Looking for Pointers from Fellow DIS'rs

[went503]

So i am attempting my first family disney trip in February 2012. I have book our rooms at the AKL already and now just trying to get the other preperations in order. Right now we are up to 14 people so this should be fun and also interesting. Anyone else have experience with large groups to tell me what to do as far as dining, maybe what to do and what not do with anything in particular.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Be prepared for people to back out and cancel. Especially at the last minute.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Yes, by all means make sure your timing covers your banking deadlines so you will be prepared for those people who back out.

What size units did you book? I would try to book what gives you the best options for cancellations.

When we have done large groups, we set the ground rules LONG before we even invite them. We have a planning meeting with the group and explain what we are paying for and what they are responsible for. Then we give them as much DVC info as we think they can handle and make sure they know that there WILL be a deadline "drop dead date" that they have t o let us know FOR SURE that they are going....NO EXCEPTIONS! j

For meals with large groups, we have never tried to do more than one meal all together at an eatery. Most of the times with large groups, we plan one main meal a day in the villa. When it involves a GV stay, we usually have different family groups plan the meal of each day. That way, each group knows which main meal they are responsible for, and then when we shop, we all go our seperate ways. We do buy common things for breakfast though, and each person is responsible for preparing their own breakfast.

We also do NOT try to stay together as a group. That is just too difficult and can cause total breakdowns! Instead, we plan one or two main things we want to be sure and do together each day. That way we can all meet once or twice...do our group activity and then smaller groups can go on from there. We do usually pick a park to start with each day though.

 

[Tigger031266]

Yes... Be prepared for people to back out. Mentally dont get hurt feelings.

I think you should consider the Adding on the dinning plan about 3 days before, once you have final count. Require payment before you make reservations. That will do a few things. Lock people into eating together, control costs, Eliminate risks that anyone pays an unequal amount at meals, eliminates people breaking away and going off site.

Expect people not to do the parks. I would have 2 group activities. The crazy park people and the stay at hotel grandma group.

Dont schedule every day. Have free days. On the days that you do schedule, either have free nights or free days.

Plan to do less than you think.

That said Febuary is a great time to go... should be less lines.

 

[went503]

Thank guys right now i have 6 studios booked directly for the cancellation possibilities. Each family has there own studio. I have been very informative on my deadline's and so far they have been ok with everything. I figure if people do back out i will then see if we can migrate to GV or something but im not pulling that plug till we get closer.

I guess we will just wait and see. Any more information you guys have is greatly appreciated.

 

[Figment2]

Diane brought up some very good points especially the don't try to stay together as one group. You will never get anything done. Plan on meeting up maybe once a day for a meal or to watch fireworks.

If any of your group have an Iphone, we are big fans of Tripit. It's great to keep track of what is planned for every day. I make everyone in our group travellers but only some people can actually edit details.

Good luck!

Cyn