Setting up November '06 trip.....

[disneygang]

with my family. This trip will consist of (on the low end) approx. 9 adults, 2 junior age and 10 children. I am putting together this monumental task and I have alot of ideas on how to approach the arrangements.

1. Transportation - Will closely watch Southwest as the trip from New Orleans is wonderful or they can drive.
2. Use the DIS rent/trade board and hope to find that right deal on accomodations.
3. Check budget off-site hotels but only if requested.
4. Allstars will be a possibility.
5. Use a ticket broker for discount tickets, reputable of course.

The consensus is Thanksgiving Holidays to go during the break. I would appreciate anyone that may have experience with setting up a trip for so many people post or PM me with suggestions. I am interested in the Magical Gatherings and anything else open to a large group. I may need to purchase a package to get certain perks, any help will be accepted.

I am not looking to plan everyones agenda. Just the basics that include the rooms, transp. if needed, and some PS or dinners as a group. Keeping it relaxed and fun.

 

[lovewdwdvc]

We have enough points (probably) for you to stay in some DVC accomodations. You can find out a lot about tickets on the DIS boards. Accomodations can be made in advance fo that number of people check DIS Boards for suggestions. If you want DVC you will ned to make reservations at or after Dcember date of your departure. PM me if you want more help.

 

[disneygang]

I will keep you in mind.

 

[CarolMN]

Some random thoughts for you to consider if you plan to rent accomodations from a DVC member:

Be absolutely sure you understand the member's cancellation policy before you commit. Most members consider renting a nonrefundable transaction and will require complete payment well before arrival.

GET THE $$ FROM YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS UP FRONT! We have read many, many stories about the coordinator getting left "holding the bag" as family & friends cancel at the last minute.

The week of Thanksgiving is very popular. You are wise to be planning so far ahead - especailly if you want to stay at one of the smaller DVC resorts - VWL, BCV or BWV. That said, the farther ahead you make the reservation, the longer your traveling companions have to "back out", LOL.

Good idea not to plan to do much park touring as a group. We tried with a group of 9 for a few hours and got nothing done! Someone always needed to visit the restroom, get a snack, rest a few minutes or run into a souvenir shop. Much better to tour the parks in small / family groups. Sounds like your group might enjoy some of the Magical gathering group options - not sure how long the program will go so it may not cover the time you want to go. Thinking of the fireworks cruises or the dessert party for IllumiNations.

Have fun planning - WDW is a wonderful place for a family reunion.

Best wishes -

 

[disneygang]

We love it!!

 

[disneygang]

Bump!

 

[suevee]

disneygang, We are going in March 06 with a group of 24. Ten children, two youth, and twelve adults. I am in charge of planning. We are staying at SoG but we are eligible for the Grand Gatherings. Have you used them yet? How is your planning going? I am planning a few meals for everyone, hotel, and transportation, then letting everyone do their own thing with meetups at the hotel over pina colada's in the evening. We are arranging for an adult nite out for one evening. I would appreciate any hints from your own planning and would be glad to share any info I get.

 

[KelNottAt]

Please keep us posted! I'm in charge of a 22-person trip in 2007. We'll use four 2br villas at the BW. I'll be really interested in hearing all your tips and tricks.

Thanks.

 

[MdmMim]

In Dec., I have a group of 12 going for a week.
(All adults--3 sets of parents 54-80 y/o; uncle and SO 51 y/o; and the "kids"--24-40y/o). Some have been there many times, and for a few, this will be their first visit.

Here is what I've done thus far:

Made ressies: 2 studios at BCV, 2 studios at BWV, 1 2-bedroom BWV (this will be our "headquarters"). I made the ressies at 11-month window; however our group kept growing, so the BCV ressies were made at 10 months. (Too many strong personalities for a GV! We'll need our space!) The "kids" will be at the BCV, and the parents will be at the BWV. The kids have their eye on SAB!

We're planning on 4 group meals: opening and closing dinners at 'Ohana, "adults" only dinner at Spoodles (during Kids' Night Out) , and Ladies' Tea at the GF. No other group meals will be planned.

Everyone is on their own for transportation. However, I kept an eye on SW and sent out an email when the Dec. flights were released. I'll be sending out towncar info when it's closer to Dec. (Some are renting cars.) No one was interested in DME.

I purchased little goodie bags to fill with coffee, tea, snacks, and little gifts. Since our theme is 'Ohana, the bags' designs are tropical, some with Hawaiian prints. We'll hand these out as people arrive. I also purchased leis to be handed out during our opening dinner. DD has designed a t-shirt. DH and I are going down a day early. We'll put the bags together after we arrive--for easy transport.

Some activities: We all have our tix for MVMCP. We will have a "cocktail party" at HOB. The men will be going on the Steam Train Tour (a surprise!) We're going to have a pool day and just hang around the resort.

I've been sending out a newsletter, bringing everyone up to date with new things at WDW (Soarin', etc.) Since some have never stayed in a DVC resort, I've explained DVC to them (housekeeping), and have told them what they'll find in their room (coffee maker, etc.) I sent out ticket info with prices, and told them what will be happening during our stay (Osborne Lights and other holiday treats!) I use lots of clipart in the newsletters to make them more colorful and fun to read.

I have been emphasizing that it IS vacation, so each of us should do whatever we want, whenever we want. I think we'll probably break into little groups to do the parks, then meet up later.

I plan on making up some type of flyer to put under the doors of their rooms at night reminding them of the next day's possible activities. (I'll make these up at home before I leave.)

I think I've got everything covered--just have to wait for December!!

 

[disneygang]

MdmMim...

Did you have everyone handle their own financial obligation for their expenses up front (tours, meals, etc...)? Did you handle the payments by collecting early from everyone? I have heard horror stories about being left holding the bag when family backs out at the last minute.

Just wondering how you handled that issue.

Richie

 

[suevee]

disneygang

Our group is prepaying rooms and flights. Everyone is handling their own tickets. We haven't figured out how we are doing the extra expenses yet like the group dining. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

 

[MdmMim]

MdmMim...

Did you have everyone handle their own financial obligation for their expenses up front (tours, meals, etc...)? Did you handle the payments by collecting early from everyone? I have heard horror stories about being left holding the bag when family backs out at the last minute.

Just wondering how you handled that issue.

Richie

The train tour and some meals (opening and closing dinners and the tea) will be our treat. We really feel this will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so for us, it's important that we do this. Everyone will be on their own for all other meals.

The MVMCP tix were purchased by the individuals. I gave them the phone number and the selected date--it was up to them to make the call. They'll also be responsible for buying their own park tix. (I provided that phone # and website.) They made their own flight arrangements and will take care of their own ground transportation.

Regarding the accommodations, we are providing all of the rooms with our DVC points, and don't want anything in return.

We're all really looking forward to this.

 

[Nickymouse]

If you are planning a magical gathering, chances are that they are full. We have a large group going in Nov. and all Magical Gatherings are full. At this point, we are on a waiting list for our week.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The OP is 14 months old.

 

[paults]

if your talking this NOV 06, good luck. you better see if you can get DVC ressies first