Advice for large groups

[Jedi Mouse]

I've finally been able to get a big family trip organized for this October. The group consists of 8 adults and 7 kids that will be between 8-11. We will be staying in a VRBO rental about 15-20 minutes from the parks. We only have one day in DCA followed by a Halloween party the next day at Disneyland. Four of the kids have never been, so we want to make the most of our trip.

I'm the planner of the group and the family Disneyland expert, but can tend to be a little aggressive (not sure if that's the best description, but it works) in my approach to the parks. I like to go-go-go, especially if we're only there for a quick trip like this. I want to get a lot done, but I also don't want to turn this into a Disney death march, so I know I'll need to have realistic expectations for such a big group.

So for those of you that have toured the parks as a part of a big family group, what has worked for you?

 

[smartlabelprint]

Do a ride together. Then let everyone go do as they please. Meet up for lunch. Go your separate ways.

 

[Niltiac]

Do a ride together. Then let everyone go do as they please. Meet up for lunch. Go your separate ways.

Agreed. Not everyone is going to want to do the same kinds of rides. If anyone really doesn't know what to do and wants you to lead the way, then you can let them tag along with your group but with the understanding that they can break off if they want to do something different. That way you don't have to balance everyone's wants and needs but if some people really just want to be lead around blindly they have the option. You can all meet up a couple of times throughout the day for specific plans like a sit down meal or a show.

The halloween party might be a different scenario if it's not going to be centered around rides. If you're going to be mainly taking the kids trick-or-treating and enjoying the atmosphere there's no reason to split up, but if some people want to do rides and/or meet characters, you'll have to split up and maybe meet back up for the parade, because there really isn't enough time to do everything.

 

[chickapin parterre]

two adults and four kids who have never been to Disneyland-purchase them a park hopper while the others tumble around in DCA all day....you posted that four kids have never been....must be a reason why we need to know that info......those four kids need all the pixie dust opportunity that can be sprinkled....and it will make you feel good that you provided the best opportunity possible to visit Disneyland.

 

[ParkHopper1]

If you try and micro manage the whole group it will be a disaster, trust me.

Plan a few group activities but allow plenty of free time for people to form their own mini groups and venture off and tour the parks as they want then meet back up for more group time like a meal or a show. They will ALL not wanna do it your style and if you try and fit everyone into your expectations you will be frustrated.

Some will just want hit hard core E-Ticket rides, some will just wanna wander. Set YOUR plan and invite who what to join ya and let the rest do their thing. Makes everyone MUCH happier otherwise you end up herding cats all day that all have different ideas on what is "fun" for them.

 

[DizneyMommy]

It can be mayhem and toruture, or a fun day, it is what you make it!

Personally, when I’m with a larger family group like that, I set a plan, give it to everyone, and then let them decide to follow along or split off, or do a combination. Assuming someone in each group has a phone it’s really not hard to meet back up. But then I am a planner like you and can’t stand “roll with it” when there are like 13 people and 14 opinions lol

 

[figment_jii]

I echo the advice to let folks decide for themselves what they want to do. I would maybe plan to do one ride together first thing (you can agree on it beforehand) and then have one meal time planned. Other than that, let folks do whatever they want and at their own pace.

If you do decide to stay together, I would avoid asking the question "what shall we do next?" If you ask this, you're bound to get multiple, very different answers. I would have a rough plan in mind, but I would allow double (or triple) the time your used to get from place to place (it always seems to take longer with big groups because it takes more work to get folks moving and then keeping them all moving to the same place.