Welcome to planDisney David! How exciting that you’re planning such a special family gathering at
Walt Disney World Resort! With a group of adults, college students, teens, and a little one, there’s truly something magical for everyone to enjoy. I’d love to share some tips to help make your planning smoother so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories together.
Planning a family gathering of 15 people at Disney World takes some organization but can be incredibly rewarding. The first step is deciding when to go, since crowd levels and pricing vary throughout the year. If you’d like to avoid the heaviest crowds and highest costs, steer clear of major holidays like Christmas week or the Fourth of July. Choosing dates early also helps with reservations and gives everyone in your group time to prepare.
Next, think about accommodations. With such a large group, you’ll want convenience and flexibility. Disney’s Deluxe Villas, like those at Saratoga Springs or
Old Key West, offer multi-bedroom villas that can sleep up to 12, so you might need two villas to fit everyone. Another option is booking several adjoining rooms at a moderate or value resort such as Port Orleans Riverside, Pop Century, or my favorite
Art of Animation. Staying on property will give your group early park entry,
free transportation, and the convenience of being close to the action.
When it comes to park tickets, decide how many days you want in the parks. A three to five day trip works well for most families. Park Hopper tickets allow flexibility, but with a group this large, sticking to one park per day often makes things easier. Be sure to look into the Lightning Lane Passes so your group can skip lines at popular attractions.
Dining is an important part of the experience and requires planning. For a group this size, you’ll need to
make reservations as early as possible, up to 60 days in advance. Character dining experiences, like Chef Mickey’s or Crystal Palace, are especially fun for the youngest in your group. Other group friendly dining spots include ‘Ohana at the Polynesian, Biergarten in EPCOT, and Garden Grill. It’s smart to plan a few group meals together but also allow smaller groups to break off for flexibility.
Inside the parks, splitting into smaller groups will help everyone enjoy what interests them most. The college students and teens may want thrill rides, while the five year-old will prefer gentler attractions in Fantasyland or Toy Story Land. Set a couple of meet up points each day, such as a group lunch or watching fireworks together, to keep everyone connected.
Rider Switch is also available on rides with height requirements, so the younger child isn’t left out.
Finally, don’t forget the logistics. Linking everyone in the
My Disney Experience app makes it easier to coordinate dining, Lightning Lane, and other plans. Since large groups can get tired quickly, plan downtime like a pool afternoon or a visit to Disney Springs so no one feels rushed.
David, I hope this helps you feel excited as you plan your visit! With something magical for every age, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for visiting planDisney, and may your trip be filled with joy and pixie dust!
Kay