Here's a strategy for you: just say no to family who invites themselves

[Iceman10]

When we travel with extended family I simply tell them what we are doing and when and if they want to join us fine (oh and these are the days we are doing stuff on our own) It's actually pretty easy. But I feel your pain too! been there too many times.

 

[CinRell]

OP... please oh please tell us you will be doing a FULL trip report????

 

[comicguy]

OP... please oh please tell us you will be doing a FULL trip report????

Yes a full trip report would be great

 

[disneyandme]

I'm hopeing since we've heard nothing that things got a bit better and that the silence is not because they got worse. Please update when you can. Have fun!

 

[pilesoflaundry]

We didn't tell a soul about our September trip. While I didn't mind when we went with family in June, I wanted the other trip alone.

 

[CruisanSusan]

Just say no! My sister and I have been planning a Sept 2011 WDW "sisters" trip since last May. At Christmas, I mentioned the trip at the family gathering. My SIL then proceeded to say how much cheaper it was to stay off site (we're staying at POFQ). She said that it was a waste of money to fly (we should drive down from Philly) and then the best place to eat in Orlando was Medieval Times buffet. My sister then says "Why don't you guys come, too?"
I immediately said "Shhhhhhhh!", then everyone looked at me stunned! Uh oh!
I then reminded my sister that it was a "sisters trip". I said that I wanted to fly and stay on site and did not want to rent a car or go to Medieval Times when there are so many great and entertaining restaurants in WDW. and I didn't care how much it cost because I've been saving since last May.
Then everyone laughed. Whew, that was a close one.....lol

 

[steph73]

I've traveled with my mother, sister and brother before and my parents on another occasion. My mom and I get along great, so I just make my plans as usual. I work out my itinerary and then show it to her, saying "this is what WE'RE doing, you're welcome to join us if you like. If not, that's fine, too". Usually they'll join us on a meal or two, and on one or two of our park days (usually just for half a day or so). This works out well for us because they like lots of downtime and swimming on their vacations.

That said, I'm really happy that this trip is just us. I end up feeling responsible for everyone having a good time when we travel together, mostly because I made the plans and they all look to me to be their "Disney tour guide".

Now, my inlaws are another story. I would NOT want to travel with them. If we did, though, I would do the same thing - this is what we're doing, blah blah. They're more likely to be offended in some way over the whole thing, though. Plus, they're very cheap.

 

[disneyandme]

So what happened?

 

[chrisn]

Had a good laugh on this one!

ITA! One family's idea of vacation is not the next family's idea of vacation. And it doesn't matter if you came from the same womb or have the same blood coursing through your veins. NOT EVEN A LITTLE!

I've learned this lesson the hard way but once in a while, we do get roped or even rope ourselves into something. Funny how the excitement of planning a magical trip conveniently erases memories of extended family traveling togetherness!

For instance, little sister asking me if I would take her child with us to the parks because we are there at opening and she takes her sweet time. Of course being the nice sister I am, I gladly agree then 40 minutes later when she shows up at the park she is pi$$ed because we didn't stand around waiting for her so she could ride the first rides with child she asked me earlier to take! WHAT IS THAT?

Don't even get me started on the 15-20 minutes we ALL have to stand waiting at the entrance of a ride queue while she fricks around with her stroller, organizing her junk and getting her baby out. Grrrr.

Here's another kicker. Grown up little brother whom is absurdly immature and always manages to get into squabling matches with all the kids screaming to the top of his lungs at my daughter (around 14 at the time) in front of half of Florida "SHUT THE F*** UP!" Nice.

I believe that's about all I have to say.

For those of you that make it work...more power to ya!

 

[cmul04]

You want a full trip report?? You want me to relive all the horror? You are a glutton for my punishment! I will have to look through my pictures and see if I can put some thoughts in order. How's that?

We checked out of BCV on Friday. Stayed at my inlaws' vacation home, but speaking of traveling with those who are cheap, they won't pay for internet, so we have been out of touch since then. We are just home tonight, kids in bed, suitcases and laundry to face tomorrow.

We got one day at the end alone with my inlaws. Best day of the trip if you ask me. No more hanger-oners brother and sister in law with their irritating kids, they finally went home. One day out of 14 is better than zero!

Okay, trip report soon. I will just add it here so you know where to look.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

We did it to ourselves. We invited my wife's family along. 11 people in all. It wasn't a smart idea.

But remember, you aren't the one doing the inviting, you can always say "No."

 

[KatieCharlotte]

We are about to go to Disney with my parents, staying off property with one rental car, and meeting up with my in-laws. I thought I was lucky because my parents seemed to be letting me control everything, and my in-laws will do their own thing and join us when they feel like it. But now I'm getting worried because my mom is starting to question things and I'm not as patience and relaxed as I should be. I'm trying not to shout things like -- we have to be at rope drop at HS because ds will want to ride TSM twice, and we can't just leave right before Wishes on our only evening at MK (on the day we're going to rest all afternoon) because we've seen fireworks before.

 

[dizzi]

We had 12 people in the parks for a week and the only thing that bothered me was the treatment of my little neice. But i just ignored it and moved along.

As far s doing what i wwanted to do when i wanted to do it.....this is what i did.

SINCE my family think i am a free DISNEY TOUR GUIDE ANY WAY!!!

Previous to leaving about 2 weeks.....I sent them EACH an itenerary....Full of pictures explantions etc...

it was like a little book when i got done...

But i had each day....Timed out.....something like below...

Monday.......MAGIC KINGDOM

Leave Resort at 7am
( we have to be out the door and stay on schedule this is very important)

Arrive at entrance of MK 8am
Wander down Main street until 8:45
(we must get one picture in front of castle)

9am FP for Buzz
9:15 Astro Blaster
9:30 TTA
10:00 Stitch
10:30 Use FP for Buzz

ETC

This worked out well and i have done this 2 times with different families.
The kids love the books and MOST of my family have carried the books with them and knew exactly what was expected.

Also in the books for my largest family adventure...
I put rules in the front of the book like.....

1. We have 3 bathrooms, and 12 people those who can get their showers at night...
2. Please clean up after yourself and your children,
3. when you take a can of soda out of fridge replace it with a fresh can so it will be cold
4. If you do not want to go along with the itenreary fine...IT is your vacation too,please feelfree tomeet up with us at any point of the day to follow along with the rest of our itenerary.
5. If you are not with us in time we will cannot possibly hold a seat for you at any show or parade.


THAT said, I would definitly do it again.
GREAT MEMORIES ARE PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Princess Amy]

Oh I feel your pain I have an aunt who gets jealous if any other family member goes on vacation. She is one of those "nobody can have it better than me" types. I have learned the hard way that I have to tell her about one week before the trip that we are going just so she wouldn't do a showing up out of nowhere at my hotel door with her three teenage children Yes, that has happened. Oh, the horror from that surprise!

Then after telling her, she has the nerve to ask me why I have been hiding it from her and next time I better tell her when I book it Last time I checked I didn't know it was an obligation to let her know when I was going on vacation or not.

She knew we would be going to Disney again this June...so what did I have to do?....book my Disney vacation the same time she is going on a Carnival cruise...otherwise with this so far in advance notice...I know her tush would be sitting right next to me on the plane.

What a sad, sad shame....

 

[disneyandme]

Can't wait for you trip report.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

Thanks everybody for these posts. I now have the will power to keep my mouth closed. I booked a resort here in DC for the 4th of July to see the National mall fireworks, believe it or not, for the first time. Mums the word.

As for my WDW trip in August. What trip?

 

[bumbershoot]

Thanks everybody for these posts. I now have the will power to keep my mouth closed. I booked a resort here in DC for the 4th of July to see the National mall fireworks, believe it or not, for the first time. Mums the word.

Oh, lovely! It might have changed since I went, but just in case you see a huge line of portopotties...just get in the line. By the time you get to the front you'll need to use it; might as well get it over with so you can enjoy yourself. And not drink any more fluids.

For instance, little sister asking me if I would take her child with us to the parks because we are there at opening and she takes her sweet time. Of course being the nice sister I am, I gladly agree then 40 minutes later when she shows up at the park she is pi$$ed because we didn't stand around waiting for her so she could ride the first rides with child she asked me earlier to take! WHAT IS THAT?

Yes, what IS that all about? She thought that getting there early just meant being in line? Should you not have gone in?

You want a full trip report?? You want me to relive all the horror? You are a glutton for my punishment!

Yes!

 

[dae3dae3]

I hate traveling with family. I am the youngest son so I am automatically treated like a child and am never given any information. I all but beg for them to tell me what is going on and they still forget to tell me anything.

Last summer we were in Boston and they asked us if we wanted to go to a seafood restaraunt. I don't like seafood and my wife is allergic to shellfish. After we are already sitting at a different place and have ordered our food my mom calls me and finally lets drop that this was my niece's birthday dinner. Of course we would have gone if anybody had FREAKIN TOLD US THIS. We would have dealt with the seafood place since it was a birthday choice and have found something on the menu to order. Things like this happen all the time and it drives me nuts.

I love my family but am tired of being treated like I am a two year old when I have been married for a dozen years, have two children, and am the planner/researcher of the family.

/rant

 

[dae3dae3]

Had a good laugh on this one!


Here's another kicker. Grown up little brother whom is absurdly immature and always manages to get into squabling matches with all the kids screaming to the top of his lungs at my daughter (around 14 at the time) in front of half of Florida "SHUT THE F*** UP!" Nice.

I probably would have gotten thrown out of Disney for removing several of my brothers teeth. I am a very calm person and not quick to anger but have impulse control problems when people mess with my kids.

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

Sorry you are having a stressful time!

We too have learned not to go with family (or some friends). I find it to be very annoying when someone is watching your money for you, fighting with each other, or injecting their .02 cents on how you should plan your days after they have told you to set everything up.

I have the best time when it is just my family or really close friends who you know are on the same planning page as you!