Telling your kids you’re going on a Disney Cruise might be one of the most magical surprises you’ll ever pull off and families have come up with some seriously adorable ways to reveal the big news. Whether you want something simple or something Pinterest-level elaborate, here are the most popular (and most heart-melting) ideas.
1. The Classic: A Character Phone Call from Mickey
This is the #1 way families surprise their kids. You can schedule an official Mickey Mouse character call for a specific time, gather the whole family, put the phone on speaker, and watch your kids’ faces light up as Mickey announces the cruise. It’s simple, free, and unforgettable.
2. Disney Pajamas or DisneyBand+ Reveal
Another sweet way to break the news is by giving your kids a small Disney gift:
- Matching Disney pajamas,
- A DisneyBand+ with a cruise-themed design,
- Or a little bag of nautical Mickey goodies.
Tell them, “You’ll need these for something special…” and let them figure it out, or reveal it yourself.
3. Treasure Hunt or Clue Kits
Many parents buy printable reveal kits from Etsy and hide the clues around the house. Kids gather each piece until the final clue spells out:
“We’re going on a Disney Cruise!”
This is perfect for kids who love puzzles, mysteries, or scavenger hunts.
4. The Bathtub Boat Surprise
Put a toy cruise ship in the bathtub and tape photos of your kids onto the deck. When they go in for bath time, they find “themselves” sailing on a Disney ship.
5. DIY Puzzle Reveal
Buy a blank puzzle and write the announcement right on the pieces:
“Surprise! We’re going on a Disney Cruise!”
Give it to your kids to assemble and watch the realization hit one piece at a time.
6. The “Morning Of” Reveal
If your kids are inquisitive (aka… they interrogate everything), sometimes the easiest surprise is no planning at all. Wake them up on the morning of the cruise, hand them their backpacks, and say,
“Get dressed, we’re going somewhere magical.”
You get maximum shock factor with zero buildup.
7. Build the Excitement After You Tell Them
Once the secret’s out, the real fun begins:
- Watch YouTube ship tours
- Take a virtual walkthrough of your specific ship
- Let them pick activities they’re excited about
- Explain fish extenders and pixie dusting
- Show them what Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay looks like
- Start a countdown chain
Half the joy is in the anticipation.