Non Disney, non good neighbor hotels

[jkh1978]

My wife and I have a trip booked in December for DLH. Her mother and father-in-law want to invite themselves along. We are from the east coast, so I plan to hit the nice restaurants and tours, because we don't get to go to Disneyland often. They will probably be too cheap to do that.

They said that for $800 they can get their flight, hotel, and transfer. That's less than what the flight is that we plan to take (we'll go jetblue to go direct).

They said that the airport is only 4 miles away with a shuttle. From what I hear, I dont think I would want to stay anywhere except on property or in a good neighbor hotel.

I don't know what hotel they are in, but there is a shuttle. Maybe no one has any feedback because I dont know the name or where exactly it is, but I'm worried that this won't work out well. My guess is that the shuttle would only run a few times a day and maybe not even get them there before park opening.

Anyone have any feedback? Sorry I do not have more details to provide.

 

[Malcon10t]

Just to clarify, there are many great hotels in the area, that have shuttles, and most run a couple times an hour. An example is the Hyatt Regency. It is highly rated, is about 1.5 miles away, has a shuttle, and runs every 20 mins or so. You can usually get it on Priceline for $60-75 dollars, whereas booking it straight out is $160 a night.

And a Good Neighbor Hotel only means they are willing to sell their rooms to Disney, and accept them back empty at the last minute. "Good Neighbor Hotel" means nothing with regards to quality.

 

[smiles33]

Doesn't sound like the best set-up for a couple who plans to be touring the parks with you and your DW. If they just want to have an occasional meal with you, then their choice is fine. But you can't really efficiently tour together if you're waiting for them to get to DLR or trying to squeeze in rides and then meet them when they finally get there. Plus, what if you want to take a mid-day break (a good idea when crowds are heaviest since many locals come late and leave early).

There are a bunch of off-site hotels that offer shuttles, so I don't know that anyone can guess just from the minimal facts you've provided. How close is your wife to her parents? Does she want to meet them for a meal once or twice a day or actually tour the park together? If the latter, then you'll be waiting quite a bit as on-site guests *may* still have early access in Dec (I think it's currently scheduled to end in Sept.). Plus, even the most frequent hotel shuttles may only run every 30 minutes (if even that) so would that mean they would want to "rest" in your hotel room if they miss a shuttle?

 

[Girimama33]

Which airport are they flying into? Sounds to me like they have a shuttle to the airport, not Disneyland. If you can find out which hotel, that may help. Sounds too far for my tastes.

 

[Malcon10t]

My wife and I have a trip booked in December for DLH. Her mother and father-in-law want to invite themselves along. We are from the east coast, so I plan to hit the nice restaurants and tours, because we don't get to go to Disneyland often. They will probably be too cheap to do that.

Here's my take. You don't want them along. It sounds like it will upset you, period. Talk to your wife, tell her you don't want her parents along.

Personally, we usually travel with a large group of family. We enjoy our family. I have a family member who enjoys staying on property. I personally don't. To me it is not worth the cost. $400 a night when I can get a comparable room for $130 just doesn't make sense to me. But while my family member stays on property, I stay off property and come and go as we please. We do tours, and when we do we simply tell my family "Call and we can meet up". They enjoy Blue Bayou, we don't. We split up and do what we want, or they join us at the ones we want.

If you get along, it works, but honestly, it sounds like you would be upset the whole time.

 

[chrissiecutie]

My wife and I have a trip booked in December for DLH. Her mother and father-in-law want to invite themselves along. We are from the east coast, so I plan to hit the nice restaurants and tours, because we don't get to go to Disneyland often. They will probably be too cheap to do that.

They said that for $800 they can get their flight, hotel, and transfer. That's less than what the flight is that we plan to take (we'll go jetblue to go direct).

They said that the airport is only 4 miles away with a shuttle. From what I hear, I dont think I would want to stay anywhere except on property or in a good neighbor hotel.

I don't know what hotel they are in, but there is a shuttle. Maybe no one has any feedback because I dont know the name or where exactly it is, but I'm worried that this won't work out well. My guess is that the shuttle would only run a few times a day and maybe not even get them there before park opening.

Anyone have any feedback? Sorry I do not have more details to provide.

Umm...I'm confused by this...

What exactly are you worried about? In- laws have priced something out that they feel comfortable with- so let them stay where they want. Personally, I would rather not be at the same hotel, on the same flight, same, same, same ...as my in-laws. Too much togetherness for me!

As another poster said- Good Neighbor really has nothing to do with quality. There are SO many better hotels less then 5 miles from Disney. I've even stayed at a Quality Inn in Santa Ana that was great! I paid $89/night for a suite & got a free- made to order breakfast each AM & all just 10-15 mins from Disney.

My only suggestion would be to help them find a decent hotel in their price range- wherever this might be. This assumes they aren't computer friendly & have never heard of TripAdvisor. If they qualify- onsite properties offer a 30% senior discount.

Why not ask them the name of the hotel they are planning on staying at & then look them up? Why they wouldn't tell you, is a mystery to me. Maybe I'm just reading your post all wrong...

Relax, help them where you can & where they will accept the help & then just let it go. Let them worry about the shuttle & the quality of the hotel & layovers with their plane. Try & make times to meet up with them- say breakfast at Carnation Cafe or dinner at Blue Bayou & then just try & enjoy the rest of your vacay. Do your tours & your fancy restaurants & let them do their non-tours & regular restaurants.

 

[jkh1978]

I think I didn't state my real concern because I've been frustrated by them complaining about ticket and food prices.

I'm assuming that they will be happy with the accommodations. But 4 miles away seems far, and hope the shuttles run enough to meet their schedule. My wife has problems so we will get the fantastic dessert package so she is comfortable and her mother might not. I don't want her parents though to miss something that they want to do because of the shuttle schedule and they wouldn't consider a taxi.

 

[ArchOwl]

I think I didn't state my real concern because I've been frustrated by them complaining about ticket and food prices.

I'm assuming that they will be happy with the accommodations. But 4 miles away seems far, and hope the shuttles run enough to meet their schedule. My wife has problems so we will get the fantastic dessert package so she is comfortable and her mother might not. I don't want her parents though to miss something that they want to do because of the shuttle schedule and they wouldn't consider a taxi.

It sounds like your in-laws are complicating your plans and making your planning less than magical.

My advice is to continue to plan on doing what you would like to do and inform them of your plans. Tell them that they are welcome to do any of the things you have planned, but inform them of the cost and booking procedures. Then leave it up to them to get to places. They can figure it out on their own and do what they are comfortable with. You can't worry about them, it sounds like they are going to do what they want to do.

Alternatively, you could say you don't want to travel with them, but I doubt that will really fly with your wife. It sounds like they have already booked the trip anyway.

Unless someone is totally on board, you can't plan their trip for them. It will just stress you out. I would continue my planning and inform them as you decide on things. It will be ok, you are not responsible for their vacation.

 

[chrissiecutie]

I think I didn't state my real concern because I've been frustrated by them complaining about ticket and food prices.

I'm assuming that they will be happy with the accommodations. But 4 miles away seems far, and hope the shuttles run enough to meet their schedule. My wife has problems so we will get the fantastic dessert package so she is comfortable and her mother might not. I don't want her parents though to miss something that they want to do because of the shuttle schedule and they wouldn't consider a taxi.

Well....sometimes we just have to relax & let them figure things out, right?

In terms of Disneyland, 4 miles is nothing. So don't worry- I'm sure it will all be fine. If you're still concerned, call the hotel directly & ask them how their shuttle service works. Most times they have 1 shuttle specifically for Disneyland & then spend the entire day picking up & dropping off. So perhaps once you & your inlaws no exactly how this works, this will help you with your concerns.

Have they already booked the hotel? As I mentioned earlier- onsite properties offer a 30% senior discount. It's my understanding that you don't have to all stay in the same room, just be travelling together. So you & your wife could also get the discount. And depending on when you are going, 30% off could make the onsite properties much more affordable.

Here's my advice with travelling with family...make a list of everything you & your wife want to see & do. Have your in-laws do the same. Compare the 2 lists & find a few things that you both want to do. You may have to make a few compromises but really...how many more Disney trips will you have with them. Try to enjoy it.

And you may be surprised by their list! Don't assume that just because it will cost money, that they won't be interested in doing it. And keep in mind that there are ways to make things more affordable. For example- try Blue Bayou for dessert only instead of the much more expensive dinner. This way you'll get to experience it together & the in-laws won't be afraid of the $45 steak! And by all means- come to terms with the fact that you don't have to do & see everything together. A little alone time never hurt anyone!

 

[Mackie Mouse]

I think we can all relate to both the in-law frustration, the family frustration, and the general "making vacation work with other people along" frustration.

That said...seems like the best plan here is to let it go. Are the in-laws insistent upon everyone staying at the hotel together and touring together? I would hope not, as it seems like the best plan for you would be to stay separately and just meet up when it's convenient for everyone.

Let the in-laws know what your plans are, and don't bend over backwards to change them. Ask them to pick out a restaurant or two they feel like going to and work that in for one lunch or dinner, maybe. Let them know they are welcome to tag along at other meals, or not. Let them take their shuttle or cab or whatever to the parks whenever they feel like getting there. You arrive when you arrive, and your wife's parents can call when they get there - pick a convenient ride to meet in front of. If they miss rope drop or are waiting an hour for a shuttle or don't eat the Blue Bayou...who cares, as long as they're happy and you're happy?

Everyone has different taste when it comes to vacations, and it's not worth stressing out in an attempt to convince someone else that your way is the best way. If the in-laws miss out on some fun opportunities because they don't want to spend the money on certain meals or staying closer to Disney property and they complain about it after the trip...ah well. You can tell them "I'm sorry - we tried to tell you!" with a smile. I have a hunch that if you approach this trip with an easygoing attitude, it will help I know it's hard, though.

 

[NVDisMom]

I think we can all relate to both the in-law frustration, the family frustration, and the general "making vacation work with other people along" frustration.

That said...seems like the best plan here is to let it go. Are the in-laws insistent upon everyone staying at the hotel together and touring together? I would hope not, as it seems like the best plan for you would be to stay separately and just meet up when it's convenient for everyone.

Let the in-laws know what your plans are, and don't bend over backwards to change them. Ask them to pick out a restaurant or two they feel like going to and work that in for one lunch or dinner, maybe. Let them know they are welcome to tag along at other meals, or not. Let them take their shuttle or cab or whatever to the parks whenever they feel like getting there. You arrive when you arrive, and your wife's parents can call when they get there - pick a convenient ride to meet in front of. If they miss rope drop or are waiting an hour for a shuttle or don't eat the Blue Bayou...who cares, as long as they're happy and you're happy?

Everyone has different taste when it comes to vacations, and it's not worth stressing out in an attempt to convince someone else that your way is the best way. If the in-laws miss out on some fun opportunities because they don't want to spend the money on certain meals or staying closer to Disney property and they complain about it after the trip...ah well. You can tell them "I'm sorry - we tried to tell you!" with a smile. I have a hunch that if you approach this trip with an easygoing attitude, it will help I know it's hard, though.

After far too many trips with my in laws, I have finally learned (mostly) to plan my vacation and not worry about them. How they get there, where they get their tickets, where they are staying, when they are arriving in the parks, how they are touring, where they are eating, and what they are purchasing is not my problem, it is theirs.

Plan your vacation for you and your wife. Inform them of your plans, if you choose to do so. And let them coordinate their trip, either with yours or not...Hakuna Matata!

 

[jkh1978]

I like to plan, and not like waiting until 60/30 days to start booking things. I don't mind showing them my schedule (since its all booked) and letting them choose. My wife reallys wants Blue Bayou so sent them the menu, and they didn't just complain about the prices but that Didney would even dare charge a split plate fee.

 

[Geemo]

Lots of good tips here. Be up front NOW!
Let them know how you plan to tour the parks and where you plan meals.
If your plans match up then fine, if not then that's fine too.
At least you'll all be on the same page before the trips begin.

A Disney trip is to enjoy the Magic along the way. Not to fret and worry.

I took my two grandkids (17DGS and 14DGD) last January for 5 days.
I gave them a list of my Must Do's during the week (DL parade, Aladdin, All the Coasters & ToT) after that I didn't care when or what happened.

It was the most peaceful trip ever.

Enjoy your trip!!

Geemo

 

[Malcon10t]

I like to plan, and not like waiting until 60/30 days to start booking things. I don't mind showing them my schedule (since its all booked) and letting them choose. My wife reallys wants Blue Bayou so sent them the menu, and they didn't just complain about the prices but that Didney would even dare charge a split plate fee.

Thats when I look at them and smile really nicely and say "Not a problem, Wife and I really want to eat there, and I really don't like to hear negativity towards my plans, so should I make the reservation for 2 or 4?" I've been there, done that.

 

[Malcon10t]

I took my two grandkids (17DGS and 14DGD) last January for 5 days.
I gave them a list of my Must Do's during the week (DL parade, Aladdin, All the Coasters & ToT) after that I didn't care when or what happened.

We do this. Everyone usually has a few "must dos."

One trip last year, we were with my brother's family, and they had just rode Matterhorn (while I watched their youngest) and it was about time for the Christmas fireworks. My daughter knew it was of my "must dos". When my SIL said "Let's go do Space Mt." my daughter replied "Have fun, we will be at IASW and watching fireworks. Call when you are done!" Made me smile that she remembered mine...

 

[chrissiecutie]

I like to plan, and not like waiting until 60/30 days to start booking things. I don't mind showing them my schedule (since its all booked) and letting them choose. My wife reallys wants Blue Bayou so sent them the menu, and they didn't just complain about the prices but that Didney would even dare charge a split plate fee.

Ok- perhaps a better strategy here (since I'm sensing some frustration still) would be to find out what's on their list of MUSTS.

Then say- ok, we'll start at POTC in the AM since it's at the top of your list of rides & then meet back up for lunch at Carnation, since you want to go there too. Then for dinner just say, I'm making a reservation for BB. Do you want to come with us?

My point- work around their list. Find a few things that you would want to do anyways & make a point of doing them. Perhaps this may help the in-laws realize that if you're willing to compromise, then maybe they can too. And if they decide not to...then really, no biggie, right? You still spent some time together & did things you would have done anyways. So no harm no foul.

 

[Bungle]

Sometimes you do what you can afford. That may mean staying farther away and having cheaper meals. I can't see how their budget is really any of your business Seems like you just don't want them there. When they arrive at the park meet up, spend some time together and then when they are ready to go say goodnight....it really is that easy. Sounds like they are old enough not to need babysitting and to understand what they are getting into. Why not just take the side of enjoying the time you guys will have together instead of trying to fit them into a schedule? Let them know what you have planned and they may or may not join in. I'm just guessing that they will have a good time regardless.

 

[chrissiecutie]

Sometimes you do what you can afford. That may mean staying farther away and having cheaper meals. I can't see how their budget is really any of your business Seems like you just don't want them there. When they arrive at the park meet up, spend some time together and then when they are ready to go say goodnight....it really is that easy. Sounds like they are old enough not to need babysitting and to understand what they are getting into. Why not just take the side of enjoying the time you guys will have together instead of trying to fit them into a schedule? Let them know what you have planned and they may or may not join in. I'm just guessing that they will have a good time regardless.

Love it!

 

[jkh1978]

Sometimes you do what you can afford. That may mean staying farther away and having cheaper meals. I can't see how their budget is really any of your business Seems like you just don't want them there.

I don't want them there This trip was because my wife loves Christmas decorations, and we've been having trouble having kids and with adoptions, so this was something to look forward to to get away from stuff. We've had this all planned out, so they decided to invite themselves along.

We plan to do some nice things because we've been saving for it. It was part of the plan before they invited themselves along. They both have jobs - they like to buy a new car each year, and not spend money on much else. They keep suggesting that we buy their tickets as a Christmas gift, dinner as a Christmas gift, their plane tickets as a Christmas gift...

 

[jkh1978]

We do this. Everyone usually has a few "must dos."

One trip last year, we were with my brother's family, and they had just rode Matterhorn (while I watched their youngest) and it was about time for the Christmas fireworks. My daughter knew it was of my "must dos". When my SIL said "Let's go do Space Mt." my daughter replied "Have fun, we will be at IASW and watching fireworks. Call when you are done!" Made me smile that she remembered mine...

Great story. Wish my wife and I were as direct but polite as your daughter. I'm sure you are proud of her.