how to...large group

[grammy3princesses]

We are planning a trip with 8 adults (2 are great grammas) 4 kids(7yo being the oldest) and wonder how the Heck are we going to do this..... are there connecting rooms that are more than 2 rooms? How are we going to ge t the GreatGrammas around? They are pretty mobile but I am thinking that the parks might be too much of a treck for them. How do you manage keeping everyone (okay most everyoone) happy? I want this to be magical but also want to be realistic and plan BEFORE we go.

thanks ~~ this board is the best


jo

 

[Mouseteacher]

We, too, have traveled a few times with extended family - 6 adults, 6 kids and a set of grandparents. We found it was impossible to stay together the whole day and make everyone happy. So, we stared out the mornings going to the same park together and usually split up around lunch time. The grandparents paced themselves with us and usually headed back to the resort when they tired. We met up for dinner so we could all share a meal together and then usually went to a park after.

It was important to us to not set expectations that 100% could not meet - so to minimize disappointment and enhance the thrill of being a family together at WDW! For us, that meant understanding that we wouldn't always be together. We met as family before the trip to talk about it. It was important to us, inparticular for the grandparents, to share all dinners together and that was agreed upon before leaving and PS made.

Have fun on your trip. Relax and enjoy!

 

[safetymom]

I would look on the Disney website or call and ask about magical gatherings. It is for groups of 8 and up. They will place you in adjoining or connecting rooms.

There are other perks that go along with it.

 

[soccer mom]

I agree 100% with mouseteacher. We also have gone with extended family and you can't expect to keep that many people of so many different ages and abilities together 100% of the time. Don't forget that nap times for the younger ones might need to be worked in too. Commando style touring just won't work. Flexibility and patience will be the key. Just kick back, relax, go with the flow, and you'll have a wonderful time.

 

[KathyFP]

On one occassion, there were 10 of us. We planned out each day the night before. There was time for togetherness and planned time to meet each indiviual needs. It was wonderful.

I believe the key is respecting each others preferences.

 

[DisneyHumbug]

We went last Christmas with 12 - from 16 y.o. to 83 y.o.
We had dinner PS for every night and that is when we all met up. Sometimes the kids stayed with us, other times they went off on their own. For my DF who has trouble walking, we rented a wheelchair and had it delivered to the hotel.
Have a great time!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I would look into Disney's new Magical Gathering...A Grand Villa sleeps 12 + 1 under 3 (no additional cost for adults) and are located at OKW and BWV depinding on when your trip will be SSR maybe opened they will also will have the Grand Villas, or you would get 1 2bedroom villa + 1 stuido that would also sleep 12 + 1 under three. The 2bedroom and studio's are avl at OKW, BWV, BC, and WL. The villas have full kitchen and washer & dryer which could help save expencies and packing. As for the Greatgrammes if they are moble but just may need a little assistance at the parks I would rent ECV for them that way they would keep their independence and noone else would be required to push them around the parks each day. Have a GREAT TRIP let us know your plans.

Wheelchair ($7/day=$1 deposit)
ECV ($30/day+$10 deposit)
Save your receipt for a rental at another park for same day.

 

[SueM in MN]

you can rent an ecv at the parks, but they are limited quantity, first come-forst served. Also, if park hopping, there might not be one available at the park you are hopping to.
If you think someone will need an ecv every day, many people choose to rent from off-site. Here's a list of places that DIS posters have rented wheelchairs and ecvs from:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/
Phone (407) 856-2273 • Toll Free U.S and Canada (800) 741-2282

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html
(800)747-0246

There's a link in my signature to get to the disABILITIES Board if you want more info.

 

[grammy3princesses]

These are great ideas, keep them coming. I know that we can not all be together all the time, every day. I have told my children that they are REQUIRED to do one park, one day with the GGM and then they are on their own. My mom has NEVER been but I don't think she can handle all the excitement, all the time. We hope to have dinner together for several of the nights. We looked into a villa but decided that everyone needs their own space for at least part of the time.

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions. keep 'em coming


jo

 

[grammy3princesses]

Does anyone know how many connecting rooms there are? If we could get 4 connecting rooms that would be great. Three would be okay and after that......hmm it would take some planning and Henry Kissinger diplomacy........


thanks

jo