My First Grand Gathering

[BroganMc]

Well after much hemming, hawing and tears (this just for the pre-planning negotiations), I managed to nail down my family to its first (and maybe last) Grand Gathering at SSR.

Called today and booked three rooms at the resort June 21 - 26, '09. One room is handicapped accessible (a dedicated 2bedroom). No problems with availability under the new booking system though I did note a few quirks.

- No cash nights were coming up yet in the system post June 25. I have to call back and add a cash night for us on June 26. (Our post group unwind day.)

- The system initially quoted a point count for the whole week then flagged itself as in error before the CM completed the confirmation. In this case the computer was smarter than the humans. We both missed it.

- They book rooms one at a time. Doing my handicapped room, with the required call to Special Needs, took 25 minutes. Most of it with me on hold or the MS CM on hold. The other rooms took less than 5 minutes. I really do wish they'd streamline the HC reservation process. I wouldn't dare try this at NYE.

For those keeping count, this grand gathering includes 4 families with 8 adults and 9 children ages 2 - 11. Yes, 17 very independent-minded, opinionated people. Is there a support group for the planners?

 

[Caren]

You're very brave. I've from time to time thought about doing the extended family thing, but can't think of a way to do it that wouldn't result in major whining and hurt feelings.

 

[BroganMc]

You're very brave. I've from time to time thought about doing the extended family thing, but can't think of a way to do it that wouldn't result in major whining and hurt feelings.

I host Christmas at my house every year too. Whining and bruised egos are all part of the experience. The secret to survival is having a personal ejection seat. For me that's an Annual Pass, a powerchair and the nearest bus stop. The MP3 player and bottle holder attached to my armrests help too. I've learned to love solo strolls.

 

[Chellymouse]

Keep us posted! DH's family is starting to "inquire" about a family trip.... Not that I don't love my in-laws and nieces and nephew...but....

 

[ACDSNY]

I understand what you're going through. I'm working on our Nov 09 trip, WDW & cruise. Sometimes they drive me nuts, but it's usually worth it. We're up to 10 adults & 7 kids, but it may grow to 17 adults & 9 kids.

 

[kikiq]

Oh you are brave. Our GG which starts in 10 days started with 10 people. My brother and wife had to cancel due to her dad's illness. So we were at 8, and now back to 10..added a good family friend who thankfully is a dvc member.
I took the sage advice of many disers and resisted booking the GV, thank goodness we have a studio and a 2 bdrm. Even after my brother had to cancel my dh decided that having an "escape valve" aka the studio was a good idea.
My dh has already nixed any "family" gathering with his family, too much drama. And we'll see if going with all my family will happen again after August 9.

 

[Alysa]

We did a trip with 17 in 2001 at the BWV a grand villa and two studios - it was marvelous. It went surprisingly well, I think because there are so many places to escape to!
Have a great time!

 

[tomandrobin]

Well after much hemming, hawing and tears (this just for the pre-planning negotiations), I managed to nail down my family to its first (and maybe last) Grand Gathering at SSR.

Called today and booked three rooms at the resort June 21 - 26, '09. One room is handicapped accessible (a dedicated 2bedroom). No problems with availability under the new booking system though I did note a few quirks.

- No cash nights were coming up yet in the system post June 25. I have to call back and add a cash night for us on June 26. (Our post group unwind day.)

- The system initially quoted a point count for the whole week then flagged itself as in error before the CM completed the confirmation. In this case the computer was smarter than the humans. We both missed it.

- They book rooms one at a time. Doing my handicapped room, with the required call to Special Needs, took 25 minutes. Most of it with me on hold or the MS CM on hold. The other rooms took less than 5 minutes. I really do wish they'd streamline the HC reservation process. I wouldn't dare try this at NYE.

For those keeping count, this grand gathering includes 4 families with 8 adults and 9 children ages 2 - 11. Yes, 17 very independent-minded, opinionated people. Is there a support group for the planners?

A glutten for punishment I see. Hope all goes well

 

[backyardponder]

My suggestion to you is to NOT over-plan. Just about everybody will have different ideas on what to do, where they want to go, and what hours they want to do things. Being there for 5 nights, I'd suggest only planning for 1 or 2 "everybody participates" things. Otherwise, everybody can do their own thing and if folks want to hang out together, they can.

Have one of your rooms with a full kitchen designated as a hang out area, well stocked with refreshments and food.

When I've been on cruises with groups, our only real "rule" was we all get together for dinner together at an assigned dining time and assigned table. Doing this is easier on a cruise instead of at WDW. All other time everyone was on their own, and some did things together and others didn't.

Relax, go with the flow, and enjoy.

 

[BroganMc]

A glutten for punishment I see. Hope all goes well

Yup, that's me. Certifiable.

 

[wildernessDad]

I really liked the Wishes boat ride. It was pretty cool.

The safari celebration dinner was alright too, imo.

 

[dgaston]

Here's to escapes with fun Grandpa and fun aunt.

 

[BroganMc]

I really liked the Wishes boat ride. It was pretty cool.

The safari celebration dinner was alright too, imo.

Mind if I ask a few questions about those?

They tell me the fireworks cruises are wheelchair-friendly. Did they put you on a Friendship boat? And where are they parking you for the fireworks?

I admit the safari celebration dinner intrigued me most. I figure I won't get that close again unless I book AKV and get a sunrise safari someday.

All the events are pricey. I may be able to tempt 8 of my group for one but I highly doubt I'd get all of them. As it is I'm having a hard enough time justifying the Photopass Session package at SSR. I just think doing it will be a much more efficient and successful way of corralling all 17 people in a family photo. Being able to have everyone's photopass pics put on the same CD is the topper.

 

[Karenj2]

I'm jealous! I had wanted to have a grand gathering last year, when DH and I were celebrating our 10th anniversary. We invited the entire extended family - DH's parents, brother & family, and sister & family; and my parents, older sister & family and younger sister & fiance... Well, after a whole bunch of polling, hemming & hawing, the only ones truly interested were my older sister & family and DH's parents - who hate Florida in the summer.

So, we un-invited DH's parents (with their permission), and just went with my sister's family... We had so much fun, we're doing it again this year! (And hopefully next year too!)

Anyway, good luck with your plans. I'd make sure that you and grandpa mohawk get ADRs for wherever YOU want to eat, and let the rest of the peeps figure out their own meals!

 

[ACDSNY]

My suggestion to you is to NOT over-plan. Just about everybody will have different ideas on what to do, where they want to go, and what hours they want to do things. Being there for 5 nights, I'd suggest only planning for 1 or 2 "everybody participates" things. Otherwise, everybody can do their own thing and if folks want to hang out together, they can.

Have one of your rooms with a full kitchen designated as a hang out area, well stocked with refreshments and food.

When I've been on cruises with groups, our only real "rule" was we all get together for dinner together at an assigned dining time and assigned table. Doing this is easier on a cruise instead of at WDW. All other time everyone was on their own, and some did things together and others didn't.

Relax, go with the flow, and enjoy.

This is how we do our family trips too! I usually take care of making the reservations for rooms and flights only.

 

[BroganMc]

I'm jealous! I had wanted to have a grand gathering last year, when DH and I were celebrating our 10th anniversary. We invited the entire extended family - DH's parents, brother & family, and sister & family; and my parents, older sister & family and younger sister & fiance... Well, after a whole bunch of polling, hemming & hawing, the only ones truly interested were my older sister & family and DH's parents - who hate Florida in the summer.

DELETED

 

[hrsmom]

Good luck!!

I'll definitely be watching your journey! We're planning on one for June 2010. We already have my family, my sister and her family, and my mother confirmed. Right now I'm thinking we'll have a 2 bedroom and possibly 2 studios. I'm definitely interested in hearing all the details of your planning and then your post trip info!