Wine in Mom

Toasting Motherhood

Disney Travel

10 Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World with Grandparents

We’ve been going to Disney World with my parents for a few years now and this past May when I attended the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Walt Disney World, we were able to bring John’s parents along. It’s awesome that Jackson has gotten to experience Disney World with both sets of grandparents. I love that he will have memories of soaring on Dumbo with his Mom-Mom and riding Buzz Lightyear with his Pop.

Whenever you are vacationing with other people I always feel like it’s a good idea to know every one’s expectations on the trip. And traveling with your in-laws or your own parents can be wonderful but also to put it nicely challenging.

Here are a few things I’ve learned about visiting Disney World with Grandparents.

 

1. Know their needs.
My father-in-law needed a scooter to get around the parks due to medical conditions. We knew that the only way he could experience Disney World was if we rented a scooter. John and I did some research before the trip to find the best company so that the scooter would not be something that my in-laws would have to deal with. We went with Buena Vista Scooter Rentals because they are a Disney Featured provider and they do free drop off and delivery, making the whole process seamless.
2. Consider their schedules
My parents aren’t always early risers, so we usually let them know the night before if we plan to be out early, since we are early risers. That way they can know if they want to get up and go or if they want to meet up with us later in the park. The same goes for meal times. My in laws tend to eat late, where we like to eat early since my son gets hangry if dinner is after 6pm. I try to keep everyone aware of each others schedules to ensure there are no hard feelings.
3. Dining
My mom is on a restricted diet so dining is fairly important, we like to do a sit down meal which lends itself to more options. It is also a nice way to end a day of running around them parks. My in-laws are happy to eat quick service meals at the parks as long as there isn’t a wait. Make sure you are aware of what people will and won’t eat. My mom can’t do Italian food and the chances of me getting my Mother-in-law to go near a Japanese restaurant is slim to to none, so it’s important that I plan dining with these things in mind.
4. They Aren’t There For You
Your parents love you, your in-laws tolerate you (just kidding) but really they are on this trip for their grand kids. So let them have time with their grand kids. Know that at times you might take a back seat to Nana, when your kid wants to go on a ride with her.. Try not to be offended or insulted and even if your feelings are hurt try not to let it show. Likely it will all balance out.
5. Take Advantage

While I truly believe that going to Disney World is all about your kid. When grandparents are traveling with you and your kid would rather spend time with them, take advantage. Give grand mom and grandpa a few hours to spoil their grandchildren in Disney and go have some adult fun with your spouse. Ride the rides your kids are too short for, have a drink in Epcot or just relax by the pool. Let grandma handle it for a bit.

 

6. Plan Something Memorable
Every time we visit Disney I like to plan something that we haven’t done before. Whether it’s a character breakfast or a trip to the Main Street Barber shop I like to have a new experience every time we go. I also like to make sure that we have something planned that the whole family can enjoy together. On our next trip I’m hoping we can all do the Pirate Fireworks Cruise, with my in-laws we were able to do VIP seating and dessert party for Illuminations thanks to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.
7. Capture the Memories
Buy memory maker and use it. Make sure to get all the must have pictures like meeting Mickey Mouse or the whole family in front of the castle. These memories will last a lifetime and they also make fabulous Christmas gifts.
8. Expectations
Some grandparents love Disney and want to be in the parks all day. Other’s for a number of reasons just can’t do the parks all day. Don’t expect or anticipate that anyone will do more than they can. If for whatever reason the grandparents don’t want to do what you want, at the pace you want to do it , accept it and adjust your plans. Or if they need to have some time to rest back at the resort but the kids are dying to stay in the park make sure that everyone knows that it is OK not to spend every minute together. Setting unrealistic expectation’s from either party only leaves everyone feeling disappointed.
9. You’re Still the Parent
Yes, grandma is here and we know she can’t resist spoiling her grandchildren but remember that you are still the parent. And sometimes it can be hard walking that line between being the mom and being the buzz kill of the trip.So say yes when grandma wants to buy ice cream or buy some souvenirs. But also know when and where to draw the line. If the kids are getting tired and the grandparents want to stay at the park later, know that it’s time to say no. If the 7th souvenir is the one that is going to break you or put your suitcase over the weight limit, remind grandma that you only have so much space but would be happy for her to take it home in her suitcase.
10. Have Fun

I never really stress when traveling with my parents, we’ve been doing it for years and we have it down pretty well. I know that they never expect us to do everything together and they let me run the trip, which I like. But I seriously stressed about traveling with my in-laws and while there were some moments that I would share with you over a glass of wine, for the most part it wasn’t anything that a glass of wine couldn’t fix. Let the little stuff go, walk away if you need to, order a drink and just have fun. After all that is the point of a Disney vacation.

Have you done Disney World with your kids grandparents, if so what tips do you have?

Comments

  2. Carrie says

    What great tips! We have yet to brave it with the grandparents but I hope that day comes soon when they can join us. 🙂 Disney World is truly one-of-a-kind!

    Reply

  4. Mocadeaux says

    I'm a grandmother who has been to Disney World with my grandchildren and I will tell you that from my point of view your list is perfect. #9 is the most important I think. Can't wait for the next trip!

    Reply

  6. Marcia says

    Stay in the park if you can afford it. Being able to get back and forth to the room can make or break a trip. Also, buy a guide to doing Disney that gives you strategic tips like: take the line to the left, most people go right.

    Reply

  7. Troy says

    These tips are all excellent. We always take the whole family when we go. One tip mentioned here that we try to remember is that you don’t have to spend every minute together. Its ok for some to stay at the room while others do the parks. This definitely makes the trip a happy one for everyone. Remember, its everyone’s vacation.

    Reply

    • Julia Hunter says

      Thank you, we vacation with my parents often and I’ve learned a few things along the way. I agree that the most important one to remember is you don’t have to spend every minute together, I think if that’s expected then no one ends up happy.

      Reply

  8. Mo says

    We will soon be traveling to Disney World with our kids, grandkids (ages 3, 3, and 1) and my in-laws (ages 80 and 82). I can relate to all of your tips from both the grandparent angle and the “traveling with my in-laws” angle. My husband and I believe very strongly in #9 and try hard to honor that always. And every minute we spend at Disney we keep #10 as our mantra!

    Reply

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Never miss a post!

You Might Also Like