my tips for taking a big family

[jillofspeed]

My husband and I took our 6 kids (3 mine, 3 his) to dw in May 2001. At the time they were ages 14, 14, 13, 11, 10 and 10. We had a BLAST, and I have to say, I know a couple of tricks that made it work for us.

We had to drive from Georgia, about 8 hours, because flying was just too expensive. Even if we'd had a vehicle big enough to fit everyone, which we didn't, I doubt we could have fit all of our stuff in as well! So we rented a "church van" --- yes, a fifteen seat van, from a van rental company, and we took out the last row of seats for our luggage. It was less expensive than you might think, I believe it came out to about $100 day. And it was fantastic! there were two big captains chairs for dh & me, then three rows of seats --- two kids per seat --- plus plenty of cargo room. And the excitement it generated with the kids! They were having so much fun they practically forgot to fight. Having the extra room really saved on everyone's nerves too.

We rented two rooms at Port Orleans Riverside. It was a little cramped --- we had our 5 dd's in one of the rooms and my dh, ds, and me in the second. When we would get back to the room at night, tired and cranky, I would let some of the kids go out for a late swim in the nearby pool, while the more tired kids got into the bathrooms & into bed. This helped with bathroom shifts, and the kids who swam always came in much happier and relaxed.

One of the nights, after the kids were in bed, my dh & I left the two-way radio (a MUST have for large families) with the older girls, locked the doors, and snuck out for a drink at the pool bar. After a day at EPCOT with 6 kids, we deserved it! That's a very fond memory for my dh & I.

One big problem in the parks was bathroom stops. Someone always needed the restroom! By the time we would find one and get in & out, a half hour would have ticked by. Then, in a very short time, we'd have to repeat the process again. So I instituted a rule --- when one goes, we all go, whether we "need to" or not! This was a great time saver. The kids objected at first, but quickly saw the wisdom in it as it worked very well.

I budgeted about $300/ day for food, and that was about right. The younger kids still ordered off of the kids menus, so that was a big savings. While we didn't go "all out", we did eat mostly on the property. A very good memory was the Japanese Steakhouse. Of course with such a large party, it's best to work out your ps in advance, which we did several weeks before the trip.

Actually, I budgeted everything, right down to the cost of gas in the van, and the tip for housekeeping! It was an expensive trip, but there were no surprises, and I saved in advance so I didn't worry the whole time about the cost, which would have ruined it for me.

But the number one tip is: keep a sense of humor! Remember you are there to have fun, and don't let little problems get to you. Laugh at yourself, apologize if your nerves snap, encourage everyone else to do the same.

My dh and I are taking my three to dw next week, and his are going with their mom & stepdad a few weeks later. But, as excited as we are, we all remember the BIG van and our BIG dw vacation as the best ever, and we wish we could do it again.

 

[sweet maxine]

I enjoyed reading your post about taking a big family to WDW. It really takes a lot of work just to get such a trip planned, much less execute it all. It sounds like you are a true professional, and I thought the idea about renting the church van was very interesting. I think the most we ever had in our old full size Ford van was 8 people. That was one of the summers when we stayed in the old Fairway Villas. We had a good time, too. I think some of the happiest memories are when things aren't neccessarily "perfect". I always like to go when we have a group of us going. It just seems to add to the fun.

BTW, I also agree with your great attitude! You have to have some give and take when you travel with a large family. It's best not to sweat the small stuff, and choose your battles wisely. If everyone followed your advice, there would be a lot more smiles.

 

[Belle5]

I enjoyed reading about your trip with all your kids! We, too, have 6 children. We have an 8 passenger SUV that we drive on vacations (with a luggage carrier). We are cramped but distracted by the TV so we don't notice how cramped we are, too much. That big van sounds great, though! We also budget about $300-$350 a day for food. We have stayed in connecting rooms at the moderate resorts several times, but the kids really love staying in a condo--even if it's off-site. There is so much more room and we love having a washer and dryer! Thanks for the report!

 

[swilshire]

I agree with Belle5. As I was reading the original post, I was thinking how much easier it would have been in a condo. We only have four kids, but after nearly a decade of staying in timeshares, a hotel just doesn't get it for us any more.

Our lodging averages less than $100 a day for all costs. Sometimes slightly more, usually quite a bit less. Orlando has wonderful resorts. We always get at least a 2-br unit and sometimes a 3-br unit. When we get the larger ones, the third bathroom can be heaven since two of the kids are teenagers.

We don't do a ton of cooking, but buy a lot of simple food that can be microwaved or eaten cold (salads and sandwiches). The real joy after a long day at the park is that some can be eating while some bath, etc. Ditto in the morning. Some get dressed while others eat, then they rotate. No sitting in restaurants with cranky kids waiting for a meal.

A 2-br unit has three TVs, so there are fewer arguments about who watches what. And I totally agree with the charms of the washer/dryer. It doesn't feel like a major inconvenience to throw in a load of wash while we have a meal, and it is SO wonderful not to spend days catching up when I get home. We can also pack lighter knowing that clean undies can always be available.

Timeshare rentals are pretty readily available via the internet these days if you don't want to commit to a purchase. Try it once with a large family and you'll never go back!

Sheila

 

[Momof5cubs]

Thanks! As a mother of 5, I am always looking for tips! The 2 way radios are a great idea

 

[jillofspeed]

Yes, we did consider going off-site to a condo as a good alternative. There are good deals to be had on large hotel suites too, which would probably have been roomier and less expensive as well. We would have been much less cramped, and if we were going to do it very often, I'm sure we would end up going that way. But since we felt it we may never do it again, we wanted to be on-site, mostly for the easy transportation and the EMH.

And frankly, a break from cooking is a big part of going on vacation for me! Though my step daughters don't live with us full time, we have them quite a bit and I have to think up plenty of meals for 8, which can be hard, even though I get lots of help cleaning up. So, having a kitchen would have been a "downside" for me!!!

The togetherness turned out to be good for us in a way, anyway. My husband had very little faith that the 5 girls would get along well in one room together like that. I told him, "we'll be at WDW! they'll find a way!" I don't think there was one single fight in that room the whole week, other then a few "move over!"s at bed time. Plenty of noise though!

 

[Sandy Feet]

Thank you jillofspeed. Very encouraging to read and also made me realise 3 kids isn't so bad Just kidding! Most of my friends only have 1 child, so 3 seems like a lot to them!

 

[jkjjhuddle]

Great Post! I only have two children, but my sister will soon have four and wants more. Everyone keeps telling her she will sacrifice being able to do things lilke big trips. I will direct her to this post so she will know differently. Thanks!

 

[Fizban257]

Great post! Even when it's just DW and me, I still use the "one goes, we all go" rule for the bathroom, it's a real time saver!

 

[Kimberle]

Sounds like a wonderful family vacation!

Before you know, all 6 kids will be out on their own and it will be just you & your dh at home. You will have these wonderful memories to cherish!!