Granparents are coming --- any advice?

[ladyandthescamp]

Both my parents will be meeting us for part of our upcoming trip. It will be nice for them to spend time with me, my DH and my DD 8 and DS 6. However,let's be real ...

I'm looking for any kind of suggestions or ideas on how to come home from our trip as happy as we are right now! Already they are a little nervous about Animal Kingdom (especially the safari) even after reassuring them it's really safe and fun! I won't push them to do it, but honestly the last time they went to Disney all that was around was MK, the Poly and Contemporary. They have no idea, as much as I try to prepare them, what the trip will really be like.

Thanks

 

[Lora]

We have thoroughly enjoyed our trips with my parents. They have gone with us for parts or all of 3 trips. My MIL also came along with us on our first family trip. All of the grandparents were easy-going and were ready to go with our plans pretty much all of the time.

If you have a good relationship with them, then all you need to do is get them prepared and set some guidelines for the trip. If your relationship is a struggle in everyday situations, then you have to really think about how you're going to get some time for yourselves on the trip.

I worked very hard to find out what kind of attractions my parents were interested in so I could plan a couple day's of their trip around their requests. I sent them lists of the attractions, planning videos, etc. I had them rate the attractions with the following categories: 1. must do; 2. sure, I'll go; 3. only if everyone else is going; 4. NO WAY! My parents mostly answered #4 for the "thrill" rides and spinning rides.

I let my parents know ahead of time what our schedule would be like. We like to get to the parks early and then have a nice break in the room for lunch and a rest. My parents quickly realized that because we did this, we RARELY waited in line. Some people may not be ok with early mornings or late nights, so it's good to let everyone know what your basic game plan looks like.

We also made plans ahead of time for them to take the kids to some rides occasionally while we went on the rides they didn't want to go on. For example, older dd likes Splash Mtn., yound dd doesn't. My parents had no interest in Splash Mtn, so they took younger dd to Country Bears while dh and I took older dd on Splash.

Are your parents fit and prepared for the walking? My parents were fine most of the time, but we did have to take it easy sometimes. Because of a medical condition, my mom needed to rent an ECV (??) for our most recent trip with them.

I hope that helps! Have fun!!!

 

[my3princes]

My parents are going with us on our trip in July. They have been with us on 2 previous trips and all went very well. They know that we are Disney diehards and are in the parks from open to close. Last trip my dad opted to stay at the resort a couple of days while we went to the parks. My mom even rode some of the disney buses to different resorts for her own little shopping trip. We do lots together, but anyone can opt out if they like. My kids love having their grandparents with them and are already bickering over who gets to ride which ride with which person. We can't wait.

 

[tci1212]

We have been taking my Mother with us for years she is going to be 88 yrs old in Nov, she still goes on the Safari we just keep her out of the back seat. She went on Splash mountain when she was 80. I think it depends on their age. I won't let her go on the Dinosaur ride anymore because I worry that it would bounce her around too much. My mother enjoys the character meals and the shows
in all the parks. Also the 3-d shows are great for older people.

 

[buzz5985]

I went with my parents last year. We get to the parks when it opens - they don't. LOL We invested in some walkie talkies, we had one, they had one. Worked perfect. Janis

 

[poohlover]

WE just had a " family" trip in April. I tried to get my parents to read EVERYTHING they could about disney, they had NEVER been!! I emailed them all kinds of things. I suggested walking to build up to disney...

well, they didn't do any walking. I can remember them looking at the World Showcase lagoon and saying "we have to walk all the way around that???"

While they had fun, I really wish they had prepared more. They ended up being with us only in the afternoons. My Mom slept mornings, sometimes my Dad came with the kids & I. They even stayed at the poly one day to lay around the pool. They enjoyed that part while we (the kids & I) went to parks.

They were never "disney" people & I had hoped they would "get it" while we were there together...they didn't. I guess some people never will, that part of it made the trip hard for me. I really wanted to see them enjoy disney as my family does...but I guess not everyone can or will. Be prepared for that.

 

[catnik]

ladyandthe scamp:
I agree with the other posters that you need to let your parents have an active hand in planning the trip in terms of what shows, rides, etc specifically appeal to them. We have taken my mother twice to WDW; she does not enjoy most rides (other than IASW!) but loves the shows, wandering around the resort we are staying at as well as other resorts, shopping, reading by the pool, etc. We planned times when we would all be together for specific activities but left her flexibility to do the things she wanted as well. She really wanted to go on the trips to be with our children (she is not a Disney fan like the rest of us) so we went into the trips with realistic expectations and were not disappointed. Make sure the children are aware of what the "plans" are, as my kids were initially disappointed that Grandma was not going on Splash, Space, etc. with them!!! We have marvelous memories of our trips with my mom; hoping you too will have a magical time

 

[webmomom]

I have the same problem, but in reverese. We are the grandparnets and everytying that has been said pertains to our children.

We are leaving Sunday and still cannot get together with them to plan. Have also sent Disney info ,etc and they have looked but not done anything with it. I have made PS and arrangments and finally had to tell them this is what we are doing.

I will say we are staying in two rooms, actually in two different hotels. We will be in BWV and they are going to be in the Y&BC, so we will each have our own time and be close enough to be together,.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Well, my parents came with us last trip -- I sent my DH to the PGA golf tournament and golfing for a few mornings to give him space (let's face it, I enjoy *my* parents more than he enjoys *my* parents) and I sent my parents to dinner one night (California Grill) to give us all alittle break. If you can build in any apart time for peacekeeping, it does help.

We did have a great time - but it was different than going alone. I wish I relaxed and enjoyed it a bit more. My parents are wonderful, but my mom is a bit flakey at times - like she'll take one kid and wonder off without telling anyone - not far - but enough to drive me crazy All in all, it was an awesome experience for the kids to be there with their grandparents. I'm glad we did it. Space helped.

Also, we did invest in walkie talkies. And I made all the PS and just led everyone around. My parents were happy with that, but if yours won't be just don't give them time to think. Just say with a huge smile and a huge amount of enthusiasm, "We're doing X and you're going to love it!" and go! Most people who hem and haw are happy after the fact.

If they are worried about safety, maybe they can watch some of those specials on the Travel Channel. They explain lots of things like there is a huge mote around the lions - we can't see it, but the lions aren't oign anywhere. There is also huge cement barriers between the hippos and the safari vehicles - agian, we can't see them, but those hippos are getting too close!

Also, make sure youtake breaks if needed. DOn't exhaust your parents or they won't have much fun.

Hope that helps!

Enjoy!