Large Group! Tips!

[mom2mek]

Our family is planning a reunion at Disney World this Nov. There will be 16 of us, ranging in age from 2 to 61. Any tips for where to meet, dine, fun things to do as an entire group, etc? We are staying in an 8 bedroom villa 2 miles offsite. Would love any thoughts on character meals (8 kids, ages 2 - 12), and basic touring plan info for the parks.

 

[ms_mckenna]

We loved Disney in Nov. What are your dates? Are you planning everyone's trip? Can I suggest joining www.tourguidemike.com ? We are so glad we did and I am planning a GG for Dec 08 and I will be using him again.

 

[mom2mek]

We are going Nov 17 - 24th. We will be there for Thanksgiving day, so I know it will be busy, but hoping the first part of the week won't be too bad crowd-wise! I'm not "technically" planning everyone's trip; however, I am kind of taking the lead with the Priority Seating, Character meals, extra things (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Dive Quest, etc) Hoping to see some early Christmas decorations and catch the Candlelight Processional on our last day! I will check out tourguidemike.com.

Any other tips for that time of year, and/or large groups in general are very much appreciated. Thanks so much!

 

[danalee]

this might not be your cup of tea......but.

We had a group of 10 a couple summer's ago and while most went well, we had a "mid-week breakdown" not a big deal, just a couple of "I wouldnt do that or I wouldnt do this" kinda thing (nit-pickey things if you will).
Well I had planned the trip and in the middle of the week we all did the Hoop De Doo and it was really what we needed, it was corny but fun we all laughed and the night was a hit with all!!!

The comment was made that is was just what we all needed to remind everybody we are in Disney and who cares if someone snores, eats slowly, or pee's all the time or whatever, go with the flow, have fun, laugh and enjoy the time you are there and the company you have to share it with

We also did ALOT togther, most said not to, but other than the nit-picking day we had it worked out fine. We also had 2 "do whatever day's" we all split up and went our seperate ways and then met up for dinner and shared what we did in the day. We had a great trip and hope to do it again someday!

 

[webshark3]

After 2 grand gatherings of 15, and another with 9 this year:

Intend to do stuff together. But plan to split up, even for short breaks (different rides, etc). Quite often my wife would go back to the hotel for an afternoon nap, while my 2 year old stayed in the parks with me.

My sister is a "I need 3 hours to wake up and get ready in the morning" person. We didn't hesitate to leave for the parks early, and told her to just meet up with us. Everyone was a lot happier with the flexibility.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Our famil has also done the goup thing - although not that many people. You know your people better tahn any of us, but here's my take:

WE had trips go both ways - most of our trips we were able to stay together for the whole trip- or nearly so. My mom sometimes goes back to the room at night, esp. if she can find someone to go with her.

This last trip was the opposite. IT was okay for everyone else, mostly, ubt bad for me the planner, cause I got caught in the middle. Everyone complained to me about the plans I had made for them according totheir wishes and Disney's doings. UGH! (Like I took the brunt when they wanted EMH at MGM, but it was EMH at Epcot.) With all our trips, they should have known better.

I'm still confused about the breakdown. After many trips to WDW, I am done planning for the group though. It was that bad for me.

Anyhow, I seriously think you should plan for the group to splitting up at times and not be upset about it. With a group that large, someone is bound to feel unwell at some point in the trip.

Also, we did the off property thing. On -property would be a whole lot better, if you're really planning on doing LOTS of Disney. At least it was for us. WE did off half the trip and on the second half. theon-property part went much better. Off Property, we all had to come and go together - at least per car, and it was a real hassle. In the mornings we came in together, and in the evenings we left seperately, but we still had to have four/five people per car each time.

On-property, it was much easier to come and go in twos and threes. Okay, this sounds sort of silly I know, but ti can make a big difference.

AS far as fun things to do, I would also think a Hoop De Doo would be fun. I've never done it myself, but it seems like a good group thing. Most of the smaller resuarants would have a harder time with a group that large. I think Chef Mickey's or Crystal Palace would be fun forone meal. Another fun place to try might be Whispering Canyon Cafe. If you are staying off property, I'd eat breakfast at the house - per individual schedules, and evening snacks.

I'd plan no More than one ADR each day, and make it in the middle of the day. That way you could please both the late risers and early morning folks. Or else if ou are going to plan a breakfast or dinner, also make them towrds the middle of the day (late breakfast early dinner).

Another thing we found. If half the group goes early, then the second half tries to jion in later- it is hard because the first group alreasy has fastpasses. WHen more people try to join up with them, they can't get matching fastpasses, and they want to go on the rides they missed. Meantime, the early risers get bored and restless. Then everyone has to go to the bathroom at different times, and so on...it all adds up, especially when the parks are crowded!

Smaller goups most of the day are more efficient. You can't all ride together anyhow.

 

[seashoreCM]

Intend to do stuff together. But plan to split up, even for short breaks (different rides, etc). .

This'll make your planning easier: Intend to do stuff separately. But plan to meet up, even for long periods (same rides, etc.)!

Nowadays, sit down meals usually require a reservation (ADR) so this is a good way to guarantee everyone comes together. Afterwords, if someone needs a suggestion on what to do next, he can follow you around for awhile.

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[eliza61]

A couple of tips.
1) Don't try to get everyone to agree on the plan of action. We decided on a particular park but once there we split up. Much, much easier.
2)We planned a few big activities together. e.g. we all went to Fantasmic and Illuminations together.

Good luck & enjoy.

 

[disnut8]

I've done a couple of family reuinions and am planning another one for next year (plus various assorted friends). Here are my suggestions.

As others have said, make sure all members of your party understand that touring Disney World all together with a group of any size is almost impossible. The group has to split up during thd day in order for everyone to remain sane. I cannot stress the importance that everyone understands that before you even enter Disney World property. There will be subgroups of the larger group and each of those subgroups will more than likely mix and match throughout the trip. Uncle Bill's family might start out the day all together but Cousin Timmy might want to go with Grandma Rodgers and ride Tower of Terror over and over again. And then Grandma might want to spend time with her youngest grandchild and get Buzz and Woody's autographs.

Make sure there are enough cell phones. And make up cards with everyone's numbers on them. It doesn't matter if certina members of the family think they will never call each other, put all the numbers on there. Phones can be passed between the different family members so have all numbers accessible to everyone.

Don't plan too many all inclusive family things together. I will usually do one meal for everyone. That's a chore in itself to find a place that everyone will enjoy. Print out menus for everyone to look at. Limit it to about five places that YOU think are good choices. Don't show them anything else. If they get ahold of all the menus, everyone will have their choices and you'll be left with 16 different options which doesn't help you very much. Things like Hoop Dee Do or the Luau are good but everyone has to be aware of the cost and the up front payment. Character meals are good for the youngsters but if you have teenage males, they might prefer the ESPN Club or something.

What we always did was to get up in the morning and while everyone was getting ready, discuss each subgroup's plans for the day. Then people could choose if they wanted to join another group or stay with their family subgroup. My mother-in-law begged to go with my son and his family because they DID things and my father-in-law and brother-in-law just lolly-gagged around.

You are staying offsite. It's vital that you have enough vehicles to make the commute as painless as possible. You could have eight people still in the parks with only one vehicle between them. Five people want to stay for Wishes and the other three want to go back to the house.

Provide maps and written driving directions for everyone.

Places to meet - don't think about the obvious choices. I once planned to meet with my sister and her family at the fountain at the Muppets at MGM. I thought that was a good choice instead of the Hat. We mised each other because they were sitting on the one side away from the fountain. Now I use the Hall of Fame area to the right of the Sounds Dangerous building. At Animal Kingdom, the entrance to Flights of Wonder (but not right before a showtime) or the Dawa Bar (those there early can get a drink). At Magic Kingdom, the Roy and Minnie statue at the flagpole on Main Street. At Epcot, The Liberty Inn outdoor seating area or the United Kingdom garden area.

Above all, don't be a super planner. Be an advisor. And have fun.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

I have never done a large group at Disney, but I did do 6 families at an Odyssey of the Mind (school related science/creativity competition). By the second day I absolutely wanted to pull my hair out. The five members of the Odyssey team were all the same age, so it would seem we could all (including everyone's parents) be together all day. Seems simple.

Nope, we literally talked for 2 HOURS every night deciding the itinerary for the next day. Then we would meet in the hallway and talk for 30 minutes about breakfast BEFORE actually getting in our cars and getting to breakfast. (Um, I thought we had decided this LAST night!) Two adult members wanted to know what everyone was doing at ALL times. They wanted to discuss everything. They wanted to always be together, and then there were the endless food and bathroom breaks.

I would schedule dinner for everyone each night. I would schedule YOUR family's schedule for the day. Send that schedule out and invite everyone to join you IF they wish. Explain you do not expect everyone to stay together. You WILL be leaving first thing in the morning. You will NOT wait. They can meet up with you. Otherwise the waiting, and waiting, and "one last trip to the potty," will drive you bonkers. You could also announce when you will take your afternoon break at the pool, and welcome anyone to join your break time.

I wish you all the best!

 

[HannaBelle]

There has been a lot of good advice my PP's! I love to see how everyone else handles planning for a larger group.

This is our basic plan when we go...

1. You don't get to gripe about it if you did not help plan it. (And everyone who wanted to talk about it had plenty of opportunities!!!)
2. When someone stops to go the bathroom, everyone goes. (That seems so simple it is silly, but it works!)
3. We meet for one meal/event a day and split up for the rest. We always make ADR's.
4. If you are late, we are not waiting for you. You do not get to pout about it either.

I really like the idea of the card with everyone's phone number! If people are not happy with sharing their number b/c of roaming charges, maybe the group could consider getting walkie talkies?

 

[disnut8]

I thought of one more thing with large groups. We only had one child with us but everyone carried a card with them that had what the child was wearing that day. Also, take a digital photo of the kids and what they are wearing. You don't even have to tell them why you are taking a picture. You could have a couple of different family poses in the morning before you start out. Who knows, those pictures might be great for the scrapbook after.

Oh - and another idea since you'll all be in one house. You could do a simple group activity but one that everyone could do on their own. Something like the goofiest photo at a Kodak picture spot or the funniest photo of another guest who isn't a part of your group. Also, if you can, take group card games like Uno or dice games like Yachtzee or somethings similar. I took Rack-O which my in-laws had never heard of. Now they are addicted to it. They brought Dominos. We just set those on the dining table for anyone to grab when they wanted.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

. Things like Hoop Dee Do or the Luau are good but everyone has to be aware of the cost and the up front payment.

This is a good point. As I said, my family has gone to WDW many times before. On our last trip, I thought eveyone knew all the costs up front. Beyond my assumption, I REALLY tried to keep everyone informed.
It wasn't enough. Several members of the group still acted as though the price of each meal was a complete surprise, and beyond their ability to pay. I really don't think they bothered to look at anything I sent them.

This was my family, yours may be completely different...but the costs of everything can be a real issue when you are planning for others. The more they are able to choose their own meals, the happier they may well be.

Make sure they also know up front, that they will need to book ADR's for any sit dwon meals they want too.

 

[disnut8]

Make sure they also know up front, that they will need to book ADR's for any sit dwon meals they want too.

It also helps to expain all the little Disney things that don't apply to other theme parks. Like FastPasses and ADRs. Also inform them that the transportation once you get inside of Disney World is FREE. My father-in-law has been a couple of times with us but still things it costs something to use the Friendship boats in between Epcot and MGM and also the ones in World Showcase Lagoon. Last time, he shocked the daylights out of me by asking how much the Animal Kingdom Safari cost! And he had been on it the previous trip! I think I still have the emails I sent out for one of our family trips. I'll have to post them if I can find them.

 

[disnut8]

I found the first one I sent out. Here's what I did as a general introduction to Disney World:

The LAST NAME Birthday Trip of 2003 has been set for May 21-26. We’ve got two cabins at the Fort Wilderness Campground at Walt Disney World. I know that not everyone on the distribution list has committed to being there either for that entire time or for even the trip. But this is going out just in case. I’d advise you to keep this introductory document in your email inbox or print it out for later use. I’ll answer any questions you have along the way but most of the information is in here.

I use several websites and guidebooks as sources for my information. I’ll provide a list of the sites and books at the end so you can do more research if you so desire.

Groups

I’m going with the following groupings but I’m sure we’ll mix and match throughout the trip:

Rich, Sheri, Chris, Chandra and Marlie (my group)
Bobbie, Ed, Dave, Shanna
Dad and Betty

There’s eleven of us so we can change groupings as we see fit.

Accommodations - this is specific to Fort Wilderness but will fit nicely with the offsite house.

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness will sleep six. There is one bedroom with a queen bed and a bunk bed which, of course, will sleep two singles. In the living room is a Murphy bed that pulls down from the wall. All Cabins come with a fully equipped kitchen, including microwave, full size refrigerator, dishwasher and coffee maker, a full bathroom and a separate vanity in the bedroom and a living room with sofa and color television with VCR. There’s a nice size deck with a charcoal grill. Not included in the kitchen inventory are coffee, sweeteners, charcoal, coffee filters, small drinking glasses for the bathroom. Also think about bringing matches, insect repellent and a flashlight. Items such as dishwashing detergent and sponges are provided. There is full housekeeping service and they will stack and run the dishwasher . We will just have to unload it. There’s a table that seats six snuggly in the dining area.

Just remember that this is a campground. There are certain restrictions. We can only have one vehicle per cabin. We will have three vehicles so we’ll switch things around as needed. The third vehicle can easily be parked at the main entrance. Car traffic is very limited. So you can technically only travel from your site to the front gate and back again. You can’t use the car to get to the marina or to the pool or to the general store. Buses and foot power are provided for that. You can also rent bikes or electrical carts if you want.

Also, it will be dark at night, like a campground should be. Therefore, bring those flashlights! I plan to at least have a small penlight on me at all times. Disney World is a nature preserve as well so there will be critters in the woods. On our last Disney trip, Rich and I saw several groups of wild turkeys and armadillos. I wouldn’t be surprised if these existed on Fort Wilderness grounds. Also, alligators and non lethal snakes are known to come out at night so be prepared. Not that you will encounter anything but just be aware.

My group will have one of the Cabins with Marlie having a bunk bed and Chris and Chandra in the bedroom. Rich and I will have the Murphy bed in the living room. The other Cabin can discuss their sleeping arrangements. Just remember that there’s only one bathroom but there are clean comfort stations available. I plan to use those quite frequently if needed.

There will be laundry facilities available at all the Comfort Stations so you can easily do a load or two and pack lighter if necessary. Just remember to bring laundry supplies or pay Disney style prices for detergent and softener.

All the reservations are under my name because of the discounts that might be offered. But everyone will have their own key card to their individual Cabin (except Marlie). I will take care of those arrangements so we can have the discounted rates. This is not going to be a fancy resort where you just go up to the front desk and request things. It’s a campground and it’s rustic. All the themeing will go along with that.

Recreation at Fort Wilderness

We’ll start out with the free stuff –

• Two swimming pools
• Sand beach – you cannot swim in this, only wade (due to boats and the environment)
• Petting zoo
• Campfire program – Chip and Dale come over for a fire, sing-along and a Disney feature film. You can roast marshmallows if you want (bought there or bring your own)
• Electric Water Pageant – held nightly at the beach (around 9:45 PM). It’s a short water parade but very nice.
• Tennis courts
• Sand volleyball
• Basketball and tetherball
• Tri Circle D Ranch which is home to all the Disney horses
• Fishing in the canals
• Swamp Trail – 3/4 mile trail around the lake
• A 2.3 mile bike/walk trail that is paved and sandy

The pay stuff –

• All kinds of boat craft at the marina including water sprites, canopy boats and pontoons.
• Within the campground, canoes are for rent as well as bicycles.
• Horseback rides
• Nightly wagon rides
• Water skiing and parasailing

NOTE: then I gave a website link for other information.

Touring

There are some of us in the groups who aren’t exactly bowled over by the Disney World experience. That’s fine. I am currently working on a list of non-Disney attractions for those who would prefer a different Central Florida vacation. For my group, we will be taking Chandra and Marlie for their first look at the ocean at some point. Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral are about an hour to the east. The Gulf of Mexico and Tampa (and Busch Gardens) is about an hour and a half to the west. Universal Escape (which includes the Studios and Islands of Adventure), Sea World, Cypress Gardens, and Splendid China are alternatives to Disney World. However, remember that each of these major attractions will cost you at least the same amount, if not more, than a day at Disney World. There are lots and lots of “minor” things to do in the Orlando/Kissimmee area. That list will go out shortly after I’ve researched the options.

I will be doing the planning for my group of five. Everyone else feel free to make their own touring “plan”. Not everyone will want to do everything together. And that’s great. I’ll provide lots of advice and each person can decide on their own what will make their vacation. My group will probably spend all of the time (except for the ocean visit) at Disney World. If anyone wants to come along, feel free to do so. If you want to experience some offsite fun, go for it. This is a vacation, after all.

Tickets

A general description of the ticket options. Mine was before Magic Your Way tickets

• For those in the party that are thinking about non-Disney activities, you will have to decide what admission media you will want, if any. I will gladly make the arrangements to prebuy the 4 or 5 day hopper passes. For one day at Disney World, including taxes, you can expect to pay around $53 which is slightly lower than Sea World and Universal.

• With all that said, if you are even contemplating a return visit to Disney World in the next five or ten years, go with a 4 or 5 day hopper pass. This gives you the most flexibility for this trip and will provide lots of options for the next one. Any days you don’t use this trip will easily be used the next time.

• None of these ticket options include admission to the two Disney World water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon – or to Pleasure Island (a nightclub complex). If you want tickets with those options, let me know. I just didn’t think anyone would be high stepping it over to those venues.

So, you’re confused and you have a right to be. Figuring out which ticket option works best for you is probably the biggest challenge of any Disney World vacation. That’s why Rich and I go with the Annual Passes! This is confusing so please let me know if you have any questions.

For anything off Disney property – you’re on your own to get those passes and admission.

Additional note: you will probably be inundated with lots and lots of billboards announcing Disney World ticket discounts. Don’t pay them any attention. All of them are in combination with listening to a timeshare presentation that is promised to last only 90 minutes. I’ll see you in about three hours after you’re trapped in a room with a salesman that long. And don’t spend your time on ebay trying to get days off a used park hopper. Highly unethical and very illegal.

Meals

Since this is a birthday celebration, I made a priority seating for all eleven of us for Saturday night, the 24th. I had Chris make the decision since the trip started out with him celebrating his 21st birthday at Disney World with Chandra and Marlie. Marlie will turn 5 just a week before (the 18th) and Shanna will turn 21 the week after (June 1). I wanted to go with a non-park restaurant so those of us with limited park admission would not have to use a day on a pass just to go to dinner. The result was Cape May Buffet at the Beach Club resort. This is for Saturday, May 24 at 6:50 PM. I would suggest you plan to be in the lobby at the Beach Club around 6:30. We have a very large party and I had to break up the reservation to a table of six and a table of four (Marlie is small and we’ll fit her in) next to each other. Actually, I have no doubt that we’ll have one long table for everyone. This is the only meal I would like to request everyone to be able to attend.

This is a buffet and like all Disney buffets, costs $23.99/adult. It’s billed as a clambake but there’s so much more. Here’s a sample of the menu items offered (then I included the menu for the restaurant:

Rich and I have eaten here many, many times and have never been disappointed. Note that the kids can eat off the adult choices and the adults can eat off the Kid’s Bar. I can guarantee that more of the kids macaroni & cheese have gone down to a Niklewski stomach than to a normal guest. Beverages are an extra charge and there is a full service bar here. Also, try and be creative as you can color on the tablecloths to your hearts content. Crayons will be provided.

The restaurant has full note of all three birthdays so there will be lots of celebrating that night.

For all other meals, everyone is on their own. If you want a nice, sit down meal, I highly encourage you to make a priority seating at least a day in advance. To find out what is available at each counter service and restaurant, visit http://www.wdwig.com/menu/menus.htm. There’s a menu here from every food place in Disney World.

Rich and I have eaten at just about every counter service and sit down restaurant within Disney World and can offer lots of advice for what you want. Just ask.

And remember that you have a full kitchen and a charcoal grill at the Cabin. I imagine all breakfasts will be at the Cabin and I know my group is planning on grilling a little animal flesh at least one night.

Transportation

We will have three vehicles and the Disney transportation system to get us around. I don’t see any problems but I also don’t want to see anyone spending an hour to get anywhere. There are buses, boats, monorails, and cars available. We’ll make ample use of all of them.

Groceries

Obviously, with the full kitchen, we will need groceries. I’m expecting each group to bring whatever they feel they need. Remember to bring your choice of coffee and sweeteners. Other beverages and breakfast choices should be brought along as well. There are two general stores at the campground but their prices, obviously, are going to be higher than the outside world. Rich and I have a favorite Publix grocery store that we like to go to and it’s not that far away via car. So you can always restock things along the trip. I would not recommend depending on the onsite general stores for anything but emergency situations.

Arrival

At this point, it looks like my group will be in Kissimmee and at an offsite suite in the evening of Tuesday, May 20th. We will go to see the ocean the next day. The 21st is when I’m expecting everyone to arrive. We will have to discuss specifics of meeting up during that day based on everyone’s travel arrangements. I will check everyone into the Cabins on Wednesday morning so I will have everyone’s room keys with me. I’m going to highly suggest each group meet somewhere along the Boardwalk in the later afternoon or early evening to get things distributed.

Since I will be checking everyone in early that morning, I do not expect the Cabins to be ready for us. That’s not a problem and all I’ll have to do later after check in time (4:00 PM) is call back and get the cabin numbers. The room keys will be automatically activated so no one will have to go to the main desk. Do not expect to be in a cabin before 4:00 on the 21st. It could happen but probably won’t.

We went during the Flower and Garden Festival so I included a short writeup on what that was all about.

Communication

As far as I know, Rich, me, Bobbie, Betty, and Shanna will all have cell phones. Please plan on carrying these with you in the parks. But remember to turn them off during any queue line or, more importantly, during any attraction or performance. These will be very valuable for communicating with others not doing Disney things. I will provide a card with all cell phone numbers on it.

Additionally, we will be bringing two Motorola walkie talkies for people who are visiting the same park during the day. These provide communication within two miles and we’ll have the sequences preset. So if a group of seven decide to go to MGM and split up while one group rides Twilight Zone and the other goes to the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playground, we can talk to each other without using phones.

Miscellaneous Items - we stayed onsite so some of this won't apply

• You will be able to have charging privileges throughout the parks based on your room key if you so desire. This means you use your room key as a charge card and pay for everything after the visit. This can be done on a person by person basis.
• Don’t forget about package delivery back to the campground. If you see something you like at a Disney World gift shop but don’t want to lug it around with you, buy it and have it taken back to the resort. It will be at the main gate the next day. The only day you will not be able to do this is Sunday since we will be checking out on Monday. If you don’t like that idea, you can have the package delivered to the entrance of the theme park instead. Just allow at least three hours for the delivery to be made.
• Clothing – bring whatever you feel comfortable in. There’s no dress code at Disney World. If you like shorts and T shirts, bring those. More inclined to long pants and a dress shirt, feel free. There’s only one place on property that requires a specific dress and since the meal there starts at $100/person, I don’t think we’re going anywhere near it!
• Weather – more than likely, it will rain during the trip. Rich and I bought two ponchos for $1 at our local Dollar Tree and they fit very nicely into a waist pack. I highly suggest you do the same thing. These things are not the best but they keep you as dry as possible. Florida storms come up suddenly and can be violent. But they don’t last very long.

I hope you don’t think I’m taking over the entire planning of the entire trip. Far from it. I’m just bringing out the factors that will make or break a Disney World vacation. Things that people should think about before going. A Disney vacation is not the best when it’s fly by night. You need some introduction or you’ll be like the classic first timers who go to Magic Kingdom, never pick up a park map, and miss 95% of everything. I’m just trying to make sure everyone is starting out on the same page.

Invaluable websites and guide books:

I included sites and recommended books so everyone could research further if they wanted.

After this first email, I addressed any questions anyone had in another email. That one was mostly on costs and prices. The final email was when everyone had their travel plans more firmly set.

 

[webshark3]

4. If you are late, we are not waiting for you. You do not get to pout about it either.

I'll second that. Never felt guilty about leaving my "sleep late" sister during our Grand Gathering, and heading to the parks early. Did more before 10AM, than she (and those who waited for her) did all day.

 

[XxStaceFacexX]

I'm currently trying to plan a Grand Gathering and with people arriving and departing all different days it is very frustrating. The majority of my group will only be there from Thurs-Mon and expects to see most of WDW in this time. I want to rip my hair out. If anyone can offer suggestions I'm open to anything but right now I'm actually losing sleep over it. I want to plan the best trip possible and nobody has complained about my planning, it's just getting a lot in, in the short time we're there.

 

[ReneeDisney]

This is a great post! I love reading how others travel with a big group!

My family and I will be at WDW to celebrate Thanksgiving and stay for the week following as well. It is 10 of us! We are staying at a Grand Villa at Saratoga Springs. Our ages range from 3 months to 62 years old! We are all so excited to be spending time together.

This is the second time we have all traveled together to WDW and last time we ate every meal together and pretty much stayed together for the whole trip!

How we plan: Before we travel, we get together alot and talk about what places to eat, specific tours, parks and new attractions. We've already purchased our MVMCP tickets and are working on our ADR's for the trip. With that said, we are not "touring" folks. We typically pick a park and work our way around doing what everyone wants to do and we don't rush! We find it very relaxing to have sit-down meals and make that a priority in addition to touring the parks, resorts and spending ample time at the Pool. Since we'll be in WDW for 10 days - we have the luxury of time to explore the resort and do alot of park hopping.

You just need to bring your patience and remember that this is Disney World and you are on vacation!

 

[RyMickey]

We went with a group of 12-14 (it varied) last summer (with an age range of 6 to 73) and the biggest thing to remember is that by the middle of the trip, you're going to be tired of hanging around with everyone all the time. Around the middle of the week, plan for a day where anyone can do anything they want, but then meet up for a nice dinner and a chance to watch some fireworks. In the past, we tried to do the together thing all the time, but it just didn't work. It took some convincing to make my grandmother understand that we weren't separating because we didn't want to be with them -- we just wanted some free time -- but she got the point on this last trip.

With a large group, we've found that buffets and family style restaurants are most appealing as they offer the biggest range of food. Plus, they allow for character opportunities, which, at least in our group, was a big help. Having character meals made it less appealing to the young ones to wait in long lines for the characters at the parks. They just said, "I'll see him at Chef Mickey's!" Last time our group ate at 'Ohana's (which everyone loved), Hollywood and Vine, and Chef Mickey's. We also did lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern which had a wide-ranging menu (we didn't want to do the character dinner this time, although we've done it in the past).

If anyone in your party has been to Disney, be sure to get their opinions on things. One of our favorite things about traveling in a big group to Disney is that about 6 months before the trip, we all get together for a Disney meeting and discuss where people want to eat, what people definitely want to see, whether anyone wants to do water parks, does anyone want to go to Universal, etc. Then, 3 months out after I've planned out our agenda by looking at EMH's, we do the same thing, but try to be more exact - Monday, MK, dinner at LTT; Tuesday, Epcot in the am, Studios at night, dinner at H&V; Wednesday, free day, dinner at 'Ohana's; etc.

Keep in mind that not everyone will be early risers, so maybe plan for one or two early days and, in the same respect, not everyone will be late nighters, so plan on one or two late nights.

With a big group, it's really important to plan, but make sure you leave yourself some wiggle room -- what if it rains on your water park day, for example. My advice is to plan for one sit-down meal a day only. That can be your time to be together if you decide to separate.

Lastly, have fun!

 

[webshark3]

I'm currently trying to plan a Grand Gathering and with people arriving and departing all different days it is very frustrating. The majority of my group will only be there from Thurs-Mon and expects to see most of WDW in this time. I want to rip my hair out. If anyone can offer suggestions I'm open to anything but right now I'm actually losing sleep over it. I want to plan the best trip possible and nobody has complained about my planning, it's just getting a lot in, in the short time we're there.

I remember my first trip in 1979. There was only the Magic Kingdom, and we were wondering how we could fit it all in in only 5 days.

Not sure when you're going, but plan it this way (just an opinion):

Plan 1 full day for each major park: MK, Epcot, AK, MGM.
Don't pick the park til the day of. i.e. AK is not something you want to do on a rainy day if at all possible. epcot might be the best for a rainy day (lots indoors). So just play it by Ear, and cover a Park per day.

You may find (like we did), that you can do AK in half a day, so you still have 1/2 day to spend in a different park if you want (hoppers are a must when winging it).

Now that I think about it, 2 Grand Gatherings in two years, and we always winged it. We were always able to cover the parks in 4 days, and used additional days to covers stuff we missed and downtown Disney.

The only issue was full service dining (15 people). This year, I'm taking 9 for the Grand Gathering during free-dining, so due to ADRs everyday, we will be more structured, but I follow the same formula. Try to cover the 4 parks in 4 days, and use the rest to backtrack ,and do other things. But we'll be there 10 days. We learned to just book extra days, since we have a habit of going during hurricanes.