bringing extra family member

[AirForceRocks]

I wouldn't change my plans either - let your brother know what the plans are and extend the invitation to join the rest of the family.

I must say however that this paragraph is pretty sad IMO:

My daughter is really upset. She has been upstaged by her "Unk's" GD since she was 5. My kids have no grandparents. My aunt and brother are the closest relatives they have.

I take it that your daughter has been "upstaged" every since the GD was born? While I can certainly understand the jealousy of a 5 year old, she should be old enough now to realize that her "Unk" can still love her as much as ever, but his GD is his GRANDDAUGHTER!! Of course he is going to have different and most likely stronger feelings for her. That's only natural IMO.

 

[gepetto]

I know this child wasn't specifically invited but I hope everyone keeps in mind that she is a 7 year old child and makes her feel welcome. What happened with the change of plans is unfortunate but it was not her fault. She's probably very nervous about vacationing with a family she hardly knows.

You don't have to alter all your plans but I think it would be nice to make an effort to include her and do some things that she would like. If not, I would suggest telling your brother that it would be best if they went another time on their own.

 

[aahmom1]

I'm confused...you want your brother to come along but you're upset that he's bringing his granddaughter? I don't get it, isn't the whole point of Disneyworld for children? I really, truly must be missing something because I can't believe you're upset that another child is going to WDW with you.

Is it the fact that your child doesn't have any Grandparents and that her aunt and uncle are 'like' Grandparents to her, and you feel that she won't get the attention she deserves if he brings his Granddaughter along? If that is it, imagine how the little girl will feel if she finds out that her Grandpa went to Disneyworld with his niece and left her home so that he could devote all his time to his niece. I gotta say, that sounds pretty selfish.

Color me confused...

 

[janette]

Bringing his Granddaughter maybe what changed his mind about going. Welcome her.

I do agree with others that it doesn't have to mean you have to change your plans. If you can't increase the size of the party for the PS than just let them know that and they can make plans of their own.

I've been to WDW with extended family and the lesson I learned the hard way is don't try to stay together unless everyone wants to do exactly the same thing! We had one day that we tried to do MK with only 9 people and it seemed like we were waiting on someone half the day because people kept going in different directions but then not making it back to the meeting place when agreed on. It was awful!

I'm making plans for another trip and might have up to 20 family members. My rule is that everyone who goes to parks together does exactly the same things. There will be enough people that we should be able to divide up in areas of interest. We will plan a few events like the evening shows or parades and maybe a dinner to 2 together but for the most part everyone will be on their own.

 

[RUDisney]

You know, I've been thinking about the whole, "the 7 year old will want to do all of the kiddie rides," statement that you said your brother made. Last year my kids were 6 and 7 and one sweep through Fantasyland and Toon Town were enough for them... they wanted the Mountains, ToT, RnR, Test Track... well, you get the picture. GP can have his GD's likes and dislikes all wrong and she'll probably like your schedule more than being treated like a baby, anyway.

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

I feel your pain! It's hard when you plan a trip and then (especially at the last minute) someome comes along and throws a wrench in your plans.

I would let your brother know that you have already planned an itinerary for your trip. You would gladly have included him if you had any more notice that they were joining you. Then I would hand him a copy of whatever you made for your touring schedule and let him know that they can join you whenever they feel like it. If he wants to spend more time in MK with his granddaughter you are sure you can catch up later.

Then, whenever you stress try repeating this in your head. "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference." That little ditty always works for me when I am stressed out.

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Mouselander]

Hello everyone! it is now FIVE hours before we are on the road to WDW!!!!!!
Just wanted to say thanx again for letting me rant, rave and vent my WDW trip problem!!!! Everyone had GREAT suggestions!!! I really liked...what BethE. said...

"Then, whenever you stress try repeating this in your head. "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference." That little ditty always works for me when I am stressed out"

I am sure that our trip will be fantastic! IF I survive... the trip...PMS...end of school...dealing with my DS problem (insect bite turned to blood poisoning with red streaks and all!!!!) ETC!!!!

BFN thanks again!!!! Here we come WDW ready or not!!!!!
(guess which one I am??? LOL)