Party of 24 has returned

[loribell]

I just had to post about our recent trip to the World.

In February of 04 I invited 24 members of my family, 5 generations, to join me for a trip. After discussing it with everyone while at the lake last summer and determining when all the kids would be out of school we decided on June the 8th through the 13th.

We booked 2 2-bedroom units and 2 studios at OKW. I requested that they be as close together as possible, be near the pool, some of them ground floor for my aunt and non smoking. I was absolutely amazed that we had 3 of the units next to each other and the other studio was just a staircase away and one floor up. I thought that all of our request had been met. We were in building 25 and I started thinking that maybe that was a smoking optional building from remembering Doc's maps, after looking them over realized I was right. Now there was absolutely no indication otherwise that this was a smoking optional building and I am very sensitive to smoke.

The 2 bedroom units were wonderful. Everyone absolutely loved them. I felt that the beds were a little on the hard side but other than that everything was great.

I have to say I was a little worried that some family members would back out on me or that we would have some trouble with everyone getting along the whole time. But it was an absolutely perfect trip. Most of the family had only been back when the MK was all that existed (we went together when we were kids), some had never been before. Everyone loved being there, no one was ready to come home, including my dad (who only went because I wanted him too), and everyone wants to go back again soon.

With the age & health of my dad & my great Aunt & Uncle I'm not sure that we will be able to do it again. I will say however that if they are able to go again in the summer of 07 I will do it again in a heartbeat!!!! We made some amazing memories and I can only hope that we will be able to do it again.

So for all of you that have had trips with family members that didn't turn out so good, and I have before, I just wanted to let you know that sometimes those magical family trips really are possible.

Have a great day everyone,
Lori

 

[loveswdw]

WOW!!! That's awesome and AMAZING that you could much less plan for a trip for 24 but then have it turn out so great! Too cool!!!

So glad you had a great trip!!

 

[RobDoc]

Thanks for the report- glad everything worked out well for your family!

Building 25 was originally "smoking optional" but was changed to "Non-Smoking" with the last renovation. I'm glad there are no lasting sensory reminders of it's past history.

Go ahead and plan that 2007 trip!

 

[loribell]

Thanks for the report- glad everything worked out well for your family!

Building 25 was originally "smoking optional" but was changed to "Non-Smoking" with the last renovation. I'm glad there are no lasting sensory reminders of it's past history.

Go ahead and plan that 2007 trip!

Well that explains how the room had absolutely no lingering smoke smell to it at all. I was thinking about calling to find out what they use to get the smell out!

And I think I will plan that 07 trip.

Thanks,
Lori

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Wow. What fun. Coming from a small family, a trip with that many people really sounds like fun to me. :earsgirl

I sure hope you all can make it back in '07

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

After hearing so many horror stories. It was nice to hear a great one. Any helpfull hints on how you pulled it all together?

Lisa

 

[Cruelladeville]

I'm glad your trip worked out so well! I am nominating your family for the Mother Teresa award--if 24 people all got along for an entire trip, they should all be nominated for sainthood!

 

[jmatias]

Thanks for the great story! Sounds like you'll have wonderful memories of this trip for a long time...at least until you can add more in 2007

 

[gilld]

What a nice person you are to book such a big trip for all your family. Glad it all went so well.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Wow! I enjoyed reading about your trip, and glad that it worked out so well. I have an aunt who will be turning 80 in '06 and I really would like to do something special for that branch of our family tree.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Bobbi

 

[MJTinNH]

Thanks for posting your story. I am happy you had such a great trip with your family!

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

Great story! We do need to hear more! Did you eat together as a group anywhere? Did you provide a loose itinerary? Please tell more about your success

 

[boston1029]

Wow! 24 people all on one vacation and I'm worried about 8. Happy to hear that it was a magical trip.

 

[DVCtinkerbell]

I'm so happy for you and your family to be able to create such wonderful memories!

I don't think I would have such luck with mine!

 

[MdmMim]

Wow! 24 people! That's great. I have a group of half that size going (all adults) in Dec., but there are many strong personalities. I'll be in a 2-bedroom, shared with 3 others (we need our space!) For everyone else, I have reserved 4 studios. (I never have to worry about a grand villa!)

Would you mind giving a few details for your success? Did you all stay together in the parks or split up? How did you handle meals?

We'll have some older folks with us, too, so this trip will be a special one for us, also.

I'm so glad this worked out for you!

 

[OneMoreTry]

Lori,

You've must have a great family.

Can you give us some of the details about how you scheduled your days. Time together? Parks together or separate? Meals together? Paying for the rooms? Making ressies? How far in advance? Did anyone have trouble affording their share and have to drop out of some activities?

If you have time to let us know at least some of these things I think it would help those of us that would like to do a trip with our large extended families some day. And make it work.

Again, you must have a wonderful family and I'm sure they're thankful that you put such a great trip together. Were you the only DVC member? ARe any others gonna join?

Neil

 

[Tennesotans]

Whoa -- I'd LOVE to have 5 generations at WDW. Care to share with us some stories or highlights? How old was the youngest and oldest? Sounds like a very special trip -- please share !

 

[Chim Chiminy]

Please, please, please! More details.........
I am planning our vow renewal for Jan. 08 and currently have about 32 people on our list. I am stressing already about it.
Our plan is to stay at OKW in a variety of units.

How was it with MS arranging for so many units? I feel weird when I call for our family trips and reserve 3 units. Can't imagine doing it for 4 studios, 2 1 bedrooms, 1 2 bedroom and a GV!!!!!

Did you cook a lot in the rooms? Eat at local establishments or Disney restaurants?

I am happy the trip went so well for you and you were able to share such a special time with your dad.

 

[loribell]

thanks for all the great replys. I will post this evening with more specifics. I'm at work now and don't have the time to do it.

I promise I will return with more specifics this evening!

Lori

 

[wintergreen]

Congrats! Sounds like you had a great time! I'm looking forward to hearing the details.