What would you do?

[springandmac]

While I'm waiting to close on my HH contract, I'm working on planning my next trip but I need some help.

First let me give you a little family background. I have the joy of being the glue for my blended family. So it's me (the glue), my husband, my daughter 13 and my step-son 11. I've been thinking it would be nice to take a "family" vacation. (Side note: we've taken these before and they've been disastrous, so I'm alittle apprehensive) Me and DH get along. Me and DD13 get along (as much as you can with a teenager). DH and his son get along. So as you can see the group dynamics makes for ALOT of fun. I pretty much feel like I'm walking on egg shells trying to keep everyone happy. Needless to say we've learned that short vacations work best.

I'm considering 4 days (6/6-6/6/07) at WDW, but I'm torn between BWV and OKW. I was thinking BWV because of the closeness to Epcot and MGM but then I found out that OKW has more square footage. (We're looking at doing a 1 bedroom, with one child on an Aerobed and the other on the sleep sofa.)

So my question is, if you were me, would you go for space or closeness to parks?

 

[tjkraz]

OK, I'll bite.

I would probably go for the space. OKW living rooms have a sofa, loveseat and a chair. The rest just have a sofa (2-seater) and a chair. OKW balconies are also much larger than the others. If one of the kids wants some privacy to make a cell phone call to friends or just wants some space, I think they can stretch-out better at OKW.

Besides, if there is some sort of a blow-up during the trip, you might feel a little uncomfortable being that close to the BoardWalk and the 2 theme parks. It might just end up being temptation for them to try and strike out on their own in a huff.

At OKW you're quite a bit more isolated.

 

[byoung]

You will like OKW, the kids will like the boardwalk are better.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Could you give the options to the kids and ask them to make a joint decision? It might help glue the family even more. If they do the research and come up with the solution, they might learn that they like each other.

 

[Dean]

While I'm waiting to close on my HH contract, I'm working on planning my next trip but I need some help.

First let me give you a little family background. I have the joy of being the glue for my blended family. So it's me (the glue), my husband, my daughter 13 and my step-son 11. I've been thinking it would be nice to take a "family" vacation. (Side note: we've taken these before and they've been disastrous, so I'm alittle apprehensive) Me and DH get along. Me and DD13 get along (as much as you can with a teenager). DH and his son get along. So as you can see the group dynamics makes for ALOT of fun. I pretty much feel like I'm walking on egg shells trying to keep everyone happy. Needless to say we've learned that short vacations work best.

I'm considering 4 days (6/6-6/6/07) at WDW, but I'm torn between BWV and OKW. I was thinking BWV because of the closeness to Epcot and MGM but then I found out that OKW has more square footage. (We're looking at doing a 1 bedroom, with one child on an Aerobed and the other on the sleep sofa.)

So my question is, if you were me, would you go for space or closeness to parks?

I can't help wondering who doesn't get along and thinking that no matter what you do and how hard you try, it will somehow end up to be your fault when something happens. I hope not but it does seem to jump out as a probability. I'm assuming with the group ages, genders and dynamics, you have a 2 BR. If not, that is your first goal and I wouldn't likely make this trip personally without a 2 BR. So if you hadn't planned a 2 BR and points are an issue, OKW is the best choice IMO. If points are not an issue, the kids will likely do better with the EPCOT area and BW or BC/YC pools.

 

[tiggercrew]

I think I would also opt for the space, especially with a teenage girl in the midst. I do like the idea of letting the kids be a part of making the decision, but be cautioned that one may choose one place and the other may choose another place and then you're faced with "siding" with one of them. I guess only you can decide if letting them be a part of that decision is a good idea.

Good luck with your vacation.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think I would also opt for the space, especially with a teenage girl in the midst. I do like the idea of letting the kids be a part of making the decision, but be cautioned that one may choose one place and the other may choose another place and then you're faced with "siding" with one of them. I guess only you can decide if letting them be a part of that decision is a good idea.

Good luck with your vacation.

But if they have to agree on a place, which could be tough getting to that point, it might work.

 

[InstImpres]

, but be cautioned that one may choose one place and the other may choose another place and then you're faced with "siding" with one of them.

That's when Mom switches gears and picks VWL or SSR (I wouldn't pick BCV as it will appear you are siding with the BWV voter). JMHO

Good luck

 

[springandmac]

Thanks for the help so far, some pretty good options have been given.

While re-reading my post, I forgot to add that my daughter and my step-son get along (as much as actual siblings do, that is).

It's basically, my husband and daughter don't get along and my step-son and myself don't get along. And when I say "don't get along", I don't mean were at each others throats constantly, it just means the relationship is strained and awkward (even after 5 years of marriage and some counseling)

 

[CarolMN]

I'd pick BWV for the location. If you need to split up for part of the time - say you & DD go one way and DH & his son another, the BW is in a good location. Lots to do within walking distance. You might even let the kids do something together (movie and pizza in the room for example) while you and DH go to Spoodles or Flying Fish or Yachtsman or Shula's or well, you get the idea, LOL.

In fact, why not plan some time like that into the trip? Always nice for a parent to have one on one time with a child or the spouse and that way, there will be less time for "problems" to crop up because of too much "togetherness".

FWIW, I also vote for the 2 bedroom if you can swing it. It will provide an extra bathroom and enough private space (whether you choose BWV or OKW) for people who are upset to "get away" by themselves if need be.

Hope it all works out for you!