Hi Kevin!
We’re glad to see you back! Walt Disney World Vacations are even more fun when you travel with family and friends. We just returned from our trip as a group of 11 and I’ve visited with as many as 21, so big groups are my specialty. I have a few tips and tricks I’m happy to share with you!
First, you’ll need a solid plan for
Advance Dining Reservations. Currently, most Disney locations are not booking tables larger than 6. You should plan on dividing your group into smaller tables and attempt to book times within a 15-minute timeframe. Because one Guest cannot hold two tables at the same time, you should coordinate multiple adults in your group, each with their own
My Disney Experience Account, to book those needed tables. On the day of your reservation, visit the restaurant podium as early as possible to let them know you are a group traveling together. While there are no guarantees, and you may not be seated together, Cast Members will do their very best. Pro-Tip: If everyone booking the tables has the same last name, that can help alert Cast Members in advance that you might be a large group!
Recognize that the larger the group, the slower you will move through the parks. Know that you are only as fast as your smallest bladder! Our rule we have is that if we are making a restroom break, everyone takes that break. Otherwise, you end up making a pit stop after every single attraction and you’ll lose a lot of time!
Have a plan of attack for the day, and don’t be afraid to divide and conquer. Choose one or two top attractions for the morning that everyone can enjoy that you plan to do as a group. Great options might be the Jungle Cruise, Frozen Ever After, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad, and Kilimanjaro Safari. Plan to experience these attractions together as they are fun for all ages! Then, consider splitting your group up. Perhaps the teenagers want to head to
Space Mountain while the grandparents and younger kids enjoy the
Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover. Or send some folks on
Expedition Everest while others walk the
Maharaja Jungle Trek. Plan to meet back up for a snack or meal later in the day. You may also consider leaving some folks in the parks while the little ones or grandparents return to the resort for a swim or a nap.
Before the day starts, find out from each person what their one “Must-do” is, and try to incorporate everyone’s main wish into the day. While I always recommend a solid touring plan for the parks, as my husband says, “Don’t be afraid to call an audible.” If the plan was for everyone to ride a particular attraction, but the queue just jumped from 45 to 90 minutes and that’s too much for some of the group, don’t be afraid to change the plan. It also helps if you have only one or two family members that are calling that audible. Remember the saying about “Too many cooks ruins the broth.” That goes for Disney trips. Everyone should be willing to compromise, change plans, and go with the flow.
I hope these ideas are helpful, Kevin! I trust you’ll be sending more questions our way before your trip, so see ya real soon!
- Kate