could anyone help me plan

[Bellariffic]

this will be our 4th time to dlp but first time with 6 kids,never planned things before,just ate wherever and went with the flow,but this time think i need to be more prepared,so here are the details,going on the 27-30 dec,staying in new york hotel,me and hubby and 2 15 year old girls,a 13 yr old boy,12 yr old boy,9 yr old boy and little girl is 2,i am hoping older kids will be a help,any tips on how to be sure to get to do thunder mountain without long queques,will i need to book restaurants before i go or when there,can older kids go into park without us,just dont know where to start so any help and hints greatly needed,thanks

 

[Brummig]

Wow, that's a big crowd to please! I can't speak from experience as we only go as a family of 3. I guess you need to decide how much you are willing to split the group up to get things done, and what your must sees are, eg will the older kids want to see all the parades, could some of you do BTM and some Peter Pan? Make the best use of EMH, but again work with the family - early risers or late birds? If you are a mix are you happy some of you to go in early and meet the others later? The buses work really well from the hotels. Restaurants will be heaving at peak times so make sure you book, or be prepared to eat at a different time. |For the 2yo definately take a buggy as there is loads of walking. Take some snacks and drinks with you for walking round and waiting in queues.

Have a great time!

 

[loladelorean]

this will be our 4th time to dlp but first time with 6 kids,never planned things before,just ate wherever and went with the flow,but this time think i need to be more prepared,so here are the details,going on the 27-30 dec,staying in new york hotel,me and hubby and 2 15 year old girls,a 13 yr old boy,12 yr old boy,9 yr old boy and little girl is 2,i am hoping older kids will be a help,any tips on how to be sure to get to do thunder mountain without long queques,will i need to book restaurants before i go or when there,can older kids go into park without us,just dont know where to start so any help and hints greatly needed,thanks

It will probably be busy at that time so definitely get fastpasses for BTM.
I would also strongly recommend booking restaurants before you go, as they will be busy and you are a large party so most restaurants will have to use 2 tables together to accomodate you.
The older kids should be fine to go into the park alone, we went for an entire trip alone when I was 21 and sister was 16 and were never asked for ID or anything. 2 15 year olds should certainly be fine, I would think. With a group that size and such a range of ages, it will probably make sense to split up for periods of time to do different rides, and always arrange a meeting place and time. If you are going to be doing that make sure at least one adult and at least one teenager has a mobile phone that will work in France so you can text or call each other if needs be.
I've not done this type of trip myself so can't be of much help, but I'm sure you will be fine and have a great time. Definitely book those restaurants though

 

[Bellariffic]

THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR REPLIES,loads of preplanning needed i think,is there one number to ring for all restaurants or do you need to ring each one itself,when will be the nearest date the times will be up for shows and parades,my head is muddled with it all,just dont know where to start,we will try to be in early for emh,and make the most of this but dont think a lot of the rides are open then??its just trying to keep everyone happy,we will have to split up at times ,keep the tips coming,thanks a mill