Disney Cruise with the In-laws....

I would talk to everyone who has ever been on a cruise so you can find out how vast the ship is and how each person can go and do their own thing and maybe not even see anyone they know for the whole day.

I think that perhaps if you look at it like that then perhaps you "could" see things a bit differently.

I would not have enjoyed going on vacation with my mom anywhere. But I did go several places with her on long weekends. I was miserable and swore to never do it again. My daughter remembers those times in a completely different light and it was the best times for her. That is the only reason I would suggest sitting down with the in-laws with lots of information about what happens on a Disney cruise and how much time you would be willing to see them during the day.

I would sit down with the in-laws with a long list of the activities on the ship and the islands that that particular ship would be going to then say if we plan this I would like for it to go something like this. If they are agreeable then it's more likely to happen and go smoother.

For instance. Disney has live stage shows that are a couple of hours long. You could do one of those on one day with the whole family together. Then you could meet up for dinner that evening at say 6pm. The rest of the day is separated. Kids in kids camp, in-laws doing their own thing, you and hubby having an alone day together.

The next day you may be at some island. Plan on meeting up for lunch then go separate ways again. Meet up on the ship later that night for a late drink or something.

Things to know ahead. They will want to do something with their grand-kids without you, that's a good thing for the kids. They will enjoy a treat with them.

You will get some time alone too. That will be good for you and hubby too.

Think about one of the 3 day cruises. Surely you can get lost on a huge city on the sea during the day and find some enjoyment somewhere.

money is not just an excuse, money is THE reason. just tell them (or better let, have your DH tell them) that you can't afford it. period.
if they ask why you're going to the beach, for example, instead, just say it was much, much cheaper. no need to give details.
i'm totally with you. no way would i spend a precious and EXPENSIVE family vacation on something i wouldn't love. no way.
if she offers to pay for you all, you've got another jar of pickles to open.......
;) khairete
S.

Do we have the same MIL? ha ha! Mine just informed my kids that we will be going on a Disney Cruise with them next year over spring break. She did this all without mentioning one word to my husband or me. Over my dead body will we go!

I hate cruises. HATE THEM. I get sick every time and end up miserable. Nothing works to stop the nausea - I've tried everything. There is NO WAY I would pay for, and go on something I would not enjoy. And, I'm sorry if this sounds bratty, but Disney is something I want to share with my kids and husband, just the 4 of us. Not with overbearing MIL stealing all the fun.

You need to step in now, and tell her absolutely not, and that it is not in the budget. Hubby needs to back you, and I'm sorry, but he needs a reality check as to how annoying it is to vacation with them. Plan your own vacation that is within your budget. When the subject comes up again, tell her you've already made vacation plans.

As Suz T. said, if she offers to pay for this, you need to have a back up plan.

Good luck!

Why don't you tell them it sounds awesome. But you all cannot afford it..

Or they are welcome to take the kids.. or you cannot join them because you become o ill with sea sickness.. Send your husband and kids with them..

If you can't afford it, you can't afford it. Period. No need to get into any other reasons.

We are going on a Disney cruise with the inlaws. It is the most expensive cruise line there is. It has the highest percentage of children traveling. There is no gambling. Just say NO and save your money for a real vacation.

I have been on several cruises. YOu are so on the go, and in different directions, you will likely not even spend that much time with them. Between going to and from your room, nap time, down time, kid care, meals, snacks. We went with family and I was frustrated because I only saw my brothers family at meal times. I dont think they put huge effort in either, which made me upset. They have activities for adults, kids. I think the boat is def big enough for all of you. Unless you have a suite, rooms arent big enough for visitors either. I say, go for it since you have opportunity. Remember this will be great memories for the family, kids and grandparents. Even though they are annoying, they still have a relationship with your kids. I was constantly on the go and I only had one kid. Relax? Not me but awesome awesome awesome Time!

Get your husband on board YOUR boat - the "SS No Way in Heck I'm vacationing with MIL & FIL" Remind him how miserable it is to have to spend $$ you don't have on a vacation none of you will enjoy. BTW, I'd honestly have to think about whether or not I wanted to find out the hard way if my 4 & 6 year olds get seasick. No way would I go on a cruise.

I love my MIL and we spent a few days at a house she rented last Fall. I went because my FIL passed away a couple of years ago and we didn't want my MIL to be alone for her whole vacation. I really didn't enjoy it (although it was bearable). To my surprise, my husband doesn't actually want to go back this year (she rents the house every year). HE learned that it really wasn't much fun and it was a lot of time, travel & $$ to go.

Your best bet is to get your husband to realize this isn't going to work for any of you. Tell him you're selfish and when you go on vacation, you want him ALL to yourself.

I agree with Gamma G. and would consider doing it, if you can establish some boundaries and some ground rules about when you are all going to be together and when you get to do some things apart. I would also get separate rooms, one for you and hubby and the kids, and one for them. We have been on a Disney Cruise, and the kids could have a lot of fun in the Kids Club while you guys can do your own thing. You could relax by the adult-only pool or in the spa while the in-laws explore whatever port the ship is at that day. There are a lot of options and everyone should be able to do their own thing and not have to spend every single moment together. Probably dinner would be all together, and the evening stage show also, and maybe a couple of other meals, and that should be fine. Tell hubby the only way you will agree to go is if his parents can be okay with you guys doing things separately, and if he can remember how he gets after 3 days with them. Maybe he should be the one to discuss with them, since they are his parents, if he can stand firm and put his foot down. If they were paying for everyone, that would be something that might tip the scales too.

Otherwise, consider letting the in-laws take the kids themselves, if you feel comfortable with that, but keep in mind that the kids will most likely need their own passports, and the grandparents may need a letter from you stating that they have your permission to take them on this trip (since technically they are leaving the country). Or tell them you cannot afford it right now, and need to save up for it, if it's something you decide to do later down the road.

I can say that when we did our Disney Cruise, it was me, hubby, stepsons (ages 16 and 17) and daughter (age 3.5) and everybody had a fantastic time.

disney cruises are are really really expeniseve.. I would love to go on one.. but the price is outragious..

there was a deal.. only 5500 for a week in April. of course that does not include airfare.

say you cant afford it..