crazy idea for family trip--opinions?

[twinsouvenirs]

So we're potentially planning a trip for the extended family (my parents, and my sister and BIL) to HHI or WDW.

My sister just recently got married, so we were thinking they could use their own space. My parents are just weird sleepers (I think they both sleep on separate couches despite a brand new bed/mattress--don't ask, I think it has to do with an A/C that needs to be fixed). We have twinfants (yeah I just made that up).

On the one hand it would be nice to have other people to wake up early with the babies, on the other hand it would be nice for everyone to have their separate space. Thus, I was thinking that we'd book two studios (for them) and a 1 Br for us, rather than a three bedroom. We're talking 6 adults, 3 couples (and a set of toddling delights). However, we just joined, aren't point rich, and that would definitely involve a borrow, which depresses me.

My mom's first preference would be HHI. I think my sister & I would both prefer WDW. My husband is not helpful in picking destinations. No clue what the BIL wants.

I sent a survey monkey to everyone and they have not responded.

So if we were to do HHI or any other one resort, what do you think about how to structure the accomodations? If we were to do WDW, what do you think about putting people at different resorts? Is that crazy? Or would it be fun?

 

[FreeTime]

I would go for WDW and those that want to relax would not need to go to the parks. I would book all at the same resort in a studio (for the newlyweds) and a 2br lock off for you and the parents. That way they can spend time with the grandkids and can babysit in the room, if needed.

 

[amym2]

I would go for WDW and those that want to relax would not need to go to the parks. I would book all at the same resort in a studio (for the newlyweds) and a 2br lock off for you and the parents. That way they can spend time with the grandkids and can babysit in the room, if needed.

This was my thought as well. With the 2bdrm lock-off your parents would be there to help with the babies as well, but they would also have some privacy. When we go to WDW next fall, we're planning on a 2bdrm for our family of 4 and our 2 kids and a studio for my sister and BIL. We're planning to stay at AKV so my mom and BIL can just relax if they don't want to hit the parks.

We've been to WDW and stayed at a different resort than my sister (the 4 of us at WL and my sister at Pop) and it worked out fine, but since you'll have twinfants (cute!) it might be helpful for you if you're all together. For space, you might also consider OKW.

 

[disneynutz]

I would go to WDW. If they want to make their own reservations, I would assist them.

Nothing worse than having people go on your vacation when they really don't care to be there, "I sent a survey monkey to everyone and they have not responded".

You are excited as a new owner and you want to share, they aren't, in fact they may be jealous.

Bill

 

[Pirate Granny]

I would do the GV...three bedrooms, putting sis in master, you in the bigger queen BD (away from the living area so to sleep away from the main floor and you can visit, do laundry without having to worry about waking the little ones) and put parents in the other bedroom. They all have their own TVs and bathrooms, with an extra 3/4 bathroom off the living room. Perhaps parents can switch rooms and sleep with babies one or two nights . I love being all together...want privacy ??? go into your room and shut the door. OKW would be perfect, low points, love the large living dining rooms...and we had four toddlers and it worked well...bring your monitors and enjoy your evening on the huge balcony or relax and visit in the large living/dining room areas.

 

[Song of the South]

As someone who just got back from a family trip my best advice is to book separate accommodations (studios over GV) in as many separate reservations as you can (studio and 1 bed rather than 2 bed) in case people cancel you won't be stuck spending lots of points on a too large accommodation. Also, everyone has their own privacy which is great! Good luck and have fun!

 

[JustTinking]

Last year we booked relatives into a Kidani GV (3 adults, 4 surly teenagers), and we stayed at Boardwalk. That way they got to have a family vacation plus we met up with them for meals and park visits. Gave them one or two off days to decide what they wanted to do on their own. That worked for us as they were not immediate family....

In your case, I like the idea of a 2bd lockoff for you and your parents, and a studio for the newlyweds, all at the same resort. Assumes newlyweds will welcome the privacy and time together, and assumes your parents are proud grandparents who want to spend some time with the twinfants.

I would leave the itinerary open, and only make meeting up at dinnertime mandatory every other day. This sends the message that 1) you want some family time together, and 2) you are comfortable with them planning their own activities. If they are uncomfortable with that and need more guidance they will let you know. If you are a compulsive planner, plan for you, DH and the kids, and leave the invite open for whomever to join.

Most of all, remember to have fun. Don't ruin your vacation by being responsible for everyone's happiness.

 

[papertraveller]

We spent a week in August with family, 11 people in total at BLT. We had:
- two-bedroom dedicated unit. DH and I in the master; DD on the couch in the living room; Family of four in the bedroom.
- two separate studios for each of two couples.

I had seriously considered a grand villa, but the points and the lack of full privacy dissuaded me. This configuration instead was just what we needed.

We gave each of the two couples a key to the larger unit. The reservations were linked and we ended up close to each other on the same floor.

It was nice because everyone had their own space. When our daughter needed time to herself, she just retreated to our room and got away from the crowd.

We had an absolute blast and everyone is already planning another trip for about three years from now.