Any tips for 4 families going to WDW together???

[disneymania]

We are going this Dec with 3 other families (all relatives) and need some tips on keeping a large group organized in parks. Thought about getting 2 way radios and trying to get together for at least one meal a day but any other tips on managing a large group would be appreciated.

 

[MichaelH]

I have not been with a big group, but I would definately get the 2-way radios. Seems like the radios would be the easiest way for going with a big group. Also, have a spot in each park designated as the meeting place.

 

[DisneyHumbug]

Plan some time away from each other. After 3 days, both fish and relatives stink!! We went with a large group last year and found it better to meet up for dinner at the end of the day. If you give each other space, you won't get on each others nerves. Have a great time!

 

[Mouser]

Yes..do not plan every minute together for best of friends or close relatives can get on each other nerves on vacation if too much time is spent together..as everyone has a differnt idea of what is fun to do and see there....

I suggest maybe a breakfast and a dinner and if you want photo opportunites go on a ride or attraction together before everyone splits up....vary it too, do not have breakfast and dinner together each day as some may want to sleep in or take in an early evening show..I suggest someday have a late lunch meet maybe at 2pm or so.....

Let it be known that anyone who does want to spend more time together and arrange individual meets go ahead and then the whole group will meet at only these certain times....It works well when family or friends are along, we have used it with both groups....have a fun trip now!!!

 

[Luv2Roam]

We went to WDW for 8 days with another (kidless) couple. We love them dearly. But we did spend some time away from each other and didn't try to force each others itinerary on one another.
Keep in mind any age difference. DH and I are in our 40's. the other couple is in their 60's. They are in good health, but S-l-o-w..... and had different interests.
DH and I were very frustrated at times in WS/Epcot. We finally separated and meet up at a certain place at a designated time. We should have done that sooner and saved a lot of unneeded frustration.
Better to separate that ruin the time for everyone.

 

[The Hunt]

I have to agree--don't try to keep a large party organized in the parks. You probably won't even be able to even get them all to the same park at the same time. Some of them won't want to get out of bed in the morning. Some of them will insist on going to Magic Kingdom first, even if its EE day at MGM. Make meal reservations and meet then. Go to a show together (we did La Nouba and loved it). A character breakfast is fun with a large group.

If any of the people are elderly, you will have to take special care not to wear them out too much, especially if it's hot. Let them go on the Fantasyland rides with the grandkids, and they let them go free.

 

[leanne2255]

I agree with all the other posts. It is not possible or enjoyable to stay together in a large group. I went with sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and parents, and we met up at a certain time each day, and the other times everyone did their own thing. Everyone has a different idea about vacation, and it's too difficult to please everyone in that large of a group. I think the 2 way radios are a great idea. I wish I had them on that trip! Have fun!

 

[wmears13]

Got back in July from a trip w/ 3 families, all sisters, their dh and their kids---10 people total. We had planned to split up each day BUT, we didn't!!! We enjoyed each other's comapny sooo much we stayed together. Yes keeping 10 people together could be hectic but made for wonderful memories. It also forced us to go at a slower pace which was much better for the children. The kids really enjoyed playing with each other and it helped keep them out of the adult's hair.

Now, before you start thinking that my family is the Brady Bunch, we normally pattern ourselves more on the Bundy's! I live about 90 miles from my 2 ds and they live about 1 mile apart, so it was not unique for the kids to be together.

Also, the main focus of our trip was as a FAMILY trip, not to see everything and ride every ride. We were all on good behavior and it WORKED. We strengthened the family bond and had a great time.

 

[disneymania]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions!!!! Can't wait to try them out!!!

 

[mickeyinjune]

we just got back there were 9 of us. my family of 4 my brother and another couple with 1 kid and a niece. we used the the 2 way radios they helped alot. my brother had a connecting room the other couple was down the corridor.

We didn't do a whole lot with the other couple they shopped alot. and went to bed early.

I got sick and my brother watched the the three kids while we went to the urgent care.

We left messages(Voice mail) at each others rooms as to our plans and when we would be back. We had some dinners together and met at the pool now and then.

Its much easier to let everyone do their own thing and not wory if some one really wants to be doing what you are doing now.

 

[wdwnutze]

We just returned from our trip and had a total of 12 people on the trip(all relatives). We had a plan for each day and would say where we would be going. Everyone would decide if they wanted tos do the same thing or not. Alot of time we met up at different times(thank god for cell phones). We also split up within the parks(we had lots of differnet age groups from adults to teens right down to a 2yo.) The best way to try to keep everyone happy is to say "We're going to ....we are planning on leaving at....." If they want to all go they will let you know. Otherwise you can just come up with a time to meet for a meal!

 

[MiknMinMouse]

Every year we go with either grandparents or friends or both. We've found that setting up a few dinners together before we leave is nice to make sure you have time together. But the biggest tip I have is be flexible. When you're not flexible, you're miserable. Also, figure out who likes to do what and group those people together so that you don't have the entire group waiting on a few to do something. For instance my hubby and aunt love roller coasters so they went and rode the Rockin Roller Coaster while the rest of us went to see a show. We met back at a set time and set off. Try not to make too many meet back times during the day, though, or you'll be spending all of your time meeting back. I'd say at the most meet back during luch then again at dinner time.

Hope this helps

 

[Bete]

No, you can't get everyone to agree on everything all the time but...... Aren't you going together to be together? It's work but you need to plan and discuss and plan and discuss again. Everyone can have input on the plans; so, noone has to take over. Find the rides and shows that everyone wants to see and then do those activities together. Park schedules can help you with the times of the shows. Sometimes, mini-groups work better if there are varied interests and ages but at least you can still have smaller groups together rather then no group at all. Set times for all meals and pick the places in advance; so, everyone can have a schedule ahead of time. That way, everyone can meet at those times or skip it if they are enjoying other aspects of the vacation. You're not forcing anyone to be together but giving many opportunities to be together. Radios, cell phones, and hotel room phones are great ways to communicate. Use them all.

If you find nothing working on the together plan then accept the fate that everyone is so different that it's best to go your separate ways. It's miserable if you keep trying and all attempts fail. My final plan is not to over plan. GOOD LUCK!

 

[lynn46356]

We've only went on one multi family vacation together but I would suggest that you try NOT to do everything together. It just doesn't work and a lot of time is spent trying to accomplish staying together. We had 20 in our group and it turned out to be our vacation from ****. We had a lot of laughs about it when we got home. It's just really hard to keep everyone in the same place especially if there are different age children.