when a large group can't agree...help!!!

[michelleiada]

We also are a large group of 19 traveling to WDW for 10 nights in May (5-15th). We are all staying at the Beach Club Villas. We have done other "group" trips, once a group of 25 and we all stayed at the WDW Swan with the exception of one family that stayed at Pop Century. We had an amazing time. Group trips can be wonderful if everyone is open minded and flexible. And, you can make it work with staying at separate resorts too. You will inevitably end up breaking up into groups...it is impossible to stay together all the time with such a large group. We tried to get together for meals and for pool time, and sometimes to see a show together. Good luck and hope you have a magical vacation!

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks for the input! I guess it does make sense to split up. I don't want anyone to have a bad time or be unhappy on their vacation.

We are also having an issue of some people wanting the dining plan and some people not wanting it. I have relatives who opt for eating off Disney property especially for dinner and I have others who want all their meals to be eaten at Disney. I guess this is another time we will have to split up. I just don't want this to be a habit and then we never see each other the whole week because we all can't agree.

More about dining...How will this work when we plan our ADR's? Can Disney accomodate such a large group at the same time/table?

For those that have traveled in large groups....please give me advice on how to plan accordingly. I am the point person for the trip since I know the most about Disney. I just want to make sure everyone has a great time

We went to Disney for a big family trip a few years ago and decided ahead of time that we would do together but separate vacations.

We stayed on property (only choice for us) and the others stayed off site in a condo.

We were only there for 4 days, in December, so the swimming aspect was not an issue but what we did was talk about where we might want to go and when. But, the big thing we decided before the trip was that everyone was to feel comfortable planning and doing things the way they wanted. We planned one main meal ahead of time and then went from there.

There were times that we went our own way, as we go to Disney all the time and didn't want to spend the time waiting for a few attractions, while others did. Other times, we were together for most of the day.

I think that this really helped everyone feel less stress and enjoy ourselves as no one ever felt like they "had" to do something others were doing.

We are even thinking of doing it again (with more) in a few years.

As far as the dining plan, as long as people are in other rooms, some can get it while others don't need to. Those at the Dolphin won't be eligible anyway so if you do choose different resorts you are going to have a split.

Getting between BW and Dolphin is easy and it would allow you to hang out together as you head to parks, see the boardwalk, etc.

Good luck!

 

[eliza61]

The other idea that is being thrown around is that the group can split if we can't all agree. Some of us can stay at the BWI and some can stay at the Dolphin. Has this happened to anyone where the party breaks up? Does it work or does it seem like you aren't even on vacation with the rest of the group? The plus to this split is that we are on the same property, so are we really that far?? How much of a difference will it make?

My family reunion is this August. So far we have a confirmed 17 members with a possibility of up to 30.

1) Grand gatherings is great. contact them
2) A travel agent is your best friend.

From the start I knew that even though we were family there were just too many varying opinions for me to want to try and please every one. We have room split all over the place.
My 2 elderly aunts are luxury hounds, they go top shelf all the time. It was a chore to get them to even stay on site especially with a Waldorf right down the street.
Many of my cousins are college students so they were fine with the values.
I own a dvc. no way was I going to pay for lodging when I get free lodging (well not free, but you know what I mean) at my home resort.

So we are split all across the resorts and every one is happy and comfortable.

 

[CathieArms]

My extended family is planning a vacation this May and since we are such a large group (20...divided into 5 families) there are many different opinions as to where we should stay. The main issue is the cost. I am a huge fan of the BWI and when I travel to WDW with my immediate family that is our hotel of choice. I understand that not everyone in my group can afford staying at the BWI so we are throwing out other options that can be more "doable" for everyone. A popular choice seems to be the Dolphin. I have never stayed there so any feedback would be great. I have no problem staying there, my fear is that I am going into this with the "but it's not disney" attitude and I don't want that to clog my judgement. I like that it is on deluxe property but we wouldn't be paying the deluxe price. I am open to all opinions and suggestions

The other idea that is being thrown around is that the group can split if we can't all agree. Some of us can stay at the BWI and some can stay at the Dolphin. Has this happened to anyone where the party breaks up? Does it work or does it seem like you aren't even on vacation with the rest of the group? The plus to this split is that we are on the same property, so are we really that far?? How much of a difference will it make?

Quite honestly - with that many people - I'd WANT to consider staying at our own resorts. In fact, I just suggested this to a good friend the other day.

If you want to stay at BWI, and another part of the family wants to stay at S&D, and another wants to stay at Pop, I think that probably just works out best. I think it would be easier to coordinate meet-up times than to coordinate "Okay, let's all get on the bus at 7:30. Ooops...Gramma's not here so let's wait." Know what I mean?

If it were me, I'd be more inclined to coordinate which parks to go to each day, then meet up for lunch or dinner and something in the evening.

But, that's me. I can't even begin to imagine the frustration of attempting to coordinate 20-odd people beyond just meetup times. And, even then I think I'd be ready to pull my hair out.

 

[msp2mco]

You are getting great advice here, and I concur that staying at different resorts would probably be a benefit. I've done several group trips at DVC villas and with other people staying at other resorts, and it has worked out great. We were able to visit other resorts and have dinner together and check out the resort at the same time.

What seemed to work well was having several all-group things to do...everyone ride Big Thunder when the park opens and meet for an ADR at Tony's at 12:30. (Make ADR's well ahead of time and be willing to split up.) Then we'd usually run into other people in our group throughout the day.

Good communication and talking about expectations is key. After the third trip with my 40-ish single DBIL, my husband said something like, "Do you want to sleep in and meet up with us later?" to which he replied, "You mean I can do that?" I didn't think we had been coercing him into going with us, but when he had his freedom, he spent the entire day riding Aerosmith.

 

[TinkerBe11]

I can't be any help on the Swan and Dolphin b/c I've never stayed. I did however, just plan a trip for 20 people (we leave next Saturday!!!) We were originally staying at POP! so that everyones budget was taken care of. Then we came across a deal with DH's aunts timeshare (she is coming too). So we went with that we ended up getting 2-2BR units and 2-Studio units (that we rented from a DVC member) at BCV for about $4K total. In the end it cost a little more than POP, but only about $300, and when you spread it out over that many people it isn't much at all. Have you looked into renting points from BWV and maybe getting 2BR units and splitting the cost?

At one point we did have one of our 2BR's at SSR b/c that was available, but I was able to switch it when BCV came available. It wasn't a big deal to us to be in different places. At point my sister and her family and my mom were going to stay back at POP! or one of the All Stars before I got them points at a good price.

Another thing I have learned through this experience, No one will ever agree! There is always at least one person complaining. I made the majority of my group do a compromise. Most have never been there, so they pretty much left the planning up to me! I have done everything for this trip from buying the tickets, making the resort reservations, making ADR's, making our touring plan (we are going on our separate ways for the most part in the parks), deciding when we are leaving, what cars we are taking, and who is going in which vehicle.

The largest ADR I have is for 16 at Cape May for breakfast. It was difficult, but I didn't start trying to book until the end of November (due to some dragging their feet on if they were getting the dining plan or not).

If you have any other questions about planning for a large group, let me know. I am by no means a "Disney expert", but I can try!

No one in my party are DVC members. I haven't done my research, I would think for me it would be really expensive because I haven't found any deals. If I am not a DVC member can I rent points? I am not familiar with the club rules

 

[TinkerBe11]

We also are a large group of 19 traveling to WDW for 10 nights in May (5-15th). We are all staying at the Beach Club Villas. We have done other "group" trips, once a group of 25 and we all stayed at the WDW Swan with the exception of one family that stayed at Pop Century. We had an amazing time. Group trips can be wonderful if everyone is open minded and flexible. And, you can make it work with staying at separate resorts too. You will inevitably end up breaking up into groups...it is impossible to stay together all the time with such a large group. We tried to get together for meals and for pool time, and sometimes to see a show together. Good luck and hope you have a magical vacation!

Did you like the Swan? I am nervous about maybe taking a chance at the Dolphin because it's not "Disney."

 

[TinkerBe11]

My family reunion is this August. So far we have a confirmed 17 members with a possibility of up to 30.

1) Grand gatherings is great. contact them
2) A travel agent is your best friend.

From the start I knew that even though we were family there were just too many varying opinions for me to want to try and please every one. We have room split all over the place.
My 2 elderly aunts are luxury hounds, they go top shelf all the time. It was a chore to get them to even stay on site especially with a Waldorf right down the street.
Many of my cousins are college students so they were fine with the values.
I own a dvc. no way was I going to pay for lodging when I get free lodging (well not free, but you know what I mean) at my home resort.

So we are split all across the resorts and every one is happy and comfortable.

I was told I needed 8 plus rooms in order to be considered an official "magical gathering." I only need 5 I wonder what type of discount there would be with 8 or more rooms???

 

[TinkerBe11]

You are getting great advice here, and I concur that staying at different resorts would probably be a benefit. I've done several group trips at DVC villas and with other people staying at other resorts, and it has worked out great. We were able to visit other resorts and have dinner together and check out the resort at the same time.

What seemed to work well was having several all-group things to do...everyone ride Big Thunder when the park opens and meet for an ADR at Tony's at 12:30. (Make ADR's well ahead of time and be willing to split up.) Then we'd usually run into other people in our group throughout the day.

Good communication and talking about expectations is key. After the third trip with my 40-ish single DBIL, my husband said something like, "Do you want to sleep in and meet up with us later?" to which he replied, "You mean I can do that?" I didn't think we had been coercing him into going with us, but when he had his freedom, he spent the entire day riding Aerosmith.

LOL I love the "I can do that story." A few years ago I dragged my boyfriend to the Magic Kingdom and had him stay there til 2am on the night of extra magic hours hahaha! He was "disneyed out" by the end. He was falling asleep on Splash Mountain haha poor guy.....

 

[goodferry]

Renting points is fairly easy and perfectly legal and allowed by Disney, there is an entire board on here dedicated to getting renters and rentees together even! We did this several times before we got sucked into buying
We saved a lot of money renting points, if you scour the DVC boards you will find lots of info!

 

[goodferry]

Also, a Grand Gathering (I believe) is 8+ people, not rooms

 

[FoundinWonderland]

Believe it or not I planned a trip in 2008 for a larger number of people! The best tip I can give you is this- plan in advance, and don't expect everyone to want to do everything all the time. Here's how I handled it: I booked us all in the same resort (YBC) and made dinner reservations for each night, as well a two breakfasts, at different places around property that I thought most people would like. Then, when everyone checked in, I gave them a printed itinerary of our reservations (which were hard to get with more then 20 of us!) and told people that if they wanted to show up they could, and if they didn't want to then they didn't have to! Believe it or not this worked like a charm a we had many wonderful meals together, giving everyone the opportunity and freedom to do whatever they wanted during the day.

Being well versed in all things Disney I was picked to plan this trip-however if you are not very familiar with the resort I would recommend a Travel agent- they can become your best friend.

And don't worry too much about the Swan being "Not Disney," we have stayed there a couple of times and have been pleasantly surprised by the service and quality of the rooms. The only issue we ever ran into was when we stayed there during Christmas one year and the size of their check-in desk could not accommodate the number of people checking in, even with all the windows open. There was a 20 minute wait, but they were very understanding and accommodating once we talked to the CM and we never had another issue during our entire stay.

I hope some of this advice helps you out and you have a *magical* vacation!

 

[TinkerBe11]

Great advice! When you booked the meal reservations did you always make them for the exact # of people in your group (and have less show up) or did you spilt the # up between places and the group needed to figure out who goes where?

 

[TinkerBe11]

Believe it or not I planned a trip in 2008 for a larger number of people! The best tip I can give you is this- plan in advance, and don't expect everyone to want to do everything all the time. Here's how I handled it: I booked us all in the same resort (YBC) and made dinner reservations for each night, as well a two breakfasts, at different places around property that I thought most people would like. Then, when everyone checked in, I gave them a printed itinerary of our reservations (which were hard to get with more then 20 of us!) and told people that if they wanted to show up they could, and if they didn't want to then they didn't have to! Believe it or not this worked like a charm a we had many wonderful meals together, giving everyone the opportunity and freedom to do whatever they wanted during the day.

Being well versed in all things Disney I was picked to plan this trip-however if you are not very familiar with the resort I would recommend a Travel agent- they can become your best friend.

And don't worry too much about the Swan being "Not Disney," we have stayed there a couple of times and have been pleasantly surprised by the service and quality of the rooms. The only issue we ever ran into was when we stayed there during Christmas one year and the size of their check-in desk could not accommodate the number of people checking in, even with all the windows open. There was a 20 minute wait, but they were very understanding and accommodating once we talked to the CM and we never had another issue during our entire stay.

I hope some of this advice helps you out and you have a *magical* vacation!

Great advice! When you booked the meal reservations did you always make them for the exact # of people in your group (and have less show up) or did you spilt the # up between places and the group needed to figure out who goes where?

 

[TinkerBe11]

Renting points is fairly easy and perfectly legal and allowed by Disney, there is an entire board on here dedicated to getting renters and rentees together even! We did this several times before we got sucked into buying
We saved a lot of money renting points, if you scour the DVC boards you will find lots of info!

So I did some research about renting points....I am just a little confused I am not understanding how I can save money. Does it all depend on how much the DVC member is charging me? Wouldn't everyone just rent points if it was that simple and inexpensive? I am missing something here. Can you explain please

 

[Micca]

I would never, never stay at the same resort as 19 other people in my party. Split up. BWI to the Dolphin is a 4 minute walk.

I agree. Trying to keep that many people together is going to be like herding cats. That you would even consider making room arrangements for that many family members automatically increases your eligibility for sainthood.

 

[honeydiane1953]

I would never, never stay at the same resort as 19 other people in my party. Split up. BWI to the Dolphin is a 4 minute walk.

I agree 100 percent. U can't get three people to agree. Stay where u want and let the others pick and choose their option. BELIEVE me if u choose u wil never hear the end of it.

 

[goodferry]

As far as renting points, you can save a lot of money. It does depend on how much the renter is offering points for. We rented several times, I know one time we paid $10 per point and one time $13, I don't remember the other times. You need to look at a points chart and determine how many points you would need and what resort you would want, then see if you can find someone who has points available that would suit you. I don't think I would ever make a cash reservation through Disney for a DVC room, renting points is such a better deal. There is a level of trust needed between you and the person you rent from. I always asked for referrals from previous renters. You have to trust that the person you pay actually makes the reservation for you, a lot of people do a conference call. It's worth considering with that many people

 

[FoundinWonderland]

Great advice! When you booked the meal reservations did you always make them for the exact # of people in your group (and have less show up) or did you spilt the # up between places and the group needed to figure out who goes where?

I booked for the exact number of people; that way if less showed up it was much easier for the CMs to take away chairs then add new ones!

Glad the advice helped