In-laws first trip and they can't understand why we need to plan

[MDJones]

My DW, DD and myself will be spending five days with my mother in law, father in law, sister in law and her 3 kids (ages 5,6,9). We will be spending June 10th thru 14th in parks. We will be arriving and leaving one day before and one day after. We just can't make them understand the importance of educating themselves before we get down there, much less trying to formulate some type of plan. Really have no idea how to get them to understand the size and complexity of WDW. As a matter of fact, they believe they will be able to see everything in those 5 days. I've explained to them that they need to do some research and decide what are "must-sees". On top of that, neither mother or father in law can stand to do a lot of walking. Trying to get them to rent scooters, but they really think they can handle it. We have been to WDW many times, so I'm not too concerned about us missing something, and I know we will be back in the future. This will probably be the in-laws only time. Any ideas on what I can say or do to convince them that to at least educate themselves about what there is to see and do?

 

[bsiev1977]

Only thing I can think to do that will definitely bring your lesson home would be to go to EPCOT the first day. Walking from the front of Future World all the way to the back of World Showcase will show them how much walking is involved at Disney.

 

[ratherbeinwdw]

My DW, DD and myself will be spending five days with my mother in law, father in law, sister in law and her 3 kids (ages 5,6,9). We will be spending June 10th thru 14th in parks. We will be arriving and leaving one day before and one day after. We just can't make them understand the importance of educating themselves before we get down there, much less trying to formulate some type of plan. Really have no idea how to get them to understand the size and complexity of WDW. As a matter of fact, they believe they will be able to see everything in those 5 days. I've explained to them that they need to do some research and decide what are "must-sees". On top of that, neither mother or father in law can stand to do a lot of walking. Trying to get them to rent scooters, but they really think they can handle it. We have been to WDW many times, so I'm not too concerned about us missing something, and I know we will be back in the future. This will probably be the in-laws only time. Any ideas on what I can say or do to convince them that to at least educate themselves about what there is to see and do?

Wow. Don't know what you can say to them. The biggest problem is probably going to be the walking. If they have any health issues with walking, and they don't get a scooter right away, they will probably be out of luck during June. The heat will compound the walking problem. I'm not sure why, but in the summer when we go in the evening, my feet simply don't hurt as much.
At least if you're staying onsite, they can bus back to the resort and not ruin the trip for the others.

 

[Jones14]

Show them a map of the whole resort, that'll convince them. Also, rent one regular wheelchair just in case, and that way they can take turns if they really need to. If they don't want to rent a scooter, that's really up to them, but the wheelchair makes a nice backup.

 

[MITCH 112198]

We also have in-laws like that, can't walk far , can't see the importance of planning ahead in dining, activities, where to go on which day even though we have a hopper pass.

 

[Monty]

Plan as best you can on their behalf... *Shrug*

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

What do they think they will be doing for five days straight?

 

[PUSH]

I'd show them maps of every park and the property in general. Tell them it's twice the size of Manhattan and tell them if you don't plan things like ADRs you'll be eating fast food for the entire trip. I know there's a lot of good QS places, but saying it like that will make them think about planning. If you still can't get them to plan I'd say plan what you can the best. Then when they say they didn't want to eat there tell them that they didn't want to plan so you did your best. That's all I got.

 

[Britt]

I'd just plan for them

Make your ADRs, map out rides you think they'll like the most. Make sure to save up for scooters in case they need them.

Just convince them to go get NEW shows with arch support and have them break them in a couple weeks before!

Gooooood luck

 

[BUZZCRUSH]

We took our in laws who are in their 70's a few years ago and they had the same idea. Which was no idea. I mentioned multiple times they needed to plan but it went on deaf ears. Rather than get aggravated I went ahead and made reservations on their behalf with the thought that I'd cancel if needed. Boy were they grateful! They tried to make reservations while we were there and could only get odd times/odd restaurants. I mentioned I made some "extra" reservations and would they like to have them?? They ate at Le Cellier and the Coral Reef and loved it. They even took one under my name without any problem. I also did the trip planning and made some alternate plans for them in case they got tired, which my FIL did get tired often. So what we'd do [I have 2 boys 5 & 11] is head to the park early while they slept in a little. Then they catch up with us later. Or they would go early with us, but my husband would run a head and get Fastpasses for whatever for everyone and we'd slowly meander our way around, often stopping somewhere to eat a nice slow breakfast. By the time breaksfast was over, our fastpass would be up, so we'd ride that together and then my husband would run off to get the next Fastpass while we slowly made our way to watch a show or do lunch or something. We never pushed them. We'd been there many times so it really didn't matter to us what we did we just wanted them to have fun. They took a lot of breaks and we'd just catch up at various points in the day. And we'd plan shows etc. where we would have a "sit break" around the walking. So I would just plan for them and give them the options of what to do once you get there. Good Luck!

 

[journ116]

On top of that, neither mother or father in law can stand to do a lot of walking. Trying to get them to rent scooters, but they really think they can handle it. We have been to WDW many times, so I'm not too concerned about us missing something, and I know we will be back in the future. This will probably be the in-laws only time. Any ideas on what I can say or do to convince them that to at least educate themselves about what there is to see and do?

I've been in a similar situation in Dec. 2010: my mother was along for her very first visit to WDW (she had been to DL in 2000). I had planned that trip 11 months out, and we invited her along 9 months out. Now, I love my mom...I mean, she's my mom for crying out loud...but, I forewarned her about the amount of walking involved, especially because we would be staying there for a week.

3 months out:
"Mom, are you getting any walking in?"
Her response, "Some."

2 months out: "Mom, how's the walking coming along?"
Her response, "I really haven't done any. I know."

1 month out: "Mom, do you have a good pair of walking shoes broken in yet?"
Her response, "I'm just going to wear my Crocs."

It was like bashing my head against a brick wall. But, she's a grown woman and I had no problems leaving her at the hotel.

Time came for the trip and she quickly learned within 2 days how fast-paced we liked to go. We did slow down a little bit (and whispered about renting her a wheel chair), but we had things we wanted to do and two young kids who "wanted to go!" Needless to say, she got mad 4 days in while we were at MK, and left the park by 10 a.m. to return to the resort. She needed that time to rest (come to find out, she had a painful bone spur, but told no one until later). I then told her, "As long as you're there for the timed meals, you can tour the parks at your leisure."

She's the type of person who likes to sleep in on vacation, and take her time, which I can relate to...but not in WDW, and not with my little family.

In the end, she claimed she enjoyed the vacation, but won't ever be going back...no worries, because I don't think we'll invite her again.

You can try your best to provide all in your party with information, but sometimes it's best to let them find out on their own. I know this could make for a stressful day during some part of your vacation...but, make it clear, that in no uncertain terms, that you "have things you'd like to see and do with the kids, and we can meet up later."

Good luck...and sorry to rant (didn't think I still had that bottled up inside)!

 

[Britt]

We took our in laws who are in their 70's a few years ago and they had the same idea. Which was no idea. I mentioned multiple times they needed to plan but it went on deaf ears. Rather than get aggravated I went ahead and made reservations on their behalf with the thought that I'd cancel if needed. Boy were they grateful! They tried to make reservations while we were there and could only get odd times/odd restaurants. I mentioned I made some "extra" reservations and would they like to have them?? They ate at Le Cellier and the Coral Reef and loved it. They even took one under my name without any problem. I also did the trip planning and made some alternate plans for them in case they got tired, which my FIL did get tired often. So what we'd do [I have 2 boys 5 & 11] is head to the park early while they slept in a little. Then they catch up with us later. Or they would go early with us, but my husband would run a head and get Fastpasses for whatever for everyone and we'd slowly meander our way around, often stopping somewhere to eat a nice slow breakfast. By the time breaksfast was over, our fastpass would be up, so we'd ride that together and then my husband would run off to get the next Fastpass while we slowly made our way to watch a show or do lunch or something. We never pushed them. We'd been there many times so it really didn't matter to us what we did we just wanted them to have fun. They took a lot of breaks and we'd just catch up at various points in the day. And we'd plan shows etc. where we would have a "sit break" around the walking. So I would just plan for them and give them the options of what to do once you get there. Good Luck!

This reply totally warmed my heart. How sweet of you guys to make sure they were taken care of that way and make sure THEY had a great time. I bet you guys have some great memories

 

[BUZZCRUSH]

This reply totally warmed my heart. How sweet of you guys to make sure they were taken care of that way and make sure THEY had a great time. I bet you guys have some great memories

Thanks, not to be too sappy but I lost both my own parents this year so in my opinion if you have a chance to take your parents/in-laws to Disney then make it a fun memory for everyone as it might be the only chance your kids get to spend that kind of time with their grandparents.

 

[Britt]

​

Thanks, not to be too sappy but I lost both my own parents this year so in my opinion if you have a chance to take your parents/in-laws to Disney then make it a fun memory for everyone as it might be the only chance your kids get to spend that kind of time with their grandparents.

I am so so sorry to hear that. The thought of losing mine seriously puts a lump in my throat.

((((Hugs))))

 

[BUZZCRUSH]

I am so so sorry to hear that. The thought of losing mine seriously puts a lump in my throat.

((((Hugs))))

Thanks, they were in their 80's but you are never really ready. But we did make a lot of memories with them and Disney has been great therapy.

 

[MDJones]

Buzzcrush, we have already talked about some points you mentioned. This trip really is for the in-laws and nieces and nephew. Our daughter is 16 and has spent 31 days in WDW. We did most of the character meals when she was little. Also, my in-laws are footing the bill for themselves, sister-in-law and her kids. Budget is a concern, so most (maybe all) will be counter service. That makes the planning quite a bit easier.
At this point, I'm asking them to let me know which attractions are a must see for them, and trying to tweak customized touring plans to eliminate as much walking as possible. My wife, daughter, and in-laws visited my parents in FL a couple of months ago, and my FIL couldn't make it around Gatorland without taking several breaks, yet he thinks he is going to walk around WDW.
Luckily, we are staying at Art of Animation, so we can (and will) go back and take afternoon breaks. I don't mind being the fastpass runner, so that will also help. Honestly, however, we could be at MK at the front of the crowd for rope drop, and 99% of the crowd is going to beat us to our chosen starting attraction. We live in the Greater Cincinnati area, and they all really think that WDW is really just a glorified amusement park ala King's Island. Can't even get them to understand the difference in ride philosophies, i.e. don't want to ride anything too jerky, or fast, or upside down.
So far, my favorite comments have been FIL, "We will have time to sit down and rest on the rides, right?". FIL, "Will we have time to take the kids to Gatorland?". FIL, "We want to see everything". Sister in law, "I don't understand why you have to plan, why can't you just show up and go?". I say these not in meanness, this is just what I'm running up against.
Actually, my wife and her family are not prolific decision makers, either. If we don't have a touring plan, I could see us being one of those families who stand smack dab in the middle of Main Street trying to decide on what to ride first. I wind up being the decision maker by default way too often, aw heck, who am I kidding, almost all of the time. That is another reason why we need a plan before we get there.
Enough of my ramling, it will be fun, and we will have a good time, I just wish I could get them a bit more involved.

 

[Britt]

I totally understand @MDJones! When we went to WDW in Sept, I tried so hard to get my MIL to plan with me and she just didn't get it!

Mine was mostly out of excitement...I wanted her to be as excited I was...LOL

 

[Mori Anne]

I am in that situation I recommend you

• figure out what days you will be at what park
• chose a few attractions you think they will enjoy
  (once you get there, they will probably be happy to give more input for the next days activities)
• figure out a counter-service eating spot for each park
  (just so there isn't like 45 mins of trying to figure out where to eat)
• reserve a scooter anyway - starting on day 2
• don't worry about too much else Play it by your mickey ears!! lol.

BTW: There is no way to describe the attractions of WDW to someone who has never been... at least not one that I can come up with!! Just know how shocked they will most likely be when they figure it out (an have your camera ready for that shocked look).

 

[luv]

Either resign yourself to standing around a lot, looking at maps and having conversations that start with, "What do you want to do now?" or tell the in-laws that you and your fam will do your own thing and you should all plan meet-up times.

 

[dreamfinder]

Plan some things together. Mostly dining. Make sure you have a few meals booked as a group. Heck, book something like Chef Mickeys using their credit card for the guarantee, just to impress upon them the need to plan in advance or they pay the penalty. And then plan yourself. For yourself. If your remaining plans have the flexibility to accommodate them, that would be awesome. That way they have the ability to spend the day with you, but spending every waking moment with them will most likely drive you nuts.