Grand Gatherings...?

[Momof6]

Ok - we've brought our kids to WDW a few times in the last 6 years. We have a blast. We stay at SOG - good deal for military. Anyway - DH keeps tossing out the idea of bringing more family. I think it might be a nightmare. We could easily get the good room rate. My problem is that we are all so different. I don't see how it would work. Plus - I'm sort of possessive of our time here. I know that might be really selfish. I just don't want to have bad memories at WDW. Any thoughts?

Denise

 

[cristbaby]

We are doing a Grand Gatherings in Oct with the entire family, my side and DH. We have some things planned all together and some things by ourselves so that we will have some family time alone. Seems to be working out so far, but of course, we aren't there yet

 

[Bob P]

Hi Momof6,

We've gone several times with a group of nine. The best advice I can give you is that when you go with a large group, you should plan some "separation time" every day. For example, if some want to go back to the pool, they go back. If others want to ride Space Mountain five straight times, they ride Space Mountain. Before we split up we always agree on a time and place to reconvene...sometimes it is our PS for dinner when we all meet up again.

Hope this helps,

Bob

 

[welovedis]

momof6-we have not done a grand gathering at WDW but we do take a trip almost every year with DH's family and since he has 5 sisters with their families, our group is rather large.

I find that the most enjoyable trips come with at least a couple of planning sessions. If you don't live nearby then send emails or a letter to get to know what everyone's expectations are for the trip. Some may want to "see it all" and others might want to relax by the pool. It can be done smoothly as long as you go into it with the right attitude.

I used to be very possessive of our vacation time and really didn't look forward to these vacations. Over the years (we were married 13 years ago yesterday! ) I've come to appreciate and enjoy them more. As the other poster mentioned it is would be great to stay at WDW together because if there are different budgets you can always stay at different resorts and catch up for meals or to spend part of a day in a certain park.

Hope you have fun planning your gathering!

 

[Momof6]

Thank you so much for your quick responses! I do think that if it were understood from the beginning that we would do SOME things together it would really help. We also thought that maybe, since we always go for two weeks - and almost none of our extended family would be interested in that - that we could do one week with family. Do you usually all get there on the same day and leave on the same day? Also, how difficult is it to get PSs for a large group - when I say large, I would anticipate at least a total of 12 adults and 6 kids. Could be more, but mostly would be more adults.

Again, many, many thanks!

Denise

 

[Bob P]

Hi again!

We usually fly down together, but sometimes we take separate flights from different airports on the same morning. Same goes for returning: sometimes we're together and sometimes one group flies into JFK and another into LGA.

As a group of 9 for PS, they often tell us we will be at 2 separate tables. The tables are usually right next to each other. Some restaurants are able to fit us at one table, depending on the time of day. You may have to make your PS through Group Dining, but the CM at Disney Dining will let you know if that is the case.

Enjoy!
Bob

 

[mm lover in Ia]

Take advantage of the Grand Gathering Events especially the fireworks cruise as one of you get togethers. Young and old will have a blast on this one!!!