Disney with a large family

[bradbro]

My family and I want to plan a visit to Disney World within the next year, probably January or February time frame. We have a very large family and we are just looking for advice on how to make the most of this trip for everyone. We have 9 kids. Traveling on the trip will be my husband and I, our 9 kids, and my mother and father in law. Our kids are a variety of ages: 12, 11, 10, 8, 5, 3 year old twins, 16 months, and 2 months (he would be over 6 months by the time we went).

I would appreciate any advice on how to handle a trip with so many kids of so many ages. Should we split up and go in groups of older kids and younger kids so they can go on different rides? What about leaving the park for nap time? I'm not very experienced with Disney so I know my youngest won't be able to ride anything but will my 16 month old (would almost be 2 by the time we went)?

 

[2forMe]

Actually there are quite a few rides the baby could go on...just bring a baby carrier.
No help though for large family, but seems like a good idea to split up so older kids can do the big kid rides.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Wow, that's a lot of kids!!! Congrats on that nice big family.

We only have 3 kids, ages 12, 9 and 17 months and we have brought the baby as early as 3 months old. You'd be surprised at what the baby will be able to do.

We do split up at times though, because the older girls are riding bigger rides, but with rider swap, both DH and I get to ride and we just take turns entertaining DS while the other is on the ride.

 

[SmallWorld71]

A couple points of reference: anyone over the age of 7 does not need an adult to ride with them. So, the 4 oldest can go on rides without an adult or sit together even if an adult is on the ride. The five year old and under will need an adult sitting with them. Also, the two little ones can go on anything without a height requirement. While I wouldn't take the baby on the teacups or similar, there are many rides that everyone can ride. Most rides will fit 3 across if the older children want a chance to ride with the little ones with an adult. If you have a question about a specific ride, please ask.
I only have 3 kids, but have traveled to Disney with large groups. One thing I have found important is to ask everyone what their top choices are. Sometimes the answer surprises me. I make sure to work those into the plans first.
We stay together more than you would think. If we are at a ride that only some of the group can do, the others usually find something nearby to do. We are not afraid to split up if needed though. Since you have enough adults, you can have some go back to the resort if they get tired or little ones need a rest.
I would definitely bring strollers for the 4 littlest; you may also want a carrier for the baby. Depending on the stamina of the 5 year old, they may need a stroller as well. When mine were that age,they used a stroller part of the time, mainly in the evenings.

 

[100AcreWood]

I would split up and meet at meal times. We never returned for nap time because it takes so much time away from the parks but if someone would be willing to take the younger kids back for nap times and then someone else stay with the older kids that would work. Then you could return to the parks after nap time. Are you staying offsite?

You may want to look into memory maker as well. That would allow you to get more pictures with everyone in the picture! Good luck planning your trip!

 

[BltAk]

We also travel with a large group. We have 8 adults and 9 children ranging from ages 10 years old to 6 months. We definitely split up the group. It is too much work to keep the group together. It is very important to have strollers for the little ones. Don't forget snacks that everyone likes. We almost always take a break for lunch, a nap, and the pool. The smallest kids usually do not go back to the park in the afternoon. Mostly they stay in the resort pool and/or play areas in the shade. Good luck with your trip. Let us know how you made out.