Planning a trip for 21 people in 2015

[Chuck S]

Wish me luck. I've laid down the ground rules about changes and cancellations, explained the housekeeping, showed them all the special tours and activites available at WDW, explained DME, explained the DDP (thankfully, I think they've decided against it!) and talked about different type of tickets.

I've eliminated any choice of resort, it is OKW or nothing.

Now we're trying to decide between three 2 bedroom lock-off units or one GV, one 2 bedroom lock-off and a studio. There is only a handful of points difference, at least on the 2014 charts, so either is fine.

 

[moredisneyplease]

**! Good luck!!!! We'll see how this turns out!

 

[disneynutz]

Good luck, you're a better man than I am.

We have taken other couples with us over the years and have now decided that traveling with ourselves is the best company.

Most just don't get WDW and they tend to detract from our enjoyment.

With your knowledge and experience, I'm sure that you will have a great time.

Bill

 

[jaulty]

Good luck! I planned for 14 in 2011 and it was crazy. We only did 2-2 bed at BLT, but it turned out well. One room was theme park so we had a little fireworks watching party

 

[Chuck S]

Fortunately, they are not ALL Disney rookies. I've traveled with about 1/2 of them to OKW over the years, so at least some know the system.

 

[jekjones1558]

Have fun, Chuck. Our 3 family trips have been between 17 and 23 people, so I know that the logistics can be a lot of work. But we have enjoyed our trips and I expect will do one again soon. Regarding the room configuration, have you had input from your crew? I like to let people split themselves up to avoid any disappointment about who is staying with whom. I was especially glad on our last trip when there were 5 kids under 5 in the GV. It was kind of crazy in there and I was relieved that it was THEIR choice to be together, not mine.

 

[hakepb]

I've never done it, but I would almost like the idea of a big gathering space (with a GV)
Ultimately, I think it depends on the group's preferences. Some people would love getting a studio away from the "madness". Others may feel gypped not being part of it all.

 

[scdak]

Here I am worrying about making 4 people plus me happy! I think I would take up drinking if I had to make plans like yours

 

[SAT887]

Wish me luck. I've laid down the ground rules about changes and cancellations, explained the housekeeping, showed them all the special tours and activites available at WDW, explained DME, explained the DDP (thankfully, I think they've decided against it!) and talked about different type of tickets.

I've eliminated any choice of resort, it is OKW or nothing.

Now we're trying to decide between three 2 bedroom lock-off units or one GV, one 2 bedroom lock-off and a studio. There is only a handful of points difference, at least on the 2014 charts, so either is fine.

This sounds like fun! Our group trips haven't gotten this big (and doubt they will!) however we are planning on another one Dec 2014 at OKW. I like the idea of a GV because it would be large enough between dining room, LR for everyone to hang out at or use as a "meeting place"... Just my input Good luck!

 

[CarolMN]

Yikes!

I know you are familiar with all the potential pitfalls, so no advice, just a wish for a great experience.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you come back posting on the DIS a whole lot of nonsense after that trip, we'll know that they broke you.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I enjoy group visits, but have never hosted that many people! Best wishes for a successful, fun filled trip!

Bobbi

 

[Disney Princess]

Sounds like fun! I know you are experienced with DVC, so I wish you luck in figuring out the details. Planning this early is certainly a good idea. I'm happy you're not giving them resort choices.

What are the groups/ages of the people going?

 

[wdrl]

I'm sure it will work out fine for you, Chuck. We have 20 people in a family gathering planned for this June. When we set up the family gathering, we made all the major decisions ahead of time by choosing the dates, the resort (BLT) and the accommodations (three two-bedrooms) before we made the offer to the family. Like your group, all of the adults have been to WDW at least once before, but none of them have ever before stayed at a DVC resort. Fortunately, they have lots of experience with my brother-in-law's Wyndham timeshare, so they are familiar with timeshares in general. In fact, when they check out of BLT, most of the family members are moving over to Bonnet Creek for a few days.

 

[dvcterry]

Good luck and have fun through the entire process, planning till you return home! We had a grand gathering about six years ago and the most important thing was having enough personal time, time to be apart from each other. It was a lot of fun but I could see how doing everything together could get stressful, so we would enjoy breakfast together and then go our separate ways. Planned a dinner together here or there--this way everyone was happier.

Everyone has different personalities and interests and Disney has much to offer. It's great to come together and have fun and just as nice to see how happy others can be enjoying their vacations together.

Have a great 2015 trip!

 

[Daddio]

Wish me luck. I've laid down the ground rules about changes and cancellations, explained the housekeeping, showed them all the special tours and activites available at WDW, explained DME, explained the DDP (thankfully, I think they've decided against it!) and talked about different type of tickets.

I've eliminated any choice of resort, it is OKW or nothing.

Now we're trying to decide between three 2 bedroom lock-off units or one GV, one 2 bedroom lock-off and a studio. There is only a handful of points difference, at least on the 2014 charts, so either is fine.

"Luck" is something you wish upon someone who has no idea of what they're about to get into. I wish you "patience". It will be interesting to see how many of the "21" you are on speaking terms with at the end of it all .

~ David

 

[Sammie]

"Luck" is something you wish upon someone who has no idea of what they're about to get into. I wish you "patience". It will be interesting to see how many of the "21" you are on speaking terms with at the end of it all .

~ David

Well said David, I had trouble with my immediate 10 and we never repeated it.

 

[Chuck S]

...
What are the groups/ages of the people going?

Most are adults, but there are going to be two six year old girls, a five yo boy and two teen brothers, and probably another couple of kids about 10 yo. Four couples in their 30s to 40s, two single men 40 & 54, a couple in their late 50s, another couple in their late 50s that are divorced from each other.

 

[Sammie]

Most are adults, but there are going to be two six year old girls, a five yo boy and two teen brothers, and probably another couple of kids about 10 yo. Four couples in their 30s to 40s, two single men 40 & 54, a couple in their late 50s, another couple in their late 50s that are divorced from each other.

please do a trip report after this one.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Most are adults, but there are going to be two six year old girls, a five yo boy and two teen brothers, and probably another couple of kids about 10 yo. Four couples in their 30s to 40s, two single men 40 & 54, a couple in their late 50s, another couple in their late 50s that are divorced from each other.

My experience has been that actual 6 year olds are not the problem. Its the ones in their 50s who choose to act like 6 year olds that drive you nuts.

I wish you luck and patience.