What better way to reconnect with your family than at the happiest place on Earth? Disney World offers all kinds of family-friendly attractions, restaurants, and activities that both kids and adults will enjoy. If you’re looking to spend more time with your extended family, plan a successful family reunion at Disney World by packing the essentials and accommodating everyone during festivities.
Setting a Date for Your Disney Family Reunion
With multiple families and different schedules to work around, it can be difficult to schedule a vacation last-minute. Before finalizing any dates for your Disney trip, check in with your loved ones to see what works best for them. Choosing the perfect date will keep everyone informed and prepared as they make their travel plans.
Coordinating Schedules Across Families
To coordinate schedules, start by polling members to find potential windows of availability. Consider using shared online tools and family discussions to determine the best date for your vacation. Black out any major holidays, school events, or work obligations you may have so that everyone can make it to the occasion.
Understanding the Best Times To Visit Disney World
Disney World has peak and off-peak seasons, so visiting during the off-peak times, like late January or early September, often means fewer crowds and shorter wait times for attractions. If these months work with your family’s schedule, book your trip around these timeframes for a more relaxed experience, especially if you’re accommodating children or older relatives who may not enjoy long queues.
Deciding on Accommodations for All
Finding the perfect place to stay will give everyone the space they need to rest at the end of the day. While you can try to squeeze all of your family members into one hotel room, it can be uncomfortable or claustrophobic for your loved ones. Luckily, Disney offers a wide range of accommodations to make this process easier.
Disney Resort Options for Large Families
Disney’s on-site resorts provide convenience and themed accommodations that cater to family groups. For Disney fans looking for an immersive experience, resorts like Disney’s Art of Animation or Disney’s All-Star Music Resort offer family suites with enough space for everyone to relax. Staying on-site also provides perks such as early park access and exclusive eateries, so give your loved ones the full Disney experience by staying on-site.
Considering Off-Site Lodging
For larger families or those on a budget, off-site rental homes can be a great solution. Many vacation rentals near Disney World offer multiple bedrooms, private pools, and full kitchens that make extended stays more comfortable. For those with older family members or others who require additional mobility support and accessibility, these venues will also provide the resources your family needs for a safe and fun trip.
Crafting an Itinerary That Appeals to Everyone
Creating an itinerary ahead of time allows everyone to determine how they want to spend their days without impeding other people’s plans. Whether you want to follow a strict schedule or let people break off and regroup at certain times, planning these timeframes in advance will make the trip smooth and efficient.
Exciting Park Experiences for Kids
Kids love the magic of Disney World, so in your itinerary, visit the attractions tailored to younger family members, such as Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom or the interactive experiences at Epcot. Character meet-and-greets are also a must-add activity to delight children.
Relaxation and Excitement for Adults
While Disney World is famously kid-friendly, there are plenty of attractions for adults, too. Parents and grandparents alike can enjoy unique culinary experiences at Disney Springs or thrilling rides like Space Mountain. Set aside enough room in the schedule that accommodates both children and adults alike so that no one leaves the parks feeling left out.
How To Manage Dining as a Group
Eating together as a family is one of the highlights of any reunion, and booking ahead of time gives your family the chance to decide what eateries they want to explore when you arrive at the parks. Consider your loved ones’ preferences as you plan a successful family reunion at Disney World.
Reservations for Larger Groups
Many Disney World restaurants allow reservations for large parties, but make these bookings well in advance. Popular dining spots tend to book up quickly, especially during peak times. Use Disney’s online reservation system to secure tables for your preferred times and mention if you need special accommodations for children or older adults.
Food Options for All Dietary Needs
Disney World provides all kinds of options for people with dietary restrictions and includes allergy-friendly menus for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Make sure to communicate any specific dietary needs to the service staff so that everyone enjoys their meals.
Staying Organized During Your Visit
Once you plan out your days at Disney World, follow through with your itinerary! Staying organized gives the whole family a stress-free Disney World experience. Set reminders and delegate roles to stay on track and avoid any unexpected problems during your trip.
Group Communication Tools
Use group-messaging apps like WhatsApp or private social media groups to coordinate in real time. Whether someone needs a water break or wants to split up for rides, having a central communication point can simplify decision-making. These group chats are especially important in case anyone gets lost in the parks!
Managing Tickets and FastPass+
Instead of handing out separate park tickets to your family members, delegate one responsible adult to take care of the entry process. Purchase park tickets in advance and take advantage of FastPass+ to minimize wait times. By pre-planning which attractions to prioritize and making sure everyone can enter the park easily, you can avoid rushing and keep the group happy.
Making Time for Special Family Moments
Before the vacation ends, don’t forget to take plenty of photos of the trip to preserve the memories! Amid the excitement of Disney World, there’s always room to create unique moments your family will cherish for years to come.
Capture the Memories
Book a Disney PhotoPass session to capture fun and candid group photos throughout the parks. This gives everyone the chance to shine in the family photos. Save these photographs and consider professionally printing out the images for decorative souvenirs when you return home.
Bringing Along Matching Outfits
It’s not often you get to book a family reunion, so make it count by getting matching outfits for the occasion! Get the children in your family involved by buying matching Disney outfits for boys and girls from FloridaGifts to make the reunion feel even more special. Whether it’s a customized shirt or a matching jacket, these souvenirs are the perfect keepsakes of your adventure as a family.
Ending your family reunion on a magical note leaves everyone with treasured memories of their Disney World experience. Arrange a farewell meal or event and start planning your next family reunion while you’re in person. By carefully planning accommodations, activities, and meals, you can create magical memories that last a lifetime.