Bringing a friend

[waltsgirl4ever]

My mom and I will be in the world in May. She started saying how she wants to sleep in more while were there, so she said I could bring a friend. I have a friend in mind. We will both be 18 by the time of the trip. We will be there May 1st-11th. What should I ask myself before I decide to ask her or not? And what should I ask her when I do ask? Also, any ideas on how to take a little break from each other? We all need a break after a long day sometimes! She is also a first timer. Any advice on that would work too!

 

[serene56]

what will her expectations for visiting the world be?

some kids at that age want to sleep in and stay out all night.. so I cant see rope drop happening if that is the case.

How much time does your friend primp to get ready for the day? it might not be on your schedule.


How much magic are you willing to share with a new person that never been before-- they might not be all about the hurry coz we gotta be someplace.

 

[disneyhorselover]

Having gone with friends, there are 2 things to consider:
1. Are you and this friend the same type of touring person? For example, morning people, night people, high energy commando or take it easy slow walking? If you are the opposite, you better plan in advance to compromise.
2. Make sure this friend also understands that everyone needs a break sometimes. It can be hard if you need a break and they don't get it. For that, I'd plan on some pool or hotel time. Even if you are there together, you can swim, read a book, watch tv, ect just to do your own thing and have a little quiet time.


However, my first thought when reading this thread was if you need to ask that many questions about the friend you wanna bring, you might be bringing the wrong one--it should be something to be thrilled for, not worried about!

Either way I hope it works out and you have a great time!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Also consider finances.

If there will be three people 18 or older in a room there is an extra charge. Who will pay for her ticket? Who will pay for her meals? Who will pay for her transportation? Who will pay for her souvenirs?

This should all be discussed in advance.

 

[The Hendies]

Decide with your mom ahead of time how you should split costs like travel, tickets, food, cost of room, etc. Then be prepared to discuss the money issues at the time you ask. Some might think, "You invited me, I'm your guest, you must be paying for everything!" Good luck!

 

[lizziepooh]

Discuss sleeping arrangements.. Will you be in a suite or regular room? If a regular room, who will share a double bed - you and friend or you and Mom? Discuss finances so there are no surprises on what you expect her to pay for.

 

[Moonwolf]

I just went to WDW with a friend last spring. Some immediate things to ask when you see if they want to come are:

-Costs is a definite must to discuss when you ask how much are you each going to cover for room, travel, park admission, ect.

-Also dinning. Were you and your mom want to do sit down dinners? If so make sure your friend is aware of them (and/or helps choose some) and if you are splitting costs willing pay for them.

Some other things to ask which aren't as important buy you should still figure out before you go are:
-rides: I'm sure you're aware of your friends preference but it never hurts to double check what type of rides your friend will and won't ride. Are they big on thrill rides or will they not want to even try them, will they do the small rides like pooh or it's a small world or will they refuse to ride them because they are for "little kids". (When I went I knew my friend wasn't a thrill rider and neither am I but about a month before our trip I discovered she does like to do Splash so I rode it for her)

-characters: Will you be wanting to meet characters... will your friend. (I wanted to meet some characters but my friend wasn't that interested. We ended up just seeing a few that didn't have long lines)

- I'd also be upfront about your touring style. Are you planning on doing rope drop to close? Make sure your friend is aware of what you'd like to do.

 

[Gamegrl1]

As disneyhorselover said: "However, my first thought when reading this thread was if you need to ask that many questions about the friend you wanna bring, you might be bringing the wrong one--it should be something to be thrilled for, not worried about!"

I agree. Go with your gut when picking who to travel with. The energy level is important as is the money. In addition to them having the basics (transportation, lodging, food) paid for, is the amount of money they have vs. you going to be an issue? That is, let's say one of you can afford to shop and the other can only window-shop because they don't have a lot of extra $. Are you both going to be ok with that? Can one shop while the other does something else? Or if one wants to shell out extra $ for a special tour, or spa visit or whatever and the other one can't afford it, will that be a problem?

Definitely discuss expectations and finances prior to the trip. Splitting up occasionally might be a good idea, as mentioned before.

Bottom line is whoever you pick should have a really good attitude when adversity strikes. I took a friend one time to DLR on a last-minute trip when another friend had to cancel due to illness. He griped about the cost although one of the tix was given to him for free. He got sick on a ride and had to sit for nearly an hour to feel better (I waited with him because I would've felt like a heel otherwise but it was killing me!). He got tired about 5pm and left me alone the rest of the day - I even let him take the car while I rode the shuttle and I had to wait about 1/2 hour for it. Had to bribe him with a Mickey ice cream bar to get him to ride PP. Seriously...there was no pixie dust on that person and it brought the trip down. Thank goodness it was only two days.

I share that to say - make the right choice because it'll make or break your trip. If you don't know anyone that'll fit the bill, honestly, you can have fun at WDW on your own (well, depending on your personality!). I haven't been to WDW yet but I've been to DLR & DCA several times on my own (just for day trips or MNSSHP) and the first time I wasn't sure how fun it'd be. Yes, my first pick is definitely to go with family, but I did enjoy going alone...I actually didn't realize how much I could enjoy it by myself! I think that realization was the catalyst that turned me into a Mousejunkie!

Now I'm getting deep so I'll stop. Good luck with your choice...don't be afraid to go solo if necessary and have a great time no matter what!

 

[aylarosie]

I would just go for the first time with your Mom. If she wants to sleep why don;t you go have breakfast ,take a book and go to the pool,The rooms are not that big and it would be hard not to wake her when leaving with a friend.Also chances are if she sleeps in she may want to be staying out at the parks later. Having a friend in such a small space can be tough. Go and have a great time.

 

[bopper]

Like others say:

Costs: Who pays for what. You don't want you to have the dining plan and your friend having to pay out of pocket and wanting to do counter service.

Sleep: Are they an early riser? early sleeper? What would the arrangements be?

Rides: Are they scared of roller coasters? spinny rides? scary rides? Do they want to go to the parks and not hang by the pool?

Bathroom: How long do they take to get ready? If a long time, are they willing to get up early?

Disposition: Do they think the world revolves around them? Do they expect you to wait for them?

Stamina: Can they keep up? Do they get too hot/burned in the sun?

Trustworthyness: Can you trust them to stay with you and not go off with some cute guy? Will they not get you into trouble? Will they respect your mom?

Personality: Are they an extrovert who needs to be around people where you are an introvert?

Food: Are they super picky on food to the point it limits your choices? Do they eat at normal times of the day?

Planner: Are you compatible on whether you are planners or go with the flow-ers? Can they stick to a time table?

Non-rides: Do they likes shows? Fireworks? do you?

 

[wiigirl]

I would just go for the first time with your Mom. If she wants to sleep why don;t you go have breakfast ,take a book and go to the pool,The rooms are not that big and it would be hard not to wake her when leaving with a friend.Also chances are if she sleeps in she may want to be staying out at the parks later. Having a friend in such a small space can be tough. Go and have a great time.

 

[waltsgirl4ever]

OP HERE- We dicided to invite her, she has been having a hard time and she is like a sister to me. We worked out money and everything so now we are just waiting for the yes or no from her parents (since she won't be 18 'til right before the trip). Thanks for all your help!

 

[bopper]

Have fun! Just make sure to talk to her about those aspects that are particularly important to you. And be firm. "Just so you know, I love roller coasters, so I will be going on those. If you don't like them, I will make sure to just pick my favorites and meet up with you after." or "No problem, you can sleep in while I go pick up breakfast. I can bring you back a bagel."