First Large Group, wisdom please!

[CaliAdventurer]

We are planning to have a group of 19-24 going for F & W the 3rd or 4th week if October 2018. Mostly Millenials 21-30 and 5 kids between 7-10. My DH and I will be covering the rooms, and 2 group meals. Here are my thoughts so far:

Room options:
3 two bedrooms
or
1 GV with 2 or 3 studios as needed
Or
1 GV and 1 two bedroom (if we dont exceed 21)
? Suggestions there ?

Default is:
VGF at 11 mos Standard view if can
Alternate is:
BLT lake view or SSR (which I'm totes cool with but they offer 1 less person I believe) especially with DS for the young adults

Dream is:
3 two beds at BCV by "rented points" at 11 mos paid with a transfer of VGF points or Aulani points IF i can put that together.
I could transfer in points to one of the contracts (Diff UY) and keep control of the res but maybe that's totally unrealistic.
Renting my points and renting other points is a non starter. I'm not prepared to lose money to not stay at VGF.

Tentative plan:
Sat-Sat (my nuclear fam will stay an extra day before and after) Sat night meet up only
Sun am (once everyone is there) Ohana breakfast hosted by us.
Tues-Weds- Eat around the world
Thurs night- MNSHHP
Sat noon- Biergarten farewell hosted by us.
All other time is free. I imagine a lot of golf happening with my DH and his brother.

Each room (or each party?) would be responsible to host breakfast one day per trip. Is that ridiculous? And by host I mean, oatmeal with fixings, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and bacon or whatever IN their room or at a restaurant but only one other party there could afford that.

We'll also supply the group tee shirts OF COURSE and a medal or trophy for the team champs from eat around the world.

No cars- it'll all be magical express. I'll keep control all the reservations and MDE. Is that a mistake?

Anyone have a scavenger hunt I can steal?

Ok, educate me! I'm sure I'm way off.

THANKS A ZILLION!

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Not really a scavenger hunt, but we have done a "see how many different characters we can meet" challenge. We've also done a drink challenge, ours was drink as many animal named drinks as possible, but you could make it anything you wanted (drinks with colors of the rainbow, every letter of the alphabet, etc).

When traveling with smaller groups we found meeting up for our three fast passes was a great way to reconnect during the day. It kept a number of possible connection points, which was nice. You didn't have to meet up if you weren't ready, there would always be the next FP to meet up.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

Not really a scavenger hunt, but we have done a "see how many different characters we can meet" challenge. We've also done a drink challenge, ours was drink as many animal named drinks as possible, but you could make it anything you wanted (drinks with colors of the rainbow, every letter of the alphabet, etc).

When traveling with smaller groups we found meeting up for our three fast passes was a great way to reconnect during the day. It kept a number of possible connection points, which was nice. You didn't have to meet up if you weren't ready, there would always be the next FP to meet up.

All genius! Thank you! I would love to see all the 20 something's filling books with autographs and taking photos!

 

[mort1331]

I dont think you can loose points with that renting out. But the other option is a GV at boardwalk. plus whatever rooms you would need.

 

[Best Aunt]

I'm not sure it makes sense to have each party host breakfast on a different day, unless they are passing the leftover food over to the next host. And that sounds like a pain in the neck.

Also, having group breakfasts will take up time in the beginning of the day, when lines at the attractions are shortest.

If I were in charge, I would do a Garden Grocer delivery of breakfast food. Have one person from each room tell you what the members of their room would like to eat for breakfast for the trip.

Then I would make a starting time each day. Everybody meets in the lobby at 8:00 am (or whatever time you think is best).

Everybody travels to the park together. If it's a day when Disney buses aren't arriving fast enough to suit you, you can pile into Ubers or cabs.

You can offer to make Fastpasses for everyone. But I'm not sure it will make sense for everyone. If someone gets motion sick, you're wasting their Fastpasses if you use them for things the person can't ride.

Have a contest every day - funniest photo with a character.

 

[Dean]

We are planning to have a group of 19-24 going for F & W the 3rd or 4th week if October 2018. Mostly Millenials 21-30 and 5 kids between 7-10. My DH and I will be covering the rooms, and 2 group meals. Here are my thoughts so far:

Room options:
3 two bedrooms
or
1 GV with 2 or 3 studios as needed
Or
1 GV and 1 two bedroom (if we dont exceed 21)
? Suggestions there ?

Default is:
VGF at 11 mos Standard view if can
Alternate is:
BLT lake view or SSR (which I'm totes cool with but they offer 1 less person I believe) especially with DS for the young adults

Dream is:
3 two beds at BCV by "rented points" at 11 mos paid with a transfer of VGF points or Aulani points IF i can put that together.
I could transfer in points to one of the contracts (Diff UY) and keep control of the res but maybe that's totally unrealistic.
Renting my points and renting other points is a non starter. I'm not prepared to lose money to not stay at VGF.

Tentative plan:
Sat-Sat (my nuclear fam will stay an extra day before and after) Sat night meet up only
Sun am (once everyone is there) Ohana breakfast hosted by us.
Tues-Weds- Eat around the world
Thurs night- MNSHHP
Sat noon- Biergarten farewell hosted by us.
All other time is free. I imagine a lot of golf happening with my DH and his brother.

Each room (or each party?) would be responsible to host breakfast one day per trip. Is that ridiculous? And by host I mean, oatmeal with fixings, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and bacon or whatever IN their room or at a restaurant but only one other party there could afford that.

We'll also supply the group tee shirts OF COURSE and a medal or trophy for the team champs from eat around the world.

No cars- it'll all be magical express. I'll keep control all the reservations and MDE. Is that a mistake?

Anyone have a scavenger hunt I can steal?

Ok, educate me! I'm sure I'm way off.

THANKS A ZILLION!

We've done larger family trips most years starting in 1998. Usually in the low thirty to low 40's numbers. The first was 9 at VB then maybe 24 at OKW and then 40 or so between BCV & BWV for DVC. We've done maybe 15 total, granted most of these have not been with DVC but Bluegreen and Marriott. With our direct experience and what I've seen from others both in person and online, I've formulated some opinions on group/family trips. Don't get me wrong, we love our family trips, they are indeed out best vacations by far, but I think they can also be the worst nightmares.

We have simple rules but they are firm rules.

• I plan the vacation location and secure the reservations. I do so with consideration for and input from the group as to week and locations (always when school is out, usually summer).
• I invite people up to the capacity I'm able to secure. I always get at least enough to do our core group of around 34. I plan for no couple's sharing with other adults and no couples or adults in a pullout as much as I can and never for adults or couples in the LR for such trips.
• I plan up front so I can relax on vacation, even at WDW.
• I plan NOT to control other people's vacation. I ask for one group meal and other than that, they're on their own to do what THEY want.
• Keep your nose clean and I'll invite you again.
• Don't leave charges that you don't take care of.

Fortunately we've been lucky enough so it's not been an issue otherwise our best trips would likely have been our worst. One LARGE observation I've made is that crazy is almost certain to be crazy on steroids where Disney is concerned. I've seen family upset that the host didn't pay their meals and tickets in addition to the rooms. I've seen people cancel last minute with no remorse. I've seen them bring extra people that were not appropriate for the situations without communication. I've seen them go to Disney and complain the whole time, to everyone. I've seen the planner be pushed out by other family members as things went along. Planners often assume people will be on their best behavior because it's Disney or someone else is treating them to the room, they often won't. One prevalent attitude is that timeshares are free once you own it so often people approach their decisions and reactions from that stance. Say you ask them to pay what would amount to the dues on the points used for their accommodations quite a deal for anyone in the know, but some would feel you were trying to take advantage of them.

I'll say this, and IMO it's the most important component for such a trip. IF there are those you already know have issues and/or are difficult to deal with (cancel, complain, etc), they will likely be infinitely worse with such a trip. IMO the worst 2 mistakes people make for such a situations are these. They assuming people will be on their best behavior where they generally are not and they over plan and control other people's vacation to the point it ruins the other party's vacation.

 

[Dean]

We are planning to have a group of 19-24 going for F & W the 3rd or 4th week if October 2018. Mostly Millenials 21-30 and 5 kids between 7-10. My DH and I will be covering the rooms, and 2 group meals. Here are my thoughts so far:

Room options:
3 two bedrooms
or
1 GV with 2 or 3 studios as needed
Or
1 GV and 1 two bedroom (if we dont exceed 21)
? Suggestions there ?

Default is:
VGF at 11 mos Standard view if can
Alternate is:
BLT lake view or SSR (which I'm totes cool with but they offer 1 less person I believe) especially with DS for the young adults

Dream is:
3 two beds at BCV by "rented points" at 11 mos paid with a transfer of VGF points or Aulani points IF i can put that together.
I could transfer in points to one of the contracts (Diff UY) and keep control of the res but maybe that's totally unrealistic.
Renting my points and renting other points is a non starter. I'm not prepared to lose money to not stay at VGF.

Tentative plan:
Sat-Sat (my nuclear fam will stay an extra day before and after) Sat night meet up only
Sun am (once everyone is there) Ohana breakfast hosted by us.
Tues-Weds- Eat around the world
Thurs night- MNSHHP
Sat noon- Biergarten farewell hosted by us.
All other time is free. I imagine a lot of golf happening with my DH and his brother.

Each room (or each party?) would be responsible to host breakfast one day per trip. Is that ridiculous? And by host I mean, oatmeal with fixings, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and bacon or whatever IN their room or at a restaurant but only one other party there could afford that.

We'll also supply the group tee shirts OF COURSE and a medal or trophy for the team champs from eat around the world.

No cars- it'll all be magical express. I'll keep control all the reservations and MDE. Is that a mistake?

Anyone have a scavenger hunt I can steal?

Ok, educate me! I'm sure I'm way off.

THANKS A ZILLION!

As for accommodations, it's largely personal preference and partly the specifics of the group. So making the assumption of 19 adults, 5 kids and the further assumptions that 10 beds will handle that by sharing a bed, here are my thoughts. I'd start with a VGF 3 BR plus 3 studios. That will give 8 normal beds but may have couples sharing a room and sufficient pullouts/murphy's to cover the rest. IMO your best options if you can get them, are BWV same configuration, then OKW then SSR. Or a combo of 2 BR and studios at BWV or BCV or any resort for that matter, preferably dedicated villas. For many I'd put OKW first in this situation because of the 2 queens in the studio and in all 2 BR and the lower points as well as the likelihood of getting them at 7 months out. I chose BWV because of the age of the adults thinking EPCOT was a good location plus you'd already said BCV was your dream. I don't think the idea of trading points is likely to work out, just too restricted and too complicated. The only way I'd do this was if I had someone I knew personally that I could work with and know I could trust them. You'd be better off renting then and renting out accomplishing the same endpoint but much more easily and you'd have infinitely more potential other members to work with at that point.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

I dont think you can loose points with that renting out. But the other option is a GV at boardwalk. plus whatever rooms you would need.

Is BWV available at all at 7 mos in October? I assumed it was off the table ?

 

[CaliAdventurer]

As for accommodations, it's largely personal preference and partly the specifics of the group. So making the assumption of 19 adults, 5 kids and the further assumptions that 10 beds will handle that by sharing a bed, here are my thoughts. I'd start with a VGF 3 BR plus 3 studios. That will give 8 normal beds but may have couples sharing a room and sufficient pullouts/murphy's to cover the rest. IMO your best options if you can get them, are BWV same configuration, then OKW then SSR. Or a combo of 2 BR and studios at BWV or BCV or any resort for that matter, preferably dedicated villas. For many I'd put OKW first in this situation because of the 2 queens in the studio and in all 2 BR and the lower points as well as the likelihood of getting them at 7 months out. I chose BWV because of the age of the adults thinking EPCOT was a good location plus you'd already said BCV was your dream. I don't think the idea of trading points is likely to work out, just too restricted and too complicated. The only way I'd do this was if I had someone I knew personally that I could work with and know I could trust them. You'd be better off renting then and renting out accomplishing the same endpoint but much more easily and you'd have infinitely more potential other members to work with at that point.

Yeah, of course the thought of VGF is fabulous it there's a couple reasons its not my first choice. Distance from Epcot and a little overkill. Most of our group has never been to WDW and wont "get" what a treat staying there is and I could save myself about 300 points to do SSR. SSR was our first on property stay and it was magic but now we've been spoiled by VGF, Poly, BCV...

I would only feel comfortable using a broker to rent points I feel and in that event I would lose a couple dollars per point in the switch and I cant stomach throwing the money in the trash. I think I'll jut have to plan for VGF and try my luck on the morning of 7 mos. This year, the same week, I was able to get BLT Lake and AKL Kidani for Safari. AKL seems way to far out for this purpose. SSR of course. SSR would be great for DS but a drag for the rest. We are impatient and take cabs but being with at least some of the others at all times, we'll have to use the trans at hand. So the monorails would be nice,. BCV being a pain to other parks but the pros to Epcot, BW, and DHS is just perfect for this particular group. I appreciate your take on the room lay out! A grand villas would be really cool to congregate in!

 

[CaliAdventurer]

I'm not sure it makes sense to have each party host breakfast on a different day, unless they are passing the leftover food over to the next host. And that sounds like a pain in the neck.

Also, having group breakfasts will take up time in the beginning of the day, when lines at the attractions are shortest.

If I were in charge, I would do a Garden Grocer delivery of breakfast food. Have one person from each room tell you what the members of their room would like to eat for breakfast for the trip.

Then I would make a starting time each day. Everybody meets in the lobby at 8:00 am (or whatever time you think is best).

Everybody travels to the park together. If it's a day when Disney buses aren't arriving fast enough to suit you, you can pile into Ubers or cabs.

You can offer to make Fastpasses for everyone. But I'm not sure it will make sense for everyone. If someone gets motion sick, you're wasting their Fastpasses if you use them for things the person can't ride.

Have a contest every day - funniest photo with a character.

Here's some more info on our group:

Other than my BIL/SIL who would have a Master and their boys the pullout, the rest are unmarried twenty somethings mostly coupled up (so sharing beds and sharing rooms not a big deal to them ). With one older cousin and her adult daughter and young son who will share a master together. They are our crew of minions. We love them, they drive us crazy, and we look forward to watching them grow and one day do big things and have families etc. Its our extended family. They are all saving to go. But other than the 2 parties mentioned the rest will be with us a lot. Our style is to get to the parks later (we're west coast and I know they wont be up early anyway!). The breakfast is more a way to spread out the costs for them. They'll be fed once a day at least I'll know : ). We'll pay for the whole group two meals only. Trust me, they would gladly let us order some groceries etc. My BIL will prob purchase QS for everyone on their turn and I'm thinking the younger ones can go in on a delivery and co-op or get a few staples at the market. It also give them some kind of responsibility that I think wont kill them. A grand villa would nice for them to combine their efforts.

I know they'll be going out late and so maybe breakfast in and of itself is a dumb idea.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

I'll say this, and IMO it's the most important component for such a trip. IF there are those you already know have issues and/or are difficult to deal with (cancel, complain, etc), they will likely be infinitely worse with such a trip. IMO the worst 2 mistakes people make for such a situations are these. They assuming people will be on their best behavior where they generally are not and they over plan and control other people's vacation to the point it ruins the other party's vacation.[/QUOTE]

THANK YOU for this reminder! We have carefully created this group and its hard becuase as time goes on and if we have an extra bed or whatever, its so tempting to ask others or invite others to join us there. But this trip was borne out of the need to mentally circle our wagons. I did a family reunion 5 years ago that became one of the most hurtful experiences in my life. One that I am eternally grateful for and led to this sort of collection family that fills my heart to think of. It gets expensive I can tell you, life is different for young people than it was for us but it's good for all of us to be together plus it keeps us young! I love this group because we can be who we are without trying to be diplomatic.

I'm sure some feelings may get hurt by not being invited but I'm using space as the excuse (which is true- since we are using points for rooms) but really we only want to be on this trip with folks who share our values and we know well. This was a great post to refresh my memory!!!

 

[Dean]

Yeah, of course the thought of VGF is fabulous it there's a couple reasons its not my first choice. Distance from Epcot and a little overkill. Most of our group has never been to WDW and wont "get" what a treat staying there is and I could save myself about 300 points to do SSR. SSR was our first on property stay and it was magic but now we've been spoiled by VGF, Poly, BCV...

I would only feel comfortable using a broker to rent points I feel and in that event I would lose a couple dollars per point in the switch and I cant stomach throwing the money in the trash. I think I'll jut have to plan for VGF and try my luck on the morning of 7 mos. This year, the same week, I was able to get BLT Lake and AKL Kidani for Safari. AKL seems way to far out for this purpose. SSR of course. SSR would be great for DS but a drag for the rest. We are impatient and take cabs but being with at least some of the others at all times, we'll have to use the trans at hand. So the monorails would be nice,. BCV being a pain to other parks but the pros to Epcot, BW, and DHS is just perfect for this particular group. I appreciate your take on the room lay out! A grand villas would be really cool to congregate in!

You don't have to lose $2 per point on the exchange and even if you did, it'd be worth it to make this a smooth transaction. One issue is that other than for friends/family, you're taking the same risks if you did find someone that you'd be taking by renting your points privately. Plus you'd be doing the same work, or likely even more, trying to set it up. It might fall into place but the number of people you could work with with a "swap" of points is infinitely less than if you just separated the 2 transactions, likely well under 0.1%. And in reality you'd still be doing a rental both directions if you did a swap anyway. In many ways I think the risk of such a process is more than a rental and the amount of work is like dramatically more to try go work it out. And while there are methods to even out points differences, one must be prepared for that likelihood. While I understand some don't want to fool with private rentals, I'd add that being willing to rent only through a broker but doing this as a private transaction really doesn't make sense.

 

[PetePanMan]

my advice is to run far and run fast Just kidding, although more complex with so many people, I am sure you will have a great time.

Kidani might be somewhere to really consider given extra room, point affordability (standard) and extra bathroom.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

You don't have to lose $2 per point on the exchange and even if you did, it'd be worth it to make this a smooth transaction. One issue is that other than for friends/family, you're taking the same risks if you did find someone that you'd be taking by renting your points privately. Plus you'd be doing the same work, or likely even more, trying to set it up. It might fall into place but the number of people you could work with with a "swap" of points is infinitely less than if you just separated the 2 transactions, likely well under 0.1%. And in reality you'd still be doing a rental both directions if you did a swap anyway. In many ways I think the risk of such a process is more than a rental and the amount of work is like dramatically more to try go work it out. And while there are methods to even out points differences, one must be prepared for that likelihood. While I understand some don't want to fool with private rentals, I'd add that being willing to rent only through a broker but doing this as a private transaction really doesn't make sense.

I was assuming I would have to give daves or such the points and let them rent them and turn around and put in an order for the reservations I want at BCV and if you figure you get $13 for renting let's say, but pay $17 to rent- I'd be down $4 per point. No?

If I rent privately and ask for $16 a point and pay $16 a point, I'd imagine I'd have at least a couple reservations to book to rent the 1000 or so points I'll need. Is there a likelihood that I could find a single BCV owner to handle my request? That's why I'm kind of thinking only a broker would have that kind of access for sure? But you're right, either way, I'd have to handle the reservations for those who rent my points either way. Ugh.

VGF at 11 mos I'd say and see what's up at 7 mos. So that brings me to the next issue. I'm going to bank 2017 points for a total of 1000 pts to use. But to make the VGF res, I'll have to borrow the remainder. If we change at 7 mos to left. I'll want to use the banked points points first and be able to return the let's say 200 pts from 2018 banked into 2019. With a April UY would that work at 7 mos? I'm so bad at UY stuff!

 

[Dean]

I was assuming I would have to give daves or such the points and let them rent them and turn around and put in an order for the reservations I want at BCV and if you figure you get $13 for renting let's say, but pay $17 to rent- I'd be down $4 per point. No?

If I rent privately and ask for $16 a point and pay $16 a point, I'd imagine I'd have at least a couple reservations to book to rent the 1000 or so points I'll need. Is there a likelihood that I could find a single BCV owner to handle my request? That's why I'm kind of thinking only a broker would have that kind of access for sure? But you're right, either way, I'd have to handle the reservations for those who rent my points either way. Ugh.

VGF at 11 mos I'd say and see what's up at 7 mos. So that brings me to the next issue. I'm going to bank 2017 points for a total of 1000 pts to use. But to make the VGF res, I'll have to borrow the remainder. If we change at 7 mos to left. I'll want to use the banked points points first and be able to return the let's say 200 pts from 2018 banked into 2019. With a April UY would that work at 7 mos? I'm so bad at UY stuff!

If yo chose to do it that way, there will be a cost. But anyone OK with doing a "swap" on the open market should be OK with renting both directions because they are essentially the same thing. It doesn't make sense to be OK swapping points on the open market but not OK renting. It's also very possible you could make a small profit on the transaction if you secure the right options at 11 months out. If you have left over points on the change, you could bank the ones in the then current UY but not un borrow points. Either way you're going to have to find someone with volume sufficient for what you need and you may have to piece this all together with multiple options. I wonder if you're making this too complicated, stressful and difficult. You may be best off either just doing VGF since you can reserve that at 11 months out or something that's more workable like SSR, OKW or AKV or possibly BWV preferred but not a GV. Good luck either way.

 

[kniquy]

I'll keep control all the reservations and MDE.

This sounds like such a huge project. Aside from securing the rooms I would let each person/couple/group handle their own MDE. Do you really want to be responsible for planing each day for that many people. I don't quite know how that would all work with making the reservations and everyone having their own MDE account for arraigning fast passes and dining reservations. I agree with a previous poster. Maybe coordinate grocery delivery for breakfast items, but leave the other meals to each group. Then try to plan a meal for everyone.

As for a hunt -- i like the character idea, but maybe another one would be pictures of people of each country at epcot. Find the most/unique signs in the parks. I'm sure there is something on pintrest

Good luck -- I'm stressing about planning for my family of 5 and my in-laws. I don't feel so bad now.

 

[Dean]

This sounds like such a huge project. Aside from securing the rooms I would let each person/couple/group handle their own MDE. Do you really want to be responsible for planing each day for that many people. I don't quite know how that would all work with making the reservations and everyone having their own MDE account for arraigning fast passes and dining reservations. I agree with a previous poster. Maybe coordinate grocery delivery for breakfast items, but leave the other meals to each group. Then try to plan a meal for everyone.

As for a hunt -- i like the character idea, but maybe another one would be pictures of people of each country at epcot. Find the most/unique signs in the parks. I'm sure there is something on pintrest

Good luck -- I'm stressing about planning for my family of 5 and my in-laws. I don't feel so bad now.

In addition to the formal group trips, we often have larger trips of the immediate family. Plus we often don't know for sure who's going to be able to go until much later. So I'm often planning for 10-14 (usually 10-12) people including this past Dec the week before Xmas leaving Xmas eve. Just like our broader family trips, I look at the group, I already know their basic preferences, get their input as to parks and restaurants then get reservations when available. That generally means I end up with most reservations being for 10-12 and sometimes I have to get two reservations at the same location around the same time. I try to change if I can to smaller, single reservations where possible once I know more. But if you show up with 2 and the reservation is for 12, they won't charge you. If you show up with 9 and it's for 8, I've never been turn away. If I show up with 12 and I have two separate reservations, I've always been able to combine to one. I'm sure these approaches will anger some but I do make every effort to change/cancel where I can though sometimes it's just a day or 2 ahead on the last few. Some won't reserve for larger parties, Narcoossee's max's at 6 for example, so I'f frequently had multiples there.

I do the same with FP. Most aren't savvy for such planning but I do think there's a fine line between coordinating and controlling. For our larger, broader family trips; I'd likely do a combination of getting things myself and letting them do so doing more dining and less FP planning for them. For that situation I'd likely end up with many multiple dining reservation at different parks for larger parties (?12 per) but I wouldn't try to get everyone together except for one single meal in a restaurant. The rest of the group meals would be in the villa or cooking out.

One thing I didn't mention but is very applicable to our larger group trips, that of finances. While this is obviously more difficult to control at Disney, I try to control people's costs in such matters because I realize not everyone has the means to do certain things and even if they did, everyone has different priorities. I don't want to put anyone in a position that's uncomfortable or difficult. The reality for our larger group trips, they likely have less expenses than they would at home even with the one group meal.

 

[tjkraz]

We've hosted family a few times in the past. Never a group nearly as large as that. We've also attempted other joint trips that did not ultimately pan out. Generally speaking, these things tend to be the roadblocks:

1) Money. Even when the room is provided, park tickets, transportation, restaurant meals and recreation (golf) are still an issue. Some don't have it. Some have it but prefer to spend it elsewhere. Bottom line: Don't front money for anyone else (e.g. buy their tickets, pre-pay for a meal.)

2) Relationships. Married couples are pretty secure. Those who are still dating can be more volatile. What happens if a couple breaks up weeks or months before the trip? (Even worse, what if a couple isn't getting along during the trip?)

3) Schedules. Can everyone get the time off work? (What happens if someone has a shift change / promotion / employer change over the next 18 months?) Can all of the kids safely miss school and other activities? My kids are a bit older now but school and travel sports teams play a huge role in when we can travel. If a 10 year old makes a competitive travel soccer team in the fall of 2018, are they still going to be willing/able to take a vacation in-season?

4) Trip planning. Some people want to be left alone. Others want to be lead around by the hand the entire time. Still others change their minds mid-stream. Not always difficult to adjust at WDW due to the need for dining reservations and FP+. FP isn't that bad because there's no penalty for not using them. You can always secure for the entire group. But make sure people understand that they can't decide on a whim to visit Pandora the next day and expect to get a FP on a few hours' notice.

Dining can be much more challenging since reservations are harder to secure and often have pre-payment requirements and/or cancellation penalties. Make sure people understand they just can't book Chef Mickey's on a few days' notice. Will there be hard feelings if one family prepares in advance for something like Chef Mickey's or Crystal Palace while others are unable to join?

People's attitudes also play a role in the success of the trip. Most who agree to go seem to be willing to "go with the flow." Some thing Disney is silly and fight the process the entire way.

We've been pretty lucky with our groups. But then we've never had more than 8 or 9 total people sharing a two bedroom villa. You know the people involved better than any of us. Human nature suggests that with a group of 20+, there will be some level of drama or ******* either during the planning or execution. How it will manifest itself is anyone's guess.

Good luck!

 

[disneynutz]

While many groups can vacation together and get along, some can't. The lead roll is a lot of work, not appreciated and miss understood by most. We have witnessed group dynamics at WDW and overheard conversations where the members insist that the lead screwed up, is taking them for money, and made poor choices for the group.

I would give the group info on how they can book their own accommodations if they want to attend and provide guidance if requested.

We cherish our Disney vacations too much to have others affect our experience.

Bill

 

[Brancaneve]

We had a rather large group last year and were spread between 2, 2 bedrooms and a studio. I would highly suggest dividing everyone up as much as possible so that people can retreat to a quiet space, as well as cook their own meals. Although the kitchens are wonderful, I think the space is too small to cook for so many people. Also, people have such specific dietary needs that it is best to have them shop, purchase and cook their own meals.

For example, our two bedroom had a large group of people who don't eat sugar or grains, while the other room ate cereal and donuts for breakfast....lol!

We linked all of our DVC reservations together and experienced two to three fast passes together which was WONDERFUL. It was nice to be together for some attractions we were excited about, yet then be able to spread our wings and separate from the larger group in between fast pass times.

We booked only two ADR's and found that with such a large group we had to call member services as it was impossible to do online or on the app. We ate at Via Napoli and were able to sit at the huge long table they have in the middle of the restaurant. It was perfect and really delicious!

I would definitely recommend that one or two people step up to be the guides, do a head count, and keep the crowd moving. Sometimes we were waiting for someone to use the bathroom but that person was out of the bathroom minutes ago! My DH was the one who gave the signal and kept the group moving.

We also had two meetings together so that everyone had input into attractions, fast passes, itinerary, etc. This was extremely helpful.

Overall, we had a wonderful time and I'm sure you will too!