Hi, Barry! Welcome to
planDisney. I like your style. You know what's better than going to your favorite place with your favorite people? Surprising them! They're going to love it, and you’re a good guy for doing this.
I'm not sure how you plan to coordinate dates, or if you're comfortable choosing dates and hope they work for your family. This is definitely the hardest part to navigate. I’ve heard of people doing things like asking what dates they're free for a visit and then using those dates as surprise dates for the trip you’ve planned. You know your family best and will have to determine how they’ll handle that part.
My first thought on a fun surprise would include a couple of steps and some timing. First of all, make sure that you and your family members all have
My Disney Experience accounts, have the
My Disney Experience Mobile App downloaded, and that they are listed as friends and family in the app. If you’re not sure how to connect to friends and family in the app, check out my planDisney pal Matt’s explanation
here. Schedule a video call with them once you're ready to book rooms and tickets.
Before you start the booking process, check out the great tips
here from planDisney pro, Kristi! She explains the best way to book so the room reservations are linked, as well as some great room and resort options to consider. You should be able to easily add your family members to the reservation since they're on your Friends and Family list.
The surprise is set! Start that video call. Tell them how much you love them, then ask them to take out their phones and open the My Disney Experience App. Have them press the (☰), then “My Plans" and the date you plan to travel to the
Most Magical Place on Earth. The reservation will appear on their phones, and you can watch the excitement in their faces as they realize they’re going to Disney World!
Barry, I hope this gives you some ideas to make this surprise work for your family. Planning a trip for multiple groups can be a challenge. Once you're past the surprise stage, more questions will definitely arise. Come back to
planDisney for more answers. We've got you covered.
I hope you have a magical day.
Corey