Question for you

[RickinNYC]

My partner and I are in the throes of trip planning for our October WDW vacation. We had idly told a good friend how excited we were to go and he thought it'd be neat to book a trip at the same time with a friend of his own. This is all fine primarily because our friend is a good guy and very, very non-intrusive. He's amazingly easy going and goes with the flow. He invited his own friend simply because he didn't want to be a "third wheel" to us. (We're celebrating our 13th anniversary). But his friend is very type "A" and a hard core planner.

Now his friend is apparently a WDW nut and is planning an itinerary as we speak, much as I am. I've been getting the impression that this kid expects all four of us to follow his own plans. Nobody has said as much but I am definitely getting that feeling.

Plus, this kid is on an amazingly tight budget. He can't afford any sit down dinners, just counter service/fast food. He also won't be able to afford to buy a drink or two at PI. Typically, I wouldn't have a problem buying a few drinks or a nice meal or two, but I barely know the guy.

In order to clarify our own plans, I told our friend "It will definitely be nice to go to WDW with you, especially when we meet up in the evenings." I also said it'd be nice to meet up in the parks from time to time and that we should plan on that.

Was I wrong? I don't want this kid to think I'm avoiding them. But my partner and I like to take the parks nice and easy, no rush. And we like to have a sit down lunch and/or dinner. And we also like to go to PI or the Boardwalk and have a relaxing drink or two.

I do enjoy the counter service food and other less expensive amenities, so we won't NOT do this with them. Just not the entire time.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Hi Rick! WDW in October! Have a wonderful trip!

You were NOT wrong. In fact, you may want to emphasize this fact to him again, explaining the reason for your trip and outlining what your plans are for touring the parks, meals, PI, etc. It's important to make your intentions clear before you arrive. This way there won't (hopefully) be any misunderstandings.

Happy (early) anniversary!

 

[lovespugs]

Originally posted by RickinNYC
Was I wrong? I don't want this kid to think I'm avoiding them. But my partner and I like to take the parks nice and easy, no rush. And we like to have a sit down lunch and/or dinner. And we also like to go to PI or the Boardwalk and have a relaxing drink or two.

I don't think you were wrong at all - especially since this is your anniversary trip! My DH and I have hesitated to invite friends to go to WDW with us, especially friends who have never been before and will probably never go back again. We take the parks slowly, watch people more than ride rides, and "waste" a lot of time on long sit-down meals. I have learned in the past that not all good friends are also good friends to vacation with! Different people just have different vacationing styles.

I might share with him the dinner PS you are planning and let your friend know that they are welcome to join you. Your friend can then choose whether the restaurant is to his liking (and budget). Or, tell your friend that you will pick 2 - 3 dinners, he can pick 2 - 3 dinners, and the other nights you can be on your own. That way you get a chance to see your friend but don't have to spend your whole vacation eating counter service

I hope everything works out. Congrats on your anniversary!

 

[Kae]

since this is a special trip, I would think that they would understand that you want to do your own thing & meeting up at different time during the trip.

that being said some people might be ok with & some might not. So I think you addressing this before you leave, was the smart & right thing to do. I hope you friend understands. Have a great trip.

We will be there when you are there for our 14th!

Kae

 

[Strings]

I think you handled it well. If any problems arise, point out that this trip is an anniversary celebration. Some time alone with your partner should be expected. Have a good time, and try not to worry.

 

[daannzzz]

You are not wrong and only need to explain that you are going to celebrate your anniversary by taking it nice and slow and mellow and that you wouldn't dream of holding them back from seeing as much as they wish. I think the idea of meeting for diner would be good. I hope you have a wonderful time.

 

[FreshTressa]

Now you know you did the right thing, go and have a great time!! Happy Anniversary!

 

[Plutes]

You were definitely right in addressing the situation now, and I don't think you did anything wrong! Even if you were not celebrating an anniversary, I think it's perfectly acceptable to want to do your own thing & meet up for meals & such. Last year, DH & I went on a trip with a large portion of his family, ranging in ages from 7 months to 82 years old! Obviously, it wasn't feasible to plan to spend all our time together. Instead, we did just as you suggested - we met up to do a few specific attractions that we could all enjoy, then went out separate ways & met up with everyone for a meal here & there. It worked out great & there were no hard feelings.

Bottom line, a trip to Disney isn't cheap. I don't want to spend a fortune to go on vacation & then be stressed & worrying about doing what OTHERS want to do! There has to be a happy medium & I think you've already come up with it! Have a GREAT trip (and Happy Anniversary)!!!

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Absolutely you did nothing wrong. It seems you handled it as best you could. I personally find it very difficult to travel with others especially to WDW. It would be differant if it was a beach resort or a cruise, but everyone has their own differant pace at WDW. Some commando, some very leisurley (I fall into the latter!)
Anyway, do what you feel comfortable with as far as meeting up and such. And you may want to suggest to the others about looking into the connections meal vouchers. They really are a good deal especially if they are on a budget and a good way to prepay some meals.

Laura

 

[RickinNYC]

Thanks for the support folks. I was pretty concerned and now I can breath easy.