Park Strategies for a 30+ Person Group?

[Pixie Dust ✨]

Wow. I'm so glad that my group of 25-30 coming this summer are planning to wear "obnoxious group t-shirts". (That was their delightful vernacular, too!) That way folks who prefer to assign value judgements to large groups, simply for the sake of their size, can easily spot us to judge us in-person or avoid dreaded un-magical contact! Golly!

Hydra: CONGRATS!!! Also, thanks for putting up this thread. I'm one of the main coordinators for our reunion group comprised of alumni and Star Wars fans. We have many families with children around 5 yrs. For us we're simply planning 1 -2 experiences per day to enjoy as a group. We're having fun discussing various ideas and designs for our group t-shirts. So far we have also scheduled a pool day as a way to hang out together with flexibility to come and go. On days where we share a meal together, many families are choosing that we enjoy quick service meals to allow for families with younger children to visit for a while and then move on. It's helpful to hear others large group experiences. Thanks for your insights!

And lastly as an obnoxious Star Wars geek, a member of a large costuming club, I wondered if you were planning on May 6th @dhs as "Revenge of the Sixth"? Of course there just might be some DHS SW fun for "May the Fifth be with you…" Just mentioning it in case any of your party are SW fans. (Nice avatar TD, btw!) I can imagine that 05/05 and 05/06 might be fun geek days much like 03/14 is fun for math, engineering and Pi geeks!
Warm regards and again, Congrats!!

It's May 4th. ("May the Fourth be with you.")

 

[Mikie]

I last traveled with an extended family group of "just" 12 and the frequent advice here was "don't try to spend all your time together!". Well, we did almost entirely. For us, it worked out okay. The advice to split up WAS good advice, and I would have enjoyed it, but we did okay being together all the time (I was the planner, and despite telling others to go their own way when I know my itinerary wasn't ideal for their sub-group, they stuck with us anyway)

It would be hard to imagine doing everything together with a group larger than mine, but being fairly homogenous in ages and interests means it's not impossible. Your pool day and Epcot day don't really require too much FP or dining coordination, so everyone can easily spend time together those days. AK also is easy to do with few FP plans, so not too hard for you all to tour together. As to dining options - with a group that size and limited time remaining, I'd go through your wedding planner and simply see who can accommodate you at this point. Disney has so many great dining options and surrounded by friends on such a special occasion, you'll have a great time wherever you end up.

Congrats!

 

[Tiggerette]

It's May 4th. ("May the Fourth be with you.")

You're completely right! It's Revenge of the Fifth, and I think I've heard Return of the Sixth. Anyways, I'll go get in the queue to turn in my geek card now. How embarrasing! (Amusing too, but amusing and embarrassing!) Thanks for the kind correction.

 

[DVC4US]

First of all - CONGRATS!! on your Disney wedding! My DD was married there in 2013 and we had about 110 people at her wedding with around 50-60 of those staying at Boardwalk Villas, so I speak from experience. This was back before MBs and FP+ so I didn't have to worry about that and we really didn't have that many people who wanted to stick with us all day every day but we did plan some events for those that wanted to join us. We did not have all 50-60 for every event but probably at least 25-30.

1. Dinner at Big River Grille and Jellyrolls - BRG doesn't accept reservations but I spoke to the manager there and told him we would have about 20 people for dinner and he was able to reserve a section of the restaurant for us. For Jellyrolls, I just let everyone know what night and what time we would be there and they could join us if they wanted. We got there pretty much when they opened and saved a few tables for those that would be joining us.

2. We had an Illuminations dessert party for our guest after our rehearsal dinner. This is an expense so may or may not be in your budget but was an outstanding time for our guests. We planned this through our wedding planner.

3. We did a drink-around-the-world in Epcot. For this, we just told everyone what we were doing and where to meet. All of them also had my phone number so they could catch up if they missed the meeting time. I can tell you it is hard to keep that many people together in Epcot so we would just pick meeting places and if we got separated then we would grab a drink and wait at the meeting spot.

4. We also planned a night to watch the parade and fireworks in MK. Again, we told everyone where we would be and what time the parade went off. We got there early and saved spots on the curb for those that arrived later.

We are long time Disney goers and had plenty of people to help so a lot of these(waiting in spots) were not a big deal for us. My DD had a lot of help with planning and logistics including me and her mother-in-law so she was able to concentrate on herself, her groom, and the bridal party. I will echo what others have said and remember this is your wedding and you really want to enjoy the time and not remember it as a stressful time trying to plan everything for everyone else.

Have fun!!

 

[Hydra]

Get ready for a long post! Sorry I can't get back to everyone. Thanks for the responses!

First some background on my group since I didn’t elude to it earlier! Most of my guests are convention goers AND mutual friends ages 25-35ish. There are few people who don’t know each other and those who don’t are wonderful personalities I foresee no qualms. Let me also say I did not expect to see my glob of people be scrutinized. It isn’t uncommon at some of our events: Dragon Con, San Diego Comic Con and Star Wars Celebration that “we” go to dinners and walk the con floor as a group of 20-50. You can say that myself and DF are extremely accustomed to large groups. Additionally with the exception of 4 guests, all of these folks are couples.

If you really want to try it, I suggest just planning what you want to do, giving everyone copies, and telling them that they can tag along if they want.

This is what we were thinking. Create a rough itinerary and go at as a relaxed pace as possible. If people get separated they can catch up later. If people want to go their own way for a while, cool!

Are you going to want to go to a park after getting married? Is anybody? Weddings are so exhausting.

We plan to for anyone who wants to attend! The priority will be viewing fireworks, we are providing the funky mickey firework glasses.

We will be there the same week [at Riverside and in different parks]. Don't forget about the Flower and Garden Show in Epcot.

We are so excited for the Flower and Garden Show! It adds some small plate options for Drinking Around the World, so much fun!

I am planning a trip of 26 people for April! I can say I booked whatever I wanted and asked ahead if they want to stick with us they would do what we were doing... So when my 180 window opened I made reservations for everyone that wanted to do everything we were doing And when my 60 day opened I made all my fast passes and then on my Disney experience as long as you call Disney and make sure you have access to all of them as your family and friends, you can copy your fast pass to your whole party.... Later on we reviewed it and could change the experience for some folks who didn't do coasters etc. but they were able to get something else for the same time. With lots of planning and patience you will have a blast. I'm not sure if you know this but jelly rolls has a hefty cover... You guys may want to go to Disney springs?! Also there is a fun karaoke bar at the swan that may be fun for your big group! Biggest piece of advice is to make sure you and your hubby have some alone time to enjoy Disney!!! Congrats!!

Great advice, thank you! This is the kind of stuff I was looking for when I made the post, so thanks again! I had no idea about karaoke! As far as Jellyrolls goes, everyone who wants to go is aware of the cover charge. Cheap for a fun night of entertainment.

I wouldn't want to associate with a "giant mob of obnoxious adults" at Disney or anywhere else and am frankly glad that I'm going to miss this spectacle by a week.

Even if these people weren't "obnoxious," you can't feasibly tour in a group of 30. It's madness.

Wow, I did not expect this kind of comment from a DIS member! We are a Disney enthused, happy go-lucky group – I’d like to say we are a Jungle Cruise boat full of fun, but to each their own.

Wow. I'm so glad that my group of 25-30 coming this summer are planning to wear "obnoxious group t-shirts". (That was their delightful vernacular, too!) That way folks who prefer to assign value judgements to large groups, simply for the sake of their size, can easily spot us to judge us in-person or avoid dreaded un-magical contact! Golly!

Hydra: CONGRATS!!! Also, thanks for putting up this thread. I'm one of the main coordinators for our reunion group comprised of alumni and Star Wars fans. We have many families with children around 5 yrs. For us we're simply planning 1 -2 experiences per day to enjoy as a group. We're having fun discussing various ideas and designs for our group t-shirts. So far we have also scheduled a pool day as a way to hang out together with flexibility to come and go. On days where we share a meal together, many families are choosing that we enjoy quick service meals to allow for families with younger children to visit for a while and then move on. It's helpful to hear others large group experiences. Thanks for your insights!

And lastly as an obnoxious Star Wars geek, a member of a large costuming club, I wondered if you were planning on May 6th @dhs as "Revenge of the Sixth"? Of course there just might be some DHS SW fun for "May the Fifth be with you…" Just mentioning it in case any of your party are SW fans. (Nice avatar TD, btw!) I can imagine that 05/05 and 05/06 might be fun geek days much like 03/14 is fun for math, engineering and Pi geeks!

Warm regards and again, Congrats!!

Thanks for the kind comments! <3 Most of my group are 501st, Rebel Legion and SW club members! May the 4th as our wedding date is going to serve as a Star Wars lovers day. Our party favors will be custom Storm Trooper ears – I’m so excited! May 5th we figured would be fun for Epcot since it'll be Cinco De Mayo.

I’m extremely fortunate I have a very active FB group where everyone is posting links to Disney news and excited trip. We’re going to post itineraries and do our best to stay together. Everyone agrees that QS meals are the way to go… I certainly foresee some folks breaking off, but since you know how it is to be a roving SW family… Most of us just want to spend time with each other and GEEK THE HECK OUT.

 

[Hydra]

To those worried about "us" time for DF and I, we are going out a week before the wedding and staying at the Poly for a few romantic, relaxing days before the chaos. We've been with each other for 5 years, and don't really want a Honeymoon, so it's back home for some days of rest in the casa before back to work.

 

[LizardQueen8]

I...don't really have anything to add except to say that I'll be at POFQ along with you. Can I get custom Storm Trooper ears?

 

[Tiaramisu]

I wouldn't want to associate with a "giant mob of obnoxious adults" at Disney or anywhere else and am frankly glad that I'm going to miss this spectacle by a week.

Even if these people weren't "obnoxious," you can't feasibly tour in a group of 30. It's madness.

I have to agree. Can you imagine getting stuck behind a group of 30 at the FP+ checkpoint?

 

[Tiggerette]

Hydra, Awesome-ness! Would you mind sharing your vendor for the custom ears? I think our group might be interested in custom ears. If it's a private vendor, I understand. No worries.
Side note: Some of us in the NEG and OLG are going to Toronto Fan Expo, Labor Day weekend instead of DragonCon. Rooms just opened up for reservation. The Canadian Garrison does an amazing job with their booth and are very welcoming to visiting members! The booth (and people) are so awesome, we raised $21k CAD for Make a Wish in 2015. If plans don't work for this year, perhaps another year!
Once again, congrats. The Force is certainly Strong with your Wedding!

 

[Iowajes]

Our family does vacations with the extended family (30-50 people)- the best advice I can give you is don't try to be together at all times.

Everyday make a basic game-plan, and let people pick and choose throughout that. Maybe say "we plan to catch the early parade" or "let's go to the Laugh Floor at X-time" (or other high capacity attraction). But plan to break apart for the rest of the day and meet up as you do. Chance are you'll run into people throughout the day if you all just go to Epcot or MK on the same day. And enjoy your time around the pool.

You could also try to make some reservations to eat together, likely more successfully at off-site locations.

 

[BK2014]

I have to agree. Can you imagine getting stuck behind a group of 30 at the FP+ checkpoint?

I don't understand - how is being behind a group of 30 and worse than being behind 30 individuals who happened to arrive at the same time? And assuming that there are a set number of FP+ for a given ride at a given time, what does it matter if 30 of those slots are for a group or for individuals?

 

[Tiaramisu]

I don't understand - how is being behind a group of 30 and worse than being behind 30 individuals who happened to arrive at the same time? And assuming that there are a set number of FP+ for a given ride at a given time, what does it matter if 30 of those slots are for a group or for individuals?

It's not so much the line inside - it's the checkpoint itself. Bob scans his band, then Jane scans hers, then Mike scans his, but everyone is using the same side because they're too busy listening to Nancy's story to notice that there are two sides, then Joe asks who's sitting where and nobody moves down the line because seating arrangements must be discussed, then Frank wants to take a line selfie with the group and.....etc.

It never really happens that 30 random individuals all converge at once.

 

[Hydra]

I have a long commute after my Air Force reserve weekend so I want to pipe in to mention real quick:

I did not make this post to be chastised for wanting to spend my wedding celebration with my favorite people. Thanks.

 

[Gilmortar]

WOOHOO!!!! HYDRA'S SOON-TO-BE-MANSLAVE HERE. I joined on, as she told me about this thread.

So @Tiaramisu and @Hibiscus.... yes... it wasn't a literal "obnoxious" adjective. But anyway, Disney is about having fun, you don't have to take this board, nor the parks so serious, if you do you're missing the real point of the magic. We are looking for legitimate advice on the best way to get our groups on rides.

BECAUSE YES...I plan on having an entire Star Tours shuttle filled with our wedding guests, or a Tower of Terror elevator.

We have a knack for starting massive games of Heads Up on my phone in long queue lines with complete strangers. I'm sorry you don't see the magic of being in the park with 30 of your closest friends and family surrounding you, and view it as annoying. But we love the mouse, and we are all kids at heart so we will be us, you be you, and sorry if you're stuck behind all of us in the queue line or fast pass line, but you're more than welcome to join us in the game of heads up!

 

[Gilmortar]

I...don't really have anything to add except to say that I'll be at POFQ along with you. Can I get custom Storm Trooper ears?

@LizardQueen8 I'm on the phone with Hydra, and she said, YES, Because you have been so nice, we will make you a pair as well.

 

[GaryDis]

I'm confused. I thought the purpose of a honeymoon was to get away from all the people at the wedding and finally have some private time.

 

[seashell7290]

I am from a big family and we have always had around 20-25 people as a part of our tour group. We all enjoy our time together and wouldn't imagine doing it another way! Yes have a large party takes longer to board but it's all in good fun. We all wore the same shirt to get some pictures in and could easily identify each other. Congrats on the wedding op and I am sure you can work it out! There is a separate dining line to call to make big reservations but you can always try to do a few separate reservations and ask to be seated as close as possible. I salute you and your group for wanting to tour together. You seem like a fun group!

 

[Gilmortar]

@GaryDis...Not sure where everyone is getting the idea of us being on a honeymoon. But this is a destination wedding, so we want to spend time with these folks. We are taking a real honeymoon later in the year to somewhere just as awesome.

All of our guests have booked for an entire week, so its a big gathering of friends for us to all spend together. WE WANT TO BE AROUND THEM.

@seashell7290 thanks! These people are seriously our closest friends from all around the country (and one from Canada too!!) and we all get to see each other at nerd conventions 2 or 3 times a year only, so these are literally our favorite people in the world!

 

[Squggl3]

I always travel with a large family group of 25-34 people. we have always managed just fine. Everyone needs to be very go with the flow, this year we decided to break up fastpasses up into "groups" I handled a group of 7 people who all like all the thrill rides, my aunt handled her kids, and the grandmothers because they like slower rides. then another aunt handled her and her children ETC. We will still ride things together, and we all usually stick near each other. We also have about 7 sit down meals together as well as all staying at the same resort. Some people get very stressed with planning stiff for large groups, but it really isn't that difficult or stressful! we also had a Disney wedding and we had a large group then as well. Remember to RELAX and have FUN!!

 

[GaryDis]

@GaryDis...Not sure where everyone is getting the idea of us being on a honeymoon. But this is a destination wedding, so we want to spend time with these folks. We are taking a real honeymoon later in the year to somewhere just as awesome.

I think because its traditional to start the honeymoon immediately. At many of the weddings I've attended, the happy couple cuts out before the partying is over (and not only with tin cans and "just married" signs; usually someone gives them a ride to the airport; sometimes they'll head to their hotel room and fly out the next morning).

But I'm glad to hear that you're taking a separate honeymoon. Best wishes.