I never thought I'd say this....

[DanMedix]

I'm one of the many that will be there from Nov 21-30. I can't believe I'm actually saying this....but I'm actually NOT looking forward to it! Here's why...

- Last year, we went during Halloween. The crowds were low, it was just the 4 of us, and it was fabulous!

- This year, my DW decided she didn't want to take time off of work. So, she decided that we should go during Thanksgiving, despite my urges otherwise.

- This year, we're going with my BIL, SIL, and their son. I'm worried that if they don't "have a good time", they may hold me responsible. My BIL is definitely NOT the "Disney" type, and has stated that he didn't enjoy hitting parks during his previous trip.

- While I've completed parts of an itinerary (thanks to TGM, etc), the family will NOT let me finish the open parts of it. They want to "play it by ear", despite my reccomendations.

Perhaps I'm stressing a bit much. All I know is that I don't want this trip to be a let-down, and I don't want to be the one responsible for others' not having a good time. I enjoy WDW as much as any of you, and my DW, DS, and DD do too.

Any suggestions?

 

[Pinkdiamond816]

Oy.... been there done that and still give them the "I told you so's" Bottom line is, HAVE A GOOD TIME!
It may mean you miss some big rides, and some of your favs, but make the best of being there and spending time together. ( and plan on doing your own thing for a few hours) Don't forget to look into other things the world has to offer that won't require a lot of planning. You can have a lot of fun walking around and soaking everything up.
Some people are just the play it by ear type, even when you wave your proven, so much better, time saving, stress free plans in their face. (LIKE MY ENTIRE FAMILY!!!) Be prepared to take one for the team, but remember, even if you get on two rides, you're in Disney with your loved ones and it's going to be tons of fun!
And don't waste to much stress on making everything wonderful for them. There is no such thing as a perfect vacation, and I'm sure they're going to do everything they can do to make sure they're having a good time, don't feel like you have to make or break the trip for everyone.
If you are all intent on having a great trip, you will, no matter how crowed or unplanned your trip may be!

Hope my 2 cents helps!

 

[TewEpcot]

Perhaps I'm stressing a bit much. All I know is that I don't want this trip to be a let-down, and I don't want to be the one responsible for others' not having a good time.

Perhaps?

Relax! You are going to Disney, and you are not responsible for the moods/spirits/ability to enjoy of others in your party! If your BIL doesn't enjoy the parks, they shouldn't have agreed to come along. Don't worry, enjoy yourself & time with your family!

 

[Handbag Lady]

Not that you have a choice now, but I'd stay away from taking the BIL and SIL etc. if you can. Why would you want to be with people who won't enjoy going from the get-go?

Anywho - Make the best of it. Find out what BIL likes to go. Is he a bar person? Sports? Is there any sporting games on during the trip he'd be interested in? Take him to ESPN if so. Boats? Maybe plan a half-day fishing and explain you have to plan it early or it will bet booked up. Car racing? Look into the Richard Petty thing.

 

[miprender]

Oy.... been there done that and still give them the "I told you so's" Bottom line is, HAVE A GOOD TIME!
It may mean you miss some big rides, and some of your favs, but make the best of being there and spending time together. ( and plan on doing your own thing for a few hours) Don't forget to look into other things the world has to offer that won't require a lot of planning. You can have a lot of fun walking around and soaking everything up.
Some people are just the play it by ear type, even when you wave your proven, so much better, time saving, stress free plans in their face. (LIKE MY ENTIRE FAMILY!!!) Be prepared to take one for the team, but remember, even if you get on two rides, you're in Disney with your loved ones and it's going to be tons of fun!
And don't waste to much stress on making everything wonderful for them. There is no such thing as a perfect vacation, and I'm sure they're going to do everything they can do to make sure they're having a good time, don't feel like you have to make or break the trip for everyone.
If you are all intent on having a great trip, you will, no matter how crowed or unplanned your trip may be!

Hope my 2 cents helps!

Very well said. Those were my thoughts too.

 

[MDMagicMom]

I too took a trip with a very grumpy, unDisneylike BIL a few years back. My best advice is to go about your merry way, invite them to join you and move on. If they want to take you up on the fun, great, if not, you haven't wasted time insuring everyone else's good time. Best of luck.

 

[Boo Bear]

It sounds like you might be over thinking the whole situation. Relax. If you have to play it by ear for a few sections of your plans it's OK! My entire plans got botched during our last trip and I just went with it and had a blast! Who cares if your BIL and SIL don't have fun and hold you responsible. It sounds like it's they would be the ones at fault for not having a great time even if they aren't huge Disney fans... it's a vacation for gosh sakes. I hope your stress level gets better and that you have the time of your lives!

 

[luvmikids]

I know how you must be feeling. My advice is to plan some things for the group and plan things seperately, that way if they want to "play it by ear" then so be it. If you plan everything then yes you are going to be stressed wondering if everyone is having a good time. No worries though, just take it in stride and have a great time.