group of 11 - wide age range

[luvmygirls]

Looking for advice from anyone who has been to Disney with a) larger group of people b)pretty large age span.

Our clan is going in Oct., we have 4 day ph passes for WDW. We will have 2 strollers (my niece has congential heart defect, so she can't walk that long) and my youngest will be 3 1/2, so I know she won't make it that long. Ages of those going range from 3 1/2 year old - my 76 year old Grandmother, who does have some severe boughts of arthritis (hoping it's not to humid in October.) This is everyones first trip except my sister & her dh, so my dh & I def. want to make the most of our time. (I already know I will love it & want to return, hoping dh will love it there & be willing to take us back!)

What I've done to plan so far, read Birnbaums book & scoured these boards to find out the different attractions so I've made a list of everyones must-sees. My mother & grandmother have agreed to take my niece & youngest dauhghter because they are not thrill seekers.. Any advice would be greatful, I'm getting stressed about it, as the trip planning is all on me!

TIA!!
Shelly (hoping to spread the magic to her family!)

 

[Amy&Dan]

We just did this same sort of thing at Disneyland last month. (I posted a trip report on the Disneyland trip report side if you are interested). It was a wonderful experience. The best part is that Disney has so many rides that appeal to all ages. Our range was 3 to 80 and we were able to spend most of our time together (there were 12 of us total). I found that my parents and father in law had so much fun watching the kids that was a vacation in itself for them. Since the thrill rides have fastpass, those riding those rides won't be gone from the rest of the group that long. At Disneyland for instance while some of us rode Splash Mountain, others would wait with the little ones and treat them to a snack, a bathroom break, a little shopping or a more kid friendly ride like Pooh Bear. We would use everyone's passes to get fastpasses and then my kids who are 8 and 10 could ride twice with both groups. Parades and fireworks were also fun for all to share. It was also nice because when I would see my mom tiring (she has cancer) we would suggest a rest break for "the kids" and that way she didn't ever feel like it was because of her we were going a little slower or taking a break. Also Disney parks have so many nice, shady places to rest and the shows are also great for everyone to have time to regroup and relax and have fun at the same time. I loved getting pictures of the grandparents and the kids with the characters. My kids had a ball telling my mom about characters like Stitch she wasn't that aware of. My daughter is still so happy that one of the princesses threw her grandpa a kiss at the parade, she thought that was so neat! I think this is what Walt really intended for his parks, to be shared by all! You will have such a great time, I know we did!

 

[ljones]

our group of 11 dd 9, dnephews 7,5,4,dniece 2, 2 sisters, 2 bil, mother 62,and self mid 30's. staying ASMo2/6-2/12 We have at least 1 PS per day,usually at linch, we are doing the parks as a group as much as we can due to height restrictions, fears etc. we will be renting a car, staying on property, trying to take advantage of EMH and magical gatherings. will have a report when return

 

[isla bonita]

We were just there in June with 11 of us ranging from 3 to 64. There is something there for everyone. We would split up and get back together all day. We ate luch with each other and had so much to talk about. It was wonderful. Relax and take a deep breath it will be wonderful. You will be surrounded by all who you love and all that love you. Have a great time.