Big bunch going to Disney

[denisecolby]

Hi everyone. I went to disney world last year for the first time. We had a better time than I ever thought possible. We tried to get as much in as we could because I figured it was going to be a once in a life time trip. Not so! I became hooked. We are planning to go every 2 years.
Our next trip is almost a full year away.Next May to be exact. I know it seems way to early to even start planning, but this trip will be very different for me. We are going as a group of 19 people! I guess I got carried away with all my pictures and stories about my trip to disney so that all the family wants to go!All of my kids, thier spouces, and all my grandchildren. My best friend's taking her family along too.
My last trip included my husband, daughter(9) and son (11). We stayed at the disney all star resort and had tickets for the park hopper plus with dining.
Everyone who is going on the next trip wants to do exactly the same thing this time also and with a limit of 4 to a room at the hotel, this should work out wonderfully.
I think when the time comes to make reservations, we will all meet at my house and each make our indivigual reservations letting the person we are talking to know we are coming as a group . Hopefully this will allow us to have side by side hotel rooms or at least be in the same area.
Also we know 2 meal sittings, The O'hana breakfast with Lilo and stitch and the Olauha dinner show, are something we would like to share as a group.
There are 5 families all going together and I think I would like to share one day with each family. If more tag along, thats fine. I just want to make sure I spend some time with each of them.
I think what I am asking is if anyone has ever gone to disney with such a large group. How did it work out. Any idears or suggestions? The oldest kids will be 13 and the youngest almost 3.
I am really excited about going back to disney and sharing the experience with the whole family, but very nervous about so many people too. Any imput would be greatly appriciated.

 

[Cruz91]

We went with three families and my advice to you would be to not forget it's a vacation. Don't skip things you want to do in favor of going to what someone else wants to do. What worked for us (and we had kids of different ages too) is that we usually went to the parks at the same time all together. We would split up and do 'age appropriate' rides, and usually meet back together around dinner. After dinner, we would do something the group could all do, then sat together for the fireworks show at whatever park we went to.

 

[kdibattista]

Not sure if you are aware (sorry if you are ) that there is a special travel service for large groups through Disney:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/special/magicalgatherings/howTo?id=MGHowToGuidePage

I have been to Disney many times but never with a group this large... we are planning a large trip next October so I am utilizing this for the first time. From what I understand, they will make your hotel accomodations, dining reservations and transfers for a group that large. They also have "Magical Gatherings" that will organize special excursions for the just groups of 8 or more (special character breakfast, special fireworks package, safari dinner package and pirates cruise).

One thing I would definitely do is reserve time for just your family. You don't want to spend your vacation trying to make everyone else happy!!!

Good luck!!!