Some days (a whine)

[Imagineer2Be]

So, I have a few issues right now. My cousin want to do a family reunion in 2015 in June or July. They suggest WDW. I love that part, but DH and I planned on doing something off site that year (DL) so we don't burn out after a week this year and another in 2014 to take advantage of the PAP. Now I am reconsidering my options. We also plan on starting family in the next two years and need to save for a house.

1). There is no guarantee this will happen
2). Our whole family of 40+ people will not all be co located. Big downside for the whole reunion idea.
3). My grandmother is very elderly and has a rough time with everything. I am not sure this is a good option for her. Last time at Disney three years ago was very very very rough and she has gone downhill significantly since then.
4). Do something different next year (2014) and eat the cost of the wasted PAP.
5). Not sure family will go for it. With a brother in med school and a sister who will have just finished undergrad, money might be tight for the rest of the family to fly to WDW. Also, my Aunt (not related by blood...) HATES Disney. She repeatedly tells me (27) that Disney is for babies.
6). Don't want family to want to use my points. I don't have enough for all and don't know how I could make it fair. Even if I saved and stayed in a cheaper point room next time I would have at absolute most 500 points which would not cover everyone (even in my immediate family) comfortably (2 parents, 2 bros 1 sis and their SOs)

What would you do?

 

[HookdonWDW]

What would I do? Personally, I would quickly book a non-refundable trip to Europe for June/July 2015.

If you want your family to still talk to you though, and you think that you could deal with 40 (I would run at around a dozen) relatives and summer at WDW at the same time, I would nix DL in 2015, and plan for WDW instead.

As far as people using your points? That's a personal decision, but if someone asked about my points, I'd steer them to the Rent/Trade Board or one of the Traders, and let them rent points on their own. Nothing can ruin a familial relationship quicker than someone using another persons DVC points and then backing out at the last minute. It also keeps you from having to deal with being responsible for who is staying with who, and who pays for what. No need for a long explanation. Simply state "We'll take care of our accommodations. If I win Power Ball, I'll buy enough points for everyone. Until then, I'd be glad to forward some links to where you can rent points for your stay."

 

[Cee]

Reunions are great. But...every man for himself! Good luck.....

 

[DizBub]

Must you all stay at the same resort? Must it be DVC? If not I would plan everybody book a cash stay and pay for their own rooms. Much better cancellation policy for cash in case some have to back out and not so many frazzled nerves or hurt feelings.

A lot of people do not understand the DVC process and think that it's "free" which we all is not the case.

Save your DVC points for a trip you want to take.

 

[Kidanifan08]

2015 is a long time from now. You listed so many variables/barriers to the event, that I think bullet-point number is the most likely outcome.

I would not change your 2014 plans at this point. Those PAP's are definitely worth using in the way that you were planning to do. I doubt that going again in 2015 would lead to WDW burnout, particularly given the nature of the event.

If the event does happen, then just go and have fun. Personally, I don't see WDW as a great location for a family reunion of 40+ people, simply because it would be hard to find a private location where everyone can mingle and just hang out for a few hours. I would be pushing for a more traditional reunion weekend at a location that is convenient (and affordable) for everyone.

Regarding your points, I would not even put it out there. There is no way that you can accomodate all who are attending and it would be a scheduling nightmare for you. I can't imagine a group that size would expect that of you.

 

[cwdefouw]

Just another option...

You could book three huge houses (maybe two, depending on who actually comes) from All Star Vacation Homes. We do this all of the time for reunions, although we only need one house, we have had other friends get their own house nearby the same week, and it works out great. You could work with them to get the houses close if not next door to each other. The ones we have gotten all have large outdoor spaces with pools and hot tubs, and big grills so a gathering for the whole group might be possible at one house. It is not on WDW property, but where we stay is within about a 10 minute drive to AK and HS, 12-15 to Epcot, 15-17 to MK parking, so it is fairly close.

The nice thing about this is when the price is broken down by family, it is very inexpensive for good, close to WDW, house/villa type accomodations. We usually get a 6 bedroom for a week for 4 families, and it comes to around $600-$700 per family.

The other nice thing is that your points are off the table, we have the same problem you do. We don't have enough for the whole family. When we do this we often combine it with a 3 or 4 night DCL cruise, and use our points for that, or just save them for something else.

Give it some thought, check out their website, www.allstarvacationhomes.com

I am sure others can chime in about this idea as well.

 

[LSchrow]

everything kidanifan said

i wouldn't be too worried about something that may or may not happen almost two years from now.

continue with your original plans of a WDW vacation this and next year.
over the next year, research alternative options (less expensive and more conducive to a family reunion of 40 ppl than WDW).

a lot can change in two years.
good luck

 

[disneynutz]

IMO saving for your house and family is more important the your extended family vacation.

Putting your Grandmother in the hospital or worse, just to take her to Disney is nuts.

Bill

 

[dianeschlicht]

2015 is a long time from now. You listed so many variables/barriers to the event, that I think bullet-point number is the most likely outcome.

I would not change your 2014 plans at this point. Those PAP's are definitely worth using in the way that you were planning to do. I doubt that going again in 2015 would lead to WDW burnout, particularly given the nature of the event.

If the event does happen, then just go and have fun. Personally, I don't see WDW as a great location for a family reunion of 40+ people, simply because it would be hard to find a private location where everyone can mingle and just hang out for a few hours. I would be pushing for a more traditional reunion weekend at a location that is convenient (and affordable) for everyone.

Regarding your points, I would not even put it out there. There is no way that you can [accommodate] all who are attending and it would be a scheduling nightmare for you. I can't imagine a group that size would expect that of you.

Well said. IF everyone still thinks they want to do WDW by the time the 11 month window rolls around for the trip, then provide everyone with room rates for the various WDW locations and include information about point rental at a DVC resort. Then you INFORM them which resort you are booked at and encourage them to book at the same resort. If they do...you will all be close together. If they don't....Too bad. In NO WAY would I offer my point usage to any part of the group, since that wouldn't be fair to the others or to you! I'm going to guess that once they all see the costs associated, they might choose to do someplace less expensive and easier for EVERYONE. No way do I think WDW is a great place for a family reunion of that size when elderly people are involved.

Oh, and there will be so little about that trip that resembles a real "vacation" to WDW, so no need to worry about burn out. We go to WDW 2-3 times a year usually with just the 2 of us, and we never get burned out! Besides...we're old! LOL!

 

[antree]

What would I do? I wouldn't worry about it right now. When the plans start getting made, I would see where everything is in my life at that point. Meaning, did we start trying for our family? are we in the middle of saving for a house?

The only thing I would say to them right now is, if I am not pregnant or just had a baby, we will consider our options at the time of planning.
Then if you do go, remember with a lot of people have a plan that everyone does not have to be together at all times. it will never work. Set up a few meals or attraction to meet at. Set up pool time and spend the hours with family at the hotel.

Good Luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

[wiigirl]

Reunions are great. But...every man for himself! Good luck.....

This...good luck!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree with not doing things together. The largest groups we have done have been 10 and 13 people. We planned ONE EVENT to meet up for together each day. Anyone who didn't want to do it, said so the night before. We also had to have a rule that we never waited longer than 20 minutes past the planned meet up time. We learned early on that some folks will keep you waiting FOREVER! That is less of a problem now with everyone having cell phones, but it will still be an issue, guaranteed!

We found that smaller groups of people tended to group up for certain things. One of the reasons we had a midday meet up was so that people could change groups, so to speak. We also tried to do one meal together daily, but mostly that was in the villa. Each family group picked a day and a meal to be their responsibility. The night before, the next day's group said what time the meal would be and what was being served. Then those who showed up ate....If you are late...you are on your own. It worked really well for both groups we have traveled with. We did eat a couple of big meals out with the whole group, but that isn't going to be possible with a group of 40.

 

[Sugardimples]

I wouldn't do a darn thing at this point. When they make the plans (operative word here is "they"), you can decide what you want to do. Do NOT volunteer to organize ANYTHING!

 

[Chuck S]

So, I have a few issues right now. My cousin want to do a family reunion in 2015 in June or July. They suggest WDW. I love that part, but DH and I planned on doing something off site that year (DL) so we don't burn out after a week this year and another in 2014 to take advantage of the PAP. Now I am reconsidering my options. We also plan on starting family in the next two years and need to save for a house.

1). There is no guarantee this will happen

Well, then in reality, there is no pressing need to worry about it, but you can certainly get opinions and options to think about it.

2). Our whole family of 40+ people will not all be co located. Big downside for the whole reunion idea.

Not necessarily. You can plan meet ups in the parks and for special meals. Solitude and privacy with a large group is also very important.

3). My grandmother is very elderly and has a rough time with everything. I am not sure this is a good option for her. Last time at Disney three years ago was very very very rough and she has gone downhill significantly since then.

My mother road the rides up until she was 87 years old. She was in a wheelchair for the parks because it was just too much walking for her after three hip surgeries and a heart valve condition. If your grandmother can be in a wheelchair or scooter, would that help her?

4). Do something different next year (2014) and eat the cost of the wasted PAP.

Well, I do understand wanting to do something different. If that is what you truly want to do, then the cost of the PAP would be a minor consideration at best. Another better option may be to go to WDW in 2014, then plan a shorter 2nd vacation close to home that isn't too expensive as an extra get away. That would give you some variety and non-Disney time.

5). Not sure family will go for it. With a brother in med school and a sister who will have just finished undergrad, money might be tight for the rest of the family to fly to WDW. Also, my Aunt (not related by blood...) HATES Disney. She repeatedly tells me (27) that Disney is for babies.

Again then it really isn't something to worry about right now. As far as the aunt, it would be her choice to go or not go. If she goes then starts to whine, simply plan to NOT spend time with her. Nothing ruins a vacation more than an unhappy travel companion.

6). Don't want family to want to use my points. I don't have enough for all and don't know how I could make it fair. Even if I saved and stayed in a cheaper point room next time I would have at absolute most 500 points which would not cover everyone (even in my immediate family) comfortably (2 parents, 2 bros 1 sis and their SOs)

Then don't offer them, or simply explain you don't have enough and that they need to make their own arrangements.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I can't even relate to the whole burn-out thing. We go 3-4 times/year and are trying to justify/get enough points for going even more.

FWIW, we ain't new to this rodeo. We started going a LONG time ago. We just finally committed to DVC in 2008 and found this forum.

 

[Chuck S]

I can't even relate to the whole burn-out thing. We go 3-4 times/year and are trying to justify/get enough points for going even more.

FWIW, we ain't new to this rodeo. We started going a LONG time ago. We just finally committed to DVC in 2008 and found this forum.

I agree. Started going to WDW in 1990. It was a once in a lifetime trip. Well, then it quickly became an annual trip. And by June 1992, it became DVC and every 6 months. I do occasionally take additional trips just to give variety. For instance, I'm going with friends on the Carnival Triumph next month, and on an overnight gambling junket to the Kickapoo casino in Eagle Pass (driving about 3 hours each way) in October. Then Disney in November.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree. Started going to WDW in 1990. It was a once in a lifetime trip. Well, then it quickly became an annual trip. And by June 1992, it became DVC and every 6 months. I do occasionally take additional trips just to give variety. For instance, I'm going with friends on the Carnival Triumph next month, and on an overnight gambling junket to the Kickapoo casino in Eagle Pass (driving about 3 hours each way) in October. Then Disney in November.

I've even got you beat, Chuck! We started going in 1982, and now go 2-3 times a year. I haven't burned out of Disney yet either! In fact, I don't feel like we have enough time there!

 

[Imagineer2Be]

I haven't burned out,but do like to change things up from time to time. If we go that June or July maybe we will try a behind the scenes tour or something outside of the 4 standard parks. No new news at this time. I can't wait to go to AKL this October and do all the parks and water parks.

Edit: I probably will never burn out

 

[BEASLYBOO]

We've hosted 3 family reunions, using a GV, 2bd and even at times adding a studio! I make the ADR's, arrange the Illumination cruises, whatever special requests we have for the little ones, etc., don't mind doing any of that and realistically w/ 2 continents, 3 states to consider, planning starts 1 to 2 yrs before the event. We do many things together, some apart, mostly family activities, and at times just adult like dinner and drinks! The teens watch the younger ones! Everybody gets to do something they want! The most important thing, it's vacation, fun and no stress with our loved ones that we seldom get to see!

It takes a lot of points to pull this off and each family pays me, up front for a portion of the points we will need, so that I can buy a points transfer! I reserve at the 11 month mark and no one has ever cancelled.

No one thinks I should foot the whole bill for the points, as it is at $11-12 per point is still a great deal for each family, being able to stay on-site at Disney and enjoy the benefits of the resorts!

I don't show any sign of burn-out, quite the contrary I pine for my next trip, always have 2 or 3 in the wings!