Family Reunion -- everyone at the same resort?

[Wolfelaw]

I have pretty much persuaded my whole family (parents and seven adult siblings, assorted spouses and many children) to spend a week at WDW next summer. For other families who have done this, do you think it is important/crucial that everyone stay at the same resort? Our incomes range from almost nothing to comfortable; some of my sibs have spouses and multiple children and some are unmarried. At first I was insisting that we all stay at one of the less expensive deluxe resorts (WL or AKL), but some of the gang are saying no way, they can't afford it. I think that they can -- they just need to get their priorities straight (Annie's teeth aren't that crooked, she can wait another year for braces) but I imagine if I force the issue there will be problems and sadness and that is so not the point. So . . .

(1) Do we agree that everyone can stay at whichever resort they want? I'm afraid that we'll end up not spending much time together, and/or having problems with Disney rules about pool hopping (people in the cheapies will want to hang out at the delux pools, which would be fine with me but I have learned from these boards that this is a big giant no no) OR

(2) Do we all stay at a moderate so that we can be in the same place? I've stayed at CSR before and it is nice although I don't think my parents would be too comfortable -- maybe they could stay in a deluxe and we'll all go crash their pool.

Some of my sibs think that there is no need for the same resort -- we can hook up in the parks and meet at restaurants. They may be right, but I keep thinking "it's a family reunion, we should be together all the time -- 24/7 -- day in, day out" (but this is probably crazy thinking, because when we're in the "real world" I can't handle more than a day or so of family togetherness -- but it will all be different in the land of Magic, won't it?)

I'd appreciate input from anyone who has done this -- and I know there are lots of you out there. Thanks!

 

[palmtreegirl]

We did a family reunion trip back in 1998 and stayed at the All-Stars because at the time, it was all my sister and I could afford. Well, if we were to do it again I'd say let everyone stay wherever they want and meet up for meals and different activities.

Spending 24/7 together was a little too much! Everyone started to get on each others nerves and drove me nuts because they all looked to me as the *expert* and practically wouldn't breath without me-lol. It was a fun trip but probably would've been a lot more enjoyable and relaxing if we didn't spend every waking moment together. Staying at different resorts would be a great way to allow some alone time for those that feel they need it.

Good luck with your planning!!!

 

[robinb]

I would recommend all staying at the same resort. It will really make things easier to do things together. You really need a "Base of Operations" with a large group like this. Otherwise you will be waiting for this or that family who is supposed to meet you somewhere in the parks but their bus takes longs, etc, etc, etc. Plus, all the cousins will want to hang out and play together and noone wants to shuttle the kids to another hotel just so they can swim with someone else.

If a moderate is all that everyone can afford I think that'll be fine. I find it interesting that you say your parents are the ones who may be the problem. You might find that your parents will be more interested in staying with the rest of the family than staying at a deluxe.

Some more advise from someone who goes with her (much smaller ) family about once a year.

(1) I would not recommend scheduling any more than 1 meal a day! BTDT, was driven nuts! One meal is plenty and the remainder should be catch-as-catch can or individual PSs.

(2) You don't have to be around them 24/7! Make your own schedule and say "We're going to the MK at 8:00 tomorrow. If anyone would like to join us, let's meet at the food court. Dinner is at Boma's at 7:00." Make a chart. They'll think you're insane, but who cares?

(3) Once in the parks, expect the going to be s l o w. We go to WDW with another family and there are only 7 of us total and we are all "park commandos" and we still make it through the parks in twice the normal time. Someone needs a drink, another needs to use the bathroom, another needs a snack, another bathroom break ... and so on.

(4) Don't let it get to you when someone doesn't want to join you, when they go home early or when they cancel on dinner. Having less people for a PS is really OK.

(5) Make "family time". Maybe a pool get-togeter, etc.

(6) Invest in FRS radios with sub-channels for every adult and teen. That way if someone wanders away you can call them. They are also great for potty breaks when the rest of the team keeps on going.

(7) Have fun! You're at WDW!

 

[ducklite]

While not a family reunion, I planned a reunion of about 75 friends a few years back. They came from around the world. And all had very different budgets. Some couldn't or wouldn't even stay on property, one decided to camp in January, I shared a room at SoG with two friends, a few were in deluxes, several groups got toether and shared at the DI, many in mods, and some in values.

We had one focal "event" every day, generally a dinner, and smaller groups made arrangements to meet at parks as fit their personal schedules and interests.

We also rented out a conference room at the CR one night--it was suprisingly affordable when everyone pitched in a few bucks, and we had a bartender and cash bar--as long as we hit "$X" we didn't have to pay anything extra for the bartender and bar.

I don't think it's fair to assume that anyone can afford a deluxe, or expect anyone to pay more for a vacation then they are comfortable with. I also don't think it's fair to ask people to stay in value resorts when they would choose a deluxe, many prefer the deluxe rooms for the larger beds or sleeping space for five without tripping over each other.

One other thing you might want to think about is a cruise--that way people can pay what they can afford for a cabin, and everyone will have common amenities.

Anne

 

[swclark]

Robinb has great advice! We have planned a similar trip next February. We have grandparents, adults with adult children, adults with teens and adults with preteens. What we decided was:

1. stay at the same resort.. so it would be easy to plan a time together at the hotel (like swimming), and if some plan downtime back at the pool in the afternoon - they can meet each other if they want.

The other option is to all stay at the same resort for some of the vacation and those that want a "better" hotel can move later so that you are all together at one resort for part of it. Moving around resorts is pretty easy at Disney.. they do all the work .


2. We are all only there for 4 days (some of us are cruising for 1/2 of the vacation, some are just parks because they haven't been before). We are probably only going to plan 1 or 2 dinners together as a group during those 4 days and no other meals. We did this because of the various ages of kids and the styles of park touring and different tastes (and the grandparents will sleep in and not be mobile til the afternoons as they won't last all day). And, too much family could be a bad thing - you want everyone to enjoy their vacation and do it in their own style.

This way you get to see people during the trip (which is the point), but not interrupt their style of vacationing too much.

We did this when 2 groups of us went - we were only there for a couple of days together, but went out to dinner once.. it was great and we had a good time.. And, we actually ran into them in line on the TOT earlier in the day..

 

[DrTomorrow]

It all depends on your 'togetherness' plans. If you are going to meet up in small sub-groups, and it won't be odd if you don't see a particular sibling for a whole day, different resorts will do fine. However, if you're 'All family, all the time' you need one resort - the logistics of gathering folks from 2,3 or more resorts at one spot will drive you looney. It could kill a lot of time if you plan on meeting at one resort; resort-resort transportation at WDW is problematic.

My experience is Las Vegas, not WDW, but it was very similar. Organized 2 family reunions (parents, 5 siblings w/families); one time we all stayed in one (lower cost) hotel and it worked out great: "Let's all meet at the buffet at noon for lunch", etc. Did it once with 4 different hotels all along the Strip; people were often late, due to taxis, confusion, desire to walk.

Hope this helps,
Erick

 

[susy]

I would stay at the same resort (CSR or CBR) and here is why:

If you depend on WDW transportation, you could spend alot of time waiting around for people.

I would make your "main family time" at the resort pool mid-day. You could eat lunch by the pool at CSR or food court at CBR and then all go swiming together. This will allow for more "talk" time.


Before the trip, outline some type of itinerary.. those who want to join, this is what we'll be doing each day.. If there are lots of kids, I would plan a few character meals, so that the kids can pick which meal they would like to go to. Also, once inside the parks, let everyonen split up nto smaller groups. This will happen naturally as you move through the park. If you try to make things TOO planned, you will spend countless HOURS waiting around for people to go to the bathroom, buy somethign, etc. As long as small children are with an adult, the adults should feel free to do as they wish.

 

[helenk]

My family and I are planning to go next year as well, there will only be 10 of us, but we already agreed to stay in a Moderate, unless they offer the FTP next year or something similar then we agreed that the majority of us will stay in the Poly and my son and his girlfriend will stay at the WL it is a MK resort, but not as expensive as the Poly and we will all be in the same area.
We are planning on getting together for a Character Breakfast or two as well as most dinners, especially the Luau and the Hoopde do revue.
I really do not want to spend all my park time with everyone, so we have agreed that your park time is your own. This makes my planning easier, but yet we will be spending a good amount of time together. Fortunately for me, my group's children are old enough if they want to go to the pool to hang out or go to the water park on their own they can. That way they will not get bored with hanging around the World Show case with the adults.
..
I would make sure that everyone is in agreement, and understands the plans, well before the trip so that there are no misunderstandings and/or hurt feelings.

 

[dvc guy]

Robinb gets my vote. We have done a few family trips at WDW.
You will NEVER get everybody to tour/eat based on your plans. If you understand that going in you will be fine. Set the plans and hopefully they will follow. We had a large family trip this past Thanksgiving, with nothing do but lay around the pool, beach and after the first day people started looking to branch out.

We are going back this Christmas with my BIL,SIL,and DS 14. They are DVC members like us and know the routine. Even with another expert family on board we will still split up during the trip, it is better for everybody and I really do like them. Have a great trip and don't stress over the family members who don't/won't " get with the program"

 

[jfeasel]

Look at using a travel agent to get a group discount! Also, using a travel agent takes the head ache off of you. I'm not an agent, but I always use one for our group because we have different people flying in and out at different times, it's well worth it and with our trip coming up June 14, we saved money by using a TA.

I would also suggest staying at the same resort because it's easy to spend your evenings together. We've stayed at CSR, PO and CBR. We liked CSR and PO the best. We're always a group of at least 11 so we get 3 rooms. I've found it hard to book dinners together (especially character dinners) so you might want to try lunches (they are cheaper too).

Also, be flexible and willing to seperate. I usually take the older kids on the more challenging rides and my sister goes back to the hotels with the younger kids to nap. It works out great.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I'm doing this next year with about 45-50 people...both my side and my husband's side of the family...I know, I'm insane!!! Anyway, we've pretty much decided to let everyone stay where they want to for financial reasons, and also because our very large group will range in age from infants to 70+....We've planned so far to just meet up on the second day we're there,(I didn't want to plan anything for arrival day, some of them are traveling from Neb. and IA DRIVING and I thought it might be better for them to just relax)....and a dinner show the night before everyone leaves...That way, we can hang out with whoever we want, and see what we want....I have kind of unofficially been named the organizer, so I've asked everyone to let me know what activities they want to do, and I'll book them....I've got a different colored folder for each family with all their confirmation numbers in them, and a sample itenerary also, which I plan to hand out at the breakfast.... Also, I've asked them which parks they are most interested in, as well as shows etc., and planned their itenerary accordingly.... Now, whether they follow it or not, its up to them!!! Any suggestions would be great!!! Has anyone else traveled with a group this large? We have not gone through WDW Group Services because the organizer (me) would have to be financially responsible for the entire group, I was told. (By Mary at Mousesavers)....anyone have experience with that? Thanks!!! sorry so long!

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by KIRSTIN'S MOMMY
I'm doing this next year with about 45-50 people... {snip}
I have kind of unofficially been named the organizer, so I've asked everyone to let me know what activities they want to do, and I'll book them.

You poor thing! I wouldn't worry about what "activities" everyone wants to do. That should be up to each family individually. It will drive you nuts keeping up with everyone and everything. Plus, if there are non-Disney people they will just not understand certain set-in-stone deadlines. They will just think you're crazy. BTDT.

I would also suggest that everyone stay in the same hotel and not all over the place for the same reasons I gave above. You may be able to get a good discount with 10-15 rooms.

We have not gone through WDW Group Services because the organizer (me) would have to be financially responsible for the entire group, I was told. (By Mary at Mousesavers)....anyone have experience with that? Thanks!!! sorry so long!

I think you should call Group Services yourself and get the scoop. Mary is probably right, but you won't know the exact policies for sure unless you call them yourself. Also, if you use Group Services then you have a hard deadline for your family members to make up their minds to go or not. Deposits will be due at a certain time, final payment another. Best of all, the deadlines have nothing to do with you! You will certainly need to go through Group Reservations for your PS's anyway and you may have an easier time getting into places if you have someone from Group Services on your side.

Good luck!

 

[zurgswife]

I did this for my MIL/FIL 50th Wedding anniversary in WDW...There were The Couple, 6 siblings and spouses, 19 grandkids, and 2 great-grandkids...35 people and about 11 rooms...We stayed at CBR which was awesome...we book through group sales (don't think we got a discount) all of our rooms faced one of the court yards which was great for impromtu get togethers...we were there in Dec and this worked great even then. I think being at the same resort will definately increase the intereaction between the families...which if it is a family reunion is a good idea...

I would check on the cost of rooms through group sales and go from there...are rooms were all located in the same area...which was a definate plus and probably wouldn't have happened without groupsales being involved.

We also rented a room at the Y& BC for a dinner...wasn't outrageous but was great to have a big dinner with just us...Even a cocktail and appetizer party would be fun if money was tight...

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

One of the other reasons why we were lettig everyone just stay where they wanted was because some of them want home away from home, some want SOG, and some want AS. I have always wanted to stay at the WL, so that's where we're planning to be, (as if you didn't guess by my countdown clock!) and also because I don't know if I could stand 24/7 togetherness either. Some of my husband's family drive me CRAZY and vice versa. Ex., his dad and sister drove to CA. for geneology research,(their idea of fun) and decided to check out Disney Land since they'd NEVER BEEN TO A THEME PARK. Anyway, long story short, all they did was walk around and look, never went on a single thing!!! Sooooo, I don't really see us hanging out with them. They have actually asked me to let them know about any educational exhibits etc. that might interest them at WDW....who wants to be educated on vacation????? The rest of his family is o.k. and I am looking forward to seeing them at WDW since they've never been either...So, lots of newbies, and my family who have been many times...how to integrate that remains to be seen....Oh yeah, the trip is set for Aug. 2004, and everyone is telling me it's too early to start planning!!!! For 50 people!!!! I just hope I don't go crazy trying to pull this together....

 

[BethC1952]

We're doing a trip for 18 people in December, some family, some friends, some from New Jersey and some from Florida. We're all staying at Port Orleans Riverside for the part of the trip when all of these people are there. DH and I love it there, and DS and his family wanted to be near us. My SIL and her family will be first time visitors, and they wanted to be nearby also. The rest of the group booked the same resort purely by coincidence!

We and our son and his family will share one room at PO Riverside for the first two nights (hey, we went with them on their honeymoon, too. We're used to traveling together.) Then we split up in two rooms at PO Riverside when SIL and her family will be joining us. The next two days will see the arrival of the rest of the group. Then 14 of us head off to cruise on DCL's wonder for four nights in four separate cabins, and for the final part of our trip the Florida group will rejoin us and my son's family (remainder of group is leaving right after the cruise) for three nights in three rooms at All Star Music and then two nights in three rooms at Pop Century.

I'm organizing all of this, but I think I've got most of it under control. I actually set up a Yahoo group for participants in this trip to keep in touch with each other (they don't all know each other), to help plan what we'll do each day (we're NOT commandos) and all the other "stuff" that goes with a vacation.

Beth

 

[Wolfelaw]

Thanks for the input, everyone; it was very helpful. I would really prefer that we all stay in one resort -- either CBR or CSR -- but several members of the group are now saying no way -- some are even threatening to stay off site, in one of those $30 a night places (which normally would be fine, and I'm sure that some of those hotels are very nice, but the point is to do a family vacation). I guess what I find a little annoying about this is that I know darn well that all of them could afford to stay on site, at a moderate resort, they just don't want to spend the money. Which is, of course, their decision to make, and apparently they've made it, so I need to deal with it, and move on. It also means that I can stay at the Poly, which I've been wanting to try out, without feeling guilty. Maybe I'll even go concierge, just to make myself feel better -- I've got a year to save up.

I realize that I need to do a total attitude adjustment, and just take the position that everyone can stay where they want, and do what they want, and spend what they want, and I'll try and plan some group get togethers and meals, but if everyone doesn't want to show up, so be it. My son and I go to Disney every summer anyhow, so I will just try and treat this like our regular trip, with the bonus that there will be family there, at least occasionally. The problem I foresee is that my son, an only child, is going to want to spend a lot of time with his cousins, who are going to be staying who the heck knows where (hopefully in the same county) -- and he's not old enough (8) to get himself from point A to point B by himself -- so I'm going to be doing a lot of transporting; but I know that it will work out and I just have to accept the fact that I am not the Queen of the World (being the oldest of eight, that's a hard thing to accept) and that we will all have a good time no matter what.

Also, who knows what will happen between now and next July -- maybe one of us will win the lottery and we can all stay at Poly concierge!