Help Me Please! LARGE group

[anniee66]

Hi, I have been reading these boards forever!! The advice is great, however I need help!! I am a florida resident and have been to Disney to many times to count. It is normally my husband and 2 teenage sons, This will be an entire different trip for us. Please bare with me this will be a long post im afraid.
My mother, older sister (41) younger sister (37) and Husband, four children
boy (14),boy (9), boy (7), girl(2) My husband, me (39) three children, girl (20)boy (18) boy (17) grandson (8months). Also my daughters friend is going in replacement of my son in law who is in afghanistan. ok whew that makes 15 people in total. We already have reservations at Buena vista suites in orlando. I have stayed there several times and for the price find it to be wonderful. The breakfast compares to shoneys and saves us plenty. Ok. On to the question. With that many different age groups. That many people. We were planning on two days at the parks and one water park day. Dinner I am totally lost on. I was thinking Whispering Canyon for one night????? I have never been there either. Any advice for a family of this size pleaseeeeeeeeeee feel free. My sister is on a budget (tight) and this will be her childrens first trip to Disney. I want to do everything I can to make sure its a wonderful one. MY nitemare is that without planning no one will get a thing done. We have breakfest covered at the hotel. anything other than that is open. So please any advice on meals....attractions... how to move that many people around?? I know this time of the year is bad also but its when she could make time. Thanks in advance!!!! I am a nervous wreck over this trip!!!

 

[staci]

It will be impossible to keep everyone together, but if you have lunch together that would be a good meeting point, and then maybe plan on meeting at 6 pm at a counter service somewhere, or at another location, so that everyone can touch base again for the evening plans,night shows, etc. That way if some of the kids want to stay together for awhile in the am, and then after lunch maybe split off with families, and then whole group in the evening (or whatever works). I would try to have it LOOSELY planned out before you go so that everyone is on the same page.

We went with my parents and brother and at times that was an awful big group to coordinate!! (6 people). I cant imagine 15!

I wouldnt spend too much time with ADR's and out of park dining if you are only going for two days. Maybe schedule a ADR at a resort for the day you will do the water park?

Are you planning on doing all 4 parks in 2 days? Or just limiting it to 1 or 2?

 

[anniee66]

I got the tickets and made them park hoppers, Everyone basically has different ideas of the parks they want to visit. The only plan we have down pat is the night time parade at MK. The teenagers of course want more thrills and spills lol. Thats a good idea perhaps we should just try and plan one evening meal after the water park and just plan on meeting at MK for dinner on the other nights.
I had planned on letting the bigger kids just go and do as they wish in the am. then meet for special things in the late afternoon. All my visits to Disney this is the only one I am pulling out my hair, the time is so short and so many people LOL. Thank you!!

 

[Katy Belle]

I read a trip report about a BIG family trip once and his advice has stuck in my head...."think of it as vacationing in the same place at the same time, not vacationing TOGETHER." He suggested a few meals together and maybe starting the day together one or two days, so Grandma can ride Dumbo with her Grandbabies, etc. Really, everyone will be miserable if you try to stick together. Good luck! It sounds like great fun!
Katy

 

[missymagic]

I agree if the kids are old enough let them have their fun running around to the thrill rides. I would be at the same park for the day and set a meeting time for lunch to regroup and make sure everything is going ok or to move onto another park.

One night for ADR is a good idea. I dont think I would every night. Whispering Canyon can accomodate that many people. You can get the family style menu or order individually. Maybe go check out their menu make sure everyone likes the food they offer. I belive the family style was chicken, sausage & pork, bakes b-bq beans, corn on cob and potatoes. It has been a while. Another option would be to do one of the buffets.

Try not to stress just figure out which parks wich days and set up the groups over breakfast who will stick together for the day. Have a great time.

 

[anniee66]

Great Idea!!!! Thank You, I have started to breathe a little eaiser, This is the happiest place on earth for a reason!! I just spoke to my sister and She agree's so!!!!! Thanks for the advice!!!!

 

[lovewdwdvc]

We went with 20 faimily members and did not do a whole lot together. One day at a water park was wonderful. We positioned ourselves in the shade and the "old ladies" headed for the "lazy river" and we had kids and others join us throughout the day. We took a cooler and had a great big picnic.

We always had breakfast together and everyone spent time with my parents. Other than that it was go and have fun.