Why do we even try to take other people??

[appleorchard]

Our son, wife and 2 kids just canceled our Dec. trip to BLT, MK view, booked the second the lines opened, for Dec. 13-18. We borrowed points to achieve this, and we have a Feb. UY. I'm sure you can see where this is going already!

So we figured, ok, we're very sad, but we'll take my mom, sister, and niece with us instead.Sis can't change her early Dec. ressie b/c she has MVMCP tickets and says she called, and they won't change the dates on her ticket.

So we'll just take mom. Waste of a MK view, since she really loves Epcot, so we cx the last 2 days and booked BWV for the 11th and 12th instead in a 1 BR, 1 night on points and one for cash.

Then my sister calls and wonder why we don't just do Sun-Wed. since we already had that and wouldn't have to move. My sister never suggests anything without an agenda, and here it is: the weekend we're going with mom might be the weekend her daughter and family are coming out to celebrate Christmas, and they'll feel terrible if mom isn't there.

We can't cancel the 2 BR part of our reservations without having the points go into holding.:sad2:

I'm so tired of working around everyone else's convoluted plans--I have enough convolution of my own! We had to scramble to get the w/e of the 11th and 12th, since on our original trip, that weekend was being spent with the "other grandparents and we were to be nowhere on the Disney property, or the trip was off. I'm amazed I was able to get a 1 BR at BWV today--it was the only one available!

So now we have a 1 BR BWV for the 11 and 12, then a MK 2 BR for the 13-16. Poor mom is in the middle; I told her not to sweat it; if she can go, she can go. If she can't, she cant. But I am so DONE trying to arrange trips around everyone else's demands and preferences. We took my sis, mom and sis's family in May on points and gave them military tickets. Now I need something--for niece to change her Christmas weekend to the 19th. Think I'll get it? Not holding my breath.

Anyone want to stay in the studio half of our 2 BR lol?

[deebits]

Sorry to hear of all of your frustrations. We have been there also with family and friends.

Have a great trip and hopefully everything will work out!!!

[vicki_c]

I'm really nice and so is the rest of my family --we'd be glad to go with you, on whatever schedule and accomodations you dictate! :rotfl:

Seriously - isn't family fun? :hug:

[spiceycat]

hey would love it!

don't try to get family to go with me. just make reservations for them when THEY can go. It works better for everyone.

besides when I do go with them - they think I should pay for everything - no longer have the money to do that.

so in the future you might try that and see if it works.

[RevBob]

We are feeling the same way. One of the reasons we bought additional points resale was so that we could have friends and family stay with us. We invited friends from Brazil to come up in January, and made all the reservations for a 2bd at AKV over Marathon Weekend for 10 days. The only time they could come. Last month they informed us that because of a job tranferr, they couldn't make it.
So we invited another couple and initially they said yes, he would come down initially and attend a conference with me and she would come down for a long weekend. So we made changes with our reservations and almost lost one night in the process, but was able to get it back. And then last week they informed us that they couldn't come because their daughter and grandkids had decided to come and stay for several weeks after Christmas.
So it looks like we might end up with a 2bd for just the two of us, unless we are able to change reservations to a 1bd, but availability is getting slim and none for that time period at this time.
I won't even go into our next September's trip and the trouble we've had with that.
We may just have to rethink the whole issue of inviting friends and family, especially since it doesn't seem to be working out at all. At least we know that we have a very magical place to go to on vacation, and we will really enjoy that.

[appleorchard]

We are feeling the same way. One of the reasons we bought additional points resale was so that we could have friends and family stay with us. We invited friends from Brazil to come up in January, and made all the reservations for a 2bd at AKV over Marathon Weekend for 10 days. The only time they could come. Last month they informed us that because of a job tranferr, they couldn't make it.
So we invited another couple and initially they said yes, he would come down initially and attend a conference with me and she would come down for a long weekend. So we made changes with our reservations and almost lost one night in the process, but was able to get it back. And then last week they informed us that they couldn't come [CODE]because their daughter and grandkids had decided to come and stay for several weeks after Christmas.
So it looks like we might end up with a 2bd for just the two of us, unless we are able to change reservations to a 1bd, but availability is getting slim and none for that time period at this time.
I won't even go into our next September's trip and the trouble we've had with that.
We may just have to rethink the whole issue of inviting friends and family, especially since it doesn't seem to be working out at all. At least we know that we have a very magical place to go to on vacation, and we will really enjoy that.

Totally with you! We love to share, but my son and family put so many restrictions on us for this trip, and now they can't go anyway. I guess we'll both be enjoying the space of a 2 BR--maybe we'll sleep in different bedrooms lol

[disneynutz]

Been there, done that, lesson learned! :sad2:

:) Bill

[Anjelica]

Ahhh Family.....I think they are a big reason why some already have a foot in the ground...:) :lmao:

[5forDiz]

Been there, done that, lesson learned! :sad2:

:) Bill


So very true ! how does that saying go ....? something about no good deed going unpunished :rotfl:

[Deb & Bill]

No good deed goes unpunished.

[FindTheMickeys]

First and only time this happened to me was with my spoiled sis-in-law. :mad: I am trying to get them to the World. My brother, niece and nephew have never been. My niece can't miss school because she is in danger of failing 2 classes and I ABSOLUTELY refuse to go in the summer any more!!!:cool2: Okay, so they suggest over Labor Day weekend, that only takes her out of class for 2 days, Friday and Tuesday and it's the first week back to school anyway so she won't miss much.. So I book a 2br... August rolls around and they cancel. :sick: Thank goodness I have another friend who is DYING to go to Disney with me!! :cool1: (I think she may have paid off the family so that she could go:lmao:) So my trip worked out in the end, although I wouldn't have borrowed the points needed for that weekend had I known it was only going to be the 2 of us...
The rest of my family is grateful to have a great vacation where the lodging is FREE so they go when I suggest...:cheer2:

[photobob]

We bought DVC knowing that we can plan well in advance and stick to those dates. When you bring others into the equation it isn't quite as simple. I'm not sure the nonDVC folks understand how changing plans can make a big DVC mess!

[dianeschlicht]

We have only ever taken people who truly understand the ramifications, so while we have had guests with us a lot of trips, we have never "gotten stuck" with something we couldn't use. We did have one couple stiff us, but they wont be invited back again...even though they keep hinting that they want to go. NOT going to happen...once burned but twice would be stupid.

[crisi]

We've always made acceptable backup plans - book a two bedroom and put the other family in the studio - my kids on the pullout. If they can't come (which happened once with my sister), my kids get the second bedroom. Or with the "big" trip, we had it booked in such a way that if anyone couldn't come, one of the two bedrooms could be rented out.

Currently we have an open invitation out to friends on the "if they come, they are on the pullout and all four kids are in the second bedroom - if they don't come - sweet! We put the kids in the second bedroom" plan.

We started doing this after trip #1 - my mother in law and stepfather in law had been invited - he backed out. We subbed in my mother in laws sister and it went VERY well, but we try and configure the arrangements to make it easy on US if someone drops.

[whitfamily]

While I don't know your circumstances I can tell you I'd never have the guts to cancel a vacation on my parents or in-laws that was already made unless the world was falling down around me. Respect thing in my book!

[BLTtinkerbell]

I guess we'll both be enjoying the space of a 2 BR--maybe we'll sleep in different bedrooms lol

I do realize your situation isn't funny, but that made me laugh!

One time my husband booked a two bedroom unit for our family of five at a ski resort. All kinds of things happened that left me to go alone with one son & the resort was fully booked so we had to keep the 2 bedroom. I was so worried about how it would work out. We had the BEST time and still talk about the time we had the HUGE room! I hope your plans work out the way you want, but if they don't, I bet you will still have a great time.

[LocustPoint]

I've been pretty fortunate with inviting family along, but they also "get" Disney. I'm bring my aunt and uncle down for the first time over Marathon weekend, and since my uncle is going the "Goofy" there is no chance that they are backing out.

[Cee]

Do what's best for you and your family and let everyone else adapt for a change. :thumbsup2

[SusieBea]

I feel your frustration. We've had similar experiences ....

For our grandson's first Disney trip, I booked a Grand Villa (first time) at OKW next fall. I sent my DD & DD& SIL an email saying this is what I had done and for those specific dates. There would be more than enough room for everyone. If they can come, come; if they can't, we'll cancel. Hoping for the best; so far, so good. We'll see.

[aDVCguy]

:eek: <---- My expression the 1st time I got "burned" by family.

:rotfl:<---- My expression the "almost" 2nd time!

FYI: The last trip we we're on, brought my SIL, her DH & 2 kids
on us...we saved them almost 2K! The last day we're there
said SIL has the nerve to ask me, through my DW no less, for
more points after we leave so they could extend their stay! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
"I just saved you 2K...spend some of your own $$$!"

Whew! Thanks for letting me vent!:lmao:

[aDVCguy]

:banana: <---- Us on our next trip!

:headache: <---- Family members no longer invited...
due to greed!

[wildernessDad]

We try because it's fun and we try to project the fun we have onto them. We want to see their eyes when they look at the resorts, etc.

I should have realized that my first experience with this was going to be a disaster when I turned to my guest and asked how he liked Wilderness Lodge after he had entered for the first time. His reply, "Well, I just got here."

[SusieBea]

We try because it's fun and we try to project the fun we have onto them. We want to see their eyes when they look at the resorts, etc.

I should have realized that my first experience with this was going to be a disaster when I turned to my guest and asked how he liked Wilderness Lodge after he had entered for the first time. His reply, "Well, I just got here."

Yep, this is exactly it in a nutshell!

[BEASLYBOO]

We've had DVC since 2000 and up to this summer, we had been fortunate to never have a family/friend cancel. I love these these friends but after all I went through to get them into the same resort etc at the last minute, and then they cancelled. I was not happy, but you know, once burned, they won't lure me in again!

[DenLo]

We bought into the DVC with hopes of inviting family from time to time. It looks like the best advice here is for us to decide the dates and make the invitation. And then tell them they have to decide by the seven month mark if they are coming. And then we can change our reservations without too many problems if they cancel. I also like the idea of telling them that if they cancel for anything other than an emergency after the 7th month mark, they'll not be invited again.

I really think I wouldn't invite family to come during the 4 month rule period as my nerves would be shot worrying about last minute cancellations. Since we have a February UY that would eliminate December family trips for us. Besides many people often run out of money at the holidays so I would think there'd be a higher rate of cancellations. Since we live 1000 miles away a last minute trip in January probably wouldn't be possible. Of course, that assuming a reservation is available.

Hmm, maybe I'd consider trip insurance, but since we plan to only provide the room for our family, I'm not sure insurance would really replace the value of the lost points.

Wow this might be harder than I thought. But I still think we'll give it a try and invite family from time to time.

[chepic]

I bet you any amount of money that you ask any DVC member and they will have a similar tale of woe. We have invited people on almost each and every trip we have ever taken with our points...since 1997...and some have worked wonderfully, and others have really stunk. Some guests have been extremely grateful, others have barely said thank you. We just keep plugging along and try to do the things that will make OUR trips the best.

cheryl

[ToddyLu]

;) We leave tomorrow. When we bought into DVC this year MIL and BIL jumped at the chance to go to Disney and stay Deluxe. We have 2 studios at Kidani for 9 nights. I have great parents and love my husband's family....so we are ready for fun. I can't imagine the stress of planning and then the let down of others not appreciating such a lovely gift.:confused3

Bless you all for trying to spread "the Love" and "the Magic".:wizard:

[keishashadow]

I should have realized that my first experience with this was going to be a disaster when I turned to my guest and asked how he liked Wilderness Lodge after he had entered for the first time. His reply, "Well, I just got here."
:sad2:
just when i thought i've heard it all

OP sorry, u do have a positive attitude, don't let it ruin your trip.

[famsen]

Oooooh, this subject hits home with me!
I tried to be nice. My grandmother passed away a few weeks ago after much pain and suffering for several years. My mother and uncle doted on her every day for the last three years. The whole family was very sad when she passed but we also knew it was time to say goodbye to her. She suffered so much. She was the one person that really held the two sides of the family together. She was the main reason we all made sure all the cousins and grandkids and husbands and wives got together to celebrate special holidays.
So to honor her and her wish to see that we all stick together as a family, I suggested that DH and I would use our DVC points-free of charge to any of them, to get a couple of 2 bedroom villas next September for all of us to take a 5 night family vacation together in honor of grandma.
Now mind you this is still 11 months away. Three days went by and not one family member responded back in any way. I wasn't looking for a firm committment right away but I at least wanted some feedback to see who was open to the idea. After the fourth day, I just emailed everyone and said forget it.
Then I got responses. My one cousin actually had the gall to tell me that she didn't know what she would be doing next year. I really wanted to respond, "Um....now you do!" That's why I was notifying people a year in advance so they could have this plan made if something else should come up. I took this whole situation personally, as an insult. All I said they would have to pay for would be airfare and whatever type of park tickets they wanted to get. I said we could even pool money together to cook most of our meals in our own rooms! I was GIVING them a 5 night stay at a deluxe Disney vacation villa! All I got in return was the sound of crickets chirping.
I will never ask anyone to come with us again.

[eliza61]

To answer your question. Because we're nutz. We keep watching those stupid Disney dvd's and commercials and in our fantasy it's our families that are running happily into Mickeys arms. Bites us in the you know what every time. LOL.

I've got a sister who can't commit to a trip to Walmart, much less a trip to the world.
Family, gotta love 'em

[famsen]

To answer your question. Because we're nutz. We keep watching those stupid Disney dvd's and commercials and in our fantasy it's our families that are running happily into Mickeys arms. Bites us in the you know what every time. LOL.

I've got a sister who can't commit to a trip to Walmart, much less a trip to the world.
Family, gotta love 'em

You are so right about those commercials and false fantasies about our families.
That's definitely me.
:lmao:

[edk35]

:grouphug: Sorry this happened to you. I tell you what....I have read so many stories just like your story.... that we have YET to invite one family member on our 6 DVC trips thus far. IT SCARES ME!!!! :scared1: We have met friends there...but they are DVC members too. I am sure we will take the plunge one day....but for right now...we are just not going there.

[bumbershoot]

Totally with you! We love to share, but my son and family put so many restrictions on us for this trip, and now they can't go anyway. I guess we'll both be enjoying the space of a 2 BR--maybe we'll sleep in different bedrooms lol

I think I read about your restrictions...unless there's another Dis'er out there who wasn't allowed to be at Disney while the "other" grandparents were there...when I first read a post about it I had this image that the other gps were thinking you'd be peering around corners, trying to catch glimpses of the grandkids, and somehow the grandkids would know you're there and flock to you, LOL.

I wish you luck! And if we had any extra $ for this year, we'd take you up on the jokey offer of the studio! :)



All of this worries me...our very first WDW experience is going to be a "please, local cousin+family and aunt, instead of ASMusic, please come join us at DVC resort x, y, or z for a long weekend" experience...oh I hope it goes somewhat well...

[appleorchard]

I think I read about your restrictions...unless there's another Dis'er out there who wasn't allowed to be at Disney while the "other" grandparents were there...when I first read a post about it I had this image that the other gps were thinking you'd be peering around corners, trying to catch glimpses of the grandkids, and somehow the grandkids would know you're there and flock to you, LOL.

That's me, and it's my son and daughter in law who thought we'd be peering around corners, lol. I think they though we might be in passing monorails and the kids would be pounding on the windows, saying, "Wait! There goes GRANDMA!"

It's a big place, we told them we'd stay out of the way. It is funny how you run into people at Disney though, even when you're trying not to!

[bobbiwoz]

Oooooh, this subject hits home with me!
I tried to be nice. My grandmother passed away a few weeks ago after much pain and suffering for several years. My mother and uncle doted on her every day for the last three years. The whole family was very sad when she passed but we also knew it was time to say goodbye to her. She suffered so much. She was the one person that really held the two sides of the family together. She was the main reason we all made sure all the cousins and grandkids and husbands and wives got together to celebrate special holidays.
So to honor her and her wish to see that we all stick together as a family, I suggested that DH and I would use our DVC points-free of charge to any of them, to get a couple of 2 bedroom villas next September for all of us to take a 5 night family vacation together in honor of grandma.
Now mind you this is still 11 months away. Three days went by and not one family member responded back in any way. I wasn't looking for a firm committment right away but I at least wanted some feedback to see who was open to the idea. After the fourth day, I just emailed everyone and said forget it.
Then I got responses. My one cousin actually had the gall to tell me that she didn't know what she would be doing next year. I really wanted to respond, "Um....now you do!" That's why I was notifying people a year in advance so they could have this plan made if something else should come up. I took this whole situation personally, as an insult. All I said they would have to pay for would be airfare and whatever type of park tickets they wanted to get. I said we could even pool money together to cook most of our meals in our own rooms! I was GIVING them a 5 night stay at a deluxe Disney vacation villa! All I got in return was the sound of crickets chirping.
I will never ask anyone to come with us again.

:grouphug:
What a wonderful way to honor "grandma." I'm sorry it was not well received by your family.

Bobbi:grouphug:

[bumbershoot]

That's me, and it's my son and daughter in law who thought we'd be peering around corners, lol. I think they though we might be in passing monorails and the kids would be pounding on the windows, saying, "Wait! There goes GRANDMA!"

It's a big place, we told them we'd stay out of the way. It is funny how you run into people at Disney though, even when you're trying not to!

Wow. I told my husband about that request/order, and he just about fell over. It's not like we have parents who have been terrific grandparents, either...but we just tend to think that if we had really good, solid, follow-through-on-promises (for instance, my dad was supposed to visit over the summer and still hasn't showed up...for my 40th birthday seemed to think he would win the father of the year award for remembering what day I was born on...that sort of thing) and not make us crazy, parents, we'd be overjoyed for them to be at disney with us...

:hug::hug::hug:

[appleorchard]

Wow. I told my husband about that request/order, and he just about fell over. It's not like we have parents who have been terrific grandparents, either...but we just tend to think that if we had really good, solid, follow-through-on-promises (for instance, my dad was supposed to visit over the summer and still hasn't showed up...for my 40th birthday seemed to think he would win the father of the year award for remembering what day I was born on...that sort of thing) and not make us crazy, parents, we'd be overjoyed for them to be at disney with us...

Unfortunately, we'll jump through any hoops to see our grandchildren...but if/when we redo this trip, we're going to have to change that restriction, or not go with them:sad2:

Since we're paying for the 5 day tickets and the room for three nights, we can't afford another hit like this.

[appleorchard]

While I don't know your circumstances I can tell you I'd never have the guts to cancel a vacation on my parents or in-laws that was already made unless the world was falling down around me. Respect thing in my book!

I really didn't make it at all clear in this post; canceling wasn't a whim on their end; my son lost his job 3 weeks ago. He's looking hard but probably won't be working in time to play catch up. We could pick up all their costs, (we're paying for tickets and room already--it's their Christmas gift))but we're more planning on helping with the grandkid's school costs if necessary. Plus we don't want to pay the costs for the nights we're not allowed to be there lol.

[WolfpackFan]

In spite of all these issues related with inviting family and friends, DW and myself would love to be in that situation. Unfortunately my family doesn't "understand" Disney. The think it's ridiculous that two grown 50-60 year old adults keep going back time after time to the same place. It doesn't matter that my DB goes to the same beach place a couple of times a year and plays golf. That's an "adult" vacation while going to WDW is for children. On my wife's side she really doesn't have a whole lot of family we could invite. We have been down to WDW with friends before but they are also DVC members and go as often as we go, so it's not the same. And at the speed DS35 and DD30 are going regarding getting married and having children, it doesn't look like we'll ever have grandchildren to take. So in spite of all the problems, I wish we were in the situation as some of you all and able to invite family (even with the problems). I'd love to be in MK with about 10 family members around us having fun :).

[LVSWL]

Thinking back, I believe we have only had ONE truly enjoyable trip with friends/family. That is taking into consideration from invitation through the end of the trip. All of our other trips just seemed to have so much stress/anxiety or problems involved no matter how hard we tried to be sure that things worked out.
We tried very hard to "explain" DVC to our friends..the time frame for booking, the points..etc. Still ended up eating a couple of days on both trips with the same couple on two trips when they decided to "come in later in the trip than planned". If we had known, we could have booked our trip differently. The time they were there was great, but the stress leading up to the trip, not knowing when they would show up, not wanting to cause hard feelings made us feel uncomfortable. Tried to keep it from happening the second trip but it happened again.
We took good friends at Easter this year for 8 days. Leading up to the trip, we were on the same page on everything it seemed, everyone so! excited. Once there, they complained a lot, didn't want to do much, but would'nt go anywhere without us, then left two days early!!! Would have loved to have known that ahead of time. We paid for a Friday and Saturday night at Easter in a two-bedroom with our points when we didn't need it!!!:scared1: We were NOT happy about that. And then the wife had the nerve to write me a nasty letter after we got home. Needless to say they are off our list.
That being said, we always "dream" about taking friends, who love Disney as much as we do, but also are worried about "wasting" anymore of our precious vacation time with our kids tied up in drama.:sad2:

[appleorchard]

Like so many people have said, we love taking people to Disney. The looks on their faces, the wow factor. And we love to spend time with our grandchildren, and (obviously) will agree to just about anything to get it.

I don't blame my kids in the least for canceling, I was more ticked at my sister for suggesting we shouldn't take my mother! I'm over it now though--life's too short. If mom can't go, we'll have a 2 BR MK view all to ourselves for 3 whole days! Could be worse, right?

[JasonDVC]

...I wish we were in the situation as some of you all and able to invite family (even with the problems). I'd love to be in MK with about 10 family members around us having fun :).

You know what...it's not all it's cracked up to be. Everyone has their own idea of "what we should do next" and it can get annoying.

I find the best way to do it is to say "Hey, we are going. Anyone who would like to join us is more than welcome." Then do your own thing and let them do their own thing. Make a dinner plan and/or 1-2 rides to do together and that's about it. Let them enjoy the parks their way. You'll find it much more relaxing. :thumbsup2

[DenLo]

I find the best way to do it is to say "Hey, we are going. Anyone who would like to join us is more than welcome." Then do your own thing and let them do their own thing. Make a dinner plan and/or 1-2 rides to do together and that's about it. Let them enjoy the parks their way. You'll find it much more relaxing. :thumbsup2

We found that it was best to do it that way. Even for ADR's. One of us would make our own and tell the others if they want join us we have reservations at this restaurant at such and such a time. I think during our four days, three of those days we all met for one meal. We always asked if the CM's could place us either together or nearby and they always were able to set us together. Sometimes we all started out a park together, but once inside usually went our own ways. However, we did have a really great time one morning at MK. It was an early opening and we did several rides together as we could do a quick walk on. Even got all 11 of us on the Teacups for a couple of rides in a row. We actually got a (Photopass) group photo in front of the castle--proof that we were all there!

[Cee]

It's the old cliche, "Holidays with family are always a trip.....a trip to the liquor store!":thumbsup2

[dianeschlicht]

In spite of all these issues related with inviting family and friends, DW and myself would love to be in that situation. Unfortunately my family doesn't "understand" Disney. The think it's ridiculous that two grown 50-60 year old adults keep going back time after time to the same place. It doesn't matter that my DB goes to the same beach place a couple of times a year and plays golf. That's an "adult" vacation while going to WDW is for children. On my wife's side she really doesn't have a whole lot of family we could invite. We have been down to WDW with friends before but they are also DVC members and go as often as we go, so it's not the same. And at the speed DS35 and DD30 are going regarding getting married and having children, it doesn't look like we'll ever have grandchildren to take. So in spite of all the problems, I wish we were in the situation as some of you all and able to invite family (even with the problems). I'd love to be in MK with about 10 family members around us having fun :).

Wow, there IS someone else in our shoes! I could have written that same paragraph, except in our case it's two 60-somethings and one grown child is 40 and the other 34 with no prospects of grandchildren. Maybe that's why we like Disney so much?

[Crystal_27]

Awwww, I hope that you can get it straightened out to make everyone happy! :grouphug:

My DD's brother and his family have actually asked if they could join us for a portion of our December, 2010 trip, and I have exactly the same fears as you described. I want to give everyone a perfect trip, but in the "real" world, that just doens't ever seem to happen when you're dealing with extended family. Still, I can hopefully get close and make everyone happy. :rolleyes:

[EllaM]

Gee, I feel bad for you appleorchard. Family rarely does what you expect/want them to do, especially siblings. I've had my own publicized woes with my sibs.

But to play Devil's Advocate here, isn't this really your mom and sis' problem? Your mom accepted an invite not realizing that she already had another one. And they have been to Disney once this year.

We've invited people many times over on our timeshare weeks. With Disney were were playing "spare the points" but other timeshares it didn't matter more than the week. Most of the time we have no takers, but we've also been able to bring several newbies in a "life changing" event. That's always fun but also always a lot of obligation. You end up playing tour guide or travel agent and feel crushed when they aren't wowwed by the events you find for them.

[appleorchard]

Well, here's the update. Mom is free to come with us because sis's daughter isn't coming out at all for Christmas. So the second bedroom won't go to waste! Now I"m looking excited to the trip again--all this back and forth kinda takes the fun out of planning.
I'm sorry for my sister, though--she feels terrible.:sad1:

[EllaM]

I'm sorry for my sister, though--she feels terrible.:sad1:

Invite her along then? (Unless I missed the reason why she can't come.)

One of the best things about the holidays is getting together with your family. One of the worst is being sorely disappointed by them.

[appleorchard]

Invite her along then? (Unless I missed the reason why she can't come.)

One of the best things about the holidays is getting together with your family. One of the worst is being sorely disappointed by them.

My sister's going to Disney with her daguther in early December--she's disapppointed her daughter isn't coming to her house for Christmas. But oh, are you ever right about the holidays.

[hellerjw]

Spoil yourself and enjoy the extra room!

We had relatives back out of our trip earlier this month for medical reasons and the 4 of us thoroughly enjoyed our 2BR villa at Kidani. Now we have the problem of not wanting to go back to "slumming it" in a 1BR when its just us again :)

[loveysbydesign]

I'll go in their place!

[mom3sonstt]

So far my kids are too young to have to invite them to join us - we just tell them we are going (they are 16, 19 & 20).

I do have 2 older step-sons, both have gone on one trip with us. The younger step-son went with us about 7 years ago with his wife, toddler and infant. We had a 2BR at OKW so my 3 kids slept in the living room. It was extremely crowded and we will never do it again!

The older step son, his wife and kids went another time, but got his own lodging (Port Orleans). I didn't go on that trip since I had just started a new job. But the 4 of them and my DH and my 3 boys all tried to stay together in the parks - but my step-son and his wife are smokers and couldn't miss a smoke break, and the two grandkids are addicted to bathroom breaks. My kids were very frustrated with the slow pace.

Before we joined DVC we took my parents. We each had our own rooms at Carribean. We spent the first 3 days together doing each of the parks (this was pre-AK) and the rest of the trip doing our own thing. That was a great trip and we have tried to get them to go back. I think Dad would like to, but Mom says Dad can't get around very well (he could get a scooter). I think Mom doesn't want to go and blames it on Dad.

We went in August as a family and DH & I are going back in Nov. I just called mom this week to see if my two younger boys can crash at her place while we are gone (I'm afraid they wouldn't wake themselves up in time to catch the bus for school). I told her where we are going and she said "Weren't you just there?" She doesn't get it! I can imagine what she will say when I call her in a few more weeks to tell her we are going back again in Dec!!

[ILuvMulan]

We found that it was best to do it that way. Even for ADR's. One of us would make our own and tell the others if they want join us we have reservations at this restaurant at such and such a time. I think during our four days, three of those days we all met for one meal. We always asked if the CM's could place us either together or nearby and they always were able to set us together. Sometimes we all started out a park together, but once inside usually went our own ways. However, we did have a really great time one morning at MK. It was an early opening and we did several rides together as we could do a quick walk on. Even got all 11 of us on the Teacups for a couple of rides in a row. We actually got a (Photopass) group photo in front of the castle--proof that we were all there!

We had the same kind of idea on our trip last June. BIL and his family went with us. Because it was our 3rd trip and their first, and also the age differences in our children, we opted for a "no parks" trip for our family. We had 2 meal reservations together and then the rest of the time we all did our own thing. There was plenty of family time and pool time together at the resort. We all had a blast.

However, we have tried unsuccessfully to have friends or family join us for our trip next year. I have already made our ADR's so now it will be just us. We will try again later next year. In the mean time the five of us will have a great time at in a 2BV at AKL with the savannah view!

[Sammie]

I'm so tired of working around everyone else's convoluted plans--I have enough convolution of my own!

You stated the problem with inviting others, even family. We have enough trouble getting ourselves there without involving others.

We don't do it, at least if I have to change our plans I don't have to factor anyone else into the mix. It is just too difficult.

The more people involved, the more likely you are to have conflicts. And that is even before you arrive.

[DVCGeek]

I've made reservations for my parents using DPs @ SSR earlier this year and they worked out fine. This coming Feb. is the first DVC trip we'll be taking with others; my parents on joining us on the 1st (separate studio @ BLT) and my DW's parents are coming on the 2nd (studio @ VWL). I've made ADRs already and booked tours; sometimes just DW & myself, sometimes for 4, one for all 6, and my FIL & I are doing the Steam Trains tour just the two of us since no one else was interested (He's a train buff and I like trying new things @ Disney in general, especially anything backstage!). Hopefully it will all go well. Everyone already has discounted (and therefore STEEP penalties for changes) airfare, so that should help reduce the likelyhood of no-show issues. And not sharing a room ought to help as well...

My ex and I once went to WDW with my late aunt, but shared a room @ All Star Music. Didn't care for that; not enough personal space! Another year we drove down with another couple and a large family was traveling in a separate van with us. We ended up staying in adjoining rooms in ASMu; it was OK but I'm told my intricate planning and OCD started getting on everyone else's nerves. But, I learned to NOT try and do everything as a large group so that shouldn't be much of an issue this time around!

[nickspace]

We have cash reservations for a 1 bedroom and a couple 2 bedrooms for December. We are in our own unit and the rest of the family is split between the other units. I figure that way we have our own space and because everyones reservations are in their own name keeping the reservations is something they will have to deal with. Hopefully that will work out.

[clutter]

To answer your question. Because we're nutz. We keep watching those stupid Disney dvd's and commercials and in our fantasy it's our families that are running happily into Mickeys arms. Bites us in the you know what every time. LOL.

I've got a sister who can't commit to a trip to Walmart, much less a trip to the world.
Family, gotta love 'em

And it makes the holidays so easy to plan, too. (I've got 2 sisters like that, and my parent's plans depend on them.)

[BUDDYBEAR]

We have the same thing what,s new

[BroganMc]

My sister's going to Disney with her daguther in early December--she's disapppointed her daughter isn't coming to her house for Christmas. But oh, are you ever right about the holidays.

I see. Is it the same daughter (going to Disney but not coming for Christmas)? If so, I expect sis will get over it. After all, it's all about expectations.

Sis may need a pick me up that weekend. Joining you guys should be perfect.

If it's at all possible, have your families setup Skype on their computers. Then you can at least make a video call to each other in Disney and share a bit of time "virtually". I've done that on past trips and visited with my nieces and nephews after school (and before parades). With your MK view BLT room, you could share a bit of the pre-fireworks celebration with them. (Bring a cable and hook it up to the LCD in the living room.)

[appleorchard]

I see. Is it the same daughter (going to Disney but not coming for Christmas)? If so, I expect sis will get over it. After all, it's all about expectations.

Yes, same daughter, and yes, she's overly invested in her daughter and grandson. you're right--it's all about expectations. Really, she's seeing them the beginning of Dec. and beginning of Jan. for the little guy's birthday. I'm the one whose son and family had to cancel due to job loss--this is supposed to be our year to see them at Christmas and now we won't see them at all.:sad2: So I'm disappointed myself and having a little bit of trouble sympathizing with her!

[BroganMc]

Yes, same daughter, and yes, she's overly invested in her daughter and grandson. you're right--it's all about expectations. Really, she's seeing them the beginning of Dec. and beginning of Jan. for the little guy's birthday. I'm the one whose son and family had to cancel due to job loss--this is supposed to be our year to see them at Christmas and now we won't see them at all.:sad2: So I'm disappointed myself and having a little bit of trouble sympathizing with her!

If it were me, I'd be lighting a fire under my sis to join me. Twice in Disney is not so terrible. My dad will be there the 1st and last weekends in December.

What I'm getting at is that I'd feel so bad about leaving my sis on her own (taking mom away from her), I'd want her to join us.

I'm having a hard time adjusting to the trip plans that are coming together for my family trip next month. A week ago I thought my brothers were gonna be the no-shows in Disney. I counted on flying down with my sis and sharing everything with her and her boys.

Seemingly overnight plans changed. Now my brothers are flying down with us (or rather the same day) and we'll be sharing everything together for 24 hours before my sis can fly down. I'd pay to change her flight and get her a room if she could get away. Last thing I want is for her to feel second class to our brothers.

The daily itinerary planning is driving me nuts. I so want to carve out time for just my sis but the brothers are making it so easy to plan things with them.

I'm sure your family plans will change 20 times since departure date. Sorry to hear about your son's woes. I hope things work out for him and his family. This economy is scary for everyone.

[cjs123123]

lol sorry to hear you are having troubles. I have been there and done that.. You think in your mind wow this would be fun to bring others then it turns out to be a BIG mess!!!

[tinkerfan1]

Gosh, you guys are making me nervous. I can see this happening big time to us. I really, really want to be able to take other people with our new DVC membership but I know that the only person you can ever really count on is yourself!

[FinsUp!]

:banana: <---- Us on our next trip!

:headache: <---- Family members no longer invited...
due to greed!

This made me laugh out loud! I fear I may feel the same way after our first extended family trip in November. My DH says its a win/win. Either they love it or we never have to invite them again!

[Dean]

These type issues are why we book when we want to go (but for some trips purposefully within a time frame when certain people can likely go) and then invite people to go with us if we want to. We have simple rules:

You don't wait on us, we don't wait on you.
There will be an occassional alcoholic beverage but nothing to excess PERIOD.
No one violates the smoking policy of the resort.
Everyone pays their portion of the common expenses and all of any self generated expenses.
There will be one group meal, expect it and plan accordingly.
We provide the accommodations, our treat, join us if you can, your deadline to accept or cancel as applicable it X.
If the rules aren't OK, DON'T GO!!!!
If you violate the rules, there will be no future invitations.
These have served me well. I don't keep score other than these rules (might be one or two I forgot to include above though). I don't care if you say thank you or not as long as you behave yourself. I make dining reservations as applicable for the group at hand but the only required meal is the one family meal. It's been a lot of fun and we do this about 2 out of every 3 years. We had 35 people in Gatlinburg last year (2008) our largest group so far. The rules were modified given such a large group and the fact there were actually different groups with my immediately family as the connector. The only real change was not single group meal though we did end up by happenstance with a group meal for the two main groups at different times.

Fortunately we don't have any real deadbeats in the group we would invite. My brother and family aren't very good at planning but it's not purposeful or mean, just poor planning.

[appleorchard]

Just so people who have never invited others don't worry TOO much--although this trip didn't turn out the way we'd hoped, we HAVE had good trips with other people.We've taken my mom at least five times up until now, and it's always great! We went with my son and family two years ago, and had a lot of fun. My mom, sister, niece and nephew, and DH and I went in May and stayed in a a2 BR at BCV and had a perfect trip.

My sister, niece and nephew and I just went in Sept for 4 days in a studio and things went fine. This is really our first "bad" experience" and at least it's been salvaged since my mom can go. Even if she couldn't--well, we'd just have had an extra room for 3 days--a "pouting" room or something! Or a room where we could use the bathroom without worrying about the crack in the door at BLT.

Bottom line is, we've had lots of trips to Disney. On at least ten of them, we've had someone else with us. And this is our first negative experience. Maybe that's really a stellar record! I think my negativity came from the fact that this was a BIG trip for us--lots of expectations, lot of points!

[BroganMc]

Gosh, you guys are making me nervous. I can see this happening big time to us. I really, really want to be able to take other people with our new DVC membership but I know that the only person you can ever really count on is yourself!

We just got back from taking my aunt & uncle on their first ever Disney trip. They turned us down so many times, insisting Disney wasn't their thing (i.e. all characters and kiddie rides) we didn't have high expectations. But their son really wanted to take them and he was so wonderful to my dad and I last year we wanted to do something for him.

The trip turned out a major success. I'm still putting together the daily trip log for y'all to relive the journey with us. Suffice to say aunt & uncle no longer think Disney isn't their thing. We're planning another trip for next December to show them the World at Christmas.

Taking others can work out wonderfully. The hardest part is keeping your expectations in check.

Don't offer what you aren't willing to give away (points, rooms, time).
Make suggestions but don't let yourself get too wrapped up if guests don't abide by them. (You probably do know better, but everyone must experience for themselves.)
Remember who your core group is! (My dad and I are like Walt and Mickey. We like a lot of the same things and enjoy touring/vacation the same way. We pay for our trips equally and extend invitations to others equally. But while we're happy to accept tag-alongs in our plan we can't become the tag-along without making ourselves miserable.)
Know how your groups are with their dynamics. I have a SIL who is more comfortable leading and organizing her group and I have a sis who's happy tagging along. With my SIL I end up a tag-along (see note above) but with my sis I end up the tour guide (see point 1).
Remember these things and you can temper your hopes with reality to have realistic expectations.


I think every DVCer has the dream of sharing their joy with friends and family. We see those happy commercials and want that to be us. That's why it's so nice meeting up with other DVCers in Disney (or online) and sharing our love for the place.

[crisi]

Set expectations for you and them up front - like who pays for what.

Let them know that you'd rather they turn you down now when making the invitation than turn you down at the last minute. Its a big committment in - even if you pay for everything - time, and Disney isn't everyone's thing.

Have a backup plan for if they can't go. That may mean spending a few more points up front to have a studio you can drop instead of a two bedroom. It may mean spreading out and having three people in a two bedroom. It may mean that you know that your best friend Karen can drop everything to join you for a last minute trip because the room is available.

Take some time to think through the group dynamics. My husband and brother in law only tolerate each other - so we booked two rooms and limited out time where the two of them would interact without the buffer of eight other people - including two kids. My mother in law likes to sleep in - so our arrangment with her included meeting her later and letting her and her sister poke through shops without us while the kids rode rides. The worst trip we had was with friends who didn't know their own kids - talking before the trip, she said her kids would do anything and loved roller coasters - they got scared of the dinosaurs in Ellen's Energy Adventure.......everything turned out to be "Its a Small World"

Plan for and enforce some apart time. The bad thing about that worst trip was we couldn't shake them. They were good sports about someone staying outside with their kids - but I felt bad that one of them was always missing out. They flew out a day early and we had a day without them. It was heavenly to have our own vacation. So enforce it - even if enforcing it means tacking on a day they don't even know about until the last minute.

Put yourself in their shoes....someone stretched for cash probably isn't going to be comfortable with the bill at California Grill and might love the idea of cooking in the room. Someone who has physical limitations probably doesn't want to commando the parks. The trip you take with your thrill ride loving nephew might be very different than the one you take with your retired mother in law - and both those trips might be very different than the trip your family would take solo.

[jamstew]

don't try to get family to go with me. just make reservations for them when THEY can go. It works better for everyone.

besides when I do go with them - they think I should pay for everything.

I can definitely relate. I paid for 8 in May, and it will be a very long time before that happens again. :eek: I have an easy out though--I won't travel June-August (at least not to WDW), and with one of the DGC starting school next year, that's the only time they can go. If we do a family trip in the summer, it will be to SeaWorld San Antonio, which is two hours from home, or somewhere I can use one of my cheap timeshares :goodvibes No way I'd try to plan anything over the Christmas holidays--too many points & too many grandparents that I have to share with!

[jamstew]

I've got a sister who can't commit to a trip to Walmart, much less a trip to the world.

:rotfl2: I have one of those, too. I'm trying to plan a trip next December that involves four nights at Bonnet Creek and four nights at BLT. My sis & my niece want to go to Universal for WWHP, and I'm game to visit one day. I told her the plan, and she said "let me know when it's booked." Uh, no--I need to know how many people are actually going before I decide what size unit to book.

[disneykidatheart]

We seem to have the opposite problem. My hubby and I can't seem to go alone anymore. For the last three trips we've had some, most, or all of our three sons, two wives, and two grandchildren. The last trip ended on Oct. 19. We booked a two bedroom for five days and a one bedroom for a few days for the two of us after the rest left. Well, those that had to go went. Those that didn't, didn't! And hubby and I only had one night for ourselves. Luckily, we have a good group, no griping, no sniping, all go along to get along. We have no expectations of them. We tell them what we want to do and if they want to do the same fine. It was so beastly hot when we were there; hubby and I only used one day of our military pass. We babysat while others went. We cooked a pot of chili, had lasagna and garlic bread, bacon, sausage, pancakes, cereal, eggs, nachos, lots of salad fixins, and deli meat. We celebrated a birthday with a cake from Publix. We ordered pizza in on the last Saturday while they vegged out watching football. If they were there for meals fine, if not, oh well!

On the drive home we felt a little deflated that, while we all had a good time, the trip wasn't what we were used to being able to do. So, and this is a secret SH-h-h-h, within one week we planned another trip for the two of us in December. I spent some time online looking for a hotel, knowing how busy December is for DVC. I finally told my hubby I was going to call MS and see if there was a studio available at OKW. The worst they could do was laugh at me at this late date! A very helpful CM found the last four nights but not the first and offered a one bedroom to begin the trip and then a move to the studio. Nope, I don't want to move. I suggested dropping the first day and adding one on the end. BINGO! Booked airfare with frequent flyer one way and cash for the other. Four days left on the military passes. Magical Express as our Disney Coach and Voila! we are Cindy and her Prince going to the ball. We haven't decided whether to let the kids know while we are down there or when we get home.:rotfl::laughing:

[DVCGeek]

We haven't decided whether to let the kids know while we are down there or when we get home.:rotfl::laughing:

Hope you have a great trip! I'd split the difference and mail them a postcard from the 'World. ;)

[BroganMc]

We seem to have the opposite problem. My hubby and I can't seem to go alone anymore.

It was so beastly hot when we were there; hubby and I only used one day of our military pass. We babysat while others went.

Hmm, the cynic in me wonders if you didn't answer your own question as to why your trip(s) turn a little less than magical. You do realize you're supposed to be on vacation, not the vacationing babysitters. :rotfl:

[disneykidatheart]

Hmm, the cynic in me wonders if you didn't answer your own question as to why your trip(s) turn a little less than magical. You do realize you're supposed to be on vacation, not the vacationing babysitters. :rotfl:

Well, we didn't go to babysit but the baby was our little preemie born granddaughter whom we had only seen at birth and again at three months. Now at seven months she was still only 13 pounds and was especially fun and cuddly. We did take her into the MK on the day we went. She was an angel and slept through a lot of the heat. She was enthralled with Mickey's Philharmagic and It's A Small World.:lovestruc :littleangel:

Our sons live in three different cities and two different states so their time together is limited. It was nice to see their families have fun together.:tinker:

[delaneyc52]

We make it a point NOT to travel with family (although we love them dearly). We are early birds, they are night owls, we have two meals a day, they have three, etc.etc. I go on vacation to relax and accomodating other people is not my idea of relaxation. We do, however, give them our points to use for themselves and their children/grandchildren.:lmao:

If you don't travel with "Disney" people, it tends to get complicated. We can walk around World Showcase two or three times in the heat, for example, but some friends can't make it half way around without an issue. We'd like to get to a rope drop to make sure we have our daily dose of "Soarin", but can't get anyone else moving in the morning. One trip, we were eating at Big River Grille and a huge, long rain storm commenced. The couple we were with did not want to get wet. For us, it's a kick ... 90 degrees, walk a romantic bit in the rain to Beach Club, nice shower in the room.....

I know this sounds mean...but it's just easier to go with your own family who are on the same page as you when it comes to Disney.

[BroganMc]

Well, we didn't go to babysit but the baby was our little preemie born granddaughter whom we had only seen at birth and again at three months. Now at seven months she was still only 13 pounds and was especially fun and cuddly. We did take her into the MK on the day we went. She was an angel and slept through a lot of the heat. She was enthralled with Mickey's Philharmagic and It's A Small World.:lovestruc :littleangel:

Our sons live in three different cities and two different states so their time together is limited. It was nice to see their families have fun together.:tinker:

Ah, I see. Part of the joys of family.

I find not every vacation we take to Disney is the same. We took my cuz last May and there were a few quirks about his style that grated on our nerves a bit. (He's a nightowl and would sleep away the morning in the sofabed of our studio.) My dad and I groaned about it the first day or so (to ourselves) but eventually we just adjusted. We'd go out for breakfast and whatever. If cuz woke up and wanted to join us then he'd call us to find where we were. Future trips, though, I'm looking to book a 1bedroom so the open sofabed is less bothersome. (For the record cuz is usually a fantastic DW travel companion. He's made it possible for me to ride several things I can't easily board and absolutely adores the place. We just need to make allowances for seasonal sleep schedules.)

This last trip we took his parents (Disney newbies) so spent most of our 8 days playing tour guide. A challenge with all that excruciating heat. It was fantastic showing them around and watching their first reactions to things. But we also enjoyed our 3 days after for some "alone" time.

I think we'd go a bit nuts if we always took people just as easily as we feel sad spending every Disney vacation alone. It's all in moderation.

[BroganMc]

I know this sounds mean...but it's just easier to go with your own family who are on the same page as you when it comes to Disney.

This sentiment always gives me pause. I hear it said a lot and it seems to refer to nuclear family (i.e. Mom, Dad, kids), but I've yet to know a nuclear family that always were on the "same page" about any trip.

Kids rebellion and parents desire for the more adult things. Heck, some husbands and wives don't move in the same lockstep while shopping let alone vacationing.

My ideal trip is one where a group of people can room together (or at the same resort) and form ad hoc groups based on who wants do what. I know there are times I really enjoy sneaking off to do late night EMH with my cuz or sis while GM prefers a good snooze under the heavy blankets; and then there are times I wanna ditch the sleepy nightowls and go for early morning strolls with early riser GM. There are even times I like to ditch everyone and go solo (but can't if it's just me & GM, cuz then I feel like I'm abandoning him).

My point is, there's no one perfect way to vacation, is there? (Well maybe "often" so you can have many different types during a year.)

[brandip22]

I've been trying to get family to come since we bought DVC almost 5 years ago. However, I don't want to be stuck with a larger-than-needed room, so I tell them that it will cost them "X" amount to cover the additional points and that I'd need to know for sure by whatever date and have the money for extra points by then as well. That's probably why they haven't taken me up on it! But, I just charge what I'd pay to rent points for transfer in since we don't actually have enough points to get a larger room. We could save them a ton, but they don't want to plan so far in advance. Oh well- we have fun without them!
We will soon start to need 2 BRs as our two boys get older, so I know we'll have to add on before too long. My guess is that I'll get a tag along or two at that time since there will be a bit more room, without the extra expense.
I do wish I could afford to take my Mom or MIL though as they'd love it. But, I'd have to pay for all of their meals and park tickets so that just doesn't work for us yet.
It is amazing to me that people put you through all that mess when you aren't even asking them to pay for any of the room. Good thing we all bought DVC for us and not them!

[toniosmom]

This past spring, my DS4 and I were supposed to be joined by a good friend in a 1BR at SSR. About 30 days prior, he cancelled due a job obligations. I was disappointed, especially since I had never traveled alone with my DS4 (with ADHD). Luckily, we had a 1BR, so him cancelling did not affect our room choice -- if I had originally planned the trip for just my son and I, I would have booked a 1BR anyway.

At the time, 3 of my adult (college-age) niece and nephews expressed an interest in joining us, but we were scheduled to go the week after their spring break, so it didn't work for them. So, we planned for them to come in spring 2010. I booked the 2BR for next March and asked them for a commitment. They appeared to be very non-commital, so I gave them a drop-dead date to let me know (which was a couple of weeks before the 7 month mark) and, as expected, they all backed out. I wasn't angry with them -- they had very good reasons for backing out -- so I was happy that I had given them the deadline and they honored it.

Turns out my parents decided to join us, so I didn't have to change the room size anyway. I also invited my 18yo niece and her BFF. I have told everyone that DS and I will be going to the parks in the mornings and expect to be back in the early afternoon for lunch, planning to spend the rest of the day at the pool. My parents are fine with this -- my mother is handicapped and isn't interested in going to the parks at all (was just there in 2008). My dad will probably join us for a few days. I fully expect my niece and her BFF to be on the opposite schedule -- sleeping until noon, pool in the afternoon, and parks at night (taking advantage of EMH). We will likely only see them during pool time. We are cooking all meals in the room. Other than that, we have no solid plans at all.

I know that my parents won't cancel on me. My niece and BFF have paid for their non-refundable plane tickets, so they won't cancel. I'm looking forward to a nice trip.

Having said all of that (sorry so long), there are some relatives that I will NEVER invite. My sister is one of them. Not because I worry that she will back out -- it's because she will make me miserable the entire time she is there. She causes a problem at almost every family gathering -- even a simple dinner. She completely ruined our 2008 Disney trip (pre-DVC). It's just not worth it. We all have someone like her in our families -- we just have to recognize that they are not the people we should vacation with.

[disneykidatheart]

Ah, I see. Part of the joys of family.


I think we'd go a bit nuts if we always took people just as easily as we feel sad spending every Disney vacation alone. It's all in moderation.


So, so true!

[BroganMc]

I know that my parents won't cancel on me. My niece and BFF have paid for their non-refundable plane tickets, so they won't cancel. I'm looking forward to a nice trip.

I'm glad it worked out for ya.

Shame the college age relatives backed out. I remember passing up a trip to Disney once while in college. I had mid-terms or some paper thingie. It made perfect sense at the time, but it stuck in my craw for years. That's probably why when the chance came to go again a decade later I jumped without hesitation.

Ah, the young and innocent!

[DVCGeek]

Heck, some husbands and wives don't move in the same lockstep
...
There are even times I like to ditch everyone and go solo

We do the same; when DW gets tired or wants to sleep in I head off solo while she's back at the room. There are rides I do that she doesn't; she may head to a quiet bench or gift shop. I like to do commando park days, she doesn't do as well as I do on limited sleep! :rotfl: I'd love it if we always wanted to do the same thing, but that simply isn't reality and we work around it. Doing some things on our own has made us both a lot happier on our trips! :thumbsup2