Any large (7+) families that have been to Disney via MAW and stayed at GKTW?

[luvlabor]

Hi-
We will be travelling to Disney World April 25-May 2 (from Nova Scotia). My daughter was granted her wish to dance with a prince and go to Disney World. We are a family of 10, but only 7 of us will be going on the trip. It will be me, my husband, my wish child-Cassidy- who is 14 but functions at around a 4 year old level and 4 of my other children, ages 3, 7, 10 and 17. Any tips for large families? I know the trip is for Cassidy, but my other kids have had to give up so much so I would like them to enjoy it, too......and with such a big age range I worry about so many different interests as far as rides, etc.
I would be grateful for any advice/tips anyone has. I've done a lot of reading on the DIS boards....sooooo much helpful info!!
Thanks,
Jessica

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I would maybe sit down with them all and see if there is something special they want to do and if you can fit it in to the trip do it for them.

 

[spacecanada]

I suggest each child picking one favourite thing/ride/attraction/character meet/restaurant to do and try to do each of them, on top of your regular wish trip plans. Many families do this on regular trips - just to give everyone their special moment. Depending on how long you will be there, it would be easy to do one special thing per day, maybe two, so each child can feel special but not take away from the family vacation or wish trip.

If one child chooses something that isn't appropriate for everyone, you could split up to have one parent and a few kids do that special activity and then meet back with the rest of the group (who could do something else.) That may be a good way to get in those big ticket rides when the rest of the family may wish to do something more mild.

Have a magical vacation!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Any tips for large families?
. . . ask everyone their favorite and/or desired activities/rides/attractions
. . . make a spreadsheet and group like activities
. . . those with folks can stick together, if they wish

with such a big age range I worry about so many different interests as far as rides, etc.
. . . there is no reason why family must stay together in the parks
. . . kids and adults can easily split up and go to their favorite rides/attractions

 

[wearegoingtoDisney]

We are a large family...well not as large as your family but we are a family of seven. Our 5 children are spread out in age similar to yours. I have learned that it is a unique blessing to have bigs and littles! We have found that the older kids really enjoy seeing the little ones enjoy the rides and shows you might think are just for the little ones. For example we all ride Winnie the Pooh and The Speedway. The big kids point things out to the littles. The big kids got a kick out of having the littles drive them around. It was important to us to stay together as a family for many things and it really was enjoyable for all. I worried about similar things you are concerned about and it really was not an issue. We all had fun together. On the thrill rides we took turns staying out with the littles. Usually there is something to explore while the bigs were on the thrill rides.

With a large group of children don't over estimate how much you can get done. I found they don't all go to the bathroom at the same time or all eat enough even when we sit down for a meal. So you have lunch, go to the bathroom, go on a ride and when you get off the ride often I was ready to hustle to the next ride and very often one of the kids would ask for a snack or need to go to the bathroom! I have now set my expectations to ride, snack, bathroom, ride, snack, bathroom...repeat. Anything more productive than that I consider a bonus!

Depending on the time of year you are going if the parks are open late my younger ones really benefited from going back for a swim and rest mid-day. The bigs didn't think they needed it but after a couple days of no break they were enjoying coming back for a mid-day swim and rest as well. Late nights and early mornings catch up to everyone! Getting everyone up and out of the hotel room in the morning can be challenging but if you can stay ahead of the crowds in the morning it does help. Try to have breakfast in the room as the last thing you want to do it get to MK at 9:00 with a hungry little and a grouchy big wanting to go on rides only to see the line at the bakery on Main Street out the door!

A stroller for the littles is also a must so they can keep up with the bigs. I hope some of this helps!

 

[Amanda999]

I have now set my expectations to ride, snack, bathroom, ride, snack, bathroom...repeat. Anything more productive than that I consider a bonus!

Great advice, but it did make me LOL! (And, that's how it is with just my TWO children!)

 

[wearegoingtoDisney]

Great advice, but it did make me LOL! (And, that's how it is with just my TWO children!)

Exactly! You confirm what I often think when I see families with fewer children than us. Parenting is difficult no matter the number of children!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

with splitting up the one thing to remember your special pass is only usable with the wish child being there. say wish child is with younger kids meeting characters, you can not use that pass to get older ones on a ride faster and she is not there and riding. for wish trips that makes splitting up harder. having done that with boys 15, 7 , 6 and 4

 

[luvlabor]

Thanks so much for all of the tips!! I've gotten one "must-do" from each child so we will start there.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

also plan on doing some of the activities at the Village we esp enjoyed the characters there. there are angels who will use your cameras for you so everyone is in photos