Can everyone get along at WDW?

[Heidi]

One thing that I realy want to avoid on this vacation is the bickering and such that a group can get into on a WDW vacation. On one of my trips my GFs son was a real pain in the butt!!! The only time he straightened out was when we split up!!! I took the two older kids and left him with his parents because I could not take it anymore!!! They reported he turned into an angel!! Had we known we would have split up sooner.

On another visit I got into a fight with my DBF and he actualy tried to call the airline and leave! That fight began because as soon as we got ther he went walking around without telling anyone else ane we were left looking for him. The bottom line on that was he was being selfish and very inconsiderate. He ended up staying and the rest of the trip was fine. But I recall thinking how much I wish we had seperate rooms. (he was and EX BF. A friend at the time).

This trip I have two connecting rooms for 5 people at ASmu. That should help. And I plan on letting people split up if I see the tension building. I feel like 'I' know the signs and what is best to do. But I cant speak for the entire group.

Anyone have similar experiences or any advice?

 

[Lucky4me]

For us its the heat that starts the bickering. As long as we're cool and refreshed we're alright. That's one of the reasons I'll always go in the cooler months. I have seen people at DW get into downright brawls with family members so we're certainly not alone...

 

[Geubux]

Since we always know whenever our next trip is going to be, we don't feel rushed to see everything. We have a few priorities per person, then we just enjoy ourselves the rest of the day.

76 - offsite
98 - Ft Wilderness Cabins
99 - CBR
00 - HH DVC
4/01 offsite
12/01 BWV

 

[robinb]

Sometimes it's just the stress from trying to make things "perfect" that brings out the worst. I would recommend that you set up a couple of meals togther and then let everyone do their own thing. One group doesn't want to get up early? That's OK. Meet them for dinner. One group wants to go to PI and the other back to bed? No problem! Meet up in the morning.

When you are togther, agree to some ground rules which will make everyone happy. Don't wander off without telling anyone. If you plan on meeting somewhere, be on time or call. That kind of thing.

Most of all, try not to let things get under your skin. I keep on telling myself that ... I'm 'vacationing' with my parents and my sister's family (10 of us in all) this July!


-- Robin

 

[dznynut]

We (myself, DH and 11 yo DS) make a pact that there will be no fighting on vacation! We take turns choosing rides and dining places (we choose those before we make our PS from home). Many times we do split up for a few hours. Somehow they don't get as much pleasure from shopping at WDW as I do! We will be going for 12 days this December following our first DCL cruise (can't wait!). Since we like to stay for a while, we don't feel that need to rush, thus cutting down on fights. I think having the right attitutde can go a long way.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

DH, DS, and myself took a 3 day WDW 4 day cruise trip with my mom this past Jan. My mom and I had it out a few times. DH stayed out of it. Thank goodness! Main thing was she said I was too harsh disciplining MY son. He is 2 1/2, and everyone knows with kids that age if you let them have their way on vacation, your vacation turns into a night mare. I was more lax than at home but he still had to mind and that was that. She felt I should let everything slide. When we got home, we talked it out. He is my son etc. etc. But next trip, I'm sure moms BF will go, so she will have her own room and that will cut down on alot of tension.

 

[CarrieAP]

Traveling in groups can be difficult as someone is bound to be unhappy and it is easy to get on each other's nerves. Though we have a very close extended family (my sister and parents) we have learned by experience that some distance keeps us that way. We are hoping for the ideal trip next month as we are each going with our individual families, making up our own itineraries, but also scheduling a few meals and other activities together.

What also helps to keep tensions down is to work out plans ahead of time. That way everyone can identify what is most important to them. We also find it is best to plan meals as well, as so much time is wasted deciding wear to eat. Once the plans are decided, there must be consensus before altering.

'83,'84,'88 off site
3/98 CSR
6/98 Dolphin
4/99 CSR
5/99 DL
7/99 Yacht Club
5/01 CSR

 

[Poohbear123]

In 1989 my BF and I took my kids to Disney World. I had not been since 1979 and he NEVER went. Now I saw WHY! We went in June and the crowds were BAD! (did not have computer than)! He was impossible to deal with and we got in NUMEROUS Arguments. Needless to say, that was the first and LAST time he went there with us ever again. Yes we are still together (after 14 years) but The kids and I go ALONE to WDW! Now that my kids are older and in college, I go ALONE! It's great!

 

[Trekker]

My DW and I have discussed doing WDW with her sister and family, and mind you we love and enjoy these people.

We both agree that this is the type of trip that will have us at each others throats, we have decided that WDW is a place for us (Me, DW, DS, DD) to enjoy just as a family. And sometimes that can even get tense.....

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<FONT color=darkblue size=2>Feb 1995 - Caribbean Beach</FONT>
<FONT color=cadetblue size=2>Feb 1997 - Port Orleans</FONT>
<FONT color=darkred size=2>Nov 1997 - Offsite</FONT>
<FONT color=darkgoldenrod size=2>Feb 2000 - Dixie Landings</FONT>
<FONT color=darkmaroon size=2>Nov 2001 - All Star Movie</FONT>

 

[jiminy]

so last year when we went in a large group (6 adults 2 toddlers), I made sure to have time to myself (I was pg also) and time alone with dh. This year we are going with my mom and our ds who will be 1, so I think "me" time and time with dh will be easier to come by! I think when you're on top of each other constantly is when the bickering can start.

June 1985---offsite
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April 1996---offsite
March 2000---POLYNESIAN
Oct-Nov 2001---GRAND FLORIDIAN

 

[MissingMickey]

This may sound silly to some of you (but I have a touch of low blood sugar if that is possible), but don't forget to eat. It doesn't matter if it is hot or cold when you go to Disney, you sometimes get so excited, you forget to slow down and eat -- or you eat a lot of snacky food higher in sugar and carbs than you are used to. It seems even worse when it is hot, though. No problem. Just remember everyone in your party may not be like you and may be more sensitive to hunger pains and sugar crashes leading to testiness. My husband can attest to this -- I am usually a very sweet young lady, but if I am even late on meal (easy to do on vacation), I become the Wicked Witch of the West until about 30 minutes after I eat a good meal. Then, I'm back to normal and sweet as pie again.

Another thing to consider is expectations. I think that leads to a lot of fights -- someone wants to do this this and this and another wants a completely different schedule. Can't do everything--even if you are there for 2 weeks (can't wait to try that!). When you see interest lagging, split up like others have suggested. We may even buy the 2 way radios for just the 2 of us (27 and 30 year olds) so we can meet up more easily when we do split up. I would think these and cell phones are godsend to those of you travelling in bigger groups. Splitting up is great, but can often be annoying trying to hook back up just right.

Have fun and remember to breathe deeply. Talk about it openly before you go. You need to be honest with each other when you get bored or cranky--and be honest with yourself, too. Don't let it get out of hand before you try to change things up. I can now tell my husband -- hey bucko, you are getting on my nerves. He just hugs me and tells me it must be time for a lil something. He's such a gem.

[This message was edited by MissingMickey on 04-06-01 at 02:05 PM.]