First Timers to Florida with Young Family and MIL...Help Needed!!

[Dazza]

Hi All!!

Been reading through some of the excellent info on the site and decided to register, was hoping to get some help from all you experts

I have booked to stay with my family for 3 weeks, staying on International Drive starting 2nd July. The party will consist of me (30), wife (30), son (4 and half), son (2 and a bit), mother-in-law will also be attending!!

Have just purchased Brits Guide to Orlando 2005 (excellent) but was hoping if any of you folk could help me along with my plans!! Namely........

This seems like a military exercise i'm trying to arrange. Anybody with prior experience of similar situation. Where do I start!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thx for any help

Dazza

 

[KayleeUK]

Hi Dazza Welcome to the DIS

I would start by seeing which parks you would like to see, this would then determine your ticket option's. Obviously you have the Brits Guide, so see what sort of things you would like to see as the age range of your party varies.

I am a BIG planner Some people don't like to plan as much. But I like to know which park I am going to on which day and I like to have at least one meal planned But there are only the two of us so I expect there will be someone along in a minute who will be able to help with info about travelling with kids and Mother in Laws

 

[Dazza]

Hi KayleeUK,

Thx for the quick response.

We've decided on 3 weeks to see as much as we can, but obviously don't want to end up with needing a holiday on getting back and stressing everyone out too much whilst we are there.

Want the kids to have a good time, but was concerned that the baby won't have much to do outside the Magical Kingdom.

It is my intention to get round the Disney parks, Universal/sea world/busch, and hopefully Kennedy space (Still a big kid in me too!!). The flexi-ticket for universal seems logical, but still not sure about the Disney tickets we should be after.

 

[AndRu]

I went in Sept '03 with my wife, three kids (8, 6 & 5) and MIL. Never again. Ever. Ever Ever Ever Ever Ever.

Never again!

 

[allie5]

Hi Dazza

We are just back from 3 weeks with a similar group to yours...myself and DH (both 30 somethings), DD 4 and DS 2 and a bit, plus my 60 something Mother.

This was DH and my 9th trip, but our 4th trip with the kids and Mum. We are planning to all go again in Oct, so its not all bad, honest! Bonus of taking a relative is you get to go out on the odd night without the kids .

OK, first, my biggest and most important tip...DONT TRY TO DO TOO MUCH! Many first time visitors dont have any idea just how big and spread out the attractions are. We have just got back and only managed 4 Disney parks and Sea World! To be really, really honest with you, with kids of your ages, then Universal / IOA is not going to be that great for them. Others disagree, but although we loved these parks when visited as a couple, with two under 5s they became large and tiring. There are only a few rides that your 4 year old can do and even less that your 2 year old will get on. We have skipped these on recent trips.If you do decide on the Flex Ticket, then I wouldnt allocate more than one day at each here. Sea World is fantastic for under 5s and 2 days is easily needed.

Again, personally, I would miss Busch Gardens this trip. If you are planning on coming again when your boys are bigger, then leave it out.

Kennedy Space Center is EXCELLENT and a great day - you will love this.

Its worth taking a trip over the to the Gulf Coast as well (I would skip Busch Gardens and do this). You can get on the Sea Screamer at Clearwater (very fast speedboat to see the dolphins), and your kids will LOVE the beach.

Our 2 year olds fave thing was the characters at Disney, so I would highly recommend you book a character meal. He also enjoyed the parades, Playhouse Disney, Voyage of the little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast show at MGM, all the shows, the dancing fountains, Living Seas, The Land, El Rio De Tempo and character bus all at Epcot, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Triceratops Spin, Flights Of Wonder, Lion King Show, Pocahontas Forest friends and the adventure playground at Animal Kingdom. He enjoyed almost everything at Magic Kingdom! You wont be stuck for things for him to do!

Another tip is be flexible! It will be VERY VERY VERY hot when you go. There is no point dragging hot, tired, grumpy kids round a theme park. My advice is get there early when its cooler and less crowded. LEAVE when you stop having fun, even if its only 11am. You can always come back later in the day. For this reason, I always choose a flexible ticket for Disney. Unfortunately, the Disney Tickets are changing, so Im not sure whats going to be on offer, but I would advice something like the old 10 day ticket which included all the main parks plus water parks. The days dont run consecutively, so you have good flexibility.

We do find that elderly relatives do tend to get grumpy if kept in a Theme Park environment for too long. To calm the murky waters of MILs that get tetchy, may I recommend a trip to Celebration, frequent excursions to the Wal-Mart and if she is REALLY becoming a pain, Dive With The Sharks at Sea World...thats not the planned Dive, you just chuck them in when you pass the tank .

Have fun!
Allie

 

[vernon]

Dazza. you don't mention the type of accommodation you are getting, whether it's two hotel rooms, a condo style unit to share between you all or a villa (to share). I can see pluses and minuses to all options, but I would probably plump for either a condo style or a villa, that way MIL feels like part of the family, as opposed to being in a room on her own. It would also make for a more social evening being in a shared unit as you can put the kids to bed and the adults can sit up chat, watch TV, have a beer/wine or cocoa. It would also mean your MIL could baby sit if you went out for the evening and she wouldn't feel like she was having to tread on egg shells not to wake the kids.

With any large group it's always important to go at the speed of the least able. Plan in breaks where people can rest or go do something different. FOr example your MIL may enjoy an afternoon at Epcot on here own, while you and the family tackle MK. You could all arrange to meet up later at a restaurant to eat together. Animal Kingdom has a number of areas where your MIL may like to take some time on her own. It has a couple of really nice bird gardens, a gorilla watch area and a tiger watch area that, if she's interested in that type of stuff, she may like to linger in, while you take the kids to the dinosaur playground to dig in the sand, go down slides and generally burn off steam. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens also have exellent kiddy play areas where the kids can climb,bounce and generally burn off steam, while the adults take a time out (perhaps enjoy a free beer on Anhauser Busch :glass: ) and take a rest. SW also has exhibits that maybe MIL would like to take more time on so there is plenty of potential for her to wander off.

It is however always a very fine line between giving MIL's the option to have quality time on their own and making them feel like you're trying to get rid of them. IMHO if MIL wants to have a downer on you, she will decide that either you're not giving her enough space, or making her feel unwanted LOL not much you can do about it. But in order to not accidently upset her, I would suggest sitting her down and explaining that you don't want to make her feel alienated, but you also want her to feel that if there's something she'd like to do, either with the family or to enjoy on her own, she should make sure she knows she can do so. Often Grand parents forget quite how wearing it can be to be with kids 24/7 and they need some time and space of their own, discussing the possibility before you go and letting her know that if she wants a bit of space you understand the reasons behind it may help for a diplomatic solution to a potentially tricky situation.

While there are potential minefields, it is also a fantastic chance for grandparents to really get some quality time with their grand kids and one of Disney's high points is seeing the wonder in childrens eyes. Many grandparents love the chance to take their grand kids out on their own ( although I would suggest two toddlers would be too much for one granny). It's another subject that needs a little thought on how best to word it, but I've seen MANY misty eyed grannies watching their grandkids getting a huge kick out of some ride/character/activity. IMHO letting them do it on their terms is the best way to let things happen. By explaining you want her to feel she can take one of the kids on her own for a couple of hours IF SHE WANTS, spend time on her own IF SHE WANTS, take a break while at the parks WHEN SHE WANTS, take a break from the parks ( for the day) IF SHE WANTS. A MIL (extra adult) can be a huge help to making a great family break, it can also be fraught with anxiety, the difference between the two can often be just lack of communication. IMHO you can't over emphasise that you want the MIL to feel it's her holiday as well and you want her to feel she can do as much or as little as she feels comfortable with.

 

[currycook]

Hi Dazza,

I'm a Disney addict on our fifth year of having an AP at WDW and many trips before that. I have lived on the southwest coast of Florida now for about 10 years and if i can help just post away. I check these boards because I have some good "British friends" and this is my way of paying them back. (sort of)

Where you will be staying in my view will greatly affect or effect your time here. So Choose wisely. If you plan on spending a good deal of time there then spend some extra money on where you will stay. If you dont plan on spending a great deal of time there then dont spend the extra money. If staying on Disney please be aware that for most of their resorts the value season starts on July 5th which greatly affects prices.

What Vernon said especial about the ML was excellent. I have learned that from traveling with my own ML.

On the weather it will be hot. I live in Florida and love it but I grew up in the north of the US near Canada with weather colder than the Uk. Florida gets HOT in the summer. Each day will be between 90-95 our temperture which will be 30-33 your tempurture.

But I think you will have a Great time.

feel free to pm me if you wish

 

[MazdaUK]

Main thing to remember is that its really really big! This is our first trip to Florida, but we went to California for our honeymoon and to Paris a couple of years ago so we can anticipate (if not quite comprehend) how much bigger WDW is. If you've never been to America look at the introduction to the Brit guide and see the dimensions for yourself. (My DH is still in shock from just reading it!).

I like to polan, but equally I think its important not to plan every minute of every day. I've therefore roughed out a TT showing which parks are quietest and which busiest on any day of the week, plus noting Extra Magic Hour, and provisionally allocated days to parks, shopping, etc. I've booked one character breakfast early in the visit, a Fantasmic dinner package and a late Chef Mickey CB for our last day (which will be Easter Sunday so likely to be busy). Other than that we'll go with the flow - no point dragging kids round Epcot just because that's what it says on the TT when they want to go to Animal Kingdom!

 

[Dazza]

Hi All,

Many thanks for the quick and most excellent responses!!

As regards to accomodation, we are staying in the Best Western Movieland Hotel on International Drive. I chose this as many people said the hotel has a decent location on ID, its clean and is a good base whilst in Orlando (I hope they haven't told me lies!!). I was informed that a villa could be a bit overkill for our needs.

My MIL is 55, and this may sound dumb, I know she would enjoy most of the shows I have seen mentioned in Brits Guide book, but was just concerned that she may not want to venture onto any of the faster rides (don't think rollercoasters etc would appeal to her that much), is this standard for Grannies??! Just don't want to make her feel as though she is there as a babysitter whilst my wife and I take turns! She is not a very confident lady, and don't think she would like to venture off to the different parks whilst we go somewhere else, but I will ask her!
It is my intention to make sure she knows this is her holiday too, and thanks for the suggestions of things that she may like to do whilst on her stay, any others would be appreciated.

@Vernon and Allie5, many thanks for useful tips regarding the kids. I want them to get the most out of the trip, but count me as the third kid in the party! The two day option of Universal seems more appropriate if you say they could get bored, unfortunately this is the park I want to visit the most!! But don't want to be seen as selfish daddy!

Like the option of the Gulf Coast. Is it viable to go for just a day trip or should we be thinking about an overnight stay?

Dazza

 

[MazdaUK]

My mum took my family (myself, DH, DS x 2 PLUS my sister, BIL and DS x 3, DD x 1) to Disneyland Paris in 2003 at the age of 63, and basically went on nothing more adventurous than Pirates of the Carribean. Mind you, neither did I , nor my sister.

With 6 children age ranges between 3 and 9 there were often times when we needed to wait for the more adventurous to finish rides. Luckily the weather was lovely so it was really no hardship to sit nearby and people watch - particularly if you're not particularly energetic.

Why not show your MIL the planning video and see what she says - she may surprise you by saying she wants to go on Splash Mountain, but if she doesn't then you can work around it. For example, I believe it is possible to wuss out of rides right up to departure, so (height limits permitting) you could all queue up and see all the imagineering on the way in but not have to take part in the ride.

 

[vernon]

There's no hard and fast rule for grannies on coasters, some like them, some don't, some don't mind the milder ones, but would baulk at the offerings at IOA.

I would treat her in that respect like one should treat one ogf the kids that's not tried them before ( maybe she has and loves em LOL). Start on the less extreme rides and work up. For some people it's being turned upside down they don't like, some don't like being shaken or spun ( Disney's dino ride for example).

In Disney I would start out with things like Peter Pan (heights), Pirates of the Carib (small drop), Norway ride at Epcot (small drop) and see if she is happy to move up a notch from there.

Next level would be Splash Mountain (you can see the big drop from outside the ride, but it's REALLY worth putting up with the drop even if one's not keen on it as the rest of the ride is calm, but excellently put together), Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Test Track and the Dinosaur ride in AK.

Disney's most extreme rides would be, IMHO, Rock N Rollercoaster (turns you upside down several times in the dark) , Tower of Terror (no inversions, but a lot of time in the dark until they open the lift door and you see you're 13 stories up.......................... when they drop you (again the build up is very clever and it's worth getting throughthe drop sequence, just to experience the rest of the ride). Mission Space is another pretty extreme ride. They don't drop you, or turn you upside down, but it's a simulation of a rocket lift off and journey, you get some pretty extreme G forces on it.

I was informed that a villa could be a bit overkill for our needs.

I wouldn't say you were given wrong information, but I wouldn't say it's completely accurate either. In terms of cost, it's not going to be much different to the two rooms you have taken on I-Drive, particularly when you factor in the extra cost of HAVING to eat out every day (X3). The comfort level is a personal choice, it may be that you and your wife are OK with sharing a hotel room with the kids for 3 weeks, maybe you'd prefer some time alone as a couple at night (I've always found a family of 4 sharing a hotel room is a bit claustrophobic after about 5 nights, often the kids find it difficult to settle knowing there are other people in the room/bed with them when they are used to having their own room/set up).
It maybe that granny is happy to have her own hotel room, it maybe she'd prefer to have some company for an hour before having her cocoa and toddling off to bed. At 55 she isn't THAT far over the hill that she's going to want to be in bed at 8.00 everynight, but if the kids are tired and put to bed, what will she do for company, being in a hotel does limit your options as a parent, if you'd like to stay up and chat/socialise. You can go to bed when the kids are ready, you can leave them in the room asleep and go to the bar (not the best idea IMHO) or you can stay in the room, with minimal lighting and the TV turned down low so not to wake them. None of the above are a great deal of fun ?

3 weeks in a hotel room on your own everynight can be heaven for some people, and hell for others, if you put yourself in Grannies position, knowing her mentality, is she going to enjoy the space or feel a little lonely and left out? .

 

[paulh]

PLAN PLAN PLAN oh and i would give space centre a miss as it can be hot and tiring for young ones not much there use time better in outher parks
Paulh

 

[Dazza]

Many thanks once again Vernon for your opinion/suggestions, it is most appreciated. Unfortunately the hotel has already been booked and mostly paid for already so there isn't much I can do about changing the accomodation.

One of the other reasons why we didn't select the villa was that my wife (and I [sometimes ]) didn't want to spend time cooking and cleaning/tidying at the villa as she says she does enough of this at home! Think eating out for the 3 weeks won't be a problem, altough don't think it will do our waistlines any favours!

The kids are in their own rooms at home, and they are currently in a good routine at bedtime, i.e. usually asleep by 8-8.30 so the holiday is going to knock them for six as regard to later bedtimes and sharing with mum and dad again, guess we'll just have to wait and see how this turns out. Here's the kicker though, MIL isn't in her own room (she didn't want this, altough I was more than prepared to get two rooms), so all FIVE of us will be sharing, life in the these 3 weeks sure is going to be interesting to say the least!

I've ordered the disney planner dvd so i'll let MIL have a nosey over it and see what she thinks/suggests

@paulh, can't see this not happening! My 4 year loves all things space based, as does dad, so a visit to Kennedy is a must

 

[allie5]

Dazza, all of you in one room for 3 weeks??? Flippin eck, are you MAD???!!!! Only kidding...what maybe good for you is two interconnecting rooms that many hotels in the US have. It maybe worth asking when you arrive, as they may do you a great deal as you have such a long stay.

We took the kids to DLP in Sept, and after 4 days in the hotel room togther we were pretty much going mad...and we didnt have Mum along for that trip. I really would try to see about upgrading your room. If the hotel you are staying at has a website, have a look to see if they have family rooms or junior suites, as this also would give you another room for any of you to "escape" to!

Yeah, DO the Space Center, it is great and no hotter than the Theme Parks. In fact, a lot of it is in the comfort of a/c....either on the tour bus, in the IMAX theatres or exhibitions. Even if you are only a TEENY bit interested in the Space Program, its a fantastic day out.

 

[debbyLL]

just a couple of tips to add, try and hire a double stroller or two single light ones i used to find the trip from the gates to the bus a struggle for a tired four year old they are so heavy to carry esp in that heat after hiring a buggy inside the parcs also handy for hooking bags on. comfy shoes a must. as you r on iternational drive, it will be tiring goin back and forth, there are quite a few quiet shady areas in mk i.e tom sawyers island, by adventure land etc. also around the world your mil would love, there r charachters thesre as well u could park at the boardwalk for a late afternoon/ evening also my elderly parents liked universal esp by the jaws area, like turn of the century seaside area. could go on and on . have fun

 

[minniemick]

I do not go on rollercoasters and I was more than happy to sit with my two Grand-Daughters while my Daughter Son-in-Law and Husband went on the rides, my Grand-Daughters can now go on the rollercoasters so the last time we went I was content to look after the bags and people watch. I never felt I was just there to babysit. You will love Orlando.

 

[vernon]

Unfortunately the hotel has already been booked and mostly paid for already so there isn't much I can do about changing the accomodation.One of the other reasons why we didn't select the villa was that my wife (and I [sometimes ]) didn't want to spend time cooking and cleaning/tidying at the villa as she says she does enough of this at home!

I'm certain if you called your travel agent and asked if they could upsell you to a villa or a suite hotel you're not going to have any problem with that. Given the amount of money that you're going to be spending on the holiday as it is, I don't think the extra cost is going to be dramatic and I REALLY think your current plans have a huge potential for a holiday to remember, for all the wrong reasons. It's not only the sleeping problems but don't forget that you'd all have to share one bathroom, IMHO that's another potential problem area.

As far as cooking/cleaning a villa, I rarely cook more than to toast a bagel, take the lid off a takeout or put a frozen pizza in the oven. The facilities are there if you need them or want to use them, you don't HAVE to use them if you don't want to. I don't think I've ever been in a villa that hasn't got a dishwasher, other than to make the beds occassionally, or wash the towels/clothes there really isn't any need to clean or do housework, if you feel particularly in need any villa company will provide a one off cleaning service on your home ( usually costs about $100). If I was staying for more than 3 weeks I'd usually book ONE of these midstay, otherwise other than clearing up spills ( always a good idea because of potential ant/insect problems) there's no need to do any cleaning.

Sorry if it sounds like I'm preaching, but I'm guessing you're going to spending several thousand pounds on this vacation, I simply hate to think that you're going to come home thinking it was a disaster and a waste of your hard earned money when with a slight change of plans you could give yourself a much better chance of a wonderful time. It's your money, and your vacation, but if you want opinions, mine is that you're putting yourself in a position that is fraught with trouble, for a small extra expense you could avoid a load of those problems.

 

[AndRu]

Vernon is right.

Staying in a villa gives you so much more freedom over a hotel. For a start you can put the kids (and the MIL??!!??) to bed in their own rooms and have the run of the house/pool to yourself. In a hotel, unless its a suite, the kids will be in the same room which can make life difficult in getting kids to sleep.

As for not wanting to cook/clean, staying in a hotel means you'd probably eat in a restaurant or fast food joint for nearly every meal. At least if you have somewhere with cooking facilities you can make beans on toast/bacon butty/pizza etc and not have to worry about table manners or the kids being fussy. We were glad to ba able to come back to the villa, let the kids mess in the pool whilst knocking up a meal. As for the cleaning, personally, we like a villa so you can wash & dry clothes as often as you need to. It also allows you to come home with very little washing to do - most stuff comes out of the suitcases and back into the cupboards.

You've got kids, you've got the MIL. I think you need to ask yourself this question - "Will I be sane at the end of three weeks in a hotel room?".

Like Vernon, I'm sorry if I sound like I'm preaching. But having 3 kids of my own there is no way we could do any sort of holiday if we couldn't put them to bed as we do at home. It would be an absolute nightmare.

 

[MazdaUK]

We were originally going to have a villa as my mother was going to come too (so we would have shared with my sister - 5 adults and 6 kids in total). Mum now thinks the long journey would be too much for her, plus she doesn't like the heat (Paris was enough for her).

However, whenever we go away closer to home, if she accompanies we always book a cottage with at least two bathrooms - she usually pays the difference between what we would rent without her and what we need with her.

You will probably find a villa not much more expensive - my friends went to a hotel with inclusive kids breakfast, but found they tended to eat out anyway as four of them could eat outside the hotel for less than 2 adults and 2 "free" kids.

 

[Dazza]

The hotel setup has been concerning me since I booked it to honest . I have contacted the travel agents to see how much the difference would be to stay in the Enclave Suites ID (2 bed apartment), do you think this would be a fair alternative??!