Disney With A Large Group

[FourteenwithAuntie]

Hi, ya'll! I'm going with a pretty large group (14 of us!) to Disney World this December. We're all excited and everyone is willing to do absolutely every attraction we can squeeze into a week. I've seen seen a few posts about going with extended families and large groups and most of them have suggested splitting up...but we really don't get to spend very much time together and have all said we want to ride everything/see everything with each other. SO....my question is: Does anyone have any tips concerning travelling in a large pack? Best places to eat? Group pictures for groups this large? Ideas to make Grandparents, parents and kids (Ages 10-20) all feel special. Are we too big a group for fireworks cruises? Any alternatives to these cruises for bigger groups? Thanks in advance!

Auntie

PS Oh I forgot...we're renting a house so we won't qualify for the
Magical Gatherings programs

 

[HopperFan]

We got a great picture this summer with large group.

In the circle area by statue of Walt & Mickey in front of castle.
To the left before going to liberty square was a row of benches in front of large tree and flowers with hanging basket on a pole. Half sat behind benches and half on benches, castle to the right and behind us. A man took the photo. It is awesome !

We stayed together all day! We ate at Columbia House, taking a more private seating area over for our group. We also did a whole day at BB, getting a set of tables under a covering and had a blast together.

I've been in another large group and was begging to split from them. Been with relatives with kids younger so we just set up our days partially together and worked out great. Just depends on the group.

If you all are on the same page, should be alot of fun !

 

[FourteenwithAuntie]

Thank you Hopperfan! You write so clearly that I can picture the spot you described just perfectly! We will make sure we recreate
that pose when we go in December.

I'm really glad you mentioned CH as a good place to eat with a big group. I DO seem to remember that the upstairs seating area was fairly un-crowded last time I was there. This seems like a great place for us to get tables together or nearly together for lunch.

Anyone know of similar eating spots in the other 3 parks?

Thanks again!

 

[Jordan's MOM]

When we were there with family this winter, we made sure we had a meeting place in case anyone got seperated from the group. Our boys are pre-teens and while not really ready to go on their own, would often be far ahead of us. They all know the parks well so we made an easy , yet not real cowded place our meeting place. We all had cell phone too, and we gave one of the kids one and hoped if they got seperated, they would at least be together. We lost no one but felt better being prepared. Another bit of advice is to call early for all PS's as large table can be harder to get. Consider Ohanna's. It's a great family place. WE also did a character meal together and got great pictures. Good luck.


Jordan's mom

 

[FourteenwithAuntie]

Thanks Jordan's Mom! I think we'll be depending on our cell phones to keep in touch, too. What did we ever do before cell phones???

I've never been to O'Hana's but it sounds like a fun idea. I think I'll lobby the family for a special night there.

Still wondering where we'll herd our group for fast food at Epcot, AK and the Studios...

 

[CDoobee]

Sunshine Season Food Court (I think that's the name) in the Land at Epcot would have several different choices for several different palates.

Debbie

 

[HopperFan]

I agree with CDoobee for EPCOT!!! Especially for lunch. Maybe then as the day wears on you can nibble around the world at their walk ups.

AK - In December (no AC needed) I would eat at the Flame Tree BBQ, there were so many nice seating and quiet spots beside it and along the river, kinda behind it. If facing the Flame Tree the seating would all be to your left and around. You would have no problem all eating together without crowds. The bbq is excellent. PS Also an excellent place for photos of your group !!

MGM - will probably be the toughest place. I would probably go to Backlot Express, as that is where we have gone. Main room, but also a couple other seating areas. Burgers, salads, sandwhiches, do your own topping. Everyone was happy !

Oh, getting hungry and counting the days !!!!!!

 

[FourteenwithAuntie]

Thank you so much everyone! My tribe really likes these lunch time ideas. They all asked me to say thanks, so..."Thanks!"!

 

[alexcturner]

we took a group of 22 last Nov. We made an itinerary everyday and those that wanted to go with us did and those that did not we helped them plan their days and/or nights. We had two dinners all together one at Boma's and one at the Land. Both worked out really well. We also did a couple of lunches at "home" OKW villa and everyone knew in advance that they were invited etc. (we printed an itinerary in advance with our cells on it). Everyone had a great time. Lisa

 

[mickey's merry men]

Lucky you to have such a large group going. We did it with 10 a few years ago and found that certain restaurants were better than others (some of the more "fashionable" restaurants split up the party).

Try the character breakfast at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary - it's a pretty decent breafast buffet, there are several characters hanging around, and it's just a quick monorail hop to the Magic Kingdom.

I'd also like to recommend Boma's at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's another buffet with food that can be as exotic or "plain" as your taste buds will allow. They'll accommodate a large group sitting together, and the observation spots in and out of the resort make sightseeing pleasant for all age groups.

Epcot eateries are wonderful - but they will often split your group. You will probably have good luck at the Teppanyaki Dining Room at the Japanese pavilion (you'll have more than one chef cooking for you, but their "show" is half the fun!). You might also consider the Biergarten in the German pavilion - it's a buffet dinner with a show that makes you feel like you're in the midst of an Oktoberfest celebration (most small families find having to sit with "other people" a nuisance, so it's a blessing for those that travel in large numbers).

Finally, I would reiterate other posters' suggestion of O'hanas. It has good food, mild entertainment - and they will seat you as a group.

Have fun! I truly believe that large groups are a great way to see the magic!