Herding Cats

[Deb & Bill]

We have a big trip in June with the two of us, our son and nine of his friends in a GV at OKW for a graduation trip. Several of these kids just didn't have the money for the big Senior trip to Europe, so we said we'd take our son and some of his friends to WDW for a week in a GV.

So four of them came over to the house last night to start to plan their stay. It was like herding cats. The other five weren't even there and the four of them and my son were having a difficult time fitting in everything. Some of the girls want to head over to the Outlet Mall as soon as possible. I told them I would take them if they really wanted to, but there were opportunities for lots of shopping right on the property.

Then they wanted to do something at night for fun other than the theme parks. I suggested DTD or the Boardwalk. They wanted to know if there were any teen clubs available.

Then they wanted to go to the water parks (I think they managed to fit in three trips - they are planning on an eight day hopper with water parks and more). They fit in Illuminations, Fantasmic, etc.

Then they were trying to decide where everyone would sleep, but I had that figured out - girls upstairs, boys downstairs with us (more girls than boys).

Also they decided they wanted to bake and cook a lot instead of spending money on eating at the parks (they have shopping to do!!). I'll stock the kitchen and they can have at it. Bill and I have a few TS ADRs set up for just the two of us. And we have one for all 12 of us at Chef Mickey's for breakfast in the middle of our stay.

This is going to be one to remember. I'll have to take some pictures for the Disney Files. I do have 2011 Graduation ears for all of them to put on right after graduation is over. 41 days until graduation. Then 11 days later we leave.

 

[rlovew]

Sounds like fun!

 

[Disneypirate85]

OMG! This is going to be a GREAT trip for you guys and them. oh and take some Valium for you and Hubby...Enjoy yourselfs...Shawn

 

[SusieBea]

God luv ya, Deb! We've taken lots of "friends" over the years, but never a group like this one. It'll be memorable - one way or another!

 

[Sammie]

The best advice is let them go and don't plan much except the breakfast. They will change their minds as often as the girls change clothes.

I think I would have gotten a studio nearby.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The best advice is let them go and don't plan much except the breakfast. They will change their minds as often as the girls change clothes.

I think I would have gotten a studio nearby.

Well, I'm not going to miss out on a GV. No way.

And Bill and I will have our own agenda for the trip. I'll provide a car if they need one, but otherwise, they are on their own.

 

[DizBub]

Brave. You are very brave.

Honestly, it sounds like a blast! Have a great time!!

 

[Alexander]

Wow! You are totally awesome! And brave! I'm sure they'll have a great trip!

I have to say the title of your thread was so confusing! Now I totally get it!

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Deb, you have got to do a trip report. Just reading the planning piece had me cracking up! To be young, 18 and broke again! LOL!

 

[daisyduck123]

Maybe we'll see you all there. We'll have DD16 & her best friend there for their Graduation trip. (Btw, I think you mean 2011 Graduation ears, right?). We'll be in a 2BR at BCV....DD & her friend will get the studio side.

I think DD & her friend plan on hanging out in Epcot almost every night.

I did just book a Segway tour for them. That should be great fun!!

 

[com_op_2000]

Then they wanted to do something at night for fun other than the theme parks. I suggested DTD or the Boardwalk. They wanted to know if there were any teen clubs available.

There is a teen nite on Thursdays at one of the Universal CityWalk night clubs, if your up to taking them over there.

 

[wrighter]

I just have to say what an awesome gift this is! I hope these kids are sincerely appreciative of your efforts - you deserve it. Really looking forward to reading this trip report!!!

Best of luck!!!

 

[LSchrow]

Hoboy, you are really going to need that kingsize bed and the door just to get away from all the activity
It really does sound like a lot of fun, just watching them and enjoying their excitement (it's probably best to forget herding - cats or even fish would be easier, and just going with the flow)
The outlets are probably a must, but I would suggest some minigolf, lots of pool days, and maybe a night at DTD and/or BW.
You're definately going to need a vaca after this one - have a wonderful time

 

[Liljam]

Sounds like a great trip! A few people in our group went to the outlets on a rainy evening for about three hours but I think its a waste of Disney time (and I LOVE to shop!)

Here are a few of my suggestions: DTD has nice shops like Curl and TrenD. Island Supply Company in MK is a great shop with really cool and trendy name brand clothes (like Roxy, *********** and other surf style wear.) Sure the outlets have Betsey Johnson and stuff but Disney is SOOOOO fun!

As for teen stuff to do, why not look over the drink menus at some of the resorts (like the Poly) maybe they could sip non alcoholic colodas and grab sushi for something fun and a little "different." I think too that the nightlife at DTD is more geared toward all ages so that could be fun, and what about the Aerophile?

I'd suggest they relax and not plan so much! It's gonna be an awesome time!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

The best advice is let them go and don't plan much except the breakfast. They will change their minds as often as the girls change clothes.

I think I would have gotten a studio nearby.

 

[podsnel]

What a fantastic gift!!! They are some very, very lucky kids!!

 

[DMKEDM]

This brings back awesome memories of the 6-kid trip we did for DS' graduation! It was hands-down THE best week ever!!! I didn't even try to "herd the cats" (and DS was exhausted by his futile attempts to do so)...I got them the DP so they could eat on their own or in groups (every single dinner they chose to do w/me)...some got up early for rope drop; others stayed to the very last minute of spring break EMH at MK (some did both)...they did pool time and DTD and BW and parks...I only bought them park hopper tix--they did want to do a water park, but when I told them I'd bought park tix and DDP and air fare and that was all I was buying, they decided they didn't want to go to a water park badly enough to pay for their own tickets! They were loose and pleasant and non-argumentative and very grateful...they were pure joy (so long as I didn't try to pin anyone down to anything that even vaguely resembled a plan!)

We all rode "Dinosaur" at AK one morning, and they "plotted" ahead of time--each made a heart over his/her heart when the picture snapped; then they bought the photo and put it in a Disney frame and gave it to me as a thank you--now one of my more precious possessions...

Bottom line: it was truly special...you'll adore it! I wish I could go with you!!!

Have a GREAT time!

 

[DenLo]

I think I'd have some wine delivered with the grocery list a tell the groups it's for you only! Have considered any kind of rules? I remember somebody posting about the Leash of Shame. The kid that violated the rules had to be hooked to a parent for a day via a dog leash. Sure they are soon to be college bound but hey even in college there are rules.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think I'd have some wine delivered with the grocery list a tell the groups it's for you only! Have considered any kind of rules? I remember somebody posting about the Leash of Shame. The kid that violated the rules had to be hooked to a parent for a day via a dog leash. Sure they are soon to be college bound but hey even in college there are rules.

Oh, yes. That was one of the first things sent out to the kids and their parents. Any problems and they get taken to MCO and go home courtesy of their parents. One of the moms called my after I sent that out and told me she went over all the rules with her daughter and added a few of her own.

Some of these kids I've known since kindergarten. Others just the last four years in HS. But they really are a good bunch of kids and I know we will have fun.

They did ask if we could leave Tallahassee around 4AM (we should arrive there our first night around 8PM or so) so they could get to WDW right when it opened. I suggested maybe 6AM. But we'll see.

 

[SLM]

Please write a trip report when you return! I'm sure it will be a trip to remember!