What Have I Gotten Myself Into!

JCTigger · Feb 20, 2005

In October my family is going to the world all 16 of us.... (yikes) My SiL has never been there and would love to take her lil girls who will be 4 and 2... so the call went out to my other step brothers and thier wives "who wants to go to Disney" Everyone.... the call went out to my sister in laws parents (who are divorced) well both sets of her parents want to go (her father is remarried and has a 5yr daughter).... I have the daunting task of planning this. I was volunteered for this postion, not a problem i said i can manage this... then i was volunteered to be the "I dont want to go on this ride but the kids want to go on this ride Jill take them on the ride" person. not a problem I love my nieces... So we called today to get the indepth skinny on a grand gathering.... If anyone has any tips or tricks id love to hear them, or if you have done a grand gathering what did you think about it?

I have to pass this comment along... ( a little background story) we were sitting with my step brother and sister in law watching the new planning video... I guess she gets sea sick really easy wanted was really concerned about getting motion/ sea sick while on IASW.. just the way she said it was really really funny because she was very concerned about it....

tjkraz · Feb 20, 2005

First, don't plan on everyone making the trip. SOMEONE...perhaps several "someones"...will drop out before the trip date.

Make sure that eveyone is paying for their own expenses as they occur. Don't put yourself in the position of guaranteeing other folks' rooms with your credit card.

I wouldn't suggest trying to keep everyone together for the entire trip. Too many people will either end up doing things they don't want to do, or will be upset that the group votes-down their suggestion. Plan one event for the group daily...a dinner or nighttime activity (Fantasmic!, Spectromagic) would be a good idea. Maybe a character breakfast.

If you wish, you could always put together some touring guidelines for them (recommended park days, attractions, restaurants, etc.), but I'd suggest making it clear that indiviudal groups will be on the own to tour the parks and schedule their days.

Finally, just remember that you may be in an unwinable position. Some people will appreciate every moment that you spend trying to prepare for the trip. Others will be resentful and think you're trying to control everyone. Make the best of it and hope everyone gets along.