First time new family trip

[DarlingDis]

Hi... I am new to this board and happy to have found it. It is my first trip with my NEW family. There will be 7 of us (hopefully). We are taking my two DSD and two DSS. The ages are 20, 18, 13, & 4. Since it is their first trip to Disney (not mine) I would like to make it special.

Since we are a large clan, we have decided to stay offsite. We will be renting a Van (seats 8) and try and get the best bang for our buck.

Can anyone help me be giving advice on what we can do that will keep all ages entertained? This is the first trip that we all have taken together and I really want everyone to enjoy themselves.

 

[mom2girlsx3]

First of all, welcome to DIS! You will soon become an addict like the rest of us... we truly need some professional counseling!

I really don't think you're going to have a hard time keeping everyone entertained... it is Disney after all! But, here are some thoughts:

1. Be sure to make the "Nemo" and "Lion King" shows at Animal Kingdom. They are awesome and "Nemo" is our family's absolute favorite show at Disney.

2. Plan a dinner show... the "Spirit of Aloha" at the Poly or the "Hoop de doo Musical Review" at Ft. Wilderness are great choices.

3. Head over to Ft. Wilderness for some horseback riding.

4. Can't go wrong at Epcot's World Showcase... take your time to explore and ask questions. Younger kids will enjoy the Kidcot craft stations. Do a Kim Possible mission together as a family.

Ohhhhhhhhh.... the list could go on and on. You're going to have a great time!

 

[Skyw]

I did Disney with my DSD 17 and her cousin. We let them do some stuff with us and others on their own. But depending on their attitude, almost everything is fun for all ages. But some rides are definitely not for the youngins'. So I would do all of the family stuff at the beginning and then separate.

My list of fun for all: fireworks, POTC, any show, Toy Story Mania, Buss light year, Muppets.

Not so fun for a 4 year olds- When I went with my DSD when she was 8 we went on the Alien encounter. (now stitch) It scared the poop out of her. And we had to deal with it the whole trip. I felt so dumb that I didn't know it would scare her and I felt bad. So I would avoid anything scary for the little one. Maybe ease into it.

Now if money is not a question: There is a fireworks cruise that would be a blast for the whole family. Whispering Canyon is a great "all ages" place to eat.

I am sure there will be more ideas....
Happy planning.

 

[v.t.]

You are going to have such a great time. We went last year as an extended family (10 total) for the kids first visit (ages 15 to 7) and they all had a blast. We planned ahead of time and we laid out the rules so there was no arguing while at the park. DN 15 was allowed to stay out later, go places by himself, etc. When we did split up (which we did quite often) we would have a return meeting time and place (it usually centered around a fast pass). We gave the kids books to read up and study and let each of them pick a must do for each park. We usually did the must do's as a family, even if it was IASM (LOL!). But since we did not "make" them stay together all day, they didn't mind the few "Baby" rides we all did together. (All my choice!) Try to be at rope drop. You can get so much done in the first hour.
I think the best advice is to research and be organized. When you are with a larger family it is easy to waste time playing where to now... don't schedule every minute but do have a general plan. That is what the DIS is for, I could not have made it without everyone's wonderful advice.

 

[DarlingDis]

Thank you for your ideas and making sure that I don't panic. I feel more comfortable now knowing that I can do this and everyone will have fun. I will do much research and Dis is helping me.

Thanks again.

 

[DCbride]

I would definitely allow them time to be on their own and establish a set time to meet for either a show or meals. Just make sure they understand when it is time to meet they have to be there- no, one more ride....

I would also recommend a few it downs that are fun for the family- Ohana is a great choice.

 

[DisneySJB]

You should meet for a character meal. Even the older kids will get a kick out of seeing the characters since it is their first time. You are never too old for Disney.

 

[DarlingDis]

I really want them to enjoy it as much as I do. I haven't been in about 5 years, so this would make me so happy. Also, the youngest has never been on a plane.... He loves "Hairplanes". Just having him be able fly will give him a kick (I'm hoping).

 

[ctodd498]

You might consider purchasing (or making) matching shirts for everyone in your group. They don't have to be expensive...maybe something that has your family name and a consistent color.

Of course, you won't wear them every day. But I would pick one day to spend together and have everyone wear their shirt. It's so fun when park employees notice that you're all together. I think it totally adds to the "magic."

 

[iluveeyore]

Since there are so many of you and a couple of older teens, you should really consider staying onsite. If you rent from a DVC member you could stay in a 2 bedroom villa at any of the DVC resorts. We have older teens, and it was so nice to let them come and go as they please and then plan certain things to do together. Staying onsite, you don't have to worry about arranging transportation all at the same time. Our DS's would sleep in, head out to parks later, and then stay out till past midnight for extra magic hours (which you can only use as a resort guest), while we were sleeping soundly after 11pm. Plus, with the larger villas, you get a full kitchen and eating area - we saved so much by buying groceries and not eating out much. Plus the kids were free to fix a snack/lunch or take stuff with them when they headed out without us.
Just a thought! It might not be in your budget, but it's so worth it. You could also rent two studios and have the older ones nearby in their own room. As an example, during the summer a 2 bedroom at Old Key West is 32 points during the week per night ($320 if rented, for all 7 of you), or a studio is 12 points a night ($240 per night for two of them, they have kitchenettes and balconies).
Whatever you decide, have fun planning and enjoying your time with your new family at the most magical place on earth!