INLAWS!! screwing with my planning

[jdm]

OK, I'm a little late coming in on this post but I think you'll regret not going to Gatorland! I was absolutely dreading our day there and it turned out to be the best time! Way more than Gators.... the birds and snakes and there was a bear with all these interesting stories on rescued animals. My kids (both girls 9 & 11) loved the shows and they pulled my husband and daughter out of the audience to hold these huge snakes. It was such a relaxing day... all kind of woodsey and calm. I thought it was very reasonable- under $50 for the 4 of us. But just my 2 cents!

 

[leebee]

Hey, folks- it seems that the rednecked gatorlandlover is the brother-in-law, not the nephew! I've done many WDW trips with extended family, and my only advice is to RENT TWO VEHICLES!!! That way, you can make two plans. It sounds silly, but two compacts always make for more familly harmony than one minivan! Split up and go two different places, but remember- if Andy doesn't get to GatorLand (or Splendid China or HolyLand or WHATEVER else there is to do besides WDW), it will always be your fault! All joking aside, we must remember that it's his vacation also, and if this is what he reallyreallyreally wants to do, let him so you don't have to listen to it FOREVER (do you detect a sort of been-there-regretted- that-decision tone here?) Have fun!

 

[chrisn]

We went to Gatoroland on an "Off" day. Stayed about 3 hours. My son who was 2 1/2 at the time loved it. They have a water play area for the kids and it was a warm day so I let him have at it. Couldn't drag him out. Seriously though, IMHO it was worth doing once but I probably wouldn't make it a point to go again. I also agree with splitting up. It's too hard to make everyone happy at the same time. We've gone with family too and I also say NEVER AGAIN. My Dad and Step Mom are going with us in February and are going to "tag" along to MGM and Epcot with us but we don't stay together all day. They're ideas of fun and ours are a little different so we do lunch together, maybe a few rides and shows and then go our separate ways. Have fun!

 

[Mjasp]

What a Hoot is an understatement. Your post was quite humorous I even called my DH in to read it and he was laughing too.

Let them do Gatorland and you do Blizzard Beach.

But PLEASE PLEASE do a trip report!!!

Enjoy
Joanna

 

[Gillian]

You know, after reading all the replies & checking out the website, I've decided that we might go to Gatorland ourselves next time! DH loves the outdoors, birds & animals (just not hunting them). His brother lives in Sarasota & I think the 2 of them would have a great morning at Gatorland with our son. I'll go along just to take pictures

But no way are they spending the WHOLE DAY!!!

 

[SuzieQMomof3]

I'm from New Jersey. We're allergic to alligators. Unless they come with a strap and matching shoes.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Sounds like it *could* be interesting, but if you don't think it will be your cup of tea, then you shouldn't go I like the idea of splitting up ... even though you're on vacation together, you'll still need some time apart. Maybe your family will change their minds once they've had a chance to experience the Disney magic ... Whatever you decide, remember that its your vacation

 

[DisneyMim]

This thread is a hoot, and I especially needed one this morning with the bad weather here in New England!! Thanks!!! jselz, I agree with the others. We've been to gatorland once and that was more than enough. As others have said it really is only a part-day type of thing. I totally agree that splitting up is a good thing. Too much togetherness can get on everyone nerves!! BTW my brother LOVES gatorland, so to each his own I always say. Animal Kingdom is soooooo much better and you can see gators(or maybe they are crocs???) from the safari ride. That's enough for me!!

Have a Wonderful Trip!!!

P.S. Maybe you can tell him to just rent "Crocodile Hunter". I bought it for my kids for Christmas and I watched it with my son. It's a hoot and certainly gave me my fill of crocs for the year!! LOL!!

 

[The Sybah Shelstah]

Just a hint. My family (including kids who were thrilled) saw gators on a ride at Epcot.
hint hint
HAHA

 

[Rodrigo]

Did you see the Crocodrile Dundee movie where he tours a Hollywood Studio with his son, and he sticks his large knife in a dinosaur throat?
Be sure Andy is unarmed when visit the parks!!!!

 

[karebear1]

Gatorland- smatorland- If he's a REAL redneck, he can't read ! Take him over to the Beach Club Villas and tell him to look under the bridge there- there is a real croc there too- he'll never know the difference!!!

Really though- it is his vacation too- just let them go- they'll probably like it! Sounds like a great time for "alone time" to happen.
SuzieQmomof3- love the matching purse and shoes line!

 

[Robinrs]

Too funny guys...

Being from NY I agree with SuzieQ... not up MY alley....

I have a partner in crime who emailed me eons of digital pics on his trip to Gatorland. I will Pm him this post and see what he has to say!

BTW, my son wanted to go to Ripley's Believe it or Not and I hoodwinked my sister into going with him. BOY was I glad I didn't go! Forty dollars and two hours later they come back disgusted. Not my idea of spending a day OR money!

 

[pegasusEH]

just goes to show we are all up for seeing what's what one time or another!!!! Does no harm does it, just as long as we all go into it with our eyes wide open!

 

[Sleepy]

Just a suggestion to keep harmony. We made the fatal mistake of sharing a hotel room with friends on our first trip. NEVER try to cut costs by getting a room together. By the end of the 2 weeks, we were all about to ring each others neck. Needless to say nobody spoke the entire 12 hour ride home. Make your trip enjoyable.....make sure you have separate rooms....no suites or anything like that. Separate rooms, separate bathrooms, separate doors, separate keys...lol You get the idea.

I think it is wonderful that you are trying to give the kids a nice family vacation. I know the type your BIL is. I have in-laws like that. I agree with a suggestion another poster had......only make Gatorland the first destination. It's only for a few hours. IF it is a disappointment, then the last memory of the vacation will not be a bad one.....and at the same time your BIL will not ruin everyone elses vacation by pounting about going where HE wants to go......been there done that too. Make it clear you do not plan to stick under each other everyday and things should go just fine. Lessons we learned from our first vacation helped us enjoy a vacation we took with my brother and his wife last year. Enjoy your trip and let us know how it turns out.

 

[SuzieQMomof3]

As Joe Dad of 3 all I have to say is when traveling with the inlaws (did it the last two trips) Is Yes Dear what ever you want..

Rember if mom is not happy no one is happy!!!!!!!!!!!!