WDW with another family

[jplbhs]

I'm looking for suggestions on how to manage a trip with two families, kids all between ages 7-9. We are excited that we made dinner reservations together but not sure how to manage parks. I don't want my kids melt downs and preferences slow them down or other way around but still enjoy some time together. What's the best way to spend time while giving each other space?

 

[Nancyg56]

I'm looking for suggestions on how to manage a trip with two families, kids all between ages 7-9. We are excited that we made dinner reservations together but not sure how to manage parks. I don't want my kids melt downs and preferences slow them down or other way around but still enjoy some time together. What's the best way to spend time while giving each other space?

I think that the major mistake folks make when traveling with others is to plan too much time together. I would plan the meals,, just as you did, as well as the park days. After that, unless there are really attractions that are must do together attractions, I would just plan to meet up periodically throughout the day. And I would keep that loose as well so that your groups is not always checking watches, and worrying that the meet will be missed. I also would set the expectation with the kids...all of them... that decent behavior is not negotiable. When there are friends who are traveling, there can be competition, and that can get old over a week or so.

 

[ToddyLu]

I agree, just make the dining plans together. Call them in the morning or text them, don't call and just say we are headed to MK...leave it at that. When they text you back and say, " ToddyLu wants to got to AK first"...then say" no problem see you XXX". Most times people over think it and there is just too much going on to warrant that.

 

[zianha]

Along with what the previous posters have said, discuss this with the other family prior to going. Make sure they are on the same page as far as what they expect to happen. Sometimes one family is fine with just meeting up for the dining reservations and then doing their own thing throughout the day, while the other family is expecting to stick together and do everything together most of the time. You don't want the other family to think you're trying to ditch them if you don't discuss how you'll each handle your time at the parks, pool, etc.

 

[jplbhs]

It's their first time and they want to plan fast passes together. I just think it's too hectic for all to go together all day. I think some pool time is fine and dinner but parks are just too much. I've tried to express my concerns but everyone thinks I worry too much.

 

[ToddyLu]

My MIL can leave us in the dust with walking around...and DH and I enjoy just hanging at the resort and make two hour trips to a park..we are still working and after all this is vacation. She loves her independence because she is now comfortable with transportation and locations of things. I like the occasional dip in the pool. We do plan one or two meals a day.

With my Mom and Dad, I showed them the ropes for a couple of days and lovingly said " ok, you are on your own..." I think at first they were thrown off by it but I told them "its OK, enjoy your vacation" and then backed off. Again we meet up for meals and everyone has a great time.

You may even find that you are the one who gives them permission by saying, "tomorrow we are sleeping in and will text you later"...period.

This is the one time I love text messaging.

 

[ToddyLu]

Plan FP+ together the first day...then do what you want. You may have to pull the rug a little bit. Buy them a Pass Porter for Christmas and tell them to look at the maps to get an idea of location..for instance that PP is behind the castle and PotC is to the left of Main street. After that first day, text messaging will be your friend. I find that once they manage the buses and entrance into a park and now using a MB for FP+, your job is done. They have your number when you separate after meals.

In fact you can just nod to whatever they say, now, and then wing it--because by day three they will be completely overwhelmed maybe and will need the space you've given them. When they kinda buck the plan, just say "OK, no prob we will see you....

 

[SeilerBird]

I used to live 90 miles from DL from 1959 to 1989. I visited many times. It wasn't long before I came up with "Tom's First Theory of Disneyland". It goes like this:

If I go to DL by myself and stay 12 hours I will ride 20 rides.

If I take my girlfriend and stay 12 hours we will ride 15 rides.

If she brings her two kids and we stay 12 hours we will ride 10 rides.

If she brings her parents too and we stay 12 hours we will ride 5 rides.

The numbers are imaginary but the concept is very real