Disney World with the In-Laws?

[Bev in Chgo]

In 1997, I did Disney with my 2 sons (ages 5 and 9 back then), husband and my parents. That was the first time everybody had been to Disney except for me ( I went for my H.S. graduation trip).

I planned everything since I was the only one that had been to Disney, but I still had a lot to learn because at the time I went to Disney in 1985 they had only 2 parks built. I kept in mind what I know my family and parents would like and I made sure we did something for everyone.

Now................... for your vacation
Sounds like your relationship with your SIL is great. Also you said that your SIL has never been to Disney World. This is your opportunity to show her a great time.

Also I would get that free video that Disney will send you and let her see some of the hotels, theme parks, etc. this will get her excited. Help her get prepared for the trip.

Once she watched the video, let her have some input, like a ride she saw that she does not want to miss, parades or fireworks at the park, etc.

You (and your husband) should do all the planning since you have been there before, but at least give her some choices, so the vacation can seem like her vacation too. Also leave room for flexibility. I think open discussions is the key to it all.

Let her know that when you and your family go to Disney - what you guys usually do.
like are u early risers, or not.
do you like to have table meals or all counter service meals.
r u the go go go type of people or do you see the park at at slow pace

I think you should definately find out what she considers a vacation

let her know upfront it is okay if she wants to meet up somewhere in the park
after she feels comfortable to part ways from u guys.

Most important have lots of fun

I am still trying to get my SIL (her 3 kids) to go to Disney with us. Financially speaking it is so hard for her to come up with the money.

She tried saving but something always comes up. She has NEVER been on any vacation.

 

[Zoemakes5]

Generally, the more the better, frankly, on Disney trips as far as I'm concerned.
BUT, some cautions to going with SIL and nieces and nephews. Keeping adult expectations at a certain level is one thing, adding kids in the mix is another.
First, it sounds like finances are not equivalent between you. That makes a difference when vacationing. Every souvie you get for yours, if your SIL doesn't have the money, then it's sad faces and bad feelings with the niece and nephew, who will "understand", but still feel sad. If you want to get that special fruit smoothie or that ice cream bar, but SIL is strapped. Character meal, CS vs. TS. Well, you get the idea. It's not only if they expect different things, but how they will feel, even if the expectations are there that you will split up, or each will cover their own, when one gets whatever and the others don't. I don't know when you're going or what the finances really are, but perhaps you could give Disney Dollars or gift cards for x-mas or b-days. Maybe you could plan to cover stuff, like a character meal for everyone......not sure. But those are ways to kinda level the playing field.
Beforehand, get a bunch of stuff that's Disney and matching. Stuff that you may want all the kids to have and make sure they all have it. Like, fanny packs, rain poncho, light sticks/glow sticks or necklaces, gum, snacks, maybe t-shirts/sweatshirts. It could be a present for a specific reason (x-mas, birthday) or a "going to Disney" present. Gets them excited, costs less than getting it in the park, and gets rid of the "not fair that xxx has it".
Another thing to think about is rides. Who gets to choose when. I grew up in So.Cal and everytime family and friends came to visit, we went to DL. It made a tough time when one child ended up "taking over" what we were going to do when. And, with it being just SIL and her two kids, I don't envision people being too willing to spend much alone time. Maybe plan it that they take turns picking out rides, or you give them a book so they can all pick out rides and then you come up with a tour plan. Or whatever. But, some way to make sure that everyone knows what to expect and everyone gets to do some of the things they want to do. AND, that they gracefully do the things the others want to do! (That can be a big one!)
If you have different rising/bed-time schedules/routines, then make arrangements for the one that gets up early to take the kids early to the parks, or the pool, or whatever, and the later risers to do something else.
I think it could be a great vacation, but need to make sure that everyone is on the same page, that time is planned, who is in charge, and what kind of spending limits everyone is comfortable with.