Planning a Trip for 19 People

[Mimi Q]

I have been to Disney World many times, but I have never been with a very large group. Anyone have any tips they would like to share for making our spring break trip a magical one? I am the one in charge of planning. The dining reservations have been made. (when I did that I learned that many restaurants have a limit as to how many people can be on a single dining reservation and had to split everyone into two groups)

 

[sponica]

First and foremost, make sure everyone is on the same page regarding expectations. Because if some of the group thinks you're splitting up but some of the group thinks it's one big herd, then NOBODY IS HAPPY.

Beyond that, understand that logistically keeping 19 people together can be challenging.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Agree with pp that you should make sure everyone agrees with the plan. With that many people it seems likely you're going to want to have times together and times apart. Maybe create a schedule based on what you know everyone wants to do together and then leave blocks of time around that for things where the group might split up.

Also either come to peace with being a drill sergeant, delegate the task, or schedule to get people moving. We went with a party of 11 and my biggest frustration was that it was very difficult to get the group moving again after meals. So much inertia. If you have a show or FP planned that gives you an outside reason to get the group to move i think it's helpful (but I don't like being the drill sergeant on vacation).

 

[Mimi Q]

Thanks so much for the advice!

 

[GunnarCharles]

I am facing a similar situation. My family is planning a trip in December, which includes my wife and I, my parents, and my 3 siblings with their families. In total 10 adults and 6 kids under 12.
I just made it clear early on that while we will want to do some things as a group, a lot of the time will probably be split up as the different families will have different priorities.
As the “expert” on Disney, I can inform everyone else about the details of different things, and help them plan on how to go about them (reservations, fast passes, etc.) With that said, I am not going to make everyone’s plans for them and be the drill sergeant.
I guess my thinking is just to be the main point of contact for all trip planning, so that way when we’re actually there it’s not just herding cats.