Family Trip Dilemma- Need Advice.

[devotedchristian]

We are combining 2 families for our trip (Universal Studios for us) and coming in 1 minivan. Coming from Atlanta,GA.

Me
DH
DS-4
DD-15

SIL (DH's sister)
Niece-2
Nephew-7

BIL is joining us for the trip. He and SIL are divorced but they are going to be civil to each other for the sake of the kids. It's their kids first trip to "Disney" and he wants to be there.

The problem is he lives in Maryland. He is flying down to Orlando and meet us there.

We are driving from Atlanta but our plans were to head straight to our resort.

Should we go and pick him up from the Airport (which was NOT in the plan and DH says that's "his responsibility") or should we give BIL the address of the Resort and have him take a cab from the airport to the resort?

Going to pick him up from the airport is going to take time away from our very small vacation. We are only going from Friday-Sunday. So every amount of time is precious.

Would that be such a hassle for BIL to find his own way from the Airport?

Now, BIL is taking his Kids back home with him for the summer to Maryland and SIL is coming back home with us solo. So, I DO know we will drop them off at the airport.

But, I've never flown so I am inexperienced on how flight time can affect a vacation.

Advice!

 

[seashoreCM]

I say it is not a real hassle to get from the airport to Disney and, if you are all staying on site, BIL can use Magical Express (no charge; reserve in advance).

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Would that be such a hassle for BIL to find his own way from the Airport?

If they are staying at a WDW on-site resort, then Disney's Magical Express is the easy answer. DME provides free, convenient, comfortable, frequent, and reliable transportation from MCO to Disney-operated resorts at WDW. And DME includes a great inbound luggage service too.

Most people who stay at an off-site hotel are best off renting a car at the airport, especially for relatively short vacations.

 

[Hannathy]

If you are asking everyone to be civil to each other wouldn't it be the civil thing to pick him up? Is he planning on flying in about the same time you are getting there? If it is about the same time that you will be checking in at Disney you or your DH could go pick him up while everyone else waits to check in and settles in,especially at Disney where it can take 30 minutes to wait in line. But really if it is at Disney then I would say take ME. but if off site I think someone should pick him up. Either plan to hit town the same time he is or only send one adult to get him. It isn't a hassle to pick an adult up at the airport, you wouldn't even have to park. Just plan to have him come outside at baggage and you stop and pick him up. With a cell phone it would be super easy.

 

[sammielynn]

I'm confused. Where are you staying? If you are going to Universal, are they going to Disney?

 

[canwegosoon]

If you are asking everyone to be civil to each other wouldn't it be the civil thing to pick him up? Is he planning on flying in about the same time you are getting there? If it is about the same time that you will be checking in at Disney you or your DH could go pick him up while everyone else waits to check in and settles in,especially at Disney where it can take 30 minutes to wait in line. But really if it is at Disney then I would say take ME. but if off site I think someone should pick him up. Either plan to hit town the same time he is or only send one adult to get him. It isn't a hassle to pick an adult up at the airport, you wouldn't even have to park. Just plan to have him come outside at baggage and you stop and pick him up. With a cell phone it would be super easy.

I agree:

So this is how I would handle it:
1) Magical Express
2) Try to time his arrival with when you "Plan to be going through Orlando"
3)An adult goes to get him
4)If he insists he'd rather take a cab, then let him do so

How would you feel if it was you?

On getting the kids/him back to the airport again if you are staying
onsite
1)Take Magical Express(it would be a 3 hour departure from resort prior to flight) He and the kids can travel together since they are all staying on site.
Off site
2)Drop them off on your way past Orlando on your way home-you will need about the 3 hour time frame from the time you leave the hotel, get to MCO, check in, and clear security...he might have 1/2 free time, but I would not cut it any closer.

I hope you all have a good trip.