Large Group Planning?

[Kara]

Anyone ever plan for large group?

A few families of our friends are thinking of going together next year.....
we want to plan the best we can so we can start paying now LOL....
so...did you tackle this yourself??
Should I contact my AAA agent or do you recommend someone else???
Where do I start??????????



is there a consistency to when they offer free dining?? We'd most likely use that plan as well...but I'm not sure when they offer it usually or if it changes.

 

[airhead]

How many in your group?

 

[Kara]

Not for sure yet, but possibly 20-25.
3 families of 4
one family of 5
set of 2
set of 2 or 3

 

[tink2]

I've never plannned for a group that large~ but am planning one for a group of 11 this year (3 rooms and different packages b/c of some having previous tickets). I planned one for a group of 14 one year for a friend of mine. I'd say if you have experience with planning a Disney vacation, do it yourself. It will save you money not having to pay the travel agent or middle man. Call and tell them your group size, they will transfer you to grand gatherings. GG representatives usually make it pretty easy for you~ they do it daily and have been good in my experiences. Our family vacation this year has been a pain in planning and it isn't over~ I've made a couple of changes already and have to make a couple more~ the Alabama/ Auburn football game has been moved to the day we were supposed to leave and part of our group is coming home early for the game and part is staying~ yes, that is going to be fun to fix in the reservation! LOL (we live in Alabama, and that is THE game of the year here)
Also, when you plan a GG, you get high priority in room choices~ they definitely put your rooms together first (before they put others together) and I was told while planning one trip, that you get second choice of room requests- behind special needs guests (don't know that info is true- but we've had good results)
Anyway, go for it, these boards can give you a wealth of info to help along the way!

 

[Kara]

Thanks!! I love the DIS!! Just trying to find all the info I need LOL! thank you!!

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

If you have 10 or more ROOMS to book call Disney's Leisure Group Sales 800-327-2989. They have special rates if you have 10+ rooms to book...which is suppose to be the cheapest rate for the resort you pick.

If you have less than 10 rooms, but more than 8 people then you want to book through Grand Gatherings 407-939-726.

Both departments will help secure rooms close to one another, help with ADR's for a large group as well as give you the option to book special events only for Grand Gatherings or larger groups.

Our family has done both in the past and looking to have the whole family travel together again next summer. The last time we all traveled together we had 48 family members in 2002. Next summer we'll more than likely have close to 70. My biggest advice is to plan early and hold family meetings. Do not plan on spending every waking moment with each other...split off during the day and meet up for one meal a day. Otherwise you'll be looking at a family feud.