Planning a Disney Family reunion

[scrappingizlife]

A little history.....I grew up with my grandparents brood. Together they had 7 kids, and each one, besides my mom had at least 3. Together we are about 50. My grandfather however, had 2 kids from a previous marriage. They stayed behind in Cuba and of course they have their own families now. My grandfather also came from a big family, and there are a lot of family members in Miami, that we just don't really associate with.

So about a month ago, my mom's nephew found me on facebook. I had spoken to him a few years ago via email. He is the son of one of the brothers that is still in Cuba. We started talking and think that it would be awesome to have a family reunion. I brought it up to the elders, and they are a little iffy about it. They don't get along with their cousins and aunts, and want nothing to do with them. The younger generation (mine) thinks that it's an awesome idea. So to make it more comfortable for the elders, I suggested just getting together with my grandfather's downline. The only issue with that is that the cousin in Miami (well there's actually 2, but one I grew up with) is the only one that isn't with us in IL. Another issue is there is another cousin that is the daughter of my mom's cousin. She wants to go, but I don't want to feel uncomfortable by telling her that her dad is not welcomed. I just don't know how to deal with this.

I just think it would be awesome for my whole family to go on vacation together. My grandfather passed in 2006, and he was the glue to my family. Ever since he passed, we just don't see eye to eye on anything. So my cousin and I are thinking it would be cool to go in June 2011. Right after school is out, and during the week that it would've been my grandfather's birthday. an it gives everyone over a year to save up, and plan. (I am just setting the dates, and planning the days out, I will not be paying for anyone but my family, and I will not be booking anyone's hotel, etc.)
So my question to you all.... How do I plan this without making anyone uncomfortable? Do you think that a Disney trip for 50 is a good idea? and would it be in good taste to have a cake made in my grandfather's honor for his birthday? Should I really worry about having everyone come, or should it just be, if you wanna come, come type thing?

Thank you for reading this far.

 

[Belle1962]

Did it for huge group almost this size in 2000. A few tips:

First: Everyone makes their own lodging and travel plans. Since everyone's budget is different this didn't put stress on anyone.

Remember: Everyone needs some down time away from each other. While renting a huge house or two and getting everyone together may sound like fun, the reality is you don't live with these people 24/7 at home and you may not get along 24/7 for a week of vacation. People have different sleep schedules, food likes/dislikes, parenting styles (A BIG DEAL BREAKER) and goals for the vacation. (Those people who want to stay out late at PI don't want to be woke up every morning by the people with young kids heading out to catch rope drop )

I found that those who really wanted to meld together worked it out quietly between their families about lodging, etc. without involving the whole group


I found what worked best was to map out a schedule of what I would be doing (which park which day, suggested restaurants to make dining ressies at and listed a general meeting spot or two--i.e. Meet at the statue of Mickey and Walt in the hub at 1:30 pm and we'll watch the parade together). If you showed up fine, if you didn't fine. If you went to another park--fine.

I had two events that were attendance strongly requested: I had arranged Illuminations cruises and one group meal during the week. Maybe you could plan one or two character or group meals? You could even go so far as to make dining ressies each day for each individual family at around the same time-that way you be at the same place but not relying on another family to show to be seated. I did this for a few meals and it worked out.

Every month for a year beforehand I sent out newsletters with a different topic in each one. The first one was lodging: I sent them information on vrbo and suggested a couple of developments, I listed some of the larger RCI properties for those that wanted to exchange timeshares and inks to mousesavers and the major hotel chains for those who ere interested in that type of accommodation. Since the majority were government employees (Fed, social workers, teachers) I also sent the link for government employee travel opportunities.

Then I did travel hints with advice to sign up for airlines emails, tips for driving and entertaining the kids, car games, and all kinds of travel tips gained from these boards (for both flying and driving).

I did one park per month, one month of non-park ideas, one (I think the third one) on how to save money before the trip ( looking at cable, phone, service, eating in more, renting movies etc.), one on how to save money while there (again fairly early so people who thought it would be too expensive could see ways to save), one with places to go for them to research Disney and point programs (Disboards of course and few others, plus book recommendations--the Unofficial Guide), I ordered the Disney planning dvd for each family and had it sent directly to their house (again early in the process), and other topics. Unfortunately I no longer have any of them

I also sent only Disney themed cards for the year beforehand--birthdays, anniversaries, etc (and sometime just a thinking of you card!!) Back then they had Disney Dollars so I would throw them in for the kids sometimes. Now it would be the gift cards.

Just remember that everyone's idea of vacation is different and big groups travel slower (important for maximizing ride/attraction tallies, and you can NEVER get everyone on the same potty schedule!!! ).

Wow this is longer than I thought HTH

 

[scrappingizlife]

That hleped a whole lot. Thank you for that. I think i will do the same thing with the newsletters.