Essential Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World with a Large Group

This past May, I had the joy of sharing the Most Magical Place on Earth with some family members who had never visited. Watching them walk down Main Street, U.S.A. for the first time, experiencing a classic attraction through fresh eyes, and witnessing my nieces meet their favorite princesses - it was pure magic. 

Over the course of our 6-night stay, our group of eight explored all four Disney parks, enjoyed a laid-back pool day, and dined at some of our all-time favorite restaurants (in my opinion, ‘Ohana is a must-do for all first-timers!). And while traveling with a large group can present some unique challenges, with the right preparation and attitude, it can also be totally worthwhile. 

Thinking of taking a big crew to Walt Disney World? Whether you're planning a multi-family adventure, a multi-generational vacation with grandparents, or a long-awaited girls’ trip, here are my top tips to help your group trip go smoothly.

Start with a group conversation

Before making any plans, sit down and talk through everyone’s priorities. What attractions or restaurants are on their must-do list? Are they early risers ready to rope-drop, or are they more into leisurely mornings and afternoon pool time? Not everyone will have the same ideal itinerary and that’s okay! Ask each person to share their number one Disney “must,” and do your best to incorporate those into the plan. It’s an easy way to make everyone feel included from the start.

Don’t try to do it all. With a larger group, things tend to move at a slower pace

Embrace it! Instead of aiming to do everything, focus on the highlights - your “greatest hits.” Some of our best memories came from moments we hadn’t planned: an unexpected meet and greet with Pocahontas, a quiet snack break, or just one more ride on the carousel. Let go of perfection, be flexible, and remember: even an imperfect day at Disney is still full of magic.

Plan breaks and set expectations

For my family, we knew a resort day away from the parks was a must. The kids (and adults!) caught up on rest, we enjoyed the pool, and we ended the day with a relaxing dinner. Everyone came back recharged and ready for more park fun the next day. We also made it a habit to talk through the next day’s schedule the night before. Knowing when we needed to be up, dressed, and out the door helped us avoid morning chaos and kept things running smoothly.

Make a budget in advance – and be clear about who’s paying for what

Your budget is going to influence nearly every aspect of your trip – from which resort hotel you book, to how many nights you stay, to the number of days you’re able to visit the parks, to whether you include extras like Lightning Lane Multipass and Single Pass. Make these decisions before you book, and be sure everyone is clear on what costs they're responsible for. Will you use the Disney Dining Plan? (We did, and I loved it for our group!) Are meals going to be paid for individually, or will someone cover shared costs and settle up later? Avoiding financial surprises will keep the focus on fun and away from awkwardness.

Choose the right accommodations for your group

One of the best decisions we made was staying together in a two-bedroom villa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It gave us plenty of comfortable sleeping spaces, a full kitchen, a shared living area, and a huge balcony, which was perfect for relaxing after a long day. Depending on your group size and budget, you might consider a villa, a suite, or multiple resort rooms. Your travel agent can help you understand what options are available across Disney’s resorts and what will work best for your party.

Finally, don’t be afraid to split up

Your group doesn’t have to do everything together all the time. In fact, you’re bound to encounter experiences that not everybody is interested in or able to do. Feel free to spend some time apart so that everybody can do something they want, like when my youngest daughter and I rode the carousel (again!) and snuck in a snack while the others went on the Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train. Those quieter moments with her were some of my favorites! Set a meeting point and time to regroup - whether it’s a meal reservation or an evening fireworks show - and you’ll keep everyone feeling connected while still allowing for flexibility.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget the photos! For large groups, Memory Maker is a must. While we don’t always utilize it for our smaller family trips, it was absolutely worth it for this vacation. We came home with amazing, high-quality photos, and somehow the PhotoPass photographers managed to capture all four kids smiling at once. That’s Disney magic right there!

Planning a Disney vacation for a large group may take some extra coordination, but with a little preparation and the right expectations, it can be one of the most memorable trips you ever take. Ready to start planning your own magical group adventure? Reach out to a Be Our Guest Travel Professional – they’ll help guide you every step of the way!