The Christian Family Disney World Surprise!

December 2, 2008 my wife and I planned a trip to Disney World for the following year. We'd saved loose change, cut corners, sacrificed our own personal needs, and worked extra hours every week in order to afford a trip. We told the kids ahead of time. No surprises. We were going to do this, and we were going to do it as a team.
Months passed. We were going to leave for Florida a year to the day we decided we were going to go. We were all so excited. Our kids lived and breathed Disney the entire year.
A month before our departure, as we were finishing our preparations, life threw us a curve ball, and our plans changed entirely. Our middle son, Gabriel, fell ill with pneumonia and H1N1. As a severe asthmatic, this was horrifying, and he was submitted to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for treatment. He was only five years old, and he was a pitiful sight to behold. He became so pale. His frail little body was wracked with coughing as he gasped for air with every breath. The hours stretched into days, and we prayer fiercely for some form of intervention on his behalf.
In the same day that he was admitted to the hospital, his older sister Jasmine (then nine) broke her arm, and was sent to a different ER for treatment. All the while, his little sister Lily (then three) was ordered by her pediatrician to undergo surgery to remove a blockage in her throat that was causing her to stop breathing while she slept at night.
Needless to say, it was one of the hardest weeks of our lives. We struggled through the fear and pain. We gathered ourselves up, and lived by our family's simple motto, "We love when life gives us lemons, because we love the taste of lemonade." For two weeks we made lemonade. My wife and children were so strong. I couldn't have been more proud of them.
But our dreams of Disney were over... for that time.
Then the medical bills started pouring in. That was a nightmare unto itself. Thousands and thousands of dollars that had to be paid out, but every penny was worth it. I had my babies with me. I had my wonderful, strong, and brilliant wife. We had everything we needed, and life was so sweet.
Six months after we were supposed to leave for Disney, I spoke to my wife, and we decided to try it again. This time it would take longer, and we'd have to work harder, but our children were worth it. We wanted this for them. Not because they were entitled to it. We did it because we needed to give them a fraction of the joy they'd brought to us back to them somehow.
So, three years to the day that we first started making our initial plans to go to Disney World, we made a video, and it says more than my small words can express. We revealed our great secret to the kids on December 2, 2011. They didn't have a clue.
We planned for months. We spoke to their teachers so they could miss the week of school without penalty. We worked with our friends. We packed everything while they slept the week leading up to the trip. We squirreled away money. We rented a car and hid it at a neighbor's house until right after we spilled the magical beans.
The moment that we captured on film is so beautiful to us. It represents the fruition of our struggles. It shows that even in the face of life's small catastrophes and fear, one family can unite and overcome. It shows that a mom and dad can relish sacrifice for the betterment of their kids.
This moment is our glass of lemonade that we submit to the world for viewing. We hope that it tastes as sweet to you, as it has to us.
Love Always,
The Christian Family

[@cmcleod58]

Christian family I am so happy for all of you!!!! My name is Charley. I am 32 years old and am yet to experience the joy of Walt Disney World as well as having a family of my own. It is my dream to one day experience both, God willing. I hope that you all had a magical time in the place where dreams and magic come to life and it is my prayer that God will continue to bless all of you. If you don't mind please keep me in your prayers that one day my dream will come true. God Bless You All!!!

[@circusmunky]

Thank you so much, everyone! These kids really do make it easy to be their parents. Such good hearts. Such wonderful spirits. We're happy to share them with the rest of the world! :)

[@ashleyclinton6857]

WHAT AN INSPIRATION!!! This was such a blessing to watch and listen to everyone (I think Dad even might have broken up a little) cry with tears of joy! It's not always easy being a parent but The Christian Family sets the bar WAAAY up there! From our Disney family to your Disney family, we hope (and know) ya'll had a great time and our EARS are off to you for continued blessings on your family!! MiCe FoR LiFe!!

[@RedLightRoxanne25]

Oh my goodness! This just made me cry! I am so proud to be a WDW cast member when I see such deserving families, and such grateful children, get to experience the magic of the Happiest Place on Earth

[@JuicyJuice1116]

I love how excited they were for the "movie thing!" Just that was enough for them! But when you revealed that Disney trip, that was the sweetest thing ever!! I love how the younger two started crying!! They definitely made me tear up! I know this video was posted 4 years ago, but I sure hope you guys had a magical time and can go back very soon!! :)

[@iviperx49]

The Story in the description is really heart-warming 😭💜

[@Shgrptutie3]

cried like a dang baby watching this lol.. so sweet :)

[@KelseaBingham]

that was the sweetest thing I watched. before I started the video I paused it and read the description, made me cry then I watched the video and cried more. I believe you guys deserve all the happiness in the world, may god bless your family with love and good wishes

[@angeldaniel4824]

If nobody took the time to read the description , you need to do it now.

[@lisathomas1622]

Thanks. Wow, what a story!

[@brittanywolstenholme4696]

I can watch this video over and over, its my favorite Disney reveal video

[@judiec376]

This is my favorite Disney surprise video, I have shared it with many friends. What a wonderful family, thank you so much for sharing this moment with the world.

[@ashleybuonocore2692]

This about made me cry, especially after reading the description! What sweet, deserving, kids! This just about made me cry!

[@MegaDyneSystemsExe]

When that boy grabs Mickey and says with pure glee, "C'mon Mickey, let's go!! We're gonna have a great time!!" wow....you feel just like a little kid again.

[@stacebrewer]

OK, so i love this video anyway, beautiful, grateful, wonderful kids.. but i just read the description. Oh my goodness. What a precious family. You all deserved this trip and I hope you made the best memories that the kids and that you as parents can share forever. You have inspired me to have this heart, love and determination when I start a family of my own. Wow. Thank you!!

[@amiyahansen9769]

That last part was hilarious, you said... "LETS GO TO DISNEY WORLD!!!"

[@laureng2820]

This had me in tears. Although this is an older video, I will still be praying for your beautiful family. This is a family bond I wish for everyday. Just seeing those kids smile from happiness was enough for me to feel so much joy and love towards your family. I am only 14, but I can still perceive how strong all of you are. I hope your trip was magical! Stay strong, and keep making lemonade. It's worth it. :)

[@tiffbabby]

That was the sweetest video!! Such a sweet daddy:) It's great to see the excitement on your kid's faces when you tell them they're going to Disney World!!

[@zainabkhan3547]

BLESS THEIR LITTLE HEARTS

[@Allyopps0722]

Oh MY word....I don't know why I do this to myself. I get caught up in these videos and just sit here and cry. Anyway . . . very moving video esp after I read the description. Yall deserve happiness and joy. Glad you were able to give that to them.

[@EP-uk9ru]

Your video and story are very touching. But what I like the most, it's genuine appreciation and gratefullness that your kids show when they discover the gifts one after the other.

[@CONVERSEyellow]

SERIOUSLY THE BEST ONE YET!!!

[@Monkeykelci]

This joy in going to Disney World is the entire reason that I decided to move to Florida and work for Disney. Your children are beautiful, and this video is incredible. Thank you so much for sharing this with me!

[@lisathomas1622]

I’ve seen this like ten times, and I cry every time. You’re kids are so sweet as are you.

[@husseintoney]

The little boy is awesome. Great parents and family.

[@circusmunky]

Oh, they are very much tears of joy. They were so emotional over the fact that they were going to get to go. They knew about the financial obstacles that we would have to face in order to go, but they didn't know how determined my wife and I were or what sacrifices we were willing to make to make sure that they did. It took them all completely by surprise, and there already a really emotional bunch of kids. So the tears came streaming down. And I loved every single one. :)

[@alivadehcor5]

Looooooooooooooooooooovvvveeeeeee it!!! I know this is an old video but I'm watching Disney videos cuz I have a trip to Disney on February n I wanna feel the magic of Disney everyday until our trip starts. Needless to say, this video made me cry. I just hope that when my daughter is older I'll get to see the emotion your kids showed when they found out the news. God bless you guys and know that no matter how many obstacles u encounter there's always a big pay off for going through hard times.

[@tempesttmona7033]

I'm in tears right now 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭love it thank for sharing

[@kimprisinzano242]

this made me cry! i dream of the day we can take our kids and surprise them like this. how blessed you are! thank you for sharing!!

[@SC047074]

Im crying! That was so beautiful .. loved what you wrote. God bless your beautiful family

[@ForTheLoveofMovies39]

i haven't watched the video yet and i'm crying. Those were beautiful and loving words. You and are wife are very special people. God bless you.

[@rkid93]

This is so sweet, your kids are so grateful, I hope you guys had a great time ! And made lots of memories ! I got here from your video u posted on Disney. !

[@ThruTheLyns]

This is my FAVORITE video of ALL TIME!!! But I am a little Biased considering they are my babies. :) I will confess that I still cry every single time I watch this. Thank you to all the positive and sweet comments...they mean so much!! We had a wonderful time on our trip!! It was well worth the saving and planning. Thank you for watching and for sharing a special moment with us.

[@xxxbeccaxxx1998]

when dad screams LETS GOO at the end...thats something my dad would do. i love this video. i started crying. :) so sweet!

[@stacebrewer]

sounds like the best dad ever

[@rickymagnuson9864]

The end of the video was funny! LOL!

[@sadperson727]

Oh man, that description was stressful to read! I'm glad you and your family are doing alright.

[@flowerqueenpoofless3167]

you've got that right

[@SandraMartinez-fn1bk]

Best Disney surprise ever! Cute kiddos.

[@dizneluver]

The back story makes this so much more special then it already is... I hope you guys had a BLAST!!! :)

[@rachelyea5915]

How happy this made me and I'm not going! Lol I hope you guys had an amazing time with endless memories!!! Edit: through everything you have been through, the kids seem happy and well mannered. Good job as parents! The saving and perserverence you showed is awesome!

[@ryansgirl74]

This is a awesome story and your kids are adorable. I hope you all had a great time 😊

[@chrisl421]

This is one of the best surprise videos on you tube!! They are priceless!!!

[@vanessapappas5029]

Aww tears of joy sooo cute

[@4theluvofbutterbeermickeyears]

You guys deserved a trip with your kids I'm glad you got to take them to the happiest place on earth May God bless you and Your family!

[@nancyyaccarino3411]

What a beautiful video. I hope you guys had the most amazing time.

[@figuresk8er94]

That was absolutely amazing. I love how it was like they were so excited they didn't know what to do other than cry!!!

[@Lindsey.Hargrave45]

The little boy got so excited through out the video and the end reactions were adorablel. Hope they had fun :)

[@msaudness23]

AWWW! I'm laughing and crying and awww. So sweet. Thanks for sharing!

[@DisneyTwins]

I'm in tears !! Bless your hearts .. I hope you had the best time ever !!

[@m_ag_n498]

You guys deserve all of the happiness in the world ❤️❤️❤️

[@erogers2687]

haha that kid was so excited just about the movie player. i love this.

[@rickster4u2007]

you guys are great.. your kids are so lucky to have both of you..

[@DeeChandler]

Cried....it's just so cute like I love it :)

[@leannxpierce]

Hey its leann .. Haha in the beginning "what is it? It's a box! Yay a box!". Lol so cute

[@AliciaSnowPalebutnotFrail]

yup, cried, I loved this

[@lisathomas1622]

Wow, what a beautiful family. Then I read the description. I hope all is calmer and you’re all healthy now. From my heart to God’s ear. Amen.

[@An_Unkindness_of_Ravens]

LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Lol so awesome!!! This never gets old!

[@paigecrawford9905]

Cutest thing I've ever saw!!

[@HannahNoelledances]

I love how excited they just got at the movie player haha

[@brandonisawesome11]

wow i read the whole description dude i look up to you i hope i can have kids one day and give them a surprise like that and thank god your kids are Okay its very special

[@Muggle423]

Aww....so happy for all of you! Hope you had an awesome time!

[@rubymetz9691]

wow, u guys worked so hard for ur children, so sweet I would do that with my son but I'm still savin up

[@kawaiiunicorn3067]

OMG!!!! that video made me cry with happy tears !! :( :):):):):)

[@Johannea72]

I can't stop crying! That was awesome!!

[@Potterspark07]

😩 literally priceless! 😄😄😄❤❤❤ sooooo cute!

[@Kae7260]

I love how their so great full

[@abigailanderson3913]

The blond boy is soooooo cute

[@BlaqueDiamond2k12]

Great parents with wonderful children!

[@houseofhamsters5775]

Beautiful family you deserve a vacation! Have fun :)

[@natalienapier-raikes1156]

I love this so much

[@jmejia0904]

Beautiful family!

[@rosworms]

such adorable kids!

[@abbykumor1946]

Beautiful! You really deserved it!

[@JenniBBL]

such a lovely family!

[@jerseycinq-mars3585]

Little girl is soooo cute

[@ats6136]

This needs more views.

[@aliRuLe101]

That little blonde boy is the cutest child ever

[@k1neece]

Made this 44 year old man cry too!

[@amyvocalist]

Best. Parents. Ever. seriously!

[@austenoliviawheeler3993]

oh that’s what i want for Christmas and for my birthday, a Disneyland or Disney world surprise because I’m a huge fan of Disney and Pixar myself! 🏝🛫🏖⛱🛳🚢⛵️🗺

[@TAEBABY22]

Adorable ☺

[@faigie2002]

pure joy :)

[@dizneluver]

Rachel all three of the kids are fine as evident in this video and they go to Disney World as a family after all!

[@sagerossetti2799]

That was awesome how was the trip

[@mwillarocks]

It goes from this: 😃😃😃 to this: 😄😍😝 to this: 😊😳😊 to this: 😭😲😭 to this: 😜😊😍. Best. Reactions. Ever

[@Graicexx2]

Beautiful :D x

[@loloswag2798]

That made me cry 😭

[@debbievillalba6438]

omg so cute, made me tear up :D

[@anthonymorrison8237]

Damn... That was cute.... 😭 had me crying 😢😂

[@circusmunky]

Oh, they're very much happy tears! :)

[@TuAcademiaMusical]

It's really a magic moment! What about park videos???

[@alanastoys65]

I hope u had fun

[@Nanaluvsglitter]

Wow!!!:)

[@hibbdogg123]

I hope you have a good time

[@br0k3nsp1r1t]

it's funny how long it takes for little kids, for the surprise to sink in.

[@mamamout]

Awwwww

[@ivettcastillo4015]

Aww

[@buttercupz1358]

thumbs up if u have been to disney cause i havent

[@TiaMason]

1

[@samantharevelo9767]

lol the end scared me

[@destinylewis5639]

LETS GOOOOOOO!!

[@rachelpark7434]

I am so sorry about your kids