Family Trip - 21 of us - Logistical Questions

[pklein09]

I'm in the beginning stages of planning a family trip in 2020. We have enough points for 2-2BRs and 2 Studios at OKW for the last 2 weeks of August. I even have enough points for a third Studio of necessary. The timing works for a few reasons: summer jobs for college kids will be finished, school will not have started for the grade schoolers, and it's Dream Season.

For those who have booked multiple units, how good is Disney at keeping your group in the same general area? It would be convenient to be in the same building or adjoining building.

How good is Disney at making ADRs for large groups?

We've already made it clear to the family members:

• That their days are on their own. I am not leading them around the World. Everyone has traveled to WDW before, so this shouldn't be an issue.
• A group dinner will be planned for somewhere on property. I will probably do this every night because most of us like to gather for a large family meal.
• They pay for their park tickets, travel, and spending money.
• For those staying in the studios, breakfast will be at one of the 2 BR units. This is one reason I hope to have all the rooms near each other. ETA: They can eat breakfast on their own if they like. It's just an option to have access to a full kitchen and additional family time.
• We have a tendency to get dessert from France, bring it back to the room, and play cards. This is another reason to want the rooms near each other.

Any other words of wisdom?

Thanks!!!

 

[Best Aunt]

I think maybe you are making a mistake in having breakfast be at one of the 2 BR units.

You say that people are on their own during the day. But that's not true if they have to eat breakfast in someone else's room (those in the studios) or be in their room so that others can enter to eat breakfast (those in the 2 BR units). If they are on their own during the day, some people might want to leave for the parks earlier than others. You are taking away that option by having group breakfasts.

And people who eat cereal and donuts for breakfast might prefer to eat in their own rooms while they are getting ready, to save time.

 

[pklein09]

I'm sorry, but I didn't phrase that correctly. The option is open for those in the Studios to join those in the 2BR units for breakfast. They can certainly eat breakfast on their own. We're all early risers, but not all of us leave for the parks at the same time. This is why I'd like to have the units near to each other. I just know that my Mom, who will be in one of the Studios, will want to join me or my sister (primary people in the 2BRs) for breakfast and a cup of tea.

 

[CarolMN]

When you make the reservations, be sure to ask MS to add a "traveling with" notation on all of the reservations and a request to be located near to each other. The resort will do it's best to accommodate you. For the best chance, make that your only request.

If it's possible, avoid having the living/kitchen area be someone's bedroom (at least for the 2 bedroom that will be the central gathering place).

 

[BillPA]

We had a group of 33 people, 3 2 BR and 3 studios. We were in building 31, (2 2 BR and a studio) and building 32 (2 BR and 2 studios). While not in the same building, they were very close, we could speak to each other from the balconies.
Getting meals together was not easy. We did get all of us in the upper area at Chef Mickey's, we had the entire room with just 1 couple that wasn't with our group. We had to take the first seating to get all of us. By then we had 36 as 3 local relatives joined us. We didn't even try to do much all together, but it was fun to watch the CMs face when going on a ride when they asked how many and we replied 33. We had a great time, often the group was split in to 4 or 5 smaller groups but we did try to meet up for meals, counter service ones as there was no way to get reservations for that many except for a 1st seating. Chef Mickey's was the only place that could/would seat us together. That was a killer check!!!

 

[disneynutz]

Being close to each other depends on what rooms are vacated on your check in day. Since you have so many rooms, I expect that you won't be in the same building.

Bill

 

[pklein09]

BillPA....thanks! That info is helpful about the meals!

 

[DenLo]

We had a group of 20 in three two bedrooms at BLT and they were able to get us all on the same floor. Two at north end but the other close to south elevator lobby. It only took 3-5 minutes walking to get to each end of the resort. The next time we only had a 2BR and a studio at BLT and our rooms were 3 doors apart on the same side of the building, we had requested even numbered lake view rooms and that is what we got.

I think it will really depend on the resort. OKW and SSR might have problems getting all those rooms on the same floor, but they might be able to get them in the same building.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

The most I’ve ever done is 13 in a GV and a Studio. OKW put us all in The same building. They just went back to to the studio to sleep. Great plan, sounds like a great vacation.

 

[lisaviolet]

Any other words of wisdom?

I worked my group bookings exactly like you. Let people have their freedom and no excessive scheduling. Always worked out wonderfully - mine were not as large though.

Loved the group breakfast made in one suite (ours, which meant no one was incovenienced.) We even had a birthday party in the largest suite.

Nice memories.

The putting you all together made me laugh. One trip, it was the CM at the front desk who said "Oh no, you should be all together on the same floor and building. Let me fix that right now." I said, "oh that's okay" with a wink.

She didn't catch it and put all the rooms seconds from each other. So yeah they can be good at it!

____________________________________________

One thing that worked well for me was that I booked two days or so after everyone left, just to have some exhale time. Usually due to my father who always thought I was completely responsible for all Disney transportation.

Oh wait, another choice I made was not to put four adults in a studio. I booked another one to make sure this didn't happen. Worked out well for everyone to have their own personal space.

Have a wonderful time. Great memories.

 

[Mom2m&k]

We have found he front desk to be grratbwi5ntrying to keep us together. This last trip though we had to choose either close together or location we wanted. We chose close together and had a much further walk each day but it was worth it! We also have called and requested the reservations be linked in advanced.