inviting friends?

[kxmeeh]

has anyone ever taken their children's friends with them on a trip. Not to say that we have alot of money, but are are more fortunate than our children's best friends (they are brother and sister). has anyone ever invited friends to come with them. Not that I don't appreciate opinions, but I would like to hear the pros and cons from people who have actually done this. it is something my dh and i are considering. my kids are 10 and 6. their friends are 10 and 7. please don't think this consideration is being done lightly. we have been friends with this family since the 2 oldest were being potty trained at the same time. I know they will never go on their own, unless they go as adults. We'll have to forget about the beach and go to a moderate adding the extra kids, but they are good kids who can use some magic in their lives. all experiences shared would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bord1niowa]

Last year we took our daughter's best friend with us for 10 days. They loved it. They were both 15 and were able to go off together also. This year we are also taking another friend as the first cannot make it this time. The other 16 year old girl has never been to Disney so she is pretty excited also. It makes it more enjoyable to have someone close to their own age to do things with, not just hanging with dad and mom....lol. And it will also give my wife and I time just for us too! The cost isn't too much, the ticket, food and the room rate will not change for us, so it's not too bad. Now all my daughter's friends think we are the coolest parents in the world.

 

[.:)Tinker_Belle(:.]

my cousion could have been able to come with us on a cruise in Oct., but it was too much

 

[okeydokey]

I think it is wonderful that youa re considering this, especially if these children would otherwise never get to go. It may very well make the trip more enjoyable for all of you because you're kids will be happy to spend tine with their friends too.

 

[tmarquez]

I took friends when I was a teenager. The only thing I would be worried about is the 7yo. Kids at that age can still "want their mommy" pretty bad at times.

 

[lorilori]

We took our DD (13) best friend with us this past October. It was one of our best trips ever because of two reasons. First of all, DD had the best time because she finally had someone to pair up with (our sons are 7 and 9 and attached at the hip!). But truly the best reason was that her friend had never been to Disney and would probably never get a chance to go and it was just wonderful seeing everything with someone who had never experienced it. I would do it again in a heartbeat to re-live her excitement all over again. We did have to scale down some of our plans (only 1 character dinner, etc.), but it was so worth it. Oh, you didn't ask, but yes we paid for her tickets and food but she brought I think like $100 for souvenirs, snacks, etc.

 

[Darcy03231]

I took DD's (they were both 13 at the time) friend on a cruise with us once and it was a great experience. The girls get along great and both of them had a wonderful time. I paid for the airfare, cruise and excursions and she brought her own spending money. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. To this day the friend says its the best vacation she's ever had.

 

[youngsbcamper]

We're taking our DD's boyfriend. They are both 15. He has a super nice family & we're taking the whole extended family so they'll be plenty of "eyes" if you know what I mean. It just makes for a happier vacation when EVERYONE is happy! I think it's great you want to extend the offer to the friends. I think it's a wonderful Pay it Forward. There are so many children who don't even get to experience going to the movies. Just make sure you get a medical release signed w/phone #s of the parents.