how to avoid conflict

[AWish]

I am traveling with a group of 9 next month. This is our fist trip to Disney as adults (last visit was 15 yrs ago in teenage yrs). We have 7 adults a 3yr and 2yr old (all immediate family). Undoubtedly, with a large group like this there will be some arguing. We've already reserved all meals and have tentative plans for each day including MVMCP. I know it will be a magical vacation and I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but let's be realistic, with this many people, we will encounter issues.
Does anyone have any tips to help avoid conflict/arguing/bickering among the group during the trip?

 

[Reddog1134]

Split into smaller groups. It's rare that everyone wants to do the same thing. Breaking up into smaller groups and meeting for meals or special events will make sure the "magic" lasts longer.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

I've done several big family trips too. The best advice I can give is don't try to do everything together. I am the planner of the group so I would let everyone know what me and my family would be doing for the day and if anyone wanted to join us they could, if not then they were on their own and we would see them at meals.

Are you staying property? If not, that may be more difficult to coordinate how everyone gets around.

 

[Reddog1134]

Just found this on the Disney Parks Blog.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...s-for-planning-a-multi-generational-vacation/

 

[cincystamper]

I agree with the advice you've gotten already - adjust your expectations of doing everything together and have fun.

I went in October with a group of 9 (two 7-year olds, the rest adults). We had already planned out which parks we were doing which days and our dinner reservations. We'd often leave the resort together, walk into the park and then split ways. Meet up again for dinner. We'd text each other throughout the day to touch base and if we were near each other for a particular ride or show, we'd meet up again, but that was rare.

Our mantra for the trip (which we insisted the whole group learn before going) was "It's Your Vacation, Too!" That kept everyone pretty flexible and remembering that it was okay to do different things.

Our trip was great and I don't remember any conflicts (other than who was sitting next to whom at dinner! ). The fact that you're aware of the possibility of conflicts puts you a step ahead of the game and I'm sure you & your group will have a great time, too!

 

[Brandi1leigh]

I went with a group of 18 and had a blast. We decided early on that splitting up was okay. You can't do everything together.

Use your cell phones. If some people want to be there at rope drop and others want to sleep in, the sleepers can call when they get to the park.

Lastly, discuss your expectations BEFORE the trip. Don't wait until your there to find out what everyone wants out of their vacation. If you know everyone's priorities, it's easier to plan your days so that everyone is satisfied.

Have fun and remember you're on vacation with people you LIKE.

 

[cluvsdisney]

Don't force togetherness and don't expect everyone to keep the same pace. Park commanders are not going to want to stroll through the gates mid morning and a night owl might not be too interested in rope drop.

I would try to plan one family/group event per day - something like a meal, tour, pool time, mini-golf. Something so you are all definitely spending time together. Other then that, let people do what they want. I am sure there will be a lot of "Hey, I am heading to the MK, who's in?" and the group will split naturally like that.

Have a great time!!

 

[Disney Fool]

ditto on all above; make sure all adults have the ADR's in hand and all understand where meals will be. Make your meal times your meeting points. It's a great way to compare notes of what everyone did that day.

 

[Rekenna]

Valium and Vodka! Just kidding!

Seriously, all the PP have given sound advice. I really like the mantra, "It's your vacation too!"

I have stressed this point with both my sisters and actually made 1 special day for just the 2 of them together-w/out my kids around-for them to enjoy Epcot, an adults only meal at Le Cellier and the CP. I spent 2 hours making this reservation so I hope they enjoy it! On the flip side we have scheduled a night for just DH and I at Epcot and Le Cellier and my sisters are taking the boys-so that's very nice.

No matter what have fun!

 

[AppleSister1]

We do Dis with extended family as well. As others have said, we plan out which days in which parks, make at least one sit-down meal adr for each day. We start the day in the same park, do our favs togther...and then split up until meal time depending on who wants to do what. The key for us has been, as others have said, not to force togetherness! Some people want more down time, others want to ride their favorites over and over, do a tour, etc. Everyone does what they want to do, and our rule is no should feel bad about it.

The other thing we do is stay at the same resort, but not cram ourselves into too few rooms. A little space and breathing room is quite helpful!

 

[angierae]

Pretty much what everyone has said. We had a group of six, and we had ADR's for dinner every night. Other than that, people split up and went off and did whatever they wanted to do, and we all met up at the end of the day for dinner to share our days with each other.

 

[ZoZo]

Split into smaller groups. It's rare that everyone wants to do the same thing. Breaking up into smaller groups and meeting for meals or special events will make sure the "magic" lasts longer.

This is great advice!

 

[PAcpl]

Since you have a bunch of ADRs together, you will be able to split up easily. Split up if something starts getting too tense and then meet up at your ADR later in the day. Win win!

 

[AWish]

Good motto "It's your vacation, too!" Thanks for everyone's advice