Need ideas for a small family reunion ...

[HazelsGenie]

Hello everyone...

I'm coming to you.. the experts!

I am looking for ideas for a place on or around Disney to have a small family reunion. We will have about 10-20 people coming from all different places and not everyone is staying on Disney.

I was thinking of just making reservations for something like Mickey's BBQ but was sure how long you were allowed to hang around. We haven't seen each in some years and want time to hang out. Rides and stuff are great.. but we need connecting time, ya know? I need ideas!

Has anyone done something like this?

Thank you!!

 

[Bren's Mom]

You could rent a park (as in nature, not Disney) pavilion. They're generally inexpensive. You can find an inexpensive restaurant who will deliver some BBQ or something else to eat. Someone can stop at a grocery and get a foam cooler, ice, cups, soda, etc. Or skip the delivery and have someone pick up pizzas, someone else get ready made salads, etc. Or hamburgers and hot dogs and sides.

A quick Google search turns up pavilions to rent at Moss Park and Wekiwa Springs State Park (rental is $75 per day for the state park).

This site has a number of possibilities:

http://www.ci.orlando.fl.us/fpr/HTML/top5.asp

And another idea. Perhaps check with VRBO for a home that isn't being rented. They might be willing to rent it to you for a 12 hour period. Recoup some of the money lost from not having it rented for the week. And then you have a base to hang out at all day.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

How about renting a house with a pool for one family to stay in and holding the party there? You could either cook simple foods or have some catered in.

We did a family reunion with about the same number of people several years ago. We all went to Colorado where DHs brother and sister-in-law live. We had one big BBQ at their house. Then we had several smaller events that people could join in on. We took a day trip to the Colorado State Railroad Museum. We drove through the Rockies to Estes Park one day. We had several lunches and dinners out - some in small groups and some in larger groups. It worked out really well and we were able to spend a lot of time visiting with everyone.

What you could do is plan several events around WDW - like a character breakfast one morning, a Wishes or Illuminations cruise, etc. Put the schedule out there and let people know you'll be making reservations (and they can't change their minds later!). You'll probably end up with several small group events where people can enjoy the time together. Then do the big house party so everyone is together at once.