tips for large group

[dismom9761]

I have been planning a trip to WDW in October for me,my four kids and my parents.Now my brother and his wife and two kids and my sister and her DH and their two kids are going.Anyone have any good tips for large family groups?Should we plan on eating together and touring the parks together?The kids will be 2,4,6,7,9,9,9,and 11 yrs old.I tend to plan each day out(I am using TGM) and my DB has already mentioned wanting a relaxing vacation and not getting up early Any advice would be wonderful.

 

[BlindTyldak]

Last time i went we did a Magical Gathering . . . myself, my DH, my DD6, my sister, her husband, their three children, and my parents. We found that what worked best was breaking into two groups - we generally did the "thrill riders" and the "easy goers" and then meeting once a day for a sit-down dinner. of course we did plan certain things as a group, such as Illuminations, getting our picture taken on main street, making sure we got all the kids on dumbo at the same time for a video; in the afternoon we generally had the group "in the park" and one "at the pool" and we also traded off watching kids so that every couple could get a night out on their own alone. But trying to stay together all day, every day, can be a bit much, especially with bathroom breaks, who wants a snack, and who is getting tired. best thing you can probably do is play it by ear day to day and see what works best for you.

 

[salmoneous]

If you try to plan and make that many people happy, you'll go crazy. I would plan one get-together even a day. But beyond that, I'd leave each family to plan for their own activities.

 

[Goofy4Disney]

We have a party of 8 going in May/June, and we are also dividing into 2 groups. The only times we plan to meet are for some meals, the parades and fireworks, and maybe a few other times so the kids from each group can do something together. That's about it. It's just so hard to please that many people at once.

As for your case, I'm not sure if you are talking about eating at TS restaurants, but if so, it will be hard to get a ressie for that many people at once. I'd break up the groups and alternate days with the people from the other groups if I really wanted to eat with them that badly. For instance, your parents could eat with you one day, the next day with your brother, and the next day with your sister. Or however you choose to do it.

I certainly wouldn't plan on touring the parks together with that many people. But if you decide to do so, good luck!

 

[disnut8]

I've done family trips before and I can highly advise NOT to think you will be touring the parks together. This last time, we had so many different groups at so many different locations. Everyone had a great time. My father-in-law and brother-in-law went off together. They have such a slow pace and are not into any Disney related at all. For while, we toured with my mother-in-law, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. Then my husband and I would go off and do some alone time. Or sometimes we would take the granddaughter or the mother-in-law. We just mixed and matched for the entire trip.

I would suggest each family do their own planning and if something matches up, fine. If not, do your own things. I did plan one dinner for all of us on our last night there.

One suggestion is to make your itinerary available to the others (since you said you are doing Tour Guide Mike). Then let them decide if it works into their plans. I'm with your brother - I sleep in and want to relax.