The difficulties of a large group

[vigliottec]

My fiancee and I are getting married in Disney in a few months. I have the task of planing the whole thing for all 16 guests. All of the guests (most have never been) have expressed their desire to follow us around the parks (I doubt this will go well). Fast pass bookings are 10 days away. This brings me to my main question, do I need to have every guests Disney account tied to my account or can does it work more like the dining reservations?

Part 2:
Does anyone have any tip and tricks for larger groups

Thanks in advance!

 

[Accident]

1: yes everyone should link mde accounts or at least link them tot he person who is making all the reservations and fastpass+. For photos of everyone from each other, it's also helpful to have everyone linked to see photos.

2: you can use a travel agent that is really good at this, they can learn what everyne likes, how much you want everyone around and take care of this part of the trip for you so you don't have to plan your wedding and their trip to disney... dreams unlimited travel is for the most part the primary sponsor/owners of this forum if you want to get a quote from them. it won't cost any more than normal disney prices and might even cost you less as they are pretty good at this.

also 2: Disney started offering a call up number for those who have multi-visits being planned at the same time or groups of 10 or more to help with planning, booking everything, etc. I can't for the life of my find that number but if you call the normal disney number they might have it..

 

[yeheyprincex2]

1: yes everyone should link mde accounts or at least link them tot he person who is making all the reservations and fastpass+. For photos of everyone from each other, it's also helpful to have everyone linked to see photos.

2: you can use a travel agent that is really good at this, they can learn what everyne likes, how much you want everyone around and take care of this part of the trip for you so you don't have to plan your wedding and their trip to disney... dreams unlimited travel is for the most part the primary sponsor/owners of this forum if you want to get a quote from them. it won't cost any more than normal disney prices and might even cost you less as they are pretty good at this.

also 2: Disney started offering a call up number for those who have multi-visits being planned at the same time or groups of 10 or more to help with planning, booking everything, etc. I can't for the life of my find that number but if you call the normal disney number they might have it..

I have a friend planning a trip for a group of 10, will she be able to have Disney help her with her trip if they are staying off site?

 

[Accident]

I have a friend planning a trip for a group of 10, will she be able to have Disney help her with her trip if they are staying off site?

I believe so. anyone can call for help with fastpass or booking dining. it doesn't matter that you don't have a resort. I think that is most of what the department does as getting reservations for 10 or more, especially 10 fastpasses at the same time can be challenging to say the least.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

I don't really have an answer to Part 1. When we went as a group of 11 my SIL did her family separately.

For part 2, if it does turn out that all of you decide to tour together, use a touring plan. Either easyWDW or Touring Plans have ones for various touring approaches or you can make custom ones with TP. Send it out ahead of time and get buy in from everyone that will be the plan. That will save you time standing around trying to get consensus for the next activity. That doesn't mean you can't be flexible in the moment if people are on board or if a subgroup wants to break off for a while but it'll give you something to help keep the group moving if necessary.

It might be good to plan your mornings all together and ask people to go their own way in the afternoons or evenings to give you and your new spouse some alone time in the parks together.

The most frustrating thing for me was trying to get the whole group moving again after meals do you may want to have a strategy for that. I'm not sure what to suggest though since we didn't conquer that problem. I liked Liberty Tree Tavern but not for 2.5 hrs.

Congratulations and I hope you have a great trip.

 

[Nancyg56]

I am not sure how to coordinate FP fo a group that large, but I know the others he do and can help.
I do know about large groups in general, and I would absolutely not agree to all stay together all day every day. I think that this is a recipe for disaster.

If you can set you FP together, that should be enough to keep the group in contact though out the day. That is what we do, and then members split off for whatever they want to do. Sometimes we are all on the same page, but other times, not so much. Bathroom breaks alone can kill you! Never mind lunch lingerers, dawdlers, or sprinters.

I agree with PrincessWIthABlaster; Moving a group after a meal can be a pill, so think about dragging sleepy beauties to the bus in the mornign, pulling them to lunch, and then hauling them out of gift shops. Nope.

 

[ConnecticutFlea]

You are getting married and you already commented that you doubt staying together will go well. I've never tried to get that many fast passes for the same attraction at the same time, but I know when I make FP for just my husband and me I sometimes have to make them separately with overlapping times to get the FP I want.

Can you divide the 16 into smaller groups and teach one person from each group how to use MDE? Then you can discuss what parks you plan to be in and what fast passes you plan to book and they can be responsible for the FP for there own small group.

I agree with the above posts. Attempting to stay together and do the same thing at the same time is a recipe for disappointment and resentment unless the rest of the group are your clones. Not everyone likes the same thing or walks at the same pace. Give back the responsibility for making this trip great to the others going. You're there in the role of honeymooner, not tour guide. I would tell others what parks I was going to and what attractions I wanted to do, make plans to meet up for meals, and go off with the love of my life and have a magical day.

 

[Lillian Gracey]

I got married at Disney almost two years ago and had a group of 18 (including DH and I) and while most of us had been there at least once, we mostly went our separate ways. Everyone kind of had their own touring styles. We only did one day at the parks together as a big group though. DH's family stayed together and focused on what the two kids wanted to do (one of which was riding the carousel a few dozen times), DH and I split our time with each side of the family though there were times we each spent time with our own families separately, and my brothers and DH's best friend and his wife decided to park hop and do all 4 parks. I'm pretty sure at least some of my family left early and I definitely wouldn't have wanted to leave early. Overall, it worked out great and we all had a mostly lovely time.

 

[Aliceacc]

Congratulations!!!

Ok, if you're going to bring 16 people, most of whom have never been , to WDW for a wedding, you owe them a decent amount of guidance on how to best enjoy it. I'm glad to see that you're taking on the role in addition to all the other details you have on your plate 60 days out.

Here's what I would do:
A. Link all the accounts today

B. Pick a park per day. MK and Epcot are probably the ones most people have heard of, so be sure to include them. Don't even mention park hoppers, as they'll complicate things.

C. Make FPs starting T about noon. That way, people who choose to sleep in can meet up with the group. Think carefully though about what you choose. I imagine there will be grandparents, maybe some pregnant women. So I wound choose Pirates of the Carribean stuff over Space Mountain type of rides, Soarin over Test Track.

D. Maybe set up a couple of checkpoints during the day... For anyone planning to do rope drop, we'll be at the bus stop at 8. Fir those who want to sleep in, we'll meet in front of Peter Pan in Fantasyland at 11:30 am... Include park maps and directions to the bus stop of your resort in the welcome packets I'm assuming you want to make up.

E. Give everyone direction on how to change those FPs should they choose. And once those 3 FP are done, invite everyone to see what interests them

 

[Julylady]

I can't believe you are expected to plan all this! I have traveled with multiple families/larger groups. My advice is to create a daily schedule using a touring plan. Pick your fast passes and immediately send them to the others. They can decide if they want to try to match yours or not. Make one table service reservation each day for the whole group. Let each group spend as much or as little time with you as they want. The key is for you to do your own thing without waiting on anyone else or feeling responsible for any one else's happiness. Create a group for sending cell phone texts to let people keep every informed and send plan updates.

When planning a trip the idea of a large group doing everything together sounds great, but the reality of it doesn't work out all that well. People have different ideas about what's fun, different needs for sleep and breaks, different expectations on what makes a meal, different tolerances for waiting in lines or for busses. Trying to create a single plan to match everyone's needs is impossible. Instead, create a basic plan and let people choose when to connect and when to go off on their own.

Whatever you do, don't put yourself in a position where you become responsible for them having a good time. "I thought you were a good planner. Why are we waiting 60 minutes for this show!" And then afterwards......"I didn't even like that show, what a waste of time!" The show was Fantasmic. My feelings were hurt!

 

[margot31]

When I went with a big family magic bands weren't around yet. But here was how we did things...we had 9 adults and 2 kids. We did our own things. Oh and I plan on doing it that way when I plan the next big family trip. We basically broke up in three groups. My sister/hubby and their kids, my aunt/uncle and grandmother (we took for for a day or two) my parents and another sister.

We had certain meals together but we did our own things. It was great cause my sister and her husband could just be as hectic as ever cause thats how she works. While my parents and sister oh we were having fun taking photos with characters. My parents thought they had 2 young kids again but we had beers in our hands if we could.

That is how I am planning...sure we will all link together but I will only do FP for certain people.

 

[lovin'fl]

We do a family of 15 every now and then. Each individual family has their own My Disney Experience account. We get together when the FP+ booking window opens (it doesn't have to be right the day of and at 6am or anything like that...just one evening soon after it opens). We just book everything close together. But once I hadn't bought tickets for my DS when I made the rest of our FP+. I bought his tickets later and then did some 'copy other's FP+' thing and it worked and he matched us.

We kind of do the same for ADRs...we have a get together to pick them and then I call in at 180 day window and book them all (tables of 15 at some places and 2 tables at others). ADRs are tougher for our family because everyone has their preferences and we never agree on the places. We like to book a TS dinner each night for us all to regroup. But some don't like ethnic (FIL) and some prefer signature places (SIL) where others like to keep it cheap (DH) and throw in a vegetarian (DN) and you got a big hassle.

Good luck. It is no easy task and the trip will have it's bumps.

 

[Koz]

Best plan-

"Here's your maps, enter the park over there, see you at dinner."

 

[Nancyg56]

Congratulations!!!

Ok, if you're going to bring 16 people, most of whom have never been , to WDW for a wedding, you owe them a decent amount of guidance on how to best enjoy it. I'm glad to see that you're taking on the role in addition to all the other details you have on your plate 60 days out.

Here's what I would do:
A. Link all the accounts today

B. Pick a park per day. MK and Epcot are probably the ones most people have heard of, so be sure to include them. Don't even mention park hoppers, as they'll complicate things.

C. Make FPs starting T about noon. That way, people who choose to sleep in can meet up with the group. Think carefully though about what you choose. I imagine there will be grandparents, maybe some pregnant women. So I wound choose Pirates of the Carribean stuff over Space Mountain type of rides, Soarin over Test Track.

D. Maybe set up a couple of checkpoints during the day... For anyone planning to do rope drop, we'll be at the bus stop at 8. Fir those who want to sleep in, we'll meet in front of Peter Pan in Fantasyland at 11:30 am... Include park maps and directions to the bus stop of your resort in the welcome packets I'm assuming you want to make up.

E. Give everyone direction on how to change those FPs should they choose. And once those 3 FP are done, invite everyone to see what interests them

I agree that guidance is key, but the "follow in my footsteps" thing the OP is facing would not work for our group. When we travel as a group I try to manage the dining ADR's, and make sure that eveyone has a chance to weigh in. I also check ahead of time to see if any couple or family wants to have eat alone and book that for them. I am terrible at the FP thing, so I can book them, but if someone wants a diffeent one I have been known to have to call Tech Suppot to undo the damage I did. However we always get that straight too.

We pick a park per day and we all go to that one so we can meet up several times if someone splits off.

I refuse to be responsible for anyone else's good time. I will do my best, but at some point eveyone needs to take ownership of their enjoyment. I am planning a December trip and my oldest son's first since he was 12 and I scarred him for life on that Family trip. I have made arrangements for him and my DDIL to join their friends at meals without the rest of us, chose a resort that gave him plenty of flexibility if he gets too claustrophobic with the crowds, (the BC) and consulted with my DDIL to book meals that appeal to them as well as the rest of us. Her family is the family that always stayed together and must agree on all plans. Nope....not us. You are not having fun here? Go where you will have fun. You want to sleep in? Join us later. You want to swim? I'll have a cocktail with you. My Youngest DS and his wife always begin the day with us, but they tend to wander off and stroll alone, and then find us at meals. My DD and DSIL are RD folks, as am I, so we often are out early and the rest finds us when they fall out of bed. It works if people accept that they can do what they want, and if they want suggestions, I help.

 

[bit413]

I planned for a group of ten 2 years ago. I gave everyone a one page print out with all our ADRs with times and places for the week. I sent out a screenshot of all fast passes the night before when I was finished messing with them. I to,d people when I was going to be at the bus stop and then I went about my day. People came and went as they wanted but they knew the plan. I also created a group text. That way I wasn't responsible for repeating information to other people. As far as fast passes go, I would make your original set for four people and slowly add people in as you get available slots. It will take. While but you will eventually get everyone in that way.

 

[rwdavis2]

Best plan-

"Here's your maps, enter the park over there, see you at dinner."

Yep. OP is right, it won't go well. You have to consider when does everyone want to get up and head out? Everyday? How Late? Meals? Thrill rides?

OP, if you wanted to enjoy the parks as a married couple, don't haul along the large group. Just my opinion

 

[rwdavis2]

I planned for a group of ten 2 years ago. I gave everyone a one page print out with all our ADRs with times and places for the week. I sent out a screenshot of all fast passes the night before when I was finished messing with them. I to,d people when I was going to be at the bus stop and then I went about my day. People came and went as they wanted but they knew the plan. I also created a group text. That way I wasn't responsible for repeating information to other people. As far as fast passes go, I would make your original set for four people and slowly add people in as you get available slots. It will take. While but you will eventually get everyone in that way.

I think this is the best you can hope for.

 

[Koz]

Yep. OP is right, it won't go well. You have to consider when does everyone want to get up and head out? Everyday? How Late? Meals? Thrill rides?

OP, if you wanted to enjoy the parks as a married couple, don't haul along the large group. Just my opinion

It's for that reason that we ALWAYS tour alone. Too much to worry about- who's afraid of the dark, who's afraid of coasters, who can't deal with tight spaces, who's an early riser, who's a late sleeper, who hates crowds, who doesn't like exotic food, who's a slow walker, who's a close talker, etc etc. One weekend @ Sesame Place (aka Hell on Earth ) with my brother and his family was all I needed to convince me that we will always tour amusement parks solo.

 

[Steven41782]

We just got back with a group of 32 and we stayed together for 90% of the time. Some families would be ready to leave before the others, so they would just leave. My biggest recommendation would be to call the Disney website help line and let them link all your accounts together. Also, we got all the fastpasses we wanted except for Epcot Character Spot. We had to break the group into 2 section of 16 and get them 5 minutes apart for that one. We had a blast. We took up an entire jungle cruise boat, tower of terror elevator (21 max), 2 Pirate Boats, and we had all but 1 row on our star tours ride. Oh, and buy photopass and split it between everyone.

 

[serenitynow]

Best plan-

"Here's your maps, enter the park over there, see you at dinner."

See you at dinner at a place that serves alcohol