Need Survival tips for a trip with the in-laws

[schoen]

I am going on a 6 day trip with my in-laws, but my DW will not be there. We are staying at SS in a grand -villa and a 1-bedroom

I would never have agreed to go on a trip with my in-laws if I didn't like them. I do like them, and I love them! But, a 6 day trip with anyone would probably get on my nerves.

We are a varied group Me-28 3 DBIL's 26, 24, 22 and DSIL 25. My MIL and FIL too. One of my DBIL has a wife, DSW #2, AND DD 5 and DS 2. That family will be in one 1-bedroom, and the rest of us in a grand villa.

I have traveled with my in-laws before, but never without DW. does anyone have any tips and or tricks for blending personalities? We all get along well, but we just don't generally spend this much time together.

Any thoughts? I am looking for advice and previous experience. Thanks!

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Disney for Families board.

 

[Pesky]

Plan for some time APART! Just because you are there doesn't mean you can't jet off on your own or with a smaller part of the group and do your own thing. In fact, that might be the sanity saver. The time you spend apart is as important as the time you spend together and may help you appreciate the time you do have with them a bit more. I'd honestly look for some solo time every day -- be it 30 minutes or 3 hours. Whatever works.

 

[melglnh2o]

I was recently in a similar situation. I went to Spain for three weeks with my in-law's whole family but my DH did not go. One of those weeks, all 23 of us stayed in the same house! I love love love my husband's family and we had a wonderful time even though we were together all the time. I did have my 3 year old daughter with me so it was easier for us to go off and do our own thing but I agree with the PP. You do need to have some time apart even if for a little bit. I would recommend discussing the plans before you go and to see where everyone stands on their expectations. For example, do you all want to eat meals together and go off in other directions the rest of the time. I am guessing the little ones will need a different schedule than maybe some of the rest of you. Regardless, you will have a great time with them! Enjoy!!

 

[RebeccaB]

Most assuredly plan for time apart. I go every year with my in laws. Love them dearly but don't usually spend every waking hour with them. We've been enough so that they are comfortable with the layout, so we have no problems splitting up in the parks, or they can head back to the resort if we want to stay longer. Enjoy your trip!!

 

[MEK]

I agree with time apart. It's hard to park tour at someone else's pace and with their priorities. That could definitely get on your nerves.

Are you planning to meet up for meals?

Something you could do on your own is a beyond the scenes tour. I have also found that a good way to get a break from traveling companions is to get up early and go for a walk or run before everyone else gets up. This is a great time to take pictures.

Main thing - enjoy your trip!

 

[sb682]

Definitely do some time apart. I have been on several trips with my very sweet in-laws, but by the end of each I was ready to murder someone. We have different ideas of fun and different dietary preferences, and I can only take so much of, "I don't know, what do YOU want to do? I don't care." I would have a hard time doing it without my DH as a buffer.

Since it's just you and the rest of your DW's family, you could plan some time each day for a walk or a swim. If you're a morning person, you could get up early and do one of those things, or offer to make a coffee or breakfast run for part of the group. If you get back to your resort earlier in the evening, go out and explore the resort or go over to Downtown Disney for a drink. If your family splits up during the day, tag along with a different group each time so you can spend time with everyone.

 

[EagleScout]

I agree with everything here, just be careful that your time apart does not mess up sleep schedules, etc. Grand villas are big, but ultimately it is one room, so u may have to be careful if your alone time is at night, etc. It sounds like all adults in your room, but even adults have varying sleep patterns

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

It works best if you all get along and have a good sense of humor. When we traveled with my IL's--DMIL, DBIL and his family--we would agree to be in the same park on the same day, and have 1 meal together, typically dinner. Beyond that, we split up. It was common to run into another group in the park and chat for a bit, but we weren't glued at the hip, so when we did meet up for dinner, you were glad to see the others, and you could talk about your day.

In your case, you have several other young adults that might want to travel in a pack, at least some of the time. You might want to have a day or two when the childless adults meet up to do thrill rides, drink around World Showcase, go to a water park, or whatever.

Beyond that, it does help to plan ahead of time, especially if there are certain meals or attractions that are "must-do" (Hoop-Dee-Doo? Fireworks?). And in setting up sleeping arrangements, think about whose sleeping patterns most closely mirror your own--if you're a night owl, it doesn't matter how much you like your early-bird BIL, you probably shouldn't share a room.

Approach it all with an open mind and good humor, and you should be fine.