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

[CindyAnn]

Hi IvyandLace - Since your PILs are computer savvy, have you thought about setting up your DFIL and DMIL with the Walt Disney World Explorer for their computer? We have an ancient (before AK) version, but I understand that there is a newer release. You get descriptions of the rides, background information, short video clips and lots more. You would get some of the information you were planning to send them in any case, but with less effort.

We went on an extended family trip several years ago, when DS (now 10) was 2 1/2 and I was 7 months pregnant with DD. DH and I were the experienced Disney people, and everyone else was, to put it mildly, a Disney idiot. Despite providing lists of other family members about rides that might be scary for children and suggestions that if 10 people wanted to eat at a fairly normal time we'd better make a few advance PSes, 3yo DN went on Haunted Mansion as his very first ride and wasn't willing to go on ANYTHING else, and everyone was shocked that the earliest time we were able to sit down to dinner without an advance PS was 8:30. Sometimes if people just don't want to know, there's no way to tell them. I was very glad we went for DFIL's 70th birthday (he passed away 15 months later) and we had a good time, but there was also a fair bit of stress.

I think if you're doing the planning, you get to call the shots. If they're interested in doing the activities for the day, they can join you, or otherwise they can just meet up with you for dinner. I also like TexasErin's advice!

Have a great trip!

 

[eleanor]

A gold medal to all who take their in-laws.It takes a special kind of person to allow those who really arent disney fanatics to tag along.

 

[IvyandLace]

Wow...you guys are great! *shows off her shiny gold medal to anyone who will look*

Well, I gotta say...I did NOT think I would get this much response...but you all gave me much to think about. I especially like the advice about "running and hiding" if nothing else works. Will definitely be packing my running shoes.

Here's my plan right now: Since I don't know what a WDW explorer is (but it sounds so cool!), I'm gonna just post information emails that lists chronologically what rides/attractions/parks/meals we will be doing that day (starting with arrival day) and go from there. I may even throw in some links to different sites for more info but don't want to hold me breathe.

So...hoping for the best, you know!...I just want to thank you all again for all the kind words and sensative advice. IVY

 

[pixiechick77]

Got great advice for you.....why don't you skip it and go with your sissy and mama!!!!! I so wish that you could......but I know. I soon will be there (just imagine Johnny's already saying about taking his family...oh dear

Miss you!
pixie chicky

 

[CindyAnn]

IvyandLace - The Walt Disney World Explorer is software published for your computer. You install it just like any other computer game, and you can click your way through the sights and sounds of WDW. My children both love it. As I said our version is ancient (1996?), but it's released by Disney Interactive and allows you to take a guided tour, wander at will, check the time line for major changes at WDW, etc, etc.

I glad to hear you're taking those running shoes, though ....

 

[goofyernmost]

The Explorer is no longer produced. They did two editions and stopped. They are readily available on E-bay or other Disney trading sites. It is fun to use and really gives you some interesting background into WDW. Lot's of trivia and history. The last one was produced just before Animal Kingdom opened, I think. It doesn't have very much information on AK but it at least mentions it.

It has pictures of Mk, Epcot and Disney Studios under construction. Walt walking the ground previous to construction, etc. Very interesting stuff.

It is very useful when you have a bad case of "Missing Disney Blues".

 

[Gillian]

Originally posted by RumpleMom
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.

This is a great idea! Also, tell everyone that they have to pick their top 3, or else they won't have any say in what the family does.

I took MIL, SIL & her 2 preteen kids with my DH while 7 months pregnant. In July. We survived, and had a great time. They really appreciated the guidance DH & I gave. We split up for some things, but I made sure they got to see all the big stuff, even though it was crowded.

Good luck to all of you!