Budget, family-friendly reunion... HELP!

[v.t.]

Sorry long, but....
My In-laws (who I really love) decided they want a family reunion trip for their 50th anniversary, instead of the couples trip we were planning on giving them (paid for by DH and his DSis). We have not seen BIL's family for 7 years, (wife does not like the DIL's). It breaks DIL's hearts not to see the GKs. DBIL's family of 5 will not contribute much to the fund (if anything at all). The group would consist of 16. 8 adults and 8 kids ranging from 8 to 19 yo. In-Laws were thinking Disney cruise, but that is out of our price range. Any ideas about an affordable cruise or all-inclusive where we could get together but not have to STAY together the whole time? I am looking at DW with the dining plan, but I doubt BIL's wife would go for that. Doesn't like to walk and will not do the heat. Yes, she is a lovely as she sounds.
So budget travelers unite, where should we go?

 

[belle41379]

I have no idea what the prices for these places are, but here are a few ideas:

*Indoor waterpark

*Gatlinburg - you can find cabins at pretty good prices, or you could look into staying at a time share resort. You can usually get free stays if you agree to go to their "selling pitch". Those only take about 2 hours, in my experience.

*Carnival Cruise Line - NOT my favorite cruise line of choice, but the do have some excellent rates.

*You might also want to look into some different states you might be interested in visiting. Around here, states are always advertising "come visit us" stuff. You can visit the visitors website for that state and see what you can come up with.

*You could also stay in the town of your In Laws. Schedule a nice dinner, get a photogropher to come take family pictures (or go to a photo studio), then do a fun family activity (put-put, bowling, outdoor games, etc.). This would be inexpensive, but still a family event. Out of town folks could rent a hotel room at their own cost, and stay a whatever level of hotel they want. Those chipping in for the reunion would pay for the photos, dinner, and any other all family events.

 

[michellejed]

Disney cruise line has some good deals also, kids sail free on some dates.

 

[Darcy03231]

If you look on www.applevacations.com you can get a good idea of all inclusives and costs. I know they run specials all the time for different locations.

 

[v.t.]

Thanks for the suggestions. I like the central location idea as well as apple vacations. I know DMIL (and I) don't want to be responsible for all the cooking and cleaning, that is why we were looking at a cruise. Now if I could find the Disney cruise discounts, we would jump on that in a heart beat. I don't think we will be lucky enough to get a discount considering the time of year. Do they ever do pins for the cruise lines?

 

[belle41379]

I'm not sure when you are wanting to go, but if you check with a TA you may be able to find some great deals for DCL through them. Look into every possibility if you are wanting to cruise (our FAVORITE way to vacation ). I believe the Dreams Unlimited folks refund money to you if a better rate comes through. Can't beat that!

 

[v.t.]

I'm not sure when you are wanting to go, but if you check with a TA you may be able to find some great deals for DCL through them. Look into every possibility if you are wanting to cruise (our FAVORITE way to vacation ). I believe the Dreams Unlimited folks refund money to you if a better rate comes through. Can't beat that!

I think you are right that a cruise is the way to go. The more I look at Disney the more I think we need to bite the bullet and pay the extra. I know Carnival is quite a bit cheaper, but I do not know if that would be the best environment for the family. KWIM!

 

[belle41379]

With my past experience, the only way I would take my kids on a Carnival cruise is if it was 100% free! Way too much drinking and partying going on for little eyes. Not saying it's wrong - just not the right environment for our kids. Disney is FANTASTIC for all ages, and we cannot say enough about the cruise line. I'd definetly look into it.

 

[TnTWalter]

we often travel with my folks and one of our fave trips was to Anna Maria Island last summer. We got a couple houses next door to each other. It was wonderful.
www.annamariaparadise.com

Pine cottage and pineapple cottage are right next to each other with waterside terrace across the street. There used to be a 1 bedroom right in front of pineapple cottage that my parents stayed in but don't know if it's still on rental market. Great area. Free trolley. Really nice beaches. Quaint little town. Go on turtle watch, rent a boat to tour sand bars and look for dolphins. Can do day shopping trip to St Armands Circle, Bush Gardens, and even DW is only 2 hrs away.

There are also places in the Mayan Riviera [near Playa del Carmen] that are great for multi-generations. I love that area. Lovely. But $$$ to fly everyone.

Barcelo Maya is very popular with families...here's an unofficial guide
http://www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/site/

 

[Darcy03231]

Just keep in mind that with a cruise there are lots of little things that can really add up - tips, alcohol, shore excursions, photos, soda, etc.

While we love to cruise, an all-inclusive resort usually ends up being less expensive because it includes your gratuities, soda and alcohol.

 

[lastminutemom]

Also, and certainly not intending to stir the pot here, but I am unclear as to who is paying.

Given that it has been 7 years since your Brother in law has seen his parents (am I reading that correctly?), it is clear that his loyalty lies with his wife. If his money isn't at risk, what is to stop them from canceling at the last minute and leave you holding the bag. Absolutely get good travel insurance, but I would make sure they have some skin in the game.

 

[v.t.]

TnTWalter - We stayed at AnnaMarie Island before our DW trip last summer, you are right it is Beautiful!! We can't wait to go back. But I don't think there is enough entertainment for the BIL's crowd. My kids are begging to go back to hang out on the fishing pier all day.

LastMinuteMom - You are not stirring the pot. We all have the same thoughts. Not only will we get insurance but we are thinking about making them pay for the insurance (they could at least afford that) and then pay them back once they are there. DIL's say they are willing to pay, that is why I am trying to keep the price down. DSIL was wanting the DCL Med. cruise! Yea, thats going to happen.

 

[Anne34]

I think you are right that a cruise is the way to go. The more I look at Disney the more I think we need to bite the bullet and pay the extra. I know Carnival is quite a bit cheaper, but I do not know if that would be the best environment for the family. KWIM!

We have been on a couple of Carnival cruises and they have been wonderful!. Just stay away from the short cruises -- those tend to be more of a party. Go to cruisecritic.com You can check out reviews of every ship and ask questions of the people on the boards. It is a great resource.