Sometimes my youngest gets quite tired after a day in the parks, I have found trying to schedule days off really helps to have a relaxing trip. However, my teens are thrilled to go, but they do let me know that sometimes I plan too much. (early entry to park close!!)On our last two trips, 2 of our kids (now ages 18 and 16) were absolutely horrible. They don’t want to leave the room, when in the parks they complain about absolutely everything and whine constantly about just wanting to go back to the resort. They whine and complain incessantly. They made the rest of us miserable. The thing is, we’ve gone to WDW every year of their lives and they’ve always loved it, not sure what’s happened lately. While talking about our next trip they both said they don’t want to go and are begging us to just let them stay home. DH thinks we should let them stay since they’re miserable there anyway, but for me, this is a family trip and it wouldn’t feel right going without them. Plus it feels like they’re being brats and getting what they want. It really upsets me that they don’t want to go. But if I make them go they’ll be absolutely miserable. Anyone been through anything similar? Any advice?
I try to prioritize the rides that are important and let everything else go. I also prioritize sit down meals as eating regularly is very important as well as snacks (disney ice cream!) to keeping my youngest energized. We go to resorts that they like as well and make them part of the planning process.
If some of your kids don't want to go to the parks, one parent could stay at the resort with the kids for a resort day and the other parent could go to the parks with the other kids. And then switch the next park day.
I don't think they are being brats, they are just telling you what they prefer. Maybe ask them if they went to Disney, what would they like to do? Maybe they would enjoy a day at the waterparks, or venturing out to Universal, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay? Sometimes being part of the planning process makes a big difference.