I have a LARGE family trip in August (1 GV and 7 studios booked) I need advice!

[Disney1fan2002]

From people who have organized large gatherings like this. I thought it would be a piece of cake, but I am quickly realizing we won't have much time to do much as a group. Everyone will have their own agenda, so trying to plan a gathering is bound to mess up plans.

I wanted to have a pool party at OKW the night we all arrive, but MK has evening EMH that night, and the only other day it will have evening EMH is the day we leave, so we really shouldn't miss it. Monday was the day everyone would shoot out of the box, and start their week.

DH says that we can just hook up when some of us are back for an afternoon swim. He is sure we will see enough of them without planning anything

ACK....this is the week we can start making PS reservations and I don't know what to do!

 

[dianeschlicht]

When we have done large groups, we plan to meet once each day for some "event". Often it is a parade, ride or show that we all want to experience together. Then we also plan specific meals together usually once a day. If everyone knows there is only one time everyone is getting together, it usually helps.

 

[rocketriter]

Your instinct is correct to not overplan. People have their own agendas, and trying to arrange everything for everyone can only fail. One possibility might be to contact everybody with a checklist of the evening meals and locations that you've already decided on--one location for each day, not a "choice"--and give them a deadline (for e-mail, 2 days is usually enough unless you know someone is out of town) for getting back to you if they want to join the group for each meal. 2 days later, you know how many reservations to ask for at each restaurant. One phone call and you're done. (And if a restaurant can't handle that many for that night, you just make the adjustment and tell everyone that's how it worked out.) Note that this is not a "vote" with people campaigning for their favorite place. It's just an opt in/opt out for a particular place each night. Very simple and it works like a charm.

 

[Figment2]

I agree with Rocket Riter. A group of us do a "Disney Unconvention" every two years in late October. A few of us come up with things to do (tours, grand gathering events, meals, etc.) and send out a sign up spreadsheet to everyone. You either go or not.

Whatever you do, don't try to tour the parks as a group. By the way, group dining phone number is 407/939-7707.

Good luck!

Cyn

 

[MdmMim]

When we had our group, we planned one meal together each day, and that was it. This way, people could do whatever they wanted around those times. (We had one elderly woman who was content staying in her room reading, looking outside at the flowers, etc. She'd meet us for dinner.)

For a few months prior to the trip, I mailed out a newsletter, telling them about the resort, how DVC works (no housekeeping, etc.), must-dos in the parks, packing lists. It prepared them somewhat for what was to come.

Before I left home, I printed out an itinerary for everyone listing all the ADR's and other pertinent info. I gave one to each party when they arrived at the resort for their reference.

I agree with NOT planning on doing the parks together. Too much of a hassle.

Good luck with your planning!