I am trying to plan a big family trip..any ideas?

[Disney1fan2002]

I want to use our points to give my siblings a once in a lifetime opportunity to stay on Disney property for free. So, in August 2007, I am planning a Family Trip.

Now, I have a HUGE family. We are close, but also like to do our own things. So, even though we will all be down there at the same time, there is no way we can plan on being together everyday, all day. I am going to leave it open to come and go as they please. BUT, I would like us to plan some things together. One idea I have is an Illuminations cruise. Planning a meal is not a good idea. Not for my family. What are some things we could do as a large group? Some of you I am sure have a had big family trips in the past.

TIA

 

[laceemouse]

Wow, are you nice!!!

 

[Figment2]

Look into grand gathering events. Two years ago we did the Safari dinner, the Wishes cruise and the Illuminations dinner. We liked them all but are definitely doing the Wishes cruise again this year.

The only advice I have is when you tell everyone to call to make their reservations for the GG events, that you stress they must call immediately. A couple of our people waited a few weeks and then could not get into the events they wanted. All of the events have a set number of people that are allowed (especially the Wishes cruise). Most of us paid one person and she made and paid for all the reservations.

Sounds like a fun time!

Cyn

 

[jeankeri]

The Illuminations Cruise was a big hit for us. Also, we had a pool day. The kids could all swim and we got drinks/snacks from Leaping Libations (BWV). This was a great break in the middle of our trip. Some of the kids spent time in the room with video games/movies- and Nana, who does not care for the sun.

 

[loribell]

I took my extended family last summer, there were 24 of us and 5 generations in all. Wehad an absolutely wonderful time and everyone got along great. My parents & great Aunt & Uncle, me, my sister and cousins, our kids from teenagers to an 18 month old were all there. I provided the rooms for everyone at OKW and it was a huge hit with eveyone.

Because most of the rest of them had not been at all or since I was a kid I planned the park days. Everyone was free to go their own way but they all trusted my judgement and wanted me to tell them which park was best to go to. Everyone even got up and was ready to leave for the busses in the morning to be at the parks for opening. Once we arrived at the parks the different age groups split up and did what was of most interest to them. The different groups then went back to the rooms when they felt like it.

The only thing I told everyone I wanted to do for sure as a group was dinner at Chef Mickeys. We had a blast. With that big of a group we were scheduled for the first seating times, about 5:00 if I remember correctly.

It was a trip of a lifetime. My dad and uncle, who were always to busy with cattle/farming when I was growing up loved every minute of it. No one was ready to come home when we had to head out.

Hopefully we will be able to do it again in a couple of years!
Lori

 

[momsully]

I've done two large group trips, one with my husbands side of the family and one with mine. They were both very different trips as no one in my husbands family had ever been to Disney World. On both trips we pretty much went our own way during the day but met up for dinner almost every night. We also did the Wishes cruise as part of the Grand Gathering and had the best time. I would highly recommend this as something you do with your group. I made the reservation and paid for everyone that way everyone got on the cruise. Everyone then paid me. With my family if they had to call and make their own reservation they would have waited to long.

After the first big trip I learned to just have fun and go with the flow. If somebody does not want to do something you planned don't worry about it and don't let it ruin your day.

That is a great thing you are doing for your family. Have a great trip!

 

[Nanajo1]

We did two large groups this year. My immediate family of 19(10 adults 9 kids 6y to 7months) went over Thanksgiving and stayed at OKW in a GV and 2 -1brs. We planned character meals but everyone split up before and after.I found the earlier the meal the easier it was to get seated close to our ADR time. We did the Illumination cruise for the adults which was great. I believe the boat only holds 10. It was decorated celebrating our 35th Wedding Anniversary, we had sodas and snacks on board.
The second group was last month. DH and me, DH's younger brother's family of 2 Adults 3 teens, one preteen, one 5y one 2yo, an adult nephew and his GF. We did the Grand Gathering Wishes Cruise that was a big hit. We stayed at BWV in a 1BR, studio and 2BR. This group stayed pretty close to us because it was President's week and they depended on us to "know the ropes" and manage the crowds.
Both trips were successful and everyone had a great time. I'm a planner but I go with the flow. I find it is better to have things planned and change the plan than be frantically trying to find someplace to eat when everyone is hungry.
Good Luck

 

[Dziadzi]

We have had a few family trips...planning another in August. I agree with Lori...we like to have one group meal together. Other days groups are on their own....we do decide to go to the Magic Kingdom on the same day so the little cousins can enjoy the experience. If you have cell phones, they come in handy when planning to meet up with some other members. Your best bet is not to lock yourself into too many "obligations"...you'll have more fun. Enjoy.

 

[snyderla]

We did a group of 14 last Sept. The 2 best things we did were #1 took a day off at OKW at our quiet pool and had a swim/cookout afternoon. We all really enjoyed that. The cousins got to play together and the adults hung out and ate and had a couple of beers and drank lots of water! You can borrow cooking utensils from the community hall there. We did it about 1/2 way through the trip.
The 2nd thing we all did together was have a late lunch at Trails End at Ft Wilderness. We took a boat from MK and it was very relaxing. Also note that neither of these things are expensive. We took a trip to Goodings and bought hot dogs and burgers and salads from the deli for the cookout.

Lori