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. Any tips on this one will be appreciated.

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.

 

[disneygang]

Bu mp

 

[crl]

Have you called Disney or gone to the web site and asked about Magical Gatherings and any tips they can give you for a group? Other than that, I think you're on the right track. Of course you could always try renting a large house.

 

[disneygang]

I am looking into that option also.

Thanks,

Richie

 

[LegoMom3]

If you're looking at the Thanksgiving week then start inquiring a.s.a.p. for lodging reservations.

For tickets, www.ticketmania.com has one of the best deals going. The longer your stay, the better the deal. So far I haven't found anyone to beat them.

 

[disneygang]

I get the mousesavers.com newsletter. If you don't I recommend it for special discounts on items and tickets. There is a link for ticketmania.com thru the newsletter. I have found this link to be well worth buying thru as it gives a better discount by a few dollars per ticket.

 

[ellyn2000]

My family always goes @Thanksgiving and I am also planning a Thanksgiving '06 trip (in faith) that my oldest son will be home from his 2nd tour in Iraq by then. We went last Thanksgiving when he returned from his first tour and he's already asked that we plan another one, but he'll be gone this year. If you're not going until '06, you probably cannot book until closer to Thanksgiving '05. I booked a magical gathering for last year and it worked out well. You make the initial contact and then everyone else can call with the booking # and book what they want. I think you have to have 8 rooms, but that may have changed. They will also help you with PS by making reservations for you. We also stay @AS for the value. Just call Disney and speak with them about it and they can advise when this can be booked. I use 800-828-0228. Good luck.

 

[JenniferW]

I am booking a largish group for Tday, although not as large as yours and this is my 2 cents...

I would definitely do a few things...

*Figure out budget wise what you want to do, staying on site can be pricey although may save money since you will have free transport.

*If it is a more budget trip or you want to be togehter, you might like several timeshares, 3 bedroom units or a couple rental houses might be nice so you get to see each other more, besides the park days (although sometimes you would prefer the privacy of a hotel room)

*I'd either buy non expiring tickets so that way everyone can use the days you like and then have leftovers. Price per day is much cheaper in bulk. Also decide if you want to park hop, that can add up for a large group although many people feel it is worth it.

Have fun planning!

Jenn

P.S. For our group if you were wondering this is what we decided... We are staying in 2 separate units at Cypress Point Grandvillas and having 2 large vehicles. We want to eat together and have toddlers so we need a washer, fridge, etc. We have an itineary for each day and one car is going to one place and the other is mostly going to the same place but on a few days it is going somewhere else. One day we are doing Magic Kingdom again and another group is going to Cape Canaveral. It's a bit tricky to make sure everyone fits, but it looks good. Since they've never done Disney, they are all following us around and we plan on meeting at certain times to leave and using cell phones to communicate if something comes up. Am making ressies for as many dinners as possible, but plan on off site a few times, too.

If money were no issue we would stay on site, but it's unrealistic for our group.

 

[disneygang]

JenniferW have you thought of renting points from a DVC member? That may be a way to get the best accomodations but not that top dollar price. Plus you will get the extra hours in the parks and that may save you some ticket use.

The buses for Disney transportation were great for my wife and I July 1 - 4 at SSR. We rented a studio and really watched the transportation situation. The savings on rentals as you spoke of for 2 large vehicles may be the difference between driving to and from the Kingdom or staying in the middle of it. Maybe you can rent one large vehicle for only the days you need to travel. We found the Value Resorts had the worst bus loads and we will rent a vehicle should we ever stay at one again.

I want to pass along to you advice I have received here and speaking to friends about family trips. Make sure there is enough flexibility for members to strike out on their own so they have space to relax and not necessarily follow a regiment for every minute of the trip. I plan to have my itenerary and welcome anyone to tag along (especially the first timers), while there will be dinner ressies and maybe tours for our scheduled time together as a group.

This is still in the planning stage and I will be working for that perfect trip. I hope you have a wonderful trip with your family.

Should we find ourselves there at the same time maybe a friendly hello would be nice.

Thank you for your 2 cents.