Magical gathering with basic Disers...they don't appreciate PS reservations I make

[TigerB]

We are going in Feb to WDW...the first week...the last week of "off peak" season. 9 people: DH, SS 4 yr, aunt/uncle, 2 child cousins (1 yr & 5 yr), gram and gramps. We are there a full 7 days to enjoy the parks (we do not include the days we travel in the days we are *there*).

Well, DH and I just went in April and had the *BEST* time. We had magical wishes in our plan and we utilized them to the fullest - taking tours, special events, great dinners, etc. We really enjoyed seeing this different side of disney (meaning, doing other things versus ONLY touring the parks like regular).

We have ALL been to disney about a dozen times...so it's not our first trip by any stretc.

Now that we are going, I am heavily planning with my aunt what our 'schedule' will look like. I have found it successful to have 1 day dovoted to EACH park, but 2 full days devoted to MK (since we have the kids and the grandparents, we thought we'd go through MK at a slower rate and the kids justLOVE MK)...and 1 'catch up' days to do whatever you missed the first time. So, that type of schedule really seems to allow us the best time (and not feel super rushed/pressed for time/or so we don't feel like we are missing out).

Ok, that being said, here are the things we have planned to put on the schedule while we are there. To me, it doesn't seem like a lot...at all. It's only 1 PS a day (and even 1 day without ANY PS).

1) Breakfast at Cindy's (I got the PS already!!)
2) Family Magic Tour
3) DiveQuest (for DH and I - we did it on our HM and thought the family (kids) would LOVE to watch us do that)
4) Illuminations Cruise (I got the PS already!!)
5) Fantasmic Dinner Package
6) GF Pirate cruise for the 4 yr & 5 yr

Mind you, those 6 PS events are over a span of 7 days. Then we plan on hitting the parades/night fireworks event at each park. To me, it doesn't sound like a lot. In fact, I *PRIDE* myself on being able to get a Cindy's PS *AND* an Illuminations Cruise! Anyway, I also think that the rest of the family will really enjoy having these different experiences at Disney. They have ALWAYS just done regular stuff and try to make PS when they get there and usually always miss out on anything they want to do because of lack of planning.

But aunt and uncle feel like we are planning too much (though I worked with Aunt the whole time on it all...she was getting very excited too!)...but now uncle is thinking (and making her thing) that it will be too *structured* with all these PS events...that they won't have time to do what they want. I let them know that we don't have to do everything in a big group -- but that me and DH and SS will still do the 6 events.

I guess I am just frustrated with them that 1) my planning efforts seem really unappreciated and 2) if they would only give it a *chance* they will enjoy some new experiences they have never done before.

Have you experienced similar and how did you deal?

 

[septbride2002]

I say bump your Aunt and Uncle and let my DH and me come instead. We will appreciate all the planning!

~Amanda

 

[riopooh]

I would have done more PS's - after all, a group of 9 will have to do some serious waiting if they show up as walk-ups.

Also, if you see your plans changing, the PSs can be cancelled. If they decide that any of those events sound good, it would be impossible to arrange at the last minute!

 

[MommyBoo!]

We went last year with relatives, had a few ps's and stressed that we did not have to be together 24/7 (we had two kids and I was 6 1/2 months pregnant so our pace was definately going to be different than the others who were all adults).

It worked well except for the end of MNSSHP. We went on the boat cruise because we had read a lot about it and wanted to see it. Another family member wanted to go elsewhere but ended up coming with us. I think she felt pressured to go even though we said we where we would meet up after we were trough with our activities.

Otherwise, we were comfortable in splitting up. If you think they feel pressured, just be the first one to say "We're going here and where would you like to meet up later"? It kind of takes the pressure off of others.

I like your park plans although we usually go to Epcot more than once. The other parks close early when we go though, so we can go to Epcot in the evenings.

As far as the ps's, I know that my parents, inlaws and one of DH's aunts would enjoy Cindy's to see the kids enjoy it and to see it for themselves. DH's other aunt and uncle would probably prefer not to go. But, if you've got young kids, you'll likely enjoy it.

I would think the Family Magic Tour would be fun for everyone but again, some people may not like that type of tour. The same with Illuminations and Fantasmic. And the kids should love the pirate cruise! Maybe discuss the different things with your uncle and explain what they are. When he knows the details, he may be all for them. Even though he's been to Disney a lot, he may not know what some of these events are exactly.

As for DiveQuest, I would watch my kids or DH doing something like that. Anyone else and I would probably tell them to have fun and then go do something that I want to do. My kids would probably watch for five minutes and then want to go DO something.

I agree with you that one ps a day is not much and it would be nice for everyone to be together for at least one thing each day. It will work out. Just concentrate the most on your own plans and then enjoy what time you have with the others. That way you won't be dissapointed in your vacation.

Have a great time!

 

[webmomom]

that is the reason we don't do the big group thing any more. If people want to come with us, I let them know it is my room, my vacation and if they don't like what I have planned they can do what they want. Even when they have booked their own room we still don't like all of the confusion that comes from big parties. so if evryone wants to come with us, we split for the day and then meet up at something at night.

It just does work when everyone is together all of the time. to many personallities to keep happy.

 

[Jestocost]

I'd say it's not enough meal PS's, if anything. We left one out of four nights to chance last week and wound up eating at the POFQ food court after a 90 minute boat and DTD disaster. The only place in DTD with less than a 90 minute wait was McDonald's.

Unless everyone's going to be happy with counter service, the food court or going off property, I'd look at more dinner PS. I'd certainly not take anything off.

 

[Tooneric]

Looks like a fun trip to me! We'll be there first week of Feb as well. DW is planning this trip. We'll have about 6 ps for the week ranging from 6 to 13 people. No complaints from our group so far.

We did Family Magic Tour last year and it was a lot of fun. Doing Fantasmic Dining experience and the Safari Celebration Dinner this year.