Question about Active Sims vs. NPC for Jungle Adventures

Does anyone know if there is/will be a huge disadvantage if I bring along NPC's to the Jungle as opposed to sims I control? Right now I am playing single sim household and I'm thinking he and his friends will take a "guy's trip" to the Jungle...which is like 3 other guys who will all be NPC's. Just wonder if the gameplay will be same or different with the obvious exception is that I can't control NPC's.