Family reunion Planning Easter 08-with Down's and Poss Mobility issues

[canwegosoon]

Hi All-starting an early planning session. Several Family members will be celebrating birthdays during our Easter Break08...so I need to start weighing the options. If you have any experience with this ....please post!!!!Thanks

Cast:
GF(70ish)restricted mobility-20 minutes walking max-might have bigger hip/knee mobility problems by this time. Will have 74th bd during trip.
GM(70ish) very mobile
Sister#1(40ish)
Sister#2(30ish)Down's Syndrome poss some mobility problems(currently walks with hip limp)
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DH(30ish)
Me(40ish)
DS(9yo)-will turn 10yo during trip
DS(9yo)-will turn 10yo during trip
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Sister#3(40ish)
Niece(17yo)
Niece(15yo)
Niece(13yo)
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Brother(30ish)
SIL(30ish)
Niece(4yo) Will turn 5 during this trip
Niece(3yo)
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GM(70ish)very mobile
BIL(40ish)
SIL(60ish)
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Sister#4(40ish)
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Friends-visiting WDW at the same time-staying at Vistana-2A3C
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Cousins-I know they go to WDW every Easter from NY and are also DVC members.

We are DVC members...but don't know if we will stay there or in a regular hotel. Anyone have any advice or suggestions? Is there anythin I should consider? I am planning partial days in parks, and a few group activities. This will probably be our first and last trip together(with all of the cast members).

Who should I contact and when should I get started?
TIA, Terri

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Call Disney and get a Grand Gatherings number. Get information about the special meals/events available for GGs. Note that as long as you have eight people three or older staying at a Disney owned and operated resort you are eligible to be a GG. You can augment the group with locals (or people staying offsite) as long as at least 80% of the group is staying in a Disney resort. The 8 and 80% rule applies to all functions.

Look into offsite rental of an ECV for GF. See the disABILTIES! FAQ for more information. Others 60 or above might also consider them unles they are used to lots of walking.

Consider rental (again, from offsite for better equipment) of wc for Sister #2.

If you are the planner, allow everyone time for their input but you make the decisions as you are the expert. I hope you enjoy herding cats as a hobby. Also don't expect to keep the group together all the time and no commando touring.

 

[canwegosoon]

LOL Cheshire Figment...herding cats

Thanks about the tip for Sister#2-I didn't even think about a wheel chair(and they even have those sporty types too), but that's a great suggestion. I thought my Dad might need a ECV. Do you have a preference to hotels? have you heard if any are better with ease of use and transportation?
And thanks fpr the info ont he 8/80% that might be a good idea for sister/neices.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

My personal recommendation would be the Contemporary Tower, but that might be on the expensive side. It is a full service hotel, and you do no have to go out of the buiding for the restaurants or the monorail. You can go to MK, Epcot and the other monorail hotels for meals without having to worry about buses.