I'm quite sure most have never done this.....

[lwestwise]

But, I need help planning.

Me, and DH, and DD, are taking my Mother to DW Thanksgiving. We have CP w/ dinner at Chefs De France. We also have Tea at the Grand Floridian, Breakfast at Kona Cafe and Dinner at Cape May.
Easy enough.

Now, my D-Step-D wants to take her family. Our DGS and DGD, and DSIL. I have made Ressies for them at the same resort. They will not travel with us, as they are leaving one day later.
Their plans are not the same as our, they will be doing a lot more time in the parks than us. D-Step-D asked if we mind if her Mother comes. She would love to visit DW with the DGChildren. Of course we don't mind. (Who would mind going to DW or any place with their husbands ex?)
Remember we have no PS or other plans with them and Oops, I forgot to ask that our rooms be close together. BUT, D-Step-D wants us to plan to do SOMETHING together. I came up with Ice Cream Social. They shot that down.

Here is where the needing help comes in. What can we do that won't be just sitting there eating, carrying on conversation and enjoying it. Something that won't take up a lot of time, like the HDR or Luau. Any suggestions? TIA.

We have taken both of our DGchildren to Disney more than once and just had a family vacation with the whole family(not including the ex) this June. I hope I don't sound like a witch. I am sure that she (the ex) feels the same way. I know she would love the visit with the kids, but she doesn't care about visiting with us.


Linda

 

[CamColt]

Oh that is a tough situation.
I know you said no to the HDDR, but I think that might actually be a good option. Its a very funny show that would make it easy to not talk, especially at a large table. It actually doesnt take too long. I was surprised how fast it went by, or at least how fast it seemed. The food is great and best of all in your situation...unlimited beer & sangria.

If not could you maybe plan to do one of the nightime shows together, like Fantasmic. We went there last week with a large group and we really couldnt "talk" during the show, besides and occasioanl whisper to my kids who were next to me.

 

[crisi]

What about one of the "minor" dinner shows. Oktoberfest in Germany or the Belly Dancer in Morrocco might be good choices.

Or something not even food related. Plan on visiting AK together for the Safari and Lion King Show. After those two events are out of the way, split up again.

 

[Shelby007]

How about an Illuminations Cruise? It only lasts an hour...it will be somewhat dark out (no direct eye contact required)...and you won't have to make small talk during the fireworks...just alot of ooos and aahhhs.

 

[lmhall2000]

Thinking practically you have two options....

1. This was your trip before dsd started inviting herself along- I think she has every right to "ask" if you can meet together but not to "expect" it. Don't feel you are obligated to meet up with them all especially now that she's invited her mother- I think that shows little understanding from her end.

2. If you can, try and plan an end of the evening fare- where you can quickly split off and there won't be opportunities to plan away the rest of the day- maybe dinner at 'Ohana's watching the fireworks? Or dinner at Teppanyaki's- they entertain you and you don't feel obligated to chit-chat.

It's a toughie- I personally would just say you want time to yourselves- you've already taken the grandkids and I'm sure you'll see them again soon. But I think the "wanting time to yourselves" should come from her father not you. What's his opinion on this? Icky situation, I agree!

Tara

 

[CarolMN]

How about meeting on the beach at the Poly and watching the electrical water pageant together? It's cute and short, FREE and both the kids and adults are sure to love it. Not a lot of people (the non-Disney fanatics, LOL) even know about it.

You could stop in the Poly ahead of time to pick up a cup of Kona coffee or a snack for the kids (big and small) if you like. You can stand (or sit) as close together as you want on the beach, and talk or not talk. The Poly's grounds are quite pretty, especially at night, IMHO. Afterwards, you can all go back to your separate resorts (it'll probably be time for kids to go to bed).

Electrical Water Pageant

Whatever you decide, have a wonderful trip!

 

[Jordan's MOM]

what about a character breakfast? That way you can all focus on the one thing that you all have in common, the grandkids. Breakfast would only last about a hour and then all can go thier seperate ways.


Jordans mom

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

D-Step-D wants us to plan to do SOMETHING together. I came up with Ice Cream Social. They shot that down.

Your situation tickled my funny bone. I imagine this is not so funny for you, but I have an image of your having a big tiff on Main Street with your DH's ex... a crowd gathering... your DstepD refereeing... sorry!

You made a suggestion and they shot it down... can't you just say "oh, well, nothing comes to mind", or better yet, "no"?

 

[lwestwise]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I think maybe we will suggest the water pageant at the Poly or Ft. Wilderness. That would be enjoyable and at the end of the day. If they can't fit that in, then we have tried more than once. DH thinks that DSD has a lot of nerve to ask, but I can understand that they have limited time to visit since the kids are in school and Grandma wants to visit DW with the DGChildren. It isn't a must that we do something together, I wish she would just let the trip flow without making it uncomfortable.

 

[J_Rae_A_Pex]

1. Horseback riding at Ft. Wilderness. Once on the trail, accidentally drop some firecrackers behind her horse and WALLA, she's off to Universal Studios!!!

2. Fireworks cruise. Very simple. Here Granny Bee, would you please hold my purse for a second (filled with cement), while I tie my shoe, WHOOPS, a gentle nudge, she's overboard and listing away in the dark waters.

3. Have a "space race". Take aunt Polly on a ride on Space Mountain, then whisk her over to Epcot for a quick Mission Space Jaunt. Ahhhhh, the laughter (and the pain)!!!

4. Or the old mainstay which works with my "outlaws" all the time..."Oh my goodness Mom, did you Say Animal Kingdom, we waited at Magic kingdom for almost 2 hours and forgot the darn cell phones in the resort"!

Feel free to use any of the above methods!!

Good luck!

 

[lwestwise]

J Rae,
Thanks for the suggestions. I think I will use one. I will mention watching the Water Pageant at either Ft. Wilderness or Poly and tell them we are going to watch the Water Pageant at Ft. Wilderness. I might be anywhere, but after the fact they will think I was at Poly.

 

[J_Rae_A_Pex]

Don't let anything ruin your fun! Good Luck!

 

[3for Me]

You know, I am usually pretty understanding about sticky family situations - because we have so many of them!!LOL - But this takes the cake! She invites herself on this trip - then the ex - all presumably for the sake of the grandchildren - on YOUR vacation -then says "let's all get together" - you make a suggestion- and she shoots it down?

Here's an idea - you all get together for dinner - while SHE sits in an etiquette class.

I think you have ALREADY gone above and beyond and it is not your responsibility to plan a "family gathering" on your - yes your- vacation.

Like Dear Abby - you may print this and send it to her with my best wishes that she learn some tact!!!

JMHO!

Please don't let this ruin your trip - have a wonderful time with or without them!

 

[ceecee]

4. Or the old mainstay which works with my "outlaws" all the time..."Oh my goodness Mom, did you Say Animal Kingdom, we waited at Magic kingdom for almost 2 hours and forgot the darn cell phones in the resort
THAT IS TOO FUNNY!!!!!!!
I'd say you did your part in suggesting the ice cream social. Tell her to plan something and then maybe you can join them or maybe not. I think that is going beyond your call of duty! I think spending time with ex's does not sound magical and I don't think you are a witch (more like a saint). Good luck.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

This is just my humble opinion...but I think that when ALL the parents get along it is better for the kids and grandkids in the long run. But of course I get along with my DH's ex (we even talk on the phone regualry). It's DH who is not always so thrilled with her. lol

But really you get to see your grandchildren at WDW. What would be better than that???? They all want to get together for just one thing. I wouldn't have a problem with that. What happens at family events????

 

[westjones]

Maybe you could meet for one of the shows, like at MGM we love the Beauty and the Beast show. Dinner at the Sci-Fi might be fun too. You can watch the old movies during dinner, so there wouldn't have to be a lot of talking. The Sci-Fi is a lot of fun, especially for kids (but DH and I enjoyed it too).

DJ