzzle pieces, and have your kiddos put it together to reveal the Disneyland magic!
Build A Castle, Reveal a Secret: I know, I know… this one sounds like a challenge! But there’s a perfectly printable template over at the Disney Parks blog. Designed by the Disney Imagineers themselves, the Disney Paper Parks collection is a set of 3D models that can be constructed with just paper, scissors, and glue. Your kids can help you put the castle together—it’s a great family activity! Bonus points: Design your own colorful banner that reads, “We’re going to Disneyland!”. Hide it off to the side, and once the castle is complete, let your kids know that it’s missing one last piece. Ask them to glue it to the front of the castle as a banner meant to surprise park guests—except the guests are your kids, and they will quickly realize they’re heading to the Happiest Place on Earth!
Scavenger Hunt to the Happiest Place on Earth: Hide Disney toys, stickers, or clues around the house. You could start simple with Mickey Mouse, maybe throw in a picture of Sleeping Beauty Castle, and end with a final clue that reveals the greatest phrase ever written: “We’re going to Disneyland!!”
Movie NIght Magic: Plan a family movie night with a Disney classic like "The Lion King" or "Aladdin." As the credits roll, casually mention the surprise: "Hey, since we're all in the Disney mood, how about we go to Disneyland next week?". Get ready for laughter, maybe some speechless kids, and a whole lot of excitement!
I hope these ideas help you create a surprise your kiddos will never forget! Have a magical time at the Disneyland Resort!
Cody