Need advice - family reunion 30 people

[odelld]

We are having a family reunion at WDW in January 2004. There will be about 30 of us, ages 3 - 63. For the majority of the time, we will split into groups according to age, interests, or other reasons. I am looking for an event that we can all do together. Here are some ideas:

* Most of us are staying at the Boardwalk Villas. We have a birthday during our visit, and maybe we can rent the Community Hall (or whatever it is called - you can see it from the Friendship boat on the way to the Studios) for cake and ice cream.

* There may be a WDW restaurant that has a special room or other facility that can accomodate this group.

* There may be an off-site restaurant that will work.

Any comments on the above-listed ideas or any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[pammypooh]

WELCOME TO THE DIS!!

Wow - that is going to be a neat trip! Can't say I have any experience with a group of that number, but here's a thought - maybe you all could meet up at Fort Wilderness - Hoop De Doo is there - though is a little expensive, not sure if any group discount available. Could do the movie and bonfire as a group. (Free!) Then be sure to wander down to the beach to catch the Electric Water Parade - not sure if this if proper name - but a neat thing to see none the less.

The show at the Poly sounds like fun and may fit - ohana means family and no one gets left behind. Could also see the Water Parade from there.

Sorry I couldn't help more, but here's hoping another Diser will offer some ideas!

Pammypooh

 

[Mortlives]

Have you asked Disney for ideas? Although, I've never done this, I understand their group sales department will help with all kinds of ideas (and possibly group discounts).

Good luck,
Mort.

 

[LIFERBABE]

We had a large group and we booked Chef Mickey's Breakfast through Group Dining. They had a nice section for all of us and everyone had a lot of fun and being loud and laughter was not a problem.
We used the Connections breakfast vouchers and that made paying and tipping for such a large group very easy. There was 28 of us but we did not receive a discount.

If you find anything on the Community Hall, please post.

Thanks

 

[YMSmom]

I'm trying to plan a family reunion for next year also. In Oct., there is a new program by Disney called either Magical Gatherings or Grand Gatherings. Can't find a lot of info on it yet, but it is geared towards family gatherings of 8 or more. Hope this helps.

 

[odelld]

Thanks for all your help. I have been speaking with Disney about some ideas, and here is what I've learned so far:

*The community hall at Boardwalk Villas is not an option.

*There is a Sand Castle Club at the Beach Resort that can accommodate this group. This is the child care facility, but they can do birthday parties and the like.

*Fort Wilderness has a grassy knoll that you can reserve for functions. Afterwards you can do pony rides or the petting zoo.

*There is a reserved desert party at Epcot. It starts at 8:30pm and you get a dedicated and private room to view the fireworks. Disney serves various deserts and drinks, depending on the menu. This is the only option that I asked for a price, and it starts at $17.50 per person (prices are less for children). - It sounds great, but probably too expensive.

I have been looking for information on Magical Gatherings, but it may be an expensive option like the desert party.

I'm thinking now that all we need is some place where I can bring our own cake and balloons and throw a little party. I'm still hoping for some ideas from the DIS'ers.