Bringing a friend of DS

[buzz5985]

My DS turns 13 this coming year and we are planning a surprise trip for him. We would like to take one of his friends, and I am unsure of how to bring the subject up to the parents. We would not expect any money from the parents, but my concern is that they will say no because the Mom was just laid off after 20 years, and would be uncomfortable with us picking up the total tab. And they have never been to the World before.

Any suggestions how to proceed?? It's not until next November, but I want to keep my eyes open for airfares, so I feel I should ask them soon. How has everyone else brought this up to the parents of their children's friends??

Janis

 

[dianeschlicht]

Tell them right up front that you are not expecting them to pay anything BECAUSE it's a gift to your son to have a friend come with. They shouldn't feel pressure that way. Just make sure they know when you are about to make the airline ressies etc, that they can NOT back out once that is done.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Diane is so wise. I agree. Tell the family that it would be the greatest joy for you to bring their son along as your son's friend to enjoy fun at WDW and to celebrate his birthday. If they have any reservations about him going to please let you know soon, but they shouldn't worry about any money for their son. It's all going to be covered by you.

 

[RumpleMom]

First let me say that I'm a person who does not like surprises. I have also raised girls and not boys.

Are you certain this is the friend your son would want to go on the trip? Have you thought about how much fun the two boys would have planning the trip together?

Maybe it is different with boys, but girls change who their closest girlfriend is monthly. We were planning a trip and assumed she would ask the daughter of our very close friend, nope not her choice at all. Just a word of caution.

DH says boys are so much easier to raise.

 

[dcamdad]

I agree with Diane, we are taking two of my oldest DS friends with us this May for a 3 night Disney cruise followed by 6 nights in a GV at OKW. When we were first planning the trip we made sure to tell both sets of parents that this trip is our graduation gift to our son and his two friends and we were covering all the associated costs.

 

[photobob]

I agree, tell the friends parents that you were planning a surprise trip for your son and thought it would be great if you brought one of his friends with him and you'd really like it to be their son. Tell them like Dianne said that bringing a friend is part of the gift and that you'll be covering all expenses.

BTW I think that it is a wonderful thing to do, it's a great age and what would make it even better is being able to take a friend to share and add to the experience.

 

[tammymacb]

I've taken DDs (12) best friend on 4 trips now. She's also joining us at BWV in January and on DCL in May. ( She's a lucky girl being best friends with my DD ) I always tell her mom the truth. It's much more enjoyable with DD has someone to hang out with and it's worth it to DH and I so that we can all enjoy the vacation. As long as their friendship contines, I see many more trips for BOTH of them to come.

 

[PatsMom]

We've let DD take a friend with her three times. We just tell the other parent (three different ones) that DD has a much better time having another teenager to spend time with instead of just boring old Mom and Dad! Its always worked out for us.

 

[wdwnut]

Hi: We've taken many of the kids' friends with us since 93. It was much more fun for them when they had a buddy along. Just be honest with the parents; it's great to have "newbies" with you.

 

[backyardponder]

For her Christmas present, we are taking our granddaughter, age 9, to VB. We are also letting her bring a friend with her. We decided who the right friend would be, spoke to the friend's parents and told them we were covering all expenses. It took them a week or so to make their decision, and they decided to let her go.

I think it is really important to do pre-planning with the parents before any invitations are extended. Nothing could be worse than having the invitation given then the parents say NO.

 

[WDWsnooper]

Be sure to get any medical insurance information and medical power of attorney to bring with you...we have taken my son's friends many times and I always insist on bringing the medical forms. Luckily, we've never needed them.
-snoop

 

[buzz5985]

Thanks everyone. We are going to talk to them this weekend. They have been friends for about 7 years, he lives 4 doors down, they are on the same hockey team, baseball team and are in scouts together. If it doesn't work out we will ask his cousin to come.

Janis

 

[rbuzzotta]

Hi Janis.............Happy New Year.

We have taken friends of my oldest daughter for years. I agree with all the above posters. It is so much more fun when they have a friend to hang out with.

I think this is the year that all 3 DD's will be bringing a friend!! UGH!! My poor husband!!!