The difficulties of a large group

The wedding part is easy they have a planner to help. The only hard part is getting 16 people to read your weekly emails that try to feed them information as needed. getting 16 people to all book before 180 days and all get free dining was very fun
THIS!!!!

One of the last times I attempted a big group, my group didn't even read the very few messages I sent, or even print the itinerary, and I only sent a very few messages AND my group knew WDW very well.

BUT....the last time I did it, was before FP+. The no show fee and FP+ were absolute deal breakers for us.

A few years back, you could use FP slightly outside the time windows. (30min late was fine), that was the best we could do. Please, you don't want to be responsible for rebooking FP if someone doesn't show up. They need to own their own reservations/FP/ADR bookings. Meeting up at WDW via WDW transportation is difficult, because the timing of buses is so unpredictable, and WDW is so big.

Letting each sub group come and go a they please is the way to go. It is hard to wrap your head around how big WDW is until you go, and even if you have. I've been on the DIS a long time, and even vets underestimate how long it takes to traverse WDW. ( Perhaps time doesn't matter when you are having fun?)
 
I've done a number of group trips to WDW. If you are planning a wedding, that's more than enough to plan. If you can find someone else to plan the WDW part, that would be prudent.

It isn't just the planning, it is being in charge when something doesn't go according to plan. Let someone else own that.

I personally stopped planning for groups when the no-show fee was added to ADR's. If you make Dining reservations- ADR's- and someone doesn't show, YOU will be charged. Even without a wedding, I do not want to be responsible for that. that's like loaning money to relatives- VERY bad idea!

To make a group work- where you stay together- everyone has to wake up and go to sleep at the some time, more or less. You also need to coordinate all food/snacks. You ALSO need to coordinate BATHROOM breaks. (Our rule, "when one goes, we all go!") If you don't, then you can need up spending most of the day standing by the bathroom with an melting ice cream dripping down your wrist.

In my experience, adults don't like another adult telling them when they can eat/use the restroom.

So....if you want to be in charge of a tiny subgroup, go for it. Otherwise, maybe share your plans, with everyone, (maybe) but let them own the rest. Set the bar low: invite your big group to meet up for one attraction each day. Preferably something like Small world- where your group can sit together and EVERYONE in your group can ride (kids? grandma? someone who is pregnant? someone who hates coasters/spinning?)

Tell the bigger group where you plan to eat, but let them be in charge of their own $ no show fees. OR meet up at a quick serve place at an off time: 11:30am, or 2pm. (Not BOG!) Pick a place with lots of seats like Starlight Ray's, then deputize someone to coordinate the meet up.

Also, very big groups at ADR's is a just a pain. Many times, our large group was seated WELL PAST our ADR. Any place that isn't a buffet or ALCE will be a slow meal. As volume oriented as WDW is, asking a chef to make 16 dinners at once is a challenge.

Now if you HAPPEN to be staying in one of the LARGE suites at the deluxe hotels, then you COULD have a meal or snacks/appetizers delivered to your room, or send someone out to buy drinks and snacks(groceries). You could also easily meet up together in a lounge if you are all staying club level, or a place like a Hampton Inn - which already has a breakfast lounge. At a open lounge, people can come and go and get food as the please- much less stressful than having all eat together. A food court could also work, as long sa you avoid the breakfast RUSH hour (8:30am to about 9:30am)

With 16, that's going to be kind of key. It is more or less impossible to find 16 people who want to spend a full week together. Much better if they can come and go when they want, with no pressure.

I don't see where you need to tell them how to use MDE. Most folks can figure it out. Like I said, share your itinerary, but let them own their own choices. Adults like that.

Than again...if everyone has transportation...it may be possible to have a coordinated offsite meal. There are many offsite options around Orlando, where you could all meet up for happy hour or something that wouldn't require an ADR. There's only a few onsite that would work for that kind of meet up, but most WDW gets pretty packed at anything resembling normal dining hours.

I already booking Teppan Edo, Ohana, and Nine Dragons (i didn't mean to book all Asian food... it just kind of happened) from what I've found all three can seat large groups fairly well. being that everyone is staying on property and we all have "Free Dining" we wont be leaving property

i think iv set my bar very low. all i expect is to get to 3 attractions each day (the ones with fast passes) and make it to dinner.

if 15 out of 16 people show up for a dinner will they charge the $10 fee for the missing person?
 
OP, where are you staying?

One option for meet ups would be the pool. Your group could commandeer a hot tub! Maybe even a quiet pool, and deck! Many of the resorts have quiet pools- and nice areas alongside the quiet pools- that would be perfect to meet for drinks/snacks. The one a the BWK is lovely, with pretty gardens, we didn't miss the main pool, because the garden was so relaxing. the mods and even the values also have quiet pools that would be fun for meet ups.

I think the other thing to consider, is that the focus of this trip isn't going to be the same as your two people trips - unless you set aside a day or two where you don't coordinate/meet up at all. You'd do well to allow some time to just let everyone hang out roughly in the same area. The DVC resorts have areas that could also work.

As I said, when your group gets bigger, someone is always hungry, needs a restroom, or wants to break. You'll move at a much slower pace, even walking.

Normally, I'm not huge on matching shirts, but some wardrobe coordination really does help in a crowd. Fro some reason, - at WDW - bright green works very well. Red is okay, but many folks wear red. orange is ugly, but easy to see. Black is hot and blends. blue is nice looking, but blends with the crowd. Buying coordinated shirts can get $$$. You can go to an online WHOLESALE site and buy PLAIN t-shirts for about $2-3 each!

Adding decals gets $$ quickly, If you have someone else do it. I tried home high quality transfers once (non WDW group). I bought pro transfer paper online and printed my own design using a home printer. (I think you need ink jet?) I just did a black on white drawing. The transfer paper has to be kept VERY dry, even a humid day will RUIN it. Read up if you want to try. Many papers require special printers or special irons. Only some kinds work with a home iron. But plain t-shirts one or two days would be pretty easy and not too $.
 
Since you mentioned you guys have park hoppers and free dining, I would suggest perhaps getting together for part of the day each day (maybe morning one day, evening the next, etc) that way you all get a good mix of time together and time with smaller groups.
Example schedule:
Day 1: group time at animal kingdom. Breakfast at Tusker House. FP for Everest, Safari and Dinosaur.
Evening 1: separate family time. Everyone does their own thing.
Day 2: separate family time. Everyone does their own thing.
Evening 2: group time at Epcot. Dinner at (pick a place). Fast passes for (pick 3). Group meet up for Illuminations at (choose time and location).
You get the basic point.

That way there are milestone moments of the trip you can all enjoy together, but there is still enough free time in the schedule where you are not ultimately in charge of making sure everyone has a good time.

Hope that helps!
 

THIS!!!!

One of the last times I attempted a big group, my group didn't even read the very few messages I sent, or even print the itinerary, and I only sent a very few messages AND my group knew WDW very well.

BUT....the last time I did it, was before FP+. The no show fee and FP+ were absolute deal breakers for us.

A few years back, you could use FP slightly outside the time windows. (30min late was fine), that was the best we could do. Please, you don't want to be responsible for rebooking FP if someone doesn't show up. They need to own their own reservations/FP/ADR bookings. Meeting up at WDW via WDW transportation is difficult, because the timing of buses is so unpredictable, and WDW is so big.

Letting each sub group come and go a they please is the way to go. It is hard to wrap your head around how big WDW is until you go, and even if you have. I've been on the DIS a long time, and even vets underestimate how long it takes to traverse WDW. ( Perhaps time doesn't matter when you are having fun?)

Ya we have 16 adults, one is a chain smoker, one is in a wheelchair, and a few hate the heat. i think your 100% right transportation always takes a long time. I might book the first fast pass at 10 am each day, plan to go to the attraction at 10:30. that way people can meet up to "start the day" at 10:30 at said attraction. im sure it will all fall apart once at the park.
 
if 15 out of 16 people show up for a dinner will they charge the $10 fee for the missing person?
I've never tested that. supposedly not, but to some extent - you are a bit at the mercy of WDW.

It may be that with a wedding planned, WDW will help you out a bit in that department!

Truly, that would take much of the stress off your shoulders. One might think they WOULD do that, or allow each party to be on the line for their share.

When last we did it, we also did DDP. DDP helps a bit, MUCH better with big group than paying out of pocket- and having the no show fee.

I'd say, you would also do well to let everyone know up front- you won't wait around. If they don't show with the group- no hard feelings- they go on the ride - or rebook their FP themselves.

We semi- jokingly used to say, those who can't keep up will be left behind! (Kind of in a pirate voice, if that helps).

In my case, some were early morning die hards, some were night owls, some were commandos, some only wanted to do one ride each day. If they have never been, you really don't know. They may have rep-conceived ideas. Endurance can also be an issue, especially if someone arrives wearing high heels or beat-up worn out shoes (happened to us!), or has an injury, etc.....

Oh, and alcohol can easily turn an early riser into a mid-afternoon type. :) If you are giving everyone gifts- bottled water is SUPER, because dehydrated at WDW + heat = not feeling well. that's why so many non WDW hotels in FL now give away bottled water. Especially anyone coming from a northern state- it sounds like your trip is late summer, right?

Keep in mind- September also often has afternoon thunder storms. They are often short, but they can be to your advantage in your case.
 
**I'm the Groom.... My bride doesn't so much enjoy planning stuff, that and i have the experience of booking and planing Disney trips.[/QUOTE
Grooms and brides together have tons to do other than trying to make everyone happy in a very difficult planning for so many! Enjoy your wedding and honeymoon!:goodvibes
 
/
Exactly.

I wouldn't do what you are doing in a million years OP. I wouldn't link anyone's accounts to mine, make their ADRs or FP+s, or even want them to be with me as one big group. I might plan one or two things as a whole group outside of the parks but there is no way I'm coordinating everyone's trip for them. I would plan on seeing most of them in the mornings and then not again until the evenings.

I might take it a step further and send the motley crew to Universal or Legoland.
 
OP, where are you staying?

One option for meet ups would be the pool. Your group could commandeer a hot tub! Maybe even a quiet pool, and deck! Many of the resorts have quiet pools- and nice areas alongside the quiet pools- that would be perfect to meet for drinks/snacks. The one a the BWK is lovely, with pretty gardens, we didn't miss the main pool, because the garden was so relaxing. the mods and even the values also have quiet pools that would be fun for meet ups.

I think the other thing to consider, is that the focus of this trip isn't going to be the same as your two people trips - unless you set aside a day or two where you don't coordinate/meet up at all. You'd do well to allow some time to just let everyone hang out roughly in the same area. The DVC resorts have areas that could also work.

As I said, when your group gets bigger, someone is always hungry, needs a restroom, or wants to break. You'll move at a much slower pace, even walking.

Normally, I'm not huge on matching shirts, but some wardrobe coordination really does help in a crowd. Fro some reason, - at WDW - bright green works very well. Red is okay, but many folks wear red. orange is ugly, but easy to see. Black is hot and blends. blue is nice looking, but blends with the crowd. Buying coordinated shirts can get $$$. You can go to an online WHOLESALE site and buy PLAIN t-shirts for about $2-3 each!

Adding decals gets $$ quickly, If you have someone else do it. I tried home high quality transfers once (non WDW group). I bought pro transfer paper online and printed my own design using a home printer. (I think you need ink jet?) I just did a black on white drawing. The transfer paper has to be kept VERY dry, even a humid day will RUIN it. Read up if you want to try. Many papers require special printers or special irons. Only some kinds work with a home iron. But plain t-shirts one or two days would be pretty easy and not too $.


All 16 are staying at the CBR.

once you made the t-shirts how did they hold up?
 
I'd say, you would also do well to let everyone know up front- you won't wait around. If they don't show with the group- no hard feelings- they go on the ride - or rebook their FP themselves.

We semi- jokingly used to say, those who can't keep up will be left behind! (Kind of in a pirate voice, if that helps).

i think you have the right idea here
 
If 1 out of 16 shows up you will not be charged. I always book the max I expect. If all show up that's great, but I don't want to fumble around trying to add folks later on.

Vis Napoli is good for a large group too. If you all are at CBR I think you should look at Shutters. I bet they could accommodate if you don't wait too long to book. There is a lot to be said for dinner one night at your resort.
 
If 1 out of 16 shows up you will not be charged. I always book the max I expect. If all show up that's great, but I don't want to fumble around trying to add folks later on.

Vis Napoli is good for a large group too. If you all are at CBR I think you should look at Shutters. I bet they could accommodate if you don't wait too long to book. There is a lot to be said for dinner one night at your resort.

that's good to hear.

How is Shutters? The last time i went to CBR was 1999ish
 
Has any one done a private desert party (IllumiNations) for a large group?... they seem reasonable priced is it worth it?
 
that's good to hear.

How is Shutters? The last time i went to CBR was 1999ish
It's been a few years, but we had one of our best meals there. It was a fluke we went, my little granddaughter was exhausted do we canceled coral reef and left the park. I booked shutters that afternoon and was very happy.
 
Leaving in two and a half weeks with a group of 12 family members. I planned the entire thing. Some big tips:

1. Get a TW# for your group. Just call Disney and they will give you one once reservations are made. This allows Disney to know your entire group should be linked together the entire time. Particularly important for room reservations.
2. Link everyone in MDE. Makes making reservations fairly easy. Although such a large group might have trouble with restaurants and Fast Passes, so you might have to break them up into smaller groups.
3. Provide an itinerary, but stress that if people do not show you will continue on without them. It is okay to change your mind! Everyone does!
4. Yes, making ADR reservations for the entire group is okay. As long as a portion of the group shows, you will not be charged for them not showing. Exceptions here are the pre-paid dining locations of course.
5. Recommend everyone download the MDE App for ride wait times, fast pass changes, and park info.
6. I provided everyone a list of suggested additional packing as well. Things like extra battery charger, chill towels, moleskin, etc.... Things they may not think of as a disney novice.

Last, enjoy. It is vacation after all, not to mention your getting married!!! ;)
 
It will not go well. Meet up for dinner and provide guidance, but you are getting married to each other, not the group. Claim some independence.
 
Such great tips in this thread! I haven't taken a big group to WDW, but I wanted to chime in on Shutters -- we stayed at CBR last November, and liked the food AND service at Shutters so well, we went back twice more.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and I think you have exactly the right (realistic) attitude toward the nearly-impossible scheduling/coordination task you have set. :-)
 














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top