How do I begin inundating my inlaws for their first real WDW vacation in October??

[IvyandLace]

All right, here's the scoop:
My DH and I have APs and wanted his family to enjoy WDW this year at Halloween as we took my family last year (and had a blast!!) Thing is...his family is NOT my family. My MIL and FIL have never really been on a WDW vacation (MIL went to MK for a day with her sons a very long time ago), and I so want them to have a good time.

After recently spending a rather...umm... rough week with them at the beach (in the same beach house) I'm a little nervous that my MIL who loves to be in control and who also gets VERY overwhelmed when she's in a new situation will have a meltdown. Factor in that she has a bad back and is pretty miserable when it flares up...well, it's not lookin' pretty, folks.

My question is this: Despite repeated attempts (giving them a WDW video, watching video with them-MIL fell asleep-giving MIL Birnaum's WDW book to peruse at leisure many months ago) to increase their WDW knowledge before our October trip, they don't know anything. I really think planning and "knowing-before-you-go" is imperative to a GREAT trip, but I don't know how to get them information. I can just see it now: We are there on Main Street heading toward Fantasyland and my MIL wants to know why we aren't going to this ride and that ride or this way or that way.

The only thing that I think will make a difference is to send little "vinettes" of different parks rides, attractions, hotels, meals we'll do....by email (They are both computer savvy)l...but that's a lot of work.

HELP ME PLEASE!!!
Thanks....IVY

P.S. My BIL and his girlfriend are also along for the ride so I would like to include them in the "inundation process" as well...I would like their imput to what interests them prior to arrival.

 

[califred]

Well I can't answer your question. But I can tell you Im in a similar situation, but my in laws are paying.

So I've taken a LOT of time reading, etc. I 've made myself an itinerary and I am going to do what I have planned.

I also started writing little newsletters to each of the families going (although we have until March) with different trivia, tips and info.


Good luck!

 

[grinningghost]

Oh, I don't envy you. I can just imagine how horribly uninterested my own MIL would be with going to WDW. Good luck - you've got a big project on your hands.

I'm also in this sort of situation. We're bringing along DD's friend who has never been to WDW. She's totally excited about going, but doesn't have any desire to "research" WDW beforehand. I just can't wait to see her after her first full day - I bet she collapses due to physical and mental overload.

 

[crisi]

Same situation, also going in October. Though my mother in law won't try to take charge - she is just going to be confused and overstimulated. Here are some things I've come up with...

We are taking my MIL and her sister. That way she will have company for poking through WS at a snails pace while we ride Goofy's Barnstormer with a 4 and 5 year old over and over.

We are staying in a 2 bedroom lockoff at BWV, this way she and her sister can have privacy - and we can do the vacation on our schedule. It will also give her easy access to Epcot - where I think she'll want to spend the most time, and my kids will be able to set land speed records.

We are getting her a pre-paid cell phone, that way she can meet up with us later.

We have low expectations - I've told her I think she will enjoy a few early mornings - but that I know she likes to sleep in and take things at a slower pace. So we have developed a schedule that allows her to meet us later on a few days. She can hang at the hotel, stroll through Epcot, sit by the pool with a book - and we will meet up for dinner. I have PSs made - but have told her and her sister that they are free to meet us or not. We've given her a few things to think about doing that we won't take the kids to (her sister will enjoy the Adventurers Club, and they'll both enjoy Cirque). We've also scheduled a couple things that we've said "you probably aren't going to enjoy this or it isn't for you" - the kids are going on a Pirate Cruise, a day at the water park - to take some of the pressure off her. Of course, if she wants to come to the water park with us, she is welcome (I don't think the CMs will let her on the Pirate Cruise).

We've made a limited list of our "musts" Of course, the kids want to do EVERYTHING, but we aren't selling them (or my mother in law) on things we aren't too interested in. So we really want to do the Safari and Lion King Show at AK - but if we miss ITTAB and Dinosaur (which I'm not sure if the kids are ready for anyway), that's OK. We want to do the Stunt Spectacular and Fantasmic at MGM, but if we miss the Beauty and the Beast show or MuppetVision, that's OK. This should give my guests some room in the schedule for "that looks interesting, lets go there" if it catches their attention - without messing me up too bad.

And then I'm booking a cruise for just the family. That way, even if she manages to spoil our vacation (and I don't think she will) - we will have something to look forward to short term.

 

[Eeyore's Girl]

Half the thrill of going to WDW is plotting, planning, and dreaming about what will happen when I finally get there. Not every one (your in-laws, for example) has been bitten by the pixie dust bug. I know this can be annoying for you. You just want SOMEBODY, ANYBODY to get excited with you. That's what the discussion boards are for - we'll get excited with you! Don't worry, they know you are taking care of the research and all the little details of their vacation.

Oh yeah, they'll get on your nerves. That's what in-laws are paid to do! Try to catch small breaks away from them from time to time and you'll get through.

If I were you, I'd stop trying to prepare them. You're annoying them, and they're annoying you. They'll understand your excitement when they finally get there!

Stop worrying - you'll have a great time!

 

[IvyandLace]

Thanks for the quick sympathetic replies!! DIS folks are really the best...

I agree with giving them their space....learned that one after the "beach week"...We will all have our own rooms at All Star Music and will repeatedly tell them that they can do their own thing or come with us, as long as everyone has a good time. (This is our motto. Will be repeating it often. )

Here's our schedule that has been tweeked and retweeked:

October 30th: Arrive MCO (My DH and I will be flying in with MIL and FIL as we live about 2 hours apart)-hopefully take limo to All Star Music. Check in, unpack, explore, rest, etc. Meet up with my BIL and girlfriend (who are flying in from Phoenix) Dinner at Ohanas at 7:30pm...hopefully we'll view some Halloween fireworks!!

October 31st: Up early for MK park opening then leisurely on to Fantasyland to take in all the rides and attractions. Lunch at either Liberty Tree Tavern or Trail's End around noon. Free time in afternoon (a nap for me and DH). MNSSHP (!!) from 7pm-midnight-ride HM, POC, watch early parade, fireworks. Everyone on own after fireworks.

November 1st: Free time in AM. MGM in afternoon to view Beauty and the Beast, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and Stars and Motorcars parade. Dinner at PrimeTime Cafe ~5pm. Those who want can watch Spectromagic (only night we can catch it!)

November 2nd: Sleep in, to Animal Kingdom (Safari, Jungle Treks, ITTBAB, Festival, Tarzan Rocks, Flights of Wonder, parade) Lunch at Flame Tree BBQ for boys, Tusker House for girls. PM: free or can watch Fantasmic ~7pm.

November 3rd: Basically a free day to enjoy Food and Wine Festival and Epcot. If MIL and FIL want to explore Future World, will be up to do that. Otherwise everyone does what they want. (Food and Wine Festival for us!)

November 4th: (BIL's girlfriend's BD)
AM: MGM to ride and experience what we didn't get to the other day
Lunch at Sci Fi Diner at noonish
PM: basically free again, Epcot??
Afternoon tea for those interested at ~6pm
Meet up for IllumiNations cruise!!

November 5th: (last day with whole group)
AM: free time
Meet for 3pm MK parade and then do Tomorrowland, Frontierland, and Adventureland attractions as desired.
Last dinner with everyone: CRT ~6pm
Free evening

November 6th: Free day (MIL and FIL leave around 2pm)-maybe do Typhoon Lagoon with BIL and girlfriend or more Food and Wine Festival.

November 7th: BIL and girlfriend leave...yippee!! it's just DH and I! (hope i make it!) We are staying until late on the 9th...time for us to decompose and see what WE want!

That's all...keep the ideas (and compassion) coming! Thanks again, guys!!

IVY

 

[wld]

Just a quick note on the non planning thing. We went a few years ago with my sister her family and our mom and dad. No one really looked at anything except my sister to help pick out the hotel. Knew we had been there a couple of times and left it at that. My dad was not big on going as he was sure it was just going to be an amusement park but mom insisted. We spent almost all of our time together and had a great time!!! In fact we had very little planned and just went with the flow. We knew where to go once we got into a park, but which park was left until the night before. No PS's until the night before for one breakfast. They were happy in their nonplanning state and just left it to us.

 

[The Duchess]

I'm having a flashback...we went with my Mom and Dad our last two trips. They really had little interest in WDW, but wanted to go with only grandchild ( two on first trip, four on second trip.) They were not very excited when I talked nonstop about the trip.

After first trip, I could not believe I actually agreed to go with them again two years later!!

First trip they stayed at Coronado Springs and we were at YC, so it was a hassle to pick up and drop off etc...(we actually drove down to WDW from MASS.)

Second time I insisted they at least stay at BC...much EASIER. They also got bumped to BC Concierge which was great.
First few days sort of disaster, we are go,go,go when we are at WDW. Also, we PS most of our meals and they, of course, could not be that regimented so it was tough.

Finally Husband put foot down (thank god!) and laid down some rules...
1. In the morning, we would tell my parents what we were doing (parks,meals) that day and if they wanted to join us, they were welcome to at any time. We had walkie talkies, so we could all communicate.

2. We never asked them to babysit (except when we went to V&A)

3. We made suggestions for them but didn't push. IF they wanted, we made PSs for them.

 

[Msslaydbug]

God bless all of you !! If I gad to spend longer than 4 hours with my inlaws I think both parties would be dead.

This trip will be with parents. Luckily my husband and parents love each other so it should be fun. I have been lucky they are just as excited as we are and have helped decide hotels. parks, and PS's so HOPEFULLY everyone will be on the same page

 

[IvyandLace]

So glad we can all commiserate together! *group hug*

IVY

 

[PaintedStuff]

Providing they have a true desire to go, just give them their guidebooks, maps, a cellphone to stay in touch and an appointed time to meet for dinner. Split up and enjoy your respective days. Consider how much fun you'll have not worrying about them AND how nice it will be to compare stories when you meet for dinner!

 

[IvyandLace]

I agree with you about splitting up, but I can hear my MIL now: "It's a family vacation!!" MY BIL and his girlfriend live in Arizona so it's especially gonna be difficult to pry my MIL off of him. The difference between my family and DH's family is this: DH's family needs their "love" and togetherness in small doses. I'm just hoping my MIL will allow this to happen cuz I think everyone will have a much better time this way!!

*crosses fingers and sprinkles pixie dust*
IVY

 

[goofyernmost]

I know what you are saying...I am bringing my GF to WDW next spring. She has never been. The problem I have found is that, if they haven't been to WDW or someplace "vaguely" similar there is no way to describe it to them.

I have shown her videos, pictures, spoken with others, while in her presence, that have been and although I have been able to convey my excitement, I get the feeling that she is starting to suspect that a few of my brain cells are a little light in the usage department.

I have decided that, she, like myself, will just like WDW when she gets to see it. My first trip, I really didn't have a clue what to expect but with each new turn I saw something else that just flat out floored me.

The biggest mistake you can make is to overplay it. My advice, since they (especially MIL) don't seem real interested is to just be excited for yourself and your enthusiasm my just spill over to them. Also don't, I repeat, DON'T expect them to like everything you do. There is no bigger downer then to build something up and then have them say, "That's it?" Let them fall into there own level of enjoyment and realize that you can't force the issue. I'll bet they will return with the same degree of satisfaction that you experience with the trip.

Go, relax, have a good time and let the rest find their own way (with a little guiding help from their veteran co-travelers).

 

[jdads2]

Let us start the meeting of "TWHILWDWTGTWDWBAGWUA" (Those who have in-laws who don't like WDW but are going with us anyway).

Hi, My name is Dave

Group: "Hi Dave"

Boy, I thought I was the only one who had this problem. It's nice to know I'm not the only one. My in-laws don't understand why anyone would want to spend any more than a couple of days at an "amusement park". I can only assume that they believe that WDW is like our local Six Flags. We have given them several books and videos but they refuse to look at either.

It's frustrating because we want to share our enjoyment of the parks with them but I'm not going to force it on them. We will be staying 9-11 days and they they are only staying 4.

I guess it's mean of me to hope that they have such a good time that they are sorry that they are only stayinge 4 days but I must say that, with the amount of frustration we've experienced trying to get them involved, it would give me a little satisfaction to say "told ya".

We have always had a rule when we go on vacation with friends or relatives: We rarely get to spend time as a family together, if you want to join us, that's great, if not see you later and enjoy your day. We march to our own drummer when we are on vacation, no one elses! Of course, I say it much more tactfully than that.

 

[RumpleMom]

Before our trip with the inlaws I gave them Birnbaum's book- which they hardly looked at. I planned 1 PS per day to reduce stress over where to eat. I told them which park we were doing on which day and assured them that I had chosen it according to sound reasoning.

Everyone in the family picked 3 must-do things which I wrote down and checked off as we did them. This list proved to be gold. One of DD's pick required 45 minute wait, which we almost skipped, but I had the paper with me. FIL started to fuss, but I checked the paper and said this was granddaughters must-do choice and he quickly hushed and got in line. I told them we would have a moderately active pace for 3 days, then would slow down for the rest of the week. They could tell me at any time if they wanted to rest and we would. I planned nicer meals which were relaxing.

I told the kids not to hang on grandma, as this was their vacation and she would want to sit beside grandpa- this was a good thing to have straight beforehand- no problems. We never used them as babysitters.

Anytime the inlaws start to irritate, even at home, I remind myself that this family has raised my wonderful husband. They did something right for him to have turned out so great. I remember how much I love him and my beautiful daughters- how truly lucky I am and I then have oodles of patience with the situation.

 

[sters]

I am so glad to read all this! I'm trying to get my inlaws to come with us for at least part of our trip this fall. Problem is, they HATE Disney. They've been before, so it's not like they don't KNOW. I, of course, find this incomprehensible, since I'm a die-hard fan. They aren't planners and would prefer to go with the flow, maybe hang out by the pool. If they come, we'll just meet up on occassion for a meal or a swim, but I think it's a mistake to make everyone be joined at the hip. Since you said your inlaws like their love in small doses... well, there's the answer!

 

[Melora]

We are taking my in-laws in December for 9 days. They have no clue as to what the park is like. They are very excited but I wonder how they will handle all the running around. We have a 2 bedroom condo at Key West and and have rented them a studio. We will have our cell phones to keep in touch and will not make them get up with us every day...only if they want to.

We just spent 3 days with them (they were here from Las Vegas getting out of the heat) and my MIL is very excited. We will also have all 5 kids (18, 16, 14, 8, 3) with us so it will be quite trip!

 

[mommystieg]

We too are planning a big family trip with DH's extended family next June and I am worried it will be a big disaster. It will be everyone else's first time to WDW. The cast will include
-MIL and FIL---MIL isn't too interested in going if it is "just a bunch of rides"
-SIL#1 and 13 y/o niece and 12 y/o nephew
-SIL #2 and husband(who NEVER comes to any family event except Christmas) and their 5 y/o son
-BIL and guest
We have stressed to them several times that it is not a good idea to try and stay together all day but we should make plans to meet for meals, parades and fireworks. I just don't think they will get it until they actually see how HUGE WDW is. At least I have a while to get them prepared

 

[crisi]

I tried to inform my mother in law how big it was and that I wanted her to be prepared so she wasn't overwhelmed. I think it backfired.

 

[TexasErin]

Same thing as Ivy....although MIL has a bad knee and hip and FIL is the control freak.
We went together in 2001. I told them ahead of time that we could have time apart- insisted they did not need it!
Told them we eat at several sit-downs a day, but if they did not want to spend the money (READ: CHEAP) that I could just make PS for us only. Insisted that we knew more than they did and to go ahead and make reservations. Then they complained about the price of EVERY meal.
FIL even complained about going on all the kiddie rides. Well, we were there for the enjoyment of a 4 1/2 year old at the time. (and also our enjoyment ). Yet he did not want to go on any thrill rides.
My advice: If you can't get them to read up ahead of time, warn them yourself. For example, will be going on kiddy rides....spending lots of money.....walking long distances....need to bring broken-in-tennis-shoes...............And if all else fails, hope you can outrun them and then hide