I need your help!

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amy1989's picture
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Joined: 12/30/2013
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I need your help!

Hi

I have some members of my family travelling to the world in July and apart from quite a few years ago and less people they haven't been - this family includes 2 over 60's, 2 Parents, 2 Teenagers, 2 small children (no older than 6), 1 18 month child and a 5 week old baby! phew!

now seen as I have been several times they asked me if I would give them a few tips to help them out - they are staying in a villa off site and also plan on visiting universal, seaworld etc, they will also be trying to eat off site as much as possible and just taking snacks and drinks with them in the stroller but as far as tips are concerned I'm stumped!!!

So far I am writing out lists of attractions and any little notes example height restrictions and if the family as a whole will be able to ride or not, I am also doing a tip sheet and this is what I would like you fantastic people to help me with.

Can any of you think of any "musts" to put on the list to help them out in any way possible

I hope you don't mind me asking but you are the best!

crazycatperson's picture
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The very young kids and babies will definitely need rest breaks, which means the parents will have to take them also. The 60-somethings might need rest breaks, but they might be able to go all day long - it depends on their fitness level and ability to tolerate the Florida heat. The teens almost surely will have the energy to go all day, even in the July heat. And both the 60-somethings and the teens may or may not be willing/able to take a shift or two watching the little ones so the parents can have a break.

Trying to force everyone to follow the same schedule (no doubt dictated by the needs of the youngest kids/babies) could result in a lot of aggravation and disappointment on the part of the 60-somethings and most especially the teenagers. So the one piece of advice I would offer is to get at least two rental cars and not to be wary of splitting up during the day. With such a large group, they'll either need two (or more) cars or one really huge van, and the cars might actually be more economical. But even if they go with one huge vehicle, I'd suggest they be willing to leave the teens and maybe the 60-somethings behind at the park of the day while the parents take the young'uns back to the villa for a rest break, and then meet up again in the evening.

It's a pity they aren't staying on-site since Disney transportation would take care of the problem.

oldtink's picture
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Joined: 03/11/2014
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Not wishing to offend, but we have found going with large groups no matter the age, can be slower and less done. It might be a tip to suggest they break up the group into smaller ones and then they can break as they need or run as they want. Then they set up meeting points where they can all sit down for a meal or a show.

Just a thought

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"At some point in life you have to decide if you're the Tigger or the Eeyore."...Randy Pausch

"George Banks and all he stands for will be saved. Maybe not in life, but in imagination. Because that's what we storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again and again." Walt Disney

amy1989's picture
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Thanks for the advice unfortunatly I don't think 2 cars is an option because as far as I know there is only 1 willing to drive! That's such good advice I will defiantly pass the message on! I don't think they are planning on all day in the park anyway possibly going on either mornings or afternoons!

I have to say I do not envy them!!!

AnnielovesDisney's picture
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My DH and I eat off site quite often. There are many reasonably priced restaurants between WDW and the Universal/Sea World area. Many of these restaurants offer free kids meals w/ the purchase of an adult meal. Many also have email clubs you can join and get free appetizers or meals for joining. The email clubs almost always give a free meal on your birthday as well.
Here are just a few examples:
Fuddruckers- Join the email club and receive a free or discounted meal on b-day and anniversary of joining the club.

IHOP-kids eat free promotion. They usually have at least one day a week(sometimes every day of the week) that kids eat free w/ the purchase of one meal per adult meal, 4pm-(hours vary) They also have an email club that gives you a free meal when you join, on your birthday and on the anniversary date you join.

Benihana-register for their email club, the chefs table, and receive a $30 gift certificate during the month of your birthday.

Maggianos little Italy-join email club and get $10 for signing up and $10 on birthday

There are many more restaurants that offer free apps or dessert. Plus many that send BOGO coupons in my email quite often(Ruby Tuesdays and Longhorn Steakhouse for example)

If they sign up for enough email clubs, at least one person per meal could eat free. My DH and I only ever pay for one entree when we go out to eat because I've joined so many email clubs awesome

amy1989's picture
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Wow thanks Annie that's great advice I'll defiantly tell them about those websites to get free meals that's great!

Blackeyed's picture
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Joined: 03/25/2014
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Those with the babies will definately want to use the Baby Care Centres within each Disney World park..
They are a godsend for parents to change and feed their child..
It's also great places to get out of the heat for a while.

As most people have said - There will be tension between the age groups.

I would say there's nothing stopping you going to the same park, but split up and meet for meals or fireworks or shows.

indeed, there's nothing stopping the teens hopping out to another park (If you can trust them!)

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oldtink's picture
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amy1989 wrote:
Wow thanks Annie that's great advice I'll defiantly tell them about those websites to get free meals that's great!

If you are staying off site, check to see if the place you are staying offers free kids meals. It saved us a bundle years ago to feed free breakfast and dinner for the boys.
But if people want to go back for a break, everyone can eat lunch and those that need or want a nap/pool break, etc can do so.

__________________

"At some point in life you have to decide if you're the Tigger or the Eeyore."...Randy Pausch

"George Banks and all he stands for will be saved. Maybe not in life, but in imagination. Because that's what we storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again and again." Walt Disney

amy1989's picture
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Posts: 1404

Thanks everyone for the great advice I will pass it all on!!!

they are staying in a villa so I'm thinking they may go to the grocery store and stock up in there - as you can see there is a lot of people on this trip!!!

I'm sure all of this will be a massive help to them and in planning things around so really thank you all so much!!!