After much consideration...

[SuprDav]

We have thought a lot of inviting a friend of my daughter's along on a trip to WDW, but with all the drama that goes along with teenage girls I think we'll book a family only trip. It would be cheaper anyway. What's your experience with kids taking friends? Our problem is that we can't go week to week without a falling out. Who knows where they'll stand a few months from now. If she is in good standing with a bud when we're closer I guess we can add a guest.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I did this twice.. (like the first time didn't teach me otherwise) I wont say it was a complete disaster? But alot more stressful than if we went as a family. Both times, we thought it was a once in a lifetime experience for DH's friend, and it was, however, its not something I did a third time. Teenagers get into tiffs and the child's friend may feel left out if Dad or Mom want to do something with their child.

 

[SuprDav]

Sound advice.

 

[ImagineerDude]

We took a friend with us for a day about a month ago. It would have been different if he didn't try to know everything about the MK in the first hour (1st timer vs us as 7 timers), if he didn't order the most expensive thing off the menu and eat half of it, and if he would have said thank you once. Just don't choose the "wrong" friend to go. I think we enjoyed Going with just us as a family more (along with gma and gpa)

 

[Nemo14]

If you really don't see that she has a solid friendship that survives through all the drama of "teenageness", then I really wouldn't recommend it. It's nice for kids to have someone their own age to hang out with, but it's also nice to have family time together. Once they hit those college years, that family time is pretty rare, so enjoy it while you can.

 

[SuprDav]

If you really don't see that she has a solid friendship that survives through all the drama of "teenageness", then I really wouldn't recommend it. It's nice for kids to have someone their own age to hang out with, but it's also nice to have family time together. Once they hit those college years, that family time is pretty rare, so enjoy it while you can.

You are so right and this is the last trip before college.

 

[Nemo14]

You are so right and this is the last trip before college.

Then just enjoy it with her. You won't be sorry.

 

[Pooh Lover]

You are so right and this is the last trip before college.

I think you know the answer to this one. I totally agree with all the previous posters. Even the best of friendships can be tested on a family vacation, especially one as action-packed as WDW. Usually the friend isn't on the same page as the family and the end result just doesn't feel right.

 

[hellowonderland]

I can speak from the other end of the spectrum - I convinced my parents to let me take a friend on a trip once and it was a disaster. She was so homesick that she ended up being miserable and had a bad attitude about everything, and my parents felt it ruined the trip. I would never, ever suggest bringing friends - I think it changes the family dynamic and it just doesn't feel comfortable.

 

[SuprDav]

I am so ready for this trip!

 

[Gojira ゴジラ]

Last trip to WDW was last summer. We went with my sister and her family. My nephew brought his friend with him. He was so sweet. They were born around the same time and have been best bud for years.
His parents asked my sister how much allowance my sister would give to her son daily and they matched it, but asked my sister to keep it for him. I'm telling you, after every meals he would say thank you to my sister and my brother in law. And not on a whim, he actually went to their seat and said it. Funny moment was on our first night dinner, he came to my sister and offered her his allowance to pay for his dinner That Nathan boy is so sweet. And at the end of the trip he gave my sister and my brother in law a picture frame. Sure it's only $8, but for a 11 year old boy to have such manner is just rare these days.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We haven't crossed this bridge yet w/our girls, but my parents had one WDW where they allowed me to bring a friend (like a million years ago) . I know she was pretty jealous whenever my parents splurged on special things for me. Our friendship was up and down, but I will say that the time in WDW was at least very nice for us... no fights. Still, I can't see us doing it for our girls unless it's something super special...like a Sweet 16 or graduation trip where they bring a bff...and even that is a tad iffy to me.

In light of tihs...I think it's better to just keep it a family trip.

 

[Tomi-Rocket]

We don't do as much stuff together as a family as I'd like so when we go to Disney it's all about family time. I don't think I'd even consider taking someone else along on our trips. The only time I will is when it's a fiancé and that better be many, many years from now considering my boys are only 15 & 11 right now. Oh and only if I really like her! Lol...

 

[loveofamouse]

For my sweet 16, I asked to go to WDW with friends. My parents let me take two. I took my cousin and my friend, both got along with each other. My brother brought my two male cousins. We had a BLAST!!!! No one fought with each other. No one was being spoiled or being a sour grape. My mom said it worked out really well.

I think it comes down to your kids and their friends. I'm a laid back, social, have fun kinda person. So were my guests. We weren't the type of girls that cared a whole ton about hair and make up or boys. We did remark at cute guys in the parks. lol. But we were more concerned about just being silly and having a blast.