Large groups at DL

[BryANDJessMom]

So I have the touring with the family down. But now, a bunch of us ( just moms and kids) will be going to DL for Spring Break...guessing about 12-18 people. Ages will be 7-11.

Any hints for touring with large groups? Dining tips?

Thanks!
Nancy

 

[SarafinaPink]

I've never been with a large group, but my number one tip would be to NOT be afraid to split up into smaller groups and picking a time and place to regroup. Like if you have a bunch of little ones, have them spend the morning together while the adults go on the thrill rides, meet at lunch, then go see parade together.

Maybe have everyone make a priority list of things they want to do, ranked 1-5 and try and arrange groups according to that.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Don't be afraid to split up.
Have someone run for FPs.


We did a group of 20: 10 adults and 10 kids from 1-14

 

[BryANDJessMom]

Were you able to make ADRs for such a large group? I thought we could always meet up at meals. Did disney require a deposit for large group dining ?


Thanks!
Nancy

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Were you able to make ADRs for such a large group? I thought we could always meet up at meals. Did disney require a deposit for large group dining ?


Thanks!
Nancy

Nope. We all had Father's Day brunch at Goofys kitchen. They did need a manager to make a reservation for that large a group. But call at the 60 day mark for reservations for large groups to ensure they have space for you.

 

[8timesblessed]

We are a family of 10 and I agree with everyone. Split up and be sure each group gets pictures with photopass. I did feel like I was missing out on my kids experiences but they were happier being allowed to go!! It's alot harder to do things fast with a big group. I was the runner alot of times for fast passes and don't mind. We ate at Minnies, Blue Bayou and Carthay Circle and Carnation Cafe with reservations and had a big table. I called early. BB was the hardest to get into for me.

 

[Congo Queen]

If you are visiting DCA, check out the Paradise Garden eating area on Paradise Pier. It's a great place for big group eating. No reservations needed. Lovely landscaping, plenty of shade, and often live music performances at the bandshell. It is sort of out of the way so I've never had a problem getting a table of any size. And the best thing is that several restaurants are directly connected or very close to it. You have your choice of several venues for good eats: Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta or Paradise Garden Grill right there or Corn Dog Castle which is just a few steps away. That way people in a big group can all find something they like to eat and bring it easily back to a group meal in the garden.

 

[fitzaboo]

Like others have posted don't be afraid to split up, but also don't let kids split without telling... That happened to one half of our 23 person group last January and that half wasn't very happy!

 

[Jenn]

We had 13 last week including 8 adults, kids ranging from 15-3, 2 strollers and 1 wheelchair (and a partridge in pear tree). I made 2 dining reservations in advance - they was no charge or credit card required to do so.

My tips-
Big for us - FP runners!! Usually my husband and BIL would be in charge of those. We rode a lesser wait ride, had a snack, bathroom break, whatever and they were back in a flash.

Cell phones - we split up briefly but often. I have older kids, while my sisters have little ones. Often some would do one ride while some did another. Cell phones kept us in touch.

Headcount often- I walked away leaving my 15 year old at a snack stand. It was so crazy with all the little ones, mom in a wheelchair, I literally didn't even notice for 5 minutes and she was calling on her phone freaking out cause she turned around and we were gone.

Snacks - bring some along or you will be stopping every 5 minutes for somebody.

Bathrooms - ditto - try to go all at once or you will be stopping every 5 minutes.

Cameras - everyone take pics of everyone else! We shared our memory cards with each other when we got home. Each captured different things.

Have fun!

 

[figment_jii]

I completely agree about not being afraid to split up. It's really hard to keep a large group together at DL/DCA and make everyone happy. Here were some tips that worked for my group (11).

Pick a meeting place. Before splitting up, pick a place/time that you plan to meet back up. If someone isn't going to make it, tell them to call someone specific (i.e., have a designated coordinator who keeps track of folks).

We also had good luck feeding everyone at Red Rocket's Pizza Port and the French Market. Trying to get everyone together for a sit down meal was just to difficult ("I want this...but I want that"...type things).

 

[BryANDJessMom]

Thanks for the tips!!!