Taking a friend to the parks... protocol?

[Narnian_Princess]

We're thinking of taking some friends with us for a weekend at WDW. They have never been to Disney. So, do we let them take the helm and choose what to do since they're our guests, or do we choose what to do since we know the parks? I would lean toward a little of both, but what do you recommend?

 

[mickeyboat]

I do not enjoy planning, so I would love it if someone planned everything for me - after a little bit of input from me as to what I might like to do. So if your guests would like to help plan, let them plan some and you plan some. Does that make any sense?

Denae

 

[NMAmy]

I'd say a little of both but, frankly, I tend to be pretty bossy and I know my own limitations. I would offer some "alone time" so they could do whatever takes their fancy while I do my must-do stuff.

 

[Danauk]

My first trip to WDW was with friends who had been once before. They had stayed on site and had a good idea of things to do etc. However we all sat down together, did some research together with them suggesting a few ideas and us suggesting a few things as well. Then we decided which days were best to go to which parks, what DH and I wanted to do, what they wanted to do. Then we would do the things we all wanted to do first, then maybe get some fastpasses we all wanted for later, split up for a bit and then met up later again to do more rides or meet back up at the room.
We have been on a few more Disney trips with them since to WDW and DLP and we have found this works. We will probably do this for the trip to DL which we will be going on together as well.

Seen as they have not been before maybe suggest some things that they might like to do, give them some websites/guide books to look at to see if there is anything they particularly want to do and then go from there.

 

[safetymom]

I ask them what their favorite rides are. I make sure that we hit those rides and then we wing the rest of the days.