Snag some hot cocoa and pull over your family members to watch some heartwarming Disney moments, courtesy of YouTube videos that feature (often times) parents surprising their children with Disney vacations.

Let’s continue this Disney In Depth holiday tradition and take notes on some clever ways to pull off massive surprises.

Disney Surprise Vacation …Top Secret Mission (turn up volume)

This mission proves far from impossible to complete. YouTube user byershockey19 developed a creative method to encourage three children to complete a challenge. The incorporation of video – with the parents, adorned in secretive sunglasses, breaking the fourth wall – works flawlessly. The kids engage in the mission, retrieving packets and determining the message via clues shared systematically. Of course, like any other Disney kids, they freak out upon discovering where they are heading in a few short hours. Who would not want to skip school to see Mickey Mouse?

Lily’s Disneyland Surprise… AGAIN!

Lily and Chloe are two lucky children to have their parents surprise them with a Disney vacation not once, but now on multiple occasions. The precious little stars of videos by YouTube user KAtfC have generated many millions of views on the video-sharing site, and their genuine and priceless reactions account for the high coverage. Some surprise vacations across YouTube use the “driving to somewhere approach,” and in this case the children are supposedly driven to school. But they pass the destination. Now what? How about they “ditch school and go to Disneyland?” The mom poses that question, and when she reveals that this is indeed their plan, Lily responds in such an authentic way (found at the 1:55 mark). Watch the video below, as well as a hilarious “Kids React To” (by YouTube sensation TheFineBros) episode themed to this video.

SURPRISE! We’re Going to Disney World! BEST REACTION EVER!

YouTube user sbhammonds has completely shocked her two children with the news they are spending a vacation at Walt Disney World. The author of the This Mom Loves Disney blog has something special in store for her daughter and son. This video incorporates the “close your eyes” approach – another often-used tactic – where she reveals a huge Disney-themed sign. The kids scream in delight as headphone users must lower the volume. The week-long trip also includes a stop at Sea World. “This is the best birthday ever,” the daughter chants. Mom would later chronicle their getaway in a series of videos and blog posts.

Surprise Disney trip. WARNING!!! Grab a Tissue Box!!!

The description for this video by YouTube use vmarchiano77 suggests that one of the parents never had the opportunity to visit the Disney parks as a child, thus making this event even more significant. Three sweet kids learn the news of a forthcoming Disney trip via a letter. The son couldn’t be more excited to see gifts. “Present time!” As the three retrieve Disney backpacks from their respective bags they come to form an idea. They are to leave for Disney that night. “Am I dreaming?” the daughter (sitting on the left side) asks as she begins to weep in pure joy.

Surprise Disney Vacation

Renowned Jiu Jitsu practitioner and YouTuber user Josh Mancuso and his wife pull off the ultimate hoax in this video, which actually requires flying to the destination to unveil the vacation. The surprise starts with the mom sharing with her daughter that they must take a flight to bring important papers to Josh, already out of town for “business.” “If he doesn’t get this stuff, he’s gonna be fired,” the mom says in a serious manner. And off they go! The video humorously incorporates stock footage of a plane landing as an added touch. When they meet Josh in his hotel room, he removes papers from his folder that indicate important details. It’s time to spend several days at Walt Disney World!

Walt Disney World Christmas Surprise!!!!!!!!!!!

You’re never too old to get excited to visit the parks. YouTube user madimakk2223 shares this bit of holiday cheer when two young women are presented with the best gift possible. This proves to be far from the regular gift under the Christmas tree. “You’re freaking kidding me!” the girl on the left screams. Their uncontained enthusiasm comes through as they yell and cry, trying to take in the magic that has unexpectedly entered the household.

Kids Fighting Illness get Surprise Disney Trip

Reporter Cody Weddle and the WKPT19 team in Tennessee and Virginia document the biggest surprise on this edition yet. An entire group of kids from the Children Exceeding Expectations school (for those suffering from life-threatening or chronic illnesses) are presented with trips. The kids, who release a bunch Disney balloons when they open a box, follow in the tradition of many other children who find out about a Disney vacation through this floating format. American Idol contestant Jason Castro enters the act, playing music for the eager vacation-goers at the big reveal. It’s always good to see videos where giving back can make the lives of the most deserving children even more special.

Which was your favorite video in this edition? Have you ever been surprised with a Disney vacation – or done the surprising yourself? Share your thoughts and experiences.

This is Brett Nachman, signing off. Follow me on Twitter for alerts of new editions of Disney In Depth, Thursdays on Geeks of Doom. Here’s wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season.