One time that it makes a lot of sense to use the services of a Disney Vacation Planner is when you are traveling with more than your immediate family. We are the parents of five adult children so even with our immediate family we are a large group. We recently traveled to Walt Disney World with four of our grown kids and their significant others as well as grandma and grandpa. This trip was unusual for us because we had 11 people everywhere we went and because we had all adults. The trip was seamless despite being there during peak season.
Ways to make a group trip work:
- It will be slow...did you read that? It is going to be inefficient at times. You will think everyone is meeting at the skyliner but some are waiting for others in the room. Be ready to improvise and check in with everyone in your group.
- Most of us have Iphones so we were in a group message and shared our locations. This allowed us to quickly update the group on changes and avoid some unnecessary waits.
- Are we stopping for the bathroom again? Eleven bladders do not sync, you will be stopping a lot get over it and expect it.
- When staying on property you can book your dining 180 days in advance, I highly suggest you get your table service meals together. Then each day you know you will come together for that meal.
- Fastpasses can be done 60 days in advance when staying on property, we did all our fastpasses together.
- PLANNING in advance is the key to not wasting time on vacation. Making one My Disney Experience account that everyone logs into and getting the meals and fastpasses together ensures those times to meet up.
- We always told our group they were welcome to split off from the group and be in touch later. Since everyone has similar interests and gets along the didn't really take off. However, if you had families with different interests and different aged kids I think splitting up would eliminate a lot of frustration.
Traveling with adult kids:
- Well it's pretty much perfect because you don't have to do anything for them, they don't whine and they appreciate you paying. Kind of awesome, right?!
- We were able to take advantage of VERY EARLY entry to Hollywood Studios to get a boarding pass (virtual wait) to the newest Star Wars ride. I would never have gotten young kids up after 4 hours of sleep! Since we were there early we raced into coaster lines and played "heads up" on our phone while waiting which not only entertained ourselves but everyone watching our nonsense. (if you don't know google it but it's kind of like charades)
- When we got tired, we went back with only 2 hours to spare and took a break. When kids are younger, it's not worth it to return for such a short time. You are going to get back and have to drag all their strollers or belongings, have to argue with them to lay down because they saw the pool on the way to the room then awake the monsters with only 90 minutes of sleep! NOT the case with your adults, we returned and a couple swam then napped, one took a social media mental escape and five of us slept for 90 minutes. We then woke up and returned for several hours with virtually no waits during a peak crowd season.
- If they are not ready as soon as you are, meet them at the park. Especially when traveling with couples. I knew they would find their way over to parks giving everyone a lot more independence.
- We would do fast divide and conquers then regroup and everyone gets their way. So, instead of having to stick together to manage kids we would survey what everyone needed and reconfigure groups.
Things I think are worth the cost:
- Dining plan: Yes, I am a Disney planner, yes I am paid based on what you purchase. BUT I buy the Disney dining plan for my crew and we are all at adult prices and it is not discounted for me. It's very expensive but I cannot imagine this past trip without it. I was able to easily budget for the entire trip in advance then let them loose on property to get what they wanted without having to eat the same restaurants for our quick services or snacks. You will get a table service, a quick counter service and two snacks for each sleep you have on property.
- Memory Maker: The memory maker runs about $170 for the trip. This allows you to stop and get photos throughout the trip with professional photographers and get character pictures with everyone in your group included. You will also receive all the ride photos and videos. No matter how many are traveling together, one memory maker purchase will work as long as you are in the same My Disney Experience account or your accounts are linked together through friend requests. (active and retired military personnel pay only $98 with ID)
Unexpected Costs: I like surprises but not when it is a financial surprise!
- Groups of 6 or more are automatically charged 18% gratuity. Most of us would tip anyway but we don't generally go out and pay for 11 people at $50 a person...So the tip is nearly $100!! This is very noticeable on a group trip.
- Parking is now $15 at value resorts and even more at moderate and deluxe resorts. With all you are already spending that's just silly. Fortunately with your magic band you will be able to park at any parks without paying a second time. There is complimentary bus, skyliner, boat and monorail transportation but the drive to Hollywood Studios from Pop Century was only 6 minutes so we did appreciate that option.
