Help me suppress my type A tendencies...

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I'm going to Disney with my best friend's family next month. The group will consist of 2 50-year-olds, 5 20-somethings, 2 teenagers, and 2 toddlers. I know they are not doing any planning at all for the trip, and don't really know that much about what WDW has to offer.

I, on the other hand, have been 7 times, buy guidebooks to read for fun, and love to plan. I know that they had to save a long time to afford this trip and won't be able to go again for a while.

To make a long story short, my instinct is to plan out what parks we should hit on which days to make sure everyone gets to see things that will appeal to them. I'm not worried about seeing everything I want because I know I will be back.

Tell me it's ok to go with the flow and keep my mouth shut! I'm lucky they consider me part of the family and are letting me go with them. We will have fun with no plan, right?

 

[DisneyKevin]

I'm going to Disney with my best friend's family next month. The group will consist of 2 50-year-olds, 5 20-somethings, 2 teenagers, and 2 toddlers. I know they are not doing any planning at all for the trip, and don't really know that much about what WDW has to offer.

This sounds like one of those math questions that ends with...."how many of them had orange juice for breakfast" or something like that.

 

[exwdwcm]

as a fellow type A personality, I have to say, i have a hard time going with no plan at all. at the very least, I like to know what park on what days, but then remain flexible to change when i arrive. does their personalities lend itself to actually following a very light plan that isn't too crazy? or are they too laid back for that at all? being that they won't be back soon, they might actually appreciate being able to see more with a little planning. Have you asked them if htey are interested in a little planning or not? good luck and no matter what, you will have a fab time!

 

[SamSam]

They may actually appreciate some input from you, and some help planning things. As they've never been before, they have no idea of what to expect and the amount of lost time there willl be without at least a loose itinerary.

Dh and I traveled with 2 other couples (good friends) to WDW a couple of years ago and they were thrilled that I planned out the days for all of us.

 

[WaltD4Me]

After alot of making fun of me and thinking I was a bit crazy...my brother used the term "she's gone right off the deep end." My family was thrilled I planned our trip. Once we got there they figured out "winging it" wasn't going to work and thank goodness the crazy one had a plan.

I would at least work out a basic plan, if they don't want to follow it, no big deal really, but it might save the trip. Depends some on how well you know the family though...can you tell your friend a plan would be helpful and you'd be happy to work one out?

 

[eeyorethegreat]

I could have a shirt made that say "does not travel well with others" We have before, have met up with other families and such and I always end up SO stressed. Anyway I would come right out and ask if they would like yo u to do some general planning for your group. That way you at least have an outline of what you all are doing. Msybe aake a couple ADRs that they will like .

 

[AnneR]

MY suggestion - do some planning for yourself, identify what are the most important things for you to do and then what things would be great but that you are flexible about. I would plan the most important things but do so in a way that invites the others to join but is not too pushy.

I have a similar dilemma for our beloved Halloween trip. Two of my brothers and their families are joining us. Because this has become an annual trip for us the girls and I have a list of the things we do on this trip. My oldest brother is being a scrooge; saying his kids 17 and 15 are too old for MK. MNSSHP is a must for us. Our solution, we are going anyone is invited to join us. I am also organizing best day in the park but that is it.

 

[stitchlover]

My oldest brother is being a scrooge; saying his kids 17 and 15 are too old for MK.

What?? My daughter will be 14 next month and she LOVES MK. How sad. Some of the greatest rides are at MK and Mickey's Philharmagic is a can't miss on our families list of must do items.

 

[AnneR]

Truth be told, my brother doesn't want to do MK. My niece (17) and nephew (15) are making costume plans

I think Scrooge is going to MK. Of course that means we may have to give in and do a day at Universal to please Scrooge since he is a coaster demon and loves the coasters there.