Beckee:
My #1 tip when traveling with more than a number that can fit in your car is to go to the same park as a group, but avoid the temptation to stay together for rides. Instead, break up into smaller groups according to ages. When we went with a our church, we split up with a few moms taking the younger kids and the dads enjoying Space Mountain with the teens. When we visited with the grandparents, they took the grandkids for awhile, letting us tour as a couple without a stroller. Pure bliss!
Additionally, we decided to purchase the Disney Dining Plan and arrange just one sit-down meal a day together. With the dining plan, we weren't having to worry about splitting up checks or someone being uncomfortable about who was paying. We found that the buffet restaurants were more accommodating to our group's size and we didn't have to wait to be served. Best of all, with many mouths come a few picky eaters. Buffets offered lots of options for everyone. Our favorites for big groups: the
Hoop Dee Doo Revue (who doesn't like fried chicken and ribs?) and
Biergarten for its meat and potatoes offerings, but most of all, it's floor show. Nothing beats watching the little ones in the group do the Chicken Song!
You can make your dining reservations for large parties now online at www.disneyworld.com. But if you come up short on finding a slot for such a big party, I recommend just breaking the group into two. You may not be able to all sit together, but you'll be on the same schedule, experiencing the same dining choice. We found we looked forward to this daily time to get back together, share our photos from the day and tell our stories. Memory maker, here you come!
Wishing y'all a magical vacation!
Whitney