Planning Your Family Reunion at Disney World
Organizing a family reunion at Walt Disney World Resort requires careful consideration of dates, accommodations, budget, and planning tools. Success depends on strategic choices tailored to your group’s needs.
Choosing the Right Dates
Select a time frame for your reunion that avoids peak seasons to ensure a more relaxed experience and better hotel rates. Consider off-peak periods: mid-January through mid-February or after Labor Day through mid-November.
Selecting Disney Resorts for Accommodations
Opt for a Disney resort hotel that caters to large groups, such as Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. These accommodations offer conveniences like extra space, dining options, and proximity to the parks.
Budgeting for the Trip
Develop a comprehensive budget that includes accommodations, park tickets, dining, and souvenirs. Walt Disney World Resort provides various vacation packages that can help streamline expenses for large groups.
Utilizing Planning Tools
Use Disney’s planning tools like My Disney Experience app and park reservation system to coordinate visit schedules, FastPass+ selections, and dining reservations.
By focusing on these key components, you’ll ensure a memorable and well-structured reunion at Disney World.
Lodging Options for Large Groups
When planning a family reunion at Walt Disney World Resort, selecting the right accommodations is crucial to ensure comfort and convenience for your large group. The availability of Disney Resort Hotels, suites, villas, and nearby Orlando accommodations offers a flexible range of options.
Comparing Disney Resort Hotels
Disney Resort Hotels offer a variety of options tailored for large groups. First, you have the Deluxe Villa Resorts, which are spacious and ideal for families needing multiple bedrooms. Examples include the Beach Club Villas and Old Key West Resort. These resorts provide homelike amenities such as kitchens and living areas.
Moderate Resorts can be economical, offering themed environments ideal for family enjoyment, with options like the Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. While they might not be as large as the villas, they comfortably accommodate bigger parties.
Finally, for a unique experience, consider the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. These stand-alone structures are nestled in natural settings, providing both privacy and space for up to nine guests.
Booking Suites and Villas
Reserve your suite or villa in advance, as these accommodations are highly sought after, particularly during peak seasons.
- First, assess the size of your group and potential space needs.
- Next, review the configurations of various suite and villa options.
- Contact Disney Resort Hotel Reservations directly or book online to secure your stay.
For a luxury experience, Deluxe Villas at venues like the Beach Club Villas and Wilderness Lodge offer multiple bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and sometimes even private patios or balconies.
Exploring Nearby Orlando Area Hotels
You might find a wider range of pricing and room availability outside the Disney property. Nearby Orlando area hotels offer suites that can accommodate large families and often provide shuttle services to Walt Disney World Resort.
Listed below are key points to consider:
- Evaluate proximity to the parks for convenience.
- Compare amenities such as free breakfast options, pools, and fitness centers.
- Assess the value for your budget by comparing hotel rates against the in-park options.
Examples of nearby accommodations include well-known hotel chains which have established reputations for servicing larger groups. These can be suitable alternatives, should Disney Resort Hotels be fully booked or if they exceed your budget limitations.
Disney Park Itinerary Planning
When organizing a family reunion at Walt Disney World Resort, strategic itinerary planning can elevate the experience. Focus on park selection, ticket acquisition, and the utilization of Disney’s digital tools to streamline your visit.
Scheduling Park Days
Decide which days to dedicate to each of Walt Disney World’s four main theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Consider the interests of your family group:
- Magic Kingdom – Ideal for classic Disney experiences and family-friendly attractions.
- Epcot – Perfect for cultural exploration and seasonal festivals.
- Animal Kingdom – Offers encounters with wildlife and thrilling rides.
- Hollywood Studios – Appeals to movie buffs and thrill-seekers with its cinematic attractions.
Use the My Disney Experience app to view park hours and parade schedules to assist in your planning.
Park Tickets and FastPass+
Purchase park tickets well in advance and link them to your My Disney Experience account. You’ll need a ticket for each park day:
- Single day tickets: Access to one park per day.
- Multi-day tickets: Allow visits to multiple parks over the course of your stay.
FastPass+ allows you to reserve access to select attractions and experiences. Remember to:
- Book FastPass+ selections up to 60 days in advance for guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel and 30 days for non-resort guests.
Link your park tickets to a MagicBand for convenient access to FastPass+ entries and park entry.
Using Disney Genie+ for Efficient Touring
Leverage Disney Genie+, a paid service that lets you select the next available time to arrive at a variety of attractions and experiences:
- Choose attractions from the Genie+ list to bypass standby queues.
- Access Disney Genie+ service through the My Disney Experience app.
Plan to use Disney Genie+ to prioritize popular attractions at each park, such as:
- Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight.
- Epcot: Test Track, Soarin’ Around the World.
- Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris.
- Hollywood Studios: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania!
With careful scheduling, appropriate ticket purchases, and the efficient use of Disney Genie+, your family’s Disney World reunion can be both memorable and seamless.
Dining Experiences for Families
When planning a family reunion at Walt Disney World Resort, coordinating dining experiences can be as magical as the visit itself. Knowledge of making dining reservations, character dining options, and accommodating special dietary needs will ensure meal times are hassle-free and enjoyable for everyone.
Making Dining Reservations
Secure your dining reservations as soon as possible, ideally 60 days before your arrival, especially for popular restaurants such as Cinderella’s Royal Table. Follow these steps for a smooth reservation process:
- Create or log in to your Disney account on the official Walt Disney World website or mobile app.
- Browse through the list of restaurants and select the desired venue for your family dinner.
- Choose an available date and time, then provide the number of guests.
- Enter your contact information and any special requests.
- Confirm your reservation details and save or print your confirmation number.
Remember, dining plans like the Disney Dining Plan can be linked to your reservation for a seamless dining experience.
Character Dining and Showtimes
Character dining is a unique experience where you enjoy meals with Disney characters. To make the most of character dining:
- Cinderella’s Royal Table is a sought-after location for character dining, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Disney royalty. Check for showtimes and availability when booking.
- Character dining spots have specific showtimes; reserve early to secure a meal during the appearance of your favorite characters.
- Visit the Disney World website or app for a full schedule of character dining experiences and showtimes.
Make note of particular showtimes and character appearances, as they can vary between locations and meals.
Special Dietary Needs and Preferences
Walt Disney World Resort restaurants accommodate special dietary needs, making dining with allergies or preferences worry-free:
- Inform staff of any dietary restrictions when making your reservation and upon arrival at the restaurant.
- Chefs and servers are knowledgeable about ingredient lists and can provide menu alternatives for gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Disney dining ensures all guests enjoy their meals, regardless of dietary needs, by offering tailored menus and attentive service.
Special Events and Group Activities
Walt Disney World Resort offers a diverse range of options for family reunions seeking special events and group activities that cater to various interests and ages.
Arranging Private Events at WDW
Create your own magical gathering by booking private events at Walt Disney World Resort. You can reserve exclusive spaces at select locations throughout the parks, including EPCOT’s World ShowPlace Pavilion and Magic Kingdom’s Tom Sawyer Island. For a bespoke experience, collaborate with Disney’s event planners, capable of tailoring themes and adding unique Disney touches.
Entertainment and Shows for Groups
Enjoy entertainment together by experiencing group-friendly shows and performances. The Fantasmic! show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios presents a spectacular opportunity for large groups to witness Disney storytelling and special effects. Additionally, group seating can be arranged at various live theaters, ensuring your family enjoys shows in unison.
Recreational Activities Beyond the Parks
Explore a range of activities beyond the traditional park experience. Disney’s BoardWalk offers a vibrant atmosphere for families to enjoy entertainment, dining, and shopping all in one place. Golf enthusiasts in your group can hit the greens at one of Disney’s acclaimed golf courses, such as the Palm, Magnolia, and Lake Buena Vista courses. Those seeking a more relaxed outing can plan a day at Disney Springs, home to numerous shops, restaurants, and unique attractions, delivering an adventurous yet laid-back experience.
Creating Lasting Memories with Disney Magic
To ensure a remarkable family reunion, incorporate Disney’s enchanting experiences that create unforgettable memories.
Character Meet and Greets
Meet your favorite Disney characters in designated spots across the parks. First, schedule visits to see beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Elsa to add a personal touch to your memories. Character meeting locations include Magic Kingdom’s Town Square Theater and Epcot’s World Showcase. Remember to check the daily times guide for meet-and-greet timings.
Capturing Group Photos
Capture your family’s joyous moments together with iconic Disney backdrops. Strategically placed Disney PhotoPass photographers can snap your group at prime locations, such as in front of Cinderella Castle or the Tree of Life. Attractions like Frozen Ever After and Tower of Terror also offer onboard photos—purchase Memory Maker for unlimited downloads of these captured moments.
Souvenirs and Keepsakes
Choose souvenirs that commemorate your visit and serve as lasting reminders of the time spent together. From personalized t-shirts to exclusive park merchandise, you’ll find keepsakes at shops across all parks, including Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. For ride enthusiasts, consider purchasing memorabilia linked to thrilling experiences like Expedition Everest or the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Navigating Transportation and Logistics
When planning a family reunion at Walt Disney World Resort, understanding transportation options is crucial for a smooth experience.
Airport to Disney World Travel Options
Upon your arrival in Orlando, you have various methods to travel from the airport to Disney World. Mears Connect offers a fee-based shuttle service you can book online or through your travel agent. Alternatively, Sunshine Flyer provides themed bus transportation with advance reservations. Travel agents can often help organize airport transfers, or your booking confirmation may include links to trusted services.
Complimentary Disney Transportation
While staying at Disney World, take advantage of the extensive complimentary transportation network. This includes buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner, connecting parks and resorts. For example, buses frequently run to and from Disney Springs, parks, and resorts. For resort-to-resort travel, however, consider a different mode, as direct routes are limited.
Renting Vehicles for Flexibility
For the ultimate convenience and flexibility during your reunion, consider renting a vehicle. Multiple car rental agencies are located in the Orlando area, giving you control over your itinerary. When renting a vehicle, compare rates via phone, email, or through rental websites, and confirm details regarding parking fees and policies at your resort.
