Large group for Halloween party in August

[CamillaF]

Disboards I would like some of your input. I have a large family group (14 of us) going to the Halloween Party on Aug 15th. I got Great Grandparents who are in there 70's and have mobility issues, Some grandparents in there 50s, Some parents in there 30-40's and 5 kids ranging from 9-12.

2 of the kids this will be their first and most likely only trip to the Magic Kingdom and or Disney world. These kids have been having a very difficult home life and I am excited to see them as kids for a night. They are thrill seekers who will most likely want to see and do as much as they can. My kids and family were there a not long ago and go with the flow. The other kid gets really bad motion sickness and will stay off most rides.

No one but me plans. I love planning so it's not a big deal. How would you handle such a group?

 

[BrianL]

First of all, sounds fun! I love MNSSHP and that's on my Birthday too.

Anyway, with a group like that, I would definitely have some time dedicated to splitting up. Maybe pick things you will all do together, like the parade or Fireworks, but then let some folks explore the thrill rides. Some of the rides will be easy during the party, though some will be more difficult, like 7DMT and undoubtedly TRON. If there are special events or overlays, then Pirates and Space Mountain may have longer lines too. Haunted Mansion is busy too. Don't waste all of your party time in line for those rides. If the coaster junkies wanna get their thrills, head over to the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness as the line there is typically quite short - chain-ride that baby! I also recommend the photo ops in front of HM, but those get lines so plan accordingly. Oh, and don't forget a few treat trails - some candy for the kids...and adults of course too!

Have fun!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I would probably plan to take it pretty easy on days before and after the party, and then spend the morning of the party sleeping late and going in the pool. In other words, a quiet, relaxing day, especially for the older folks. I would try to make an ADR in MK for somewhere around 4pm. We like Liberty Tree Tavern for family meals. (We brought my mother on her first and second trips at ages 92 and 93 and used a light wheelchair from home.) After that we were free to start our party night. (We’ve done two or three MNSSHPs and love them.)

One thing I will warn you about is August heat - it is really strong and can zap the life out of you. I’d say it’s harder on older people than it is on younger people, so keep that in mind. Walking could be tough for the older folks, especially if it’s super hot and the sun is out. I would have them each pack a small umbrella as it helps block the sun whether they’re walking or riding (or a hat or visor could serve a similar purpose). Keep them hydrated. Heat exhaustion is a real thing in the parks, I’ve seen it many times. We were there on a particularly hot week in June a couple of years ago and there were ambulance crews everywhere taking people out on stretchers, so this can’t be overstated, if it’s very hot and humid.

For park strategy I would agree with the plan to maybe split up, or stay together but at a slower pace for the older folks. Maybe some of you could take the kids on rides and some could guide the rest of the group in whatever they do. Shows might be good - Tiki Room, Country Bears, Mickey’s Philharmagic, Hall of Presidents - older folks also like to stop for an ice cream (? Dole Whip) and watch parades and fireworks, etc. My mother enjoyed rides and we took her on a bunch, but she also didn’t mind sitting some out, as well, and watching the world go by. Her favorites were Small World and Soarin (Epcot) she cried with both experiences she loved them so much. I would also think about who will go back with people if they want to leave early, and who will stay for those who want to close the park down.

Hopefully it’s not super crowded and you all have a good time! Some groups like to dress alike you could always all get orange tee shirts or something like that if you wanted to. They also sell some cute Halloween head gear at discount places like WalMart and Dollar Stores if you want to get some fun, party things but are on a budget. (Many people dress up.)

 

[disneychrista]

Is it just me or does Halloween and August just not look right in the same sentence?

 

[CamillaF]

I would probably plan to take it pretty easy on days before and after the party, and then spend the morning of the party sleeping late and going in the pool. In other words, a quiet, relaxing day, especially for the older folks. I would try to make an ADR in MK for somewhere around 4pm. We like Liberty Tree Tavern for family meals. (We brought my mother on her first and second trips at ages 92 and 93 and used a light wheelchair from home.) After that we were free to start our party night. (We’ve done two or three MNSSHPs and love them.)

One thing I will warn you about is August heat - it is really strong and can zap the life out of you. I’d say it’s harder on older people than it is on younger people, so keep that in mind. Walking could be tough for the older folks, especially if it’s super hot and the sun is out. I would have them each pack a small umbrella as it helps block the sun whether they’re walking or riding (or a hat or visor could serve a similar purpose). Keep them hydrated. Heat exhaustion is a real thing in the parks, I’ve seen it many times. We were there on a particularly hot week in June a couple of years ago and there were ambulance crews everywhere taking people out on stretchers, so this can’t be overstated, if it’s very hot and humid.

For park strategy I would agree with the plan to maybe split up, or stay together but at a slower pace for the older folks. Maybe some of you could take the kids on rides and some could guide the rest of the group in whatever they do. Shows might be good - Tiki Room, Country Bears, Mickey’s Philharmagic, Hall of Presidents - older folks also like to stop for an ice cream (? Dole Whip) and watch parades and fireworks, etc. My mother enjoyed rides and we took her on a bunch, but she also didn’t mind sitting some out, as well, and watching the world go by. Her favorites were Small World and Soarin (Epcot) she cried with both experiences she loved them so much. I would also think about who will go back with people if they want to leave early, and who will stay for those who want to close the park down.

Hopefully it’s not super crowded and you all have a good time! Some groups like to dress alike you could always all get orange tee shirts or something like that if you wanted to. They also sell some cute Halloween head gear at discount places like WalMart and Dollar Stores if you want to get some fun, party things but are on a budget. (Many people dress up.)

Thank you for the insight. I will keep it in mind especially the heat.

 

[Karin1984]

Have the 2 kids ever been to a themepark before? It can be quite overwhelming, regardless of age. Plus the heat.

If they have (or figure it out on the first days), gather what everyone would like to do on the party night and find a way to do one thing of each list.

Don't be afraid to split up. It is quite a diverse group and keeping everyone together all the time might not work.

 

[CamillaF]

Have the 2 kids ever been to a themepark before? It can be quite overwhelming, regardless of age. Plus the heat.

If they have (or figure it out on the first days), gather what everyone would like to do on the party night and find a way to do one thing of each list.

Don't be afraid to split up. It is quite a diverse group and keeping everyone together all the time might not work.

I believe this is the only large them park 3 of the kids have been too. 1 of the kids (who is motion sick) has been to local them parks and is fine just watching and enjoying the shows. the other 2 kids have been to local amusement parks and have gone on some of the crazy rollercoasters that are more extreme then what Disney offers.

but yes I will take in that the park might be overwhelming. Thanks for the feedback.