That being said, I think we have been very clear (in writing, saying it) multiple times that WE will be doing our thing & everyone else is to make the trip whatever they want... I have not planned any "group" activities because frankly the just trying to get
MDE setup was suprising to me. I think I just have the fear of getting down to the say the dining reservations 60 + days out... making them..and then the day of, family thinking they can come along.
Based on this, I would figure out what you want to do. Then I’d email, have a meeting, whatever communication will work best. I’d say very clearly, “We are eating here. Brief description of what it is and why you picked it. For instance, on Thursday at 7:30 we are eating at La Hacienda, a Mexican restaurant in Epcot, so we can watch the fireworks during dinner. It will cost around $40 a person, or on Wednesday for lunch, we are eating at BOG, a castle where you can meet the beast from Beauty and the Beast. It will cost around $100. I’d tell them if you want to eat with us, you must tell me by X date, and your account must be set up. I’d offer to help anyone that needs it with their account. I’d tell them, if they don’t get back to you before the adr deadline, then 100% they will not be eating with you. Not an option. I’d emphasize that I can’t and won’t add them later. This way those who want to join can, those who want to do their own thing can, and everyone is on the same page. They may still try to show up last minute, but they will have only themselves to blame when they can’t get in.
I’d also try to schedule a few non park or non attraction activities you can do as a family.
- Afternoon by the pool
- S’mores by the fire
- Resort activity
- Board games in the room
- Movie night
- night watching the electrical water
- pagent
- MK fireworks from somewhere outside the park.
- Beaches to eat the Kitchen Sink
- Disney Springs
- Stroll world showcase
- Walk the animal trails at AK
Pick a couple and let everyone know the family reunion times will be what days and when. People can show up or not, but if the meet is outside the park, that takes stress off you in coordinating which days and ticket types people have. I feel like getting everyone at the pool is infinitely easier than at a meal or attraction in a specific park.
Lastly, I would just get clarification on what people want. Some people simply aren’t planners but are happy to go along with whatever you plan for them. Other people want to go with the flow or plan their own thing. I would figure out what everyone’s expectations are. It may be that some of them are happy to let you take over or may even be expecting that.
The other thing I would make clear is your touring style. If they want to tag along with you, they need to understand exactly what that means and understand you won’t be deviating from the plan.
I’d offer to help anyone who wants it with planning. I’d set a date, and invite anyone who cares. I’d give them a brief overview of what they need to know to plan on their own. Some may take you up and others not, but you offered. Every person you can get even a little educated before leaving will be one less potential problem to deal with later.
In summary, I’d give them 3 options:
- Do your own thing.
- Do my thing.
- Me help you plan your own thing, coordinate some with me.
Then, just stick to your plans and remind people of the choice they made.
