Planning a 6 family reunion - need advice

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

I'm planning a 20 year reunion in October of 2009. 7 Families will be coming from the following states:

1. Pennsylvania
2. Colorado
3. Virginia
4. Texas
5. Florida
6. Connecticut

Two families require "Family Suites".
The age spread of children is 2-13 years old.
We want "Value" resorts. (does the Pop offer family suites?)

I know many of you are experts at Disney planning. Please share your tips and tricks for how to plan a reunion of a diverse group!! Questions:

Should we do the dining plan? (I'm thinking yes...)
Should we all join AAA before booking? Is it worth it?
How do we book a reunion together, but pay separately?

Thank you for your help!

 

[AutumnKlassic]

go to the DisneyWorld.com page and type magical gatherings in the search and it will take you to the page you need.

 

[Debi]

The All Star Music is the only value resort that offers family suites. The family suites can sleep up to 6 people per room, plus one child under age 3.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

I'm disappointed that one of our families require a family suite. It totally restricts us. It's not like they're a big family! There's only four of them, and the kids are 7 & 2 !! whattabunch of divas.

I really didn't want to stay at the all stars again. I've stayed there for the last TWELVE vacations. I really wanted to try the Pop.

grump grump.

 

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

AutumnKlassic: thanks for the recommendation to research Magical Gatherings on the Disney site. I've been reading up on the exclusive activities that M.G. folks can pay extra for (not much of a perk.)

Actually, I was wondering if anyone has any first-hand experience or suggestions on what works or doesn't work when doing a reunion with a group of families?

Thanks so much!
Carolyn

 

[DjdBrit]

Why don't you all stay exactly where you want and plan activities togther like diner at CM or riding Its a small world. Have each family pick one thing and do that and let the rest of the trip be family alone time. You will end up getting split up anyway Just a thought. Good luck.

 

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

Why don't you all stay exactly where you want and plan activities togther like diner at CM or riding Its a small world. Have each family pick one thing and do that and let the rest of the trip be family alone time. You will end up getting split up anyway Just a thought. Good luck.

If we stay at different hotels, how does that affect a magical gathering?

It seems that "magical gathering" is just a term with no substance. It's just 6 families, at 6 hotels, who coincidentally happen to be at DW at the same time. So what is the "magical gathering" part?

I'm really trying to put together a cohesive group event, and it seems like there is no framework for this. Has anyone ever done this?

 

[DjdBrit]

Yeah, I never thought of that...

Just trying to help. Sorry :0

 

[bryanyu]

My first suggestion would be to rent a couple of houses. When you do this, you can devide the rent by how many rooms used.

My second suggestion is not to do it.
Ok you have 6 familys.. with twelve descision makers. Do you really think that you can agree on the same thing for the same time? Remember, you are spending a great deal of money to do what other people want to do.

Just my thoughts.

 

[nicki.momof3]

I planned a trip with 3 families last year to universal for a week. We all stayed where we wanted to and I planned (made reservations) a CM or another special meal each day. Everyone went to the "special gathering" and the rest of the time was with their individual families. Sometimes we paired up with another family but that was jsut from talking the night before at dinner and nothing was prearranged.

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

This isn't lodging advice, but when my immediate family (all FOURTEEN of us...) go to DisneyLand, we always give 'separation time' for each individual family. We'll meet up for a while, have a meal ride some rides, watch some shows, but we always make sure that we AREN'T together 100% of the time. The breaks from the big group can be a relief.

 

[nicki.momof3]

That is the best advise someone can give - it is SO important not to be together all the time. Plan for individual family time. When we did it the first time the grandparents wanted to stay togwther all the time (3 families) and everyone was tense and very grumpy by day 3.

 

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

Thanks for the insight

Based on your suggestions, our attendees (now it's SEVEN families) have agreed on the following details.

1. We will meet at Disney World over Columbus Day Weekend, Oct 9-12, 2009.
2. Every family will make their own travel, hotel, and ticket arrangements.
3. There will be one group event or meal per day built into the itinerary. The rest of the time is your own to get together or play
as you like. Each family will RSVP for the events they will attend.

I made a spreadsheet that looks kind of like a calendar. It tracks
-when people are arriving/leaving.
-what hotel they'll be using
-the gathering event-of-the-day (most likely an ADR meal)
-park hours, parades, EMH, etc for each day.
-contact information for everyone.

We're keeping the spreadsheet on a yahoo group, and people can update it with their information as we go.

 

[seashoreCM]

2. Every family will make their own travel, hotel, and ticket arrangements.
3. There will be one group event or meal per day built into the itinerary.

Excellent idea especially 2. This way you don't have to chase down refunds if someone changes his mind.

 

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

Another question:

What are the best ADR restaurants for larger groups? For example, I know the Sci-Fi isn't set up for group dining, but the Biergarden is great. Please tell your opinions and share your experiences!

Thanks