If you want to see shock, delight and disbelief on your family's faces, surprise them with a gift to Disney World for Christmas. Walt Disney World is a dream destination for many children, and none of them will expect this holiday surprise. Arranging the trip and planning the logistics can be a bit complicated, but start early to get everything done in time. Favorite toys may come and go, but this is one Christmas gift they'll never forget.
Research Walt Disney World between January and May. Read about all the resort hotels, the attractions at the parks, the restaurants and character meals and any other points of interest that apply to your family. This is especially important if you've never been to Disney World. There is a surprising amount of information to learn, so start early.
Set a date when it's convenient for all family members to go. If you have children in school, find out their holiday vacation schedule so you don't have to take them out of school for too many days. Arrange the trip around any adult's schedule as well.
Purchase airplane tickets as early as possible for the best price. Flights will generally rise in cost the closer it gets to the date, so months in advance is the best way to go. Plan on a flight around noon to get into your hotel right around check-in, or early afternoon. Keep in mind that Walt Disney World is about a half-hour from the airport.
Reserve your room at your chosen resort up to six months in advance. The Christmas season is the busiest time of year in Walt Disney World, and many places book early. If you have your heart set on a certain hotel, book it as soon as you can.
Make ADRs, or Advanced Dining Reservations, 180 days before your planned dining date. Some of the most popular dining venues, like Cinderella's Royal Table, book up within minutes the morning of that 180-day window, while others have available tables closer to the date. If there is a dining option that your family will have to experience, book as close to the 180 days as you can.
Purchase Disney t-shirts for every family member. Wrap these shirts as gifts and place them among the other gifts under the tree. If you don't have a tree up yet, keep the wrapped gifts hidden.
Wake your family up early on the day that you leave. Tell them that you have a set of early Christmas gifts that you can't wait to give them. Smile indulgently when they groan at how lame you are. When they open the gifts and give you a puzzled look, tell them, "I figured you can wear them this afternoon so you'll be ready when we get there. Go get packed, we leave in an hour."
Record their reactions with a handily hidden video camera. This is one moment you'll want to replay over and over again.
