Advice for big group-WDW

[JillandMike88]

Hello!
I am very excited to be heading to Disney World this winter right after the holidays and before spring breaks..so def a more quiet time in the parks. That being said-it will be me and my husband, my parents, and 5 of my younger siblings (ages range 9-17). This is the first time for my younger siblings so I want it to be amazing and make the absolute most of the trip for them! My parents have entrusted the planning to me because I've been a few times-twice over the past 3 years..but i always learn new things. Our window for fast passes won't be opening for quite a bit yet and we are waiting for the military ticket deal to come out so not exactly sure what kind of tickets we'll end up with...hoppers vs 4 or 5 days..regardless of what we end up with, I know where we will be on certain days according to the crowd calculator on the easywdw website and made a couple dining reservations accordingly (all we can afford really..). I'm looking for tips, tricks, advice, etc..to help me plan for the best experience for my younger siblings. I'm specifically looking for info on how to anticipate which sections of the park are more or less crowded during any given prt of the day...anyone have any websites they know of or advice to anticipate this per park?

 

[Alesia]

I'm specifically looking for info on how to anticipate which sections of the park are more or less crowded during any given prt of the day...anyone have any websites they know of or advice to anticipate this per park?

Use the cheat sheets at easywdw.com to make a touring plan.

 

[JillandMike88]

Use the cheat sheets at easywdw.com to make a touring plan.

Oh perfect-I missed those! Thanks

 

[DisneyFive]

So 8 people total? That's doable to stay together then. When parents have gone with my wife and kids (making 7 total) it's easy and fun to do everything together... but that's what works for us.

Normally for a larger group, especially multiple families, it can work well to let each do their own thing and plan a couple meets during the day to be together... but keep it loose.

Dan

 

[JillandMike88]

Yea, we all get along so doing at least most everything together should be pretty easy but we always have that option of splitting up and meeting for fast passes and such

 

[Geoff_M]

We just got back from a week long trek that included 8 members of our extended family. The age range was 75 to 16. My advice is to be sure to not be afraid to split up on occasion. We also had to work around my older in-laws and another younger member that were averse to thrill-rides, while such attractions where a "must do" to others of us. So, I'd try for a FP for SM for those of us wanting some thrills along with a Buzz FP for those that didn't. We'd split and then meet up again afterwards. Also, for some meals we'd split. People had different tastes, so we occasionally split up for meals. Lastly, plan for some people in your party to want to call it a day sooner than others. When my in-laws decided they'd had enough fun for one day (or my wife and I for that matter), we'd peel off and head back to the resort.

 

[alvernon90]

I recommend using the search function on these boards, or use google to search this site specifically. You'll find quite a bit just by reading old threads.