Others on a DL vacation

[abby]

Ok, so dd 8 and I have been to DL four times. Three times just us and once, last december with her god mother. This December we are going again and joining us is god mother, god father and another friend of ours, male (ok maybe by then my DBF). I know godfather is not too interested in DL and will likley only join us a day or two of the five we are there. Don't know what other male will do, probably join us some more.
So, how do you manage the vacation desires of a group like this? I am so use to DD and I doing whatever we want whenever we want. WE are all staying at the new Trendwest resort that godparents have a timeshare in.......any advice would be appreciated.

 

[cheshiregirl]

My advice is to make your plans for you and DD and to plan opportunities to meet up with others for meals, certain rides, etc.

However, I am guessing that Trendwest is not within walking distance or on the ART, so you may need to work out some logistics ahead of time to arrange transportation;

Disney time is precious (IMHO) as is time spent with your DD in a fun and relaxing environment. I know how bitter I would be if I were traveling with others who do not want to spend their time at DLR in the parks. So, I would be very upfront about what your plans are and then invite the others to join in on your adventures for part or all of the trip.

 

[avalon451]

Why don't you sit down and talk to them about your plans? Tell them what you usually like to do, and ask if they have any ideas about what they would like to do. If they have specific things they want to do, you can decide together how to work them into your plan. Explain that you don't want to force an itinerary down anybody's throat, but that you usually do things a certain way, and that you feel it would be good to work out ahead of time how your travel styles mesh. As the PP said, if they differ a lot from how you usually roll, then just cheerfully plan to meet up with them periodically during the day-- say for a meal or the parade or some ride you'd like to do together. If you have a more informed idea of how to do the parks, and they would rather leave the planning up to you, then just do what you'd usually do, letting them follow your lead. Let them know that if they get tired or want a break, that you are completely happy with their going off on their own, back to the hotel for a break, or whatever. Just keep cellphones handy.

I don't think it has to be about being together the whole time, unless they want to be. Even our little family would split up; DH would go off with DD10 while I hung with DD12 and DD5, etc.

 

[mikayla73]

When we traveled with others last May, we let them know what our plans were and invited them to join us as often as they liked. Everyone knew before we left that we could all do whatever we wanted. We ate all our meals together, but as far as what was going on in the parks, or not going to the parks, was up to each person.

I think it is important when you are going with others to make sure all of that is worked out before you get to the vacation destination and everyone understands so there are no hurt feelings or misunderstandings later. It will make for a more relaxing vacation for everyone, instead of worrying if everyone is having a good time or mad because they wanted to spend more time at DCA when everyone else was going back to DL etc ...

Remember you need to have fun on your vacation too!