Disney with group of friend... but not all wanting to do the same thing

[girli565]

Long title, I know. I'm not sure where to put this but I thought that since this is kind of like pre-trip planning it should go here.

Ok, so my DFi and I are heading to Disney for our anniversary in June. It just so happens that a friend of ours from highschool, Laraine and her husband want to go too. They moved from Miami to Jacksonville a few months ago and we are so excited to see them. DFi and I are thrilled because we haven't seen them or their new baby in a few months. We also have another set of friends, Janet and her husband who heard from Laraine that we would all be in Disney in June so they are thinking of going as well.

Now for us it's the more the merrier. We like hanging with our friends and don't mind that they are coming! BUT the problem I see us encountering is that I already have a set schedule in mind and pretty much on paper of what DFi and I are going to do. I've made our ADR's and because I've already made those it pretty much mandates what parks and what days we are going to those parks. Now, my friends really don't plan as much as I do... I'm a bit anal retentive... but I also don't want to dictate to them what parks or activities to do on certain days. I'd feel terrible if they didn't get to do things that they wanted because they felt obligated to follow my plans.

We're staying form June 18th -June 23rd. I think Laraine's family is staying the 18th-21st because her husband has to be at work that weekend, so that right there throws a cramp into my schedule. I'm not sure of Janet's schedule so we'll just ignore that for now. We want to spend time with Laraine and her family but I don't think the schedule I have planned out will work for them.

So here's my question/problem... is there a way to say, "we're so glad you came and want to spend time with you... but we also want to do our own thing too?" Without it sounding rude or mean spirited? Also, I made a special ADR for just the DFi and I at CG and I definitely want it to just be the 2 of us... should I even mention it to our friends?

Just a note... my friends really don't like drama between us but it always seems to happen and we don't like confronting each other so it just stews and becomes uncomfortable... so please take that into account.

Thank you all for your help!!!

 

[GSD4ME]

We're actually going with a group of family/friends in September (about 14 of us), so I understand your dilemma!!! I think I would be upfront with your friends and let them know what you've already got planned and ask them if they'd like to join you - with the exception, of course, of the dinner for you and your DFi. If you're all planning to stay at the same hotel/resort, perhaps you could all get together in the evenings; or, if you all happen to be at the same park on the same day, maybe meet up for a few rides together or do lunch. I realize you want to be able to spend time with your friends - and we do, too, when we go on our trip - but, you have to keep in mind that everyone's idea of what they want/can to do is going to be different (especially if there's a young child involved). Remember, it's their vacation, too, so just enjoy the time you DO get to spend together!

I hope this helps . . .

 

[girli565]

Yeah, I've realized that not everyone can be pleased, especially in a large group. We are all staying at the same resort so that will be a plus, we're hoping to be on the same floor or have connectiong rooms, at least. I just don't want to feel guilty if we say "sorry, we have to run, have adr's at xxx at xx:xx time!!" I guess that's just something I'll have to get comfortable with.

Or let the DFi tell them.......

 

[GSD4ME]

Don't feel guilty - just enjoy yourself!!! And, if you let them know about your ADR plans ahead of time, they'll be able to make some plans of their own. I can relate to how you're feeling, though, because I don't like the "dischord" factor, either! And, this should make you feel better: our trip will probably be even more stressful because we have FAMILY members coming along, too.

 

[girli565]

Don't you just love how family pushes your buttons in just the right way to make you fly off the handle?!!

I just came back from Disney and it was just me and my parents, I thought I was going to strangle them!! I spent many a nights by the pool on the phone with the DFi lol