https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 25 Apr 2026 22:49:07 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926499 Sun, 20 Mar 2022 18:17:09 +0000 DesertDreams88 2926499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just got back from Disneyland so some of my experience won't be relevant to DW, but: </p> <p>1) Definitely buy Genie+. We didn't, I regret it.<br /> 2) Definitely buy a ton of snacks and bring them in your backpacks for keeping kids busy in line.<br /> 3) Buy the Disney bubble wands for keeping everyone amused in line. There are some on Amazon and Ebay.<br /> 4) Utilize Rider Swap so that your older kids can ride the best rides twice in a row. For us, usually we had LO1 ride with us, then he rode with my parents. Meanwhile, LO2 was hanging out with the non-riding adults and doing littler-kid rides in the area.<br /> 5) Everyone should go to the bathroom at the same time, even if they "don't have to go."<br /> 6) Familiarize yourself with the app.<br /> 7) Use mobile ordering for food.<br /> 8) Go do rope drop with whoever is ready. If others aren't ready, they can meet you up when they are.<br /> 9) If some people are there for rope-drop but they're slow walkers, maybe they can be in charge of getting lockers and doing another potty break while you do a ride real fast..... This is what my parents did, along with LO2 who didn't qualify for some rides. </p> <p>40 inches in height is the main deal-breaker. Here's an example, sorted by height so it shows it more clearly: </p> <p><a href="https://www.mousehacking.com/blog/disney-world-height-requirements" rel="nofollow">https://www.mousehacking.com/blog/disney-world-height-requirements</a></p> <p><a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/height-requirements/" rel="nofollow">https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/height-requirements/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926476 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 19:07:54 +0000 MLE81 2926476@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LadyDi: glad it’s not just me! I’d like to take my kids in July/August 2023 or 2024, but it all seems so overwhelming I don’t even know where to start! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926475 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 17:36:44 +0000 erinbaderin 2926475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cait1: Right - and sorry, I think I wasn’t clear. You can book your first genie plus ride at 7am, but Mine Train is different (as is Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom, Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios, and Remy at Epcot, you have to buy those separately). So you could book Space Mountain (as part of the genie plus package) at 7 but you can’t book Mine Train, as a ride you pay separately for, until 9am. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926474 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:30:57 +0000 Cait1 2926474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bubbletrouble: thank you!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926473 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:30:29 +0000 Cait1 2926473@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: thank you so much! This helps a lot. So, if I go on the Genie+ app at 9am when the park opens, I should be able to reserve Seven Dwarves at that time (but it would be for a time-slot sometime later in the day)? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926472 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:26:30 +0000 bubbletrouble 2926472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cait1: I went in November and stayed in an Airbnb as well. </p> <p>You can start booking your Genie + selections starting at 7 AM if you're staying offsite. This is where it gets tricky; for your next selection you have to wait two hours after the park oficially opens OR check in at the ride you booked. After one of those two conditions are met, you can book your next Genie + ride. </p> <p>As for the LL, since you are staying offsite you can start booking at 9 AM. </p> <p>Hope that helps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926471 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:23:23 +0000 erinbaderin 2926471@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cait1: A few problems. Space Mountain is no longer a ride that you pay for, it’s just a regular lightning lane ride. Also because you’re not staying on site, you can’t book Seven Dwarfs Mine Train until the park opens at 9am. You also can’t book your second lightning lane until two hours after the park opens, not two hours after you book your first. From there you can book a new one EITHER every two hours OR when you use one. So if at 7am you book Jungle Cruise from 9:20-10:20 and you tap in at 9:25 you can then book your next one. If you book it for 4-5pm then you book your next one at 11. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926469 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 13:53:20 +0000 Cait1 2926469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Following along as well because we are going to Magic Kingdom one day next week! This is our first time and we are staying offsite in an AirBnB. I feel like I’m an otherwise reasonably intelligent, capable adult but am struggling to figure out all of the logistics around rope drop, lightning lane, genie plus, etc. 😅</p> <p>I’m planning to buy Genie+ and the two individual lightning lane passes. So I’m thinking it would work like this: </p> <p>7am book first Genie+ ride<br /> 9am book second Genie+ ride and first LL for Seven Dwarfs (can this be done simultaneously?)<br /> 11am book third Genie+ ride and second LL for Space Mountain<br /> 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm additional Genie+ reservations </p> <p>Can someone tell me if that is doable or if I’m misunderstanding? Also would love to hear if anyone has any non-Disney recs for Orlando. So far we are planning to also visit Discovery Cove, Rock Springs State Park, and the Sebastian Inlet tide pool. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926467 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 09:57:39 +0000 LadyDi 2926467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just following along on this thread because I am planning on a trip for the 5 of us in January or February of 2023 and I am already stressed about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926465 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:59:21 +0000 ChitownRo 2926465@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker: Yes you have to swipe for lightning lanes. I bought lanyards and attached the (free) gold cards/tickets. If you request, they can mail you the cards when you purchase tickets. Otherwise they will give you a card when you scan in near security the first day. </p> <p>We had a group text chat so we could figure out meet ups etc. I think I was the only one in our group to actually book LL via the app. Others would tell me what they wanted, but we mostly stayed together.</p> <p>And yes I set a timer on my phone bc it was easy to get distracted and forget :) </p> <p>It’s way easier than it seems now. I was worried ahead of time, but super doable! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926464 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 09:25:30 +0000 erinbaderin 2926464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker: When you buy tickets they should send you plastic cards, like debit cards. I saw a lot of people with those on lanyards tapping them. You can also do it on your phone but it seems like a lot more hassle with a big group, especially when you're trying to flip screens to get all the kids. </p> <p>And yeah, I set a timer on my phone to remind me when to book the next one, which I found really helpful - it would frequently go off and I'd be like "What is that even OH RIGHT!" </p> <p>@Mrs. Champagne: Your friend is wrong - like you said, you book your first Lightning Lane at 7am and then you can book your next one either a) when you use that one, b) when the time window expires, or c) two hours after park open (in the park that you booked your first one). Clear as mud, right? :)</p> <p>So, for example:<br /> a) at 7am you book Peter Pan for 9am-10am. You tap in at 9:15, then you can book your second one.<br /> b) at 7am you book Peter Pan for 9am-10am. Your kid decides they're terrified of Captain Hook and refuses to go on it. You let it expire, and at 10am you can book a second one. (although in this case you'd be better to cancel and just rebook that way. Note that if you can only book a LL for each ride once per day. If you let this one expire it's considered that you've used your ride on Peter Pan, if you cancel it you could rebook later)<br /> c) at 7am you book Peter Pan for 4pm-5pm. Magic Kingdom opens at 9, you can book your next LL for 11.</p> <p>Some additional complications! Say you have reservations for Animal Kingdom, but you're planning to park hop to Hollywood Studios, so you book your first one for Slinky Dog at 5pm. Animal Kingdom opens at 8 and Hollywood Studios opens at 9, you can't book your second one until 11.</p> <p>Also you probably know this but be warned that this is what they call a "live system" so just because you click on a time doesn't mean you'll get that time, either with the free or the paid ones. I clicked on a 10am Rise of the Resistance and ended up getting one at 2:30. It's INCREDIBLY annoying. Be prepared to move fast.</p> <p>This website is super helpful for deciding what order to book LLs in: <a href="https://wdwprepschool.com/genie-plus-priorities-lightning-lane/" rel="nofollow">https://wdwprepschool.com/genie-plus-priorities-lightning-lane/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926462 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:13:31 +0000 HappyBaker 2926462@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: ooh please report back after your trip with how things went! I believe if you are staying on site then at 7am you can book your first regular Genie+ ride and then 1 of the paid individual LL. If you're just doing Genie+ then you'd book 1 ride at 7am, and then you have to wait to book a second ride either 2 hours after park open or after you use that ride, whichever comes first. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926461 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:03:37 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2926461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: @ChitownRo: ok question! </p> <p>We are going with 11 people in 10 days for 10 days!. My in laws, my brother in law, his wife, 2 year old. My mom, my fam of 5 (kids ages 3,5,8). </p> <p>Staying at animal kingdom for 3 nights then have a house for a week. </p> <p>Question re genie +. So at 7am I book my first ride- I cannot book another until I’ve done that rise or 2 hours has passed - correct? My friend said you can book 3 at the start of the day spaces out - I didn’t know if that was true. I don’t think we will purchase individual LLs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926460 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:02:00 +0000 HappyBaker 2926460@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ChitownRo: These are so helpful thank you so much! Logistical question - did you have to swipe everyone's ticket for LL's? Or did you use your phone to scan in the whole group? I can't figure out how that works without a MagicBand. And if you get electronic tickets, do they give real ones to you when you go the first day? </p> <p>Also, how did you share the plan / keep everyone on track? </p> <p>And did you guys just set a timer on your phone to remind you to book new LL's? I'm thinking every 2 hours is a great time to grab a snack and make everyone take a bathroom break at least. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926459 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 19:26:28 +0000 ChitownRo 2926459@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: she’s totally going to love it even at 10 years old! I was never a Disney person before, but after this last trip I’m sold 😂<br /> (And I think the cost difference is like $20, so don’t feel bad!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926458 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 15:05:42 +0000 PinkElephant 2926458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: OMG nooooo. I had no idea that was the age cutoff. 10, really?!?! She's 10 in June, so......oops. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926457 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 13:11:01 +0000 erinbaderin 2926457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: Plan it before your 9 year old turns 10, if you can, Disney kids are much cheaper than Disney adults! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926456 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 12:17:00 +0000 PinkElephant 2926456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>***Tagging along on this thread - we've never done Disney but need to plan it in the next year or so before my 9 year old thinks she's too cool (or my 7 year old...that may happen first, haha). We've been holding off because my 5 year old is super short, and I don't want her to feel like she misses our on everything. She's alllllllllmost 40 inches, so by next year I think all she'd miss out on are the three big coasters. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926455 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 11:39:50 +0000 ChitownRo 2926455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our second day started at MK. It was forecast for rain with a high of 50 and also early close at 4:30p. So MK was emptyyyy. We purposely changed our reservations for the early close day knowing it would have lower crowds. And I planned to hop to AK bc so many people seem to start there hoping for better animal safari experience (ours was great even at 3p in the rain). Like it’s common for people to start at AK and then hop to Epcot, but I wanted to do opposite of the crowds. </p> <p>So:<br /> At 7a I booked two different LL options (asked everyone what they preferred the night before)- half to Thunder Mtn at 10a and half to Peter Pan at 11a<br /> 9a I booked Space Mtn (was ILL then, now is G+). I also booked flight of passage knowing we’d hop there, got 530-630p<br /> We rope dropped (9a bc we were offsite) fantasyland. Did barnstormer twice, dumbo twice, tea cups twice, little mermaid.<br /> Then split and some went to big thunder (then did standby speedway)<br /> The test of us did standby princess meet up, small world, then redeemed Peter Pan<br /> At 11 a I booked Buzz for 1130-1230<br /> Redeemed buzz, redeemed space Mtn (rider swap so my 8 yo got to go twice)<br /> Ate pretzels/junk in Tomorrowland<br /> Booked Winnie the Pooh after Buzz,<br /> Redeemed Winnie at 1 (half of us had intended to do haunted mansion but it shut down so we all redeemed for Winnie)<br /> After Winnie I booked Safari for 2-3p<br /> Much of the group went home bc it was pouring and so cold. But one grandparent, my DH, his sister, our 8 yo DS, 3 yo DS and I hopped to AK.<br /> We ordered Starbucks from Main Street and ate egg sandwiches on the drive to AK</p> <p>Redeemed safari (awesome despite the rain)<br /> Booked Navi River for 6p<br /> Pin trading while we waited for 4p Lion King show<br /> Lion King show<br /> Dino (rider swap, way too scary for 3 yo) but 3yo enjoyed the boneyard and triceratops spin in the meantime<br /> Flight of passage (rider swap so 8 yo got to go twice)<br /> Navi river<br /> Home!<br /> Very fun day despite the weather. And I’m sure the horrible weather helped us accomplish so much </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926454 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 11:23:11 +0000 ChitownRo 2926454@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker:<br /> Here was our HS day </p> <p>We were a group of 11 staying offsite with 3,6,8 yo kids. </p> <p>Sun 2/6 Hollywood Studios - since then Mickey Minnie Railroad has switched off of ILL to G+. We personally preferred Smugglers Run and Toy story to MMRR so wouldn’t prioritize MMRR as the first G+ selection. </p> <p>7a booked Smugglers for 915-1015a LL<br /> 9a - booked Mickey Minnie ILL for 330-430p<br /> -rope dropped Toy Story Mania (25 minute wait)<br /> 10a - checked in for Smugglers, after scanned, then I booked Rockin Roller coaster (think it was 1020 by the time I actually clicked), got 1:15 return<br /> (Took photos in galaxy’s edge, shopped a little, went to Beauty and the Beast and Lightning McQueen, ate quick service backlot express)<br /> 1220- booked toy story mania for 3:30-4:30 return<br /> 1230 frozen sing a long<br /> 115- adventuresome folks redeemed the Rockin coaster, littles and grandparents saw Olaf and Minnie<br /> 2p Rockin folks did walk on star tours (10 min wait)<br /> 230p booked Tower of Terror for 6-7pm<br /> Whole group watched Muppets at 3p<br /> Redeemed our Mickey Minnie Railroad at 330 (wouldn’t pay for this again, at least not for all 10 of us, just maybe the little kids and like 1-2 adults)<br /> Redeemed Toy Story Mania at 4<br /> Grandparents, my husband and littles went home at 430ish<br /> 8yo and 3 adults stayed. Booked alien swirling saucers for 7-8p<br /> We ate at Woodys quick service. Walked around Galaxy’s Edge.<br /> 545 did Smugglers stand by (said 45 minutes but we were fully done with the ride at 40 minutes)<br /> 630 - my son and I did standby toy story again (25 minute wait) while the other two did tower of terror<br /> Redeem Alien Swirling Saucers</p> <p>Got in line for Rise at 805p (said 55 minute wait), there was lots of delay/back and forth on our part about when to get in the line bc my husband wanted to come back to the park to ride it, but our 3 yo was being very difficult at bedtime. So we got in line. Then of course when we were half way through the line, the 3 yo fell asleep. But luckily my husband and his dad drove/parked quickly, ran to the back of the park and got in line at 855p, right as we finished our first ride of Rise. So we joined them and rode a second time. It’s so amazing, best ride - definitely prioritize it if possible. Also it was so fun to exit after park close, it was sooo empty (see photo)</p> <p>We decided not to wait for slinky dog or use our first G+ on it bc it seemed like such a short ride and really throws off the cadence of booking G+ when you have such a late reservation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926452 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:59:56 +0000 ChitownRo 2926452@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: we still don’t do indoor dining so that limited our options this time around. But we still had a great time and at least had expectations set about food. And it’s one reason we rented Airbnb rather than Disney hotel - ability to cook</p> <p>But I was disappointed in Be Our Guest previously. This time, I thought the Gaston cinnamon rolls were super overrated. Same w the Mickey pretzel (yuck). We got Woodys too and it was fine, better than like Backlot Express or other quick service options. My kids ended up eating a whole lot of fries while in the park. 🤷🏻‍♀️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926451 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:54:09 +0000 erinbaderin 2926451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker: We took breaks every day, but we also had a 10 day trip with 8 park days. Generally we did rope drop until noon or 1, depending on events/LLs, and then went back to the resort until 4ish for some pool time, and then back to the park. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926450 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:51:26 +0000 erinbaderin 2926450@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ChitownRo: I’m sorry to hear you say that about the food! Where did you eat? I agree that some of it is not great, and the kids meal options are pretty terrible (my kids have never eaten so many cheeseburgers!) but we had some great meals! Jungle Canteen, Topolino’s Terrace, Steakhouse 71, the Tambu Lounge, and the grilled cheese sandwiches at Woody’s Lunchbox were all standouts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926449 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:47:23 +0000 HappyBaker 2926449@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: This is perfect thanks so much! And I totally plan "what to eat" too, those Gaston's cinnamon buns are awesome! Did you guys take a break out of the parks in the afternoons or just power through? Last time we went my kids were 6, 4 and 5 months, and we kept planning to leave after lunch but they always wanted to stay! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926448 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:44:00 +0000 erinbaderin 2926448@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here’s what my plan for one of my days looked like:</p> <p>Thursday, March 3 - Magic Kingdom<br /> hours: 8:30am - 9pm<br /> Fantasyland/Tomorrowland<br /> Buy Genie+<br /> Book Peter Pan, Space, Big Thunder, Haunted Mansion (skip Stretch Room), Winnie the Pooh<br /> Rope Drop Mine Train, Pooh, Small World<br /> Must do: Mine Train, Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear, Big Thunder<br /> Want to do: Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Small World, Peoplemover, Space Mountain<br /> Try to do: Treehouse, Enchantment?<br /> Buy popcorn bucket<br /> Fireworks 8pm<br /> Eat: Sleepy Hollow waffles, Gaston’s cinnamon roll with extra icing, Friar's Nook for lunch, coconut dole whip, Sunshine Tree Terrace potstickers<br /> Jungle Canteen 6:20pm</p> <p>So I planned where we’d start and basically an idea of the first three rides we’d get, the first LL we’d get, and what we’d try for next, and from there I just kind of went with what happened, keeping an eye on return times. You may not need the “what to eat” section. 😂</p> <p>Something that’s very useful is once you know who’s going to be in your group for that day, set it up under “My Day” in Genie. That way when you go to book something you don’t have to mess around with picking the park and figuring out who will you need to book that LL for, because times can change quickly, especially in the morning. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926447 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 08:56:33 +0000 ChitownRo 2926447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker: Disney advice I gave my friend going -we got the kids lanyards and put their name and our phone numbers in the plastic card holder sleeve. Gave me peace of mind in case we were separated (didn’t happen of course). And we bought Disney pins on eBay (cheap), attached them to the lanyard. You will see pin trading boards, that’s a free and fun activity. </p> <p>In general, the food is horrible, so so gross. I don’t understand why some people rave about it. The only good thing was aloha isle “dole whip.” Popcorn also ok. You can get a fun popcorn container (we got simba from animal kingdom, but I saw a lot of Mickey heads around too) for like $20 and then refills are only $2. Of course is a choking hazard so not sure if you give your kids popcorn<br /> Pack snacks like fruit and granola bars. </p> <p>Definitely “mobile order” your meals. You can even plan ahead and order in the morning and select like a noon slot. </p> <p>Buy mask lanyards on Amazon (extras too, who knows how Vivi managed to lose hers)</p> <p>We left the house 1 hour before park open, would take 20 minutes to drive/park. Then for magic kingdom you go through security in the parking lot, then take monorail. Walking through the parking lot and security took us like 10-15 minutes. Then 5 minutes on monorail. Then going through ticket swiping. They should give you gold cards for each ticket holder. We put the kids ticket cards on our lanyards too and would just scan those for genie plus/lightning lanes.<br /> We just barely made the “rope drop” show at the castle when we left at 8a and MK opened at 9a. But we did make it. We went straight to fantasy land and walked straight on like 5 rides. But of course there was rain in the forecast. But my research showed that doing fantasyland first thing at 9am pretty much always had short (5-15 min) waits. But even once 10am hits, lines start to build. </p> <p>I’ll write more about LL reservations when I get to my laptop </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926446 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 08:05:29 +0000 HappyBaker 2926446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: @ChitownRo: your positive attitudes have me feeling way better about this planning, I have seriously been dreading this, thank you so much!</p> <p>@erinbaderin: So exciting you just went, hope you guys had an awesome trip!! That link was really helpful and your idea to make a plan that is just super rough is great, I think that is the part I struggle with the most with figuring out how to incorporate Genie+. Unfortunately the rest of the group would literally just show up to the gates with zero plan, so I think I'll probably create what my family will do and share it and if they want to do the same stuff they can, but yea I definitely need to be clear we are leaving at X time and I'm not waiting for you ha. We need to figure out dining, I was thinking maybe plan for an early lunch table service reservation because we are going in June. The older folks in our crew aren't very mobile so they might just come for lunch and a couple of rides and then head out again. I was definitely thinking of getting park hoppers so that way if people DO decide they have feelings about what they want to do they aren't restricted by what we pick, and also it seems like stacking your afternoon/evening park with Genie+ might be a good way to use it. Kids range in age from 2-9 and then its a bunch of us in our 30s and parents in their 70s. </p> <p>@ChitownRo: Oh my goodness if you could just epic-ly brain dump on me that would be amazing! We are also staying offsite. I'm mostly worried about managing Genie+ for everyone since no one else is tech savvy or interested in planning anything ha. And how you shared your plans with them / if you stayed together or met up. I was planning to just buy the tickets for everyone and have them reimburse me, and create a MDE account for each family and then link them to my own (they won't do this themselves but I think it would be helpful if each family had their own way to login if they needed to). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926445 Sun, 13 Mar 2022 20:44:52 +0000 ChitownRo 2926445@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ooohh! We just did this in Feb with a group of 12 and had a blast!! We rented a house in Reunion Resort - it was fabulous. 6 bedrooms (with two fun themed rooms for the kids), movie theater, pool/hot tub. Plus the subdivision has a fun water park. We did every other day rest vs park. 3 days of park hopper. </p> <p>Try to link your my Disney experience accounts either beforehand or as soon as you arrive. I stupidly waited until like 10p before the first day and had to wait on hold for like an hour to get the accounts fixed. </p> <p>Day 1- HS<br /> (Rest day)<br /> Day 2- MK hop to AK<br /> (Rest day)<br /> Day 3- Epcot hop to MK hop back to Epcot for their fireworks </p> <p>We bought genie plus. I followed lightning lane tips and tricks board on FB to see peoples strategies. I can share tons of detail if you want it, I remember what we booked when. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926444 Sun, 13 Mar 2022 19:35:41 +0000 erinbaderin 2926444@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oooooh Disney planning! I literally got home less than 24 hours ago, without only with my own family of 4. </p> <p>I think the first thing you need to do is get a sense of how everybody wants the vacation to go. Are they ok splitting up or are they doing this to have family time? Are you thinking about doing some dining reservations or more see how it goes? If people don’t mind splitting up then maybe plan for a dinner every night somewhere cool/fun so you all have some guaranteed time together? Definitely set expectations going in, like “we want to rope drop so will be leaving at x time, happy to have you join us, if you’d rather sleep in that’s also ok.” I think if you’re a rope drop person it might ruin your vacation if you’re anxiously waiting for 8 other people to get ready and watching the clock tick - I know I would lose my mind. </p> <p>Genie Plus wasn’t great but wasn’t terrible, I don’t think it will be any harder with a group of 12 than a group of 4. It does make a touring plan nearly impossible. What I did was make a rough plan for the day, like “I’m going to buy genie plus, I’m going to buy individual lightning lanes for Rise, and I’m going to book Slinky first, millennium Falcon next, then Toy Story”, etc. This article was really helpful: <a href="https://wdwprepschool.com/genie-plus-priorities-lightning-lane/" rel="nofollow">https://wdwprepschool.com/genie-plus-priorities-lightning-lane/</a></p> <p>What are people into? What are the ages? It sounds like you’re planning to park hop? If you have Star Wars fans I’d say you want a whole day at Hollywood Studios (even if you aren’t Star Wars fans Galaxy’s Edge is so cool, plus Toy Story land and Mickey and Minnie….Hollywood Studios has so much to do now). The older family members might like an evening in Epcot to wander around the World Showcase. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-planning-disney-trip-for-large-group#post-2926442 Sun, 13 Mar 2022 12:35:33 +0000 HappyBaker 2926442@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Disney pros - help! I’m tasked with planning a trip for our family plus in laws (grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins) - 12 people total. While I LOVED planning Disney for my own family a few years ago I’m feeling overwhelmed at planning for such a big group, and none of them are planners nor have any real strong feelings on what we do. Last time I used touring plans and loved it, but genie plus being all booked on the day of seems so annoying!</p> <p>Any overall tips for surviving planning for a large group, or using genie plus with a large group?</p> <p>We have 5 full days there with no travel and are planning 3 park days. Which parks would you do? I’m thinking at least 1.5 Magic Kingdom and then maybe Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. </p> <p>Last time we rope dropped and loved getting a bunch done early, but I know that no one else will be ready to go early. Should we wait for them or just meet them there? We are also staying offsite, our family will have a car but the rest want to just use Uber or Lyft. </p> <p>Thanks for any help! </p>