PTR: Our last big extended family vacation (we think!) Aug. 2025! (edit 1/2/25)

[Becky2005]

I am excited to start a Pre-trip report. I actually have 2 trips plus a day trip planned.

The day trip is August 2024 with my siblings but that is a Florida trip with 1 day at Disney so no pre-trip report is needed. My other one is for 2026 for a trip with my friend and I will start on that pre-trip report later.

Anyway, enough rambling (I do that often!), that’s get started.

Vacation Background:​

The last time we went on an extended family vacation was 2011. That time it was my sister's family & my family along with my mom. In that time our family has expanded. My sister & I are Grandmas now. We have been in talks for quite a while to do another extended family vacation as her grandson has never been to Disney World. My brother has a timeshare that he gets every odd year. After many different discussions August 2025 it is!

We do figure with everyone’s stage of life now and the cost, it will probably be the last time we are having a big extended family vacation. We aren’t even sure how many are committed to this one. As of right now we have at least 18 who have said they wanted to go.

Organizing this will be like herding cats but alas, we are willing to try! We did it once before, hopefully, we can do it again even though the dynamics are much different this time. The last time we went as a big group I had everyone pick out their top 3 rides for each park and then we worked around it. I also know we aren’t going to be staying together as a big group throughout the trip. The plan is to meet up for some meals and of course, if a big chunk of the group has the same thing on their must do list, we will probably end up doing that together.

Who is going?!? These are the ones that are planning to come (still subject to change with life):​

Myself and my 3 adult sons: 2 of my sons have not been since 2011. My youngest & I just went in 2023. I am considered the planner although I’m 90% sure my daughter can out Disney plan me.

My daughter, her 2 sons along with her friend and their 2 kids. My Daughter is a huge Disney person, so she has been several times along with her kids. Her friend and their kids have never been.

My sister, her husband, and adult son. Her, her husband, and adult son. Last time they all were at Disney was 2011. My sister has gone more recently and will be on the 2024 day trip with me.

My niece, her husband, and son (my sister’s grandson): Last time they were at Disney was 2011 and they used it as their honeymoon. My great-nephew has never been.

My brother, his adult daughter, and his adult son: They did not go with us on the 2011 trip, so I do not know the last time his son & daughter went to Disney World. My brother has been more recently and will be on the 2024 day trip with me.

 

[Becky2005]

Where are we staying?​

All over. My brother has a couple timeshares and the original plan was we were all going to stay in his timeshares. We knew not everyone could fit.

However, my youngest really liked staying on-site on our previous trip and just hopping on busses to get where we needed to go. He was going to just book an on-site room again at the All-Stars. I personally do like the idea of not having to drive to the park every day (let’s just say we have very different type of touring styles than my siblings).

As of right now, the plan stands as:

• My daughter has made her own on-site reservations.
• My brother will be staying at his timeshare along with my Sister’s family (including my niece’s family). I’m not sure if they are doing both his timeshares or 1.
• I’m booking 2 on-site connecting rooms at the All-Stars for me and my sons.

My daughter is the only one officially booked. I will be doing mine soon, I just had to sit down with the boys and decide if we are doing the dining plan yes or no. Pros/Cons to both ways and it was decided to go for the QS one. Hoping to get a deal but too early to know.

My brother can’t do his yet because it isn’t a year out but since we will be in Florida anyway this August, his plan is to go over there and reserve it in person.

 

[Becky2005]

Our Plans so far:
These are all over the place but alas with a big group that is bound to happen. Part of my sister’s family wants to go to Universal if Epic Universe is up by then. The rest of us don’t. We are also going to be doing MNSSHP assuming they keep it like they have been doing it.


Arrival day: No plans, Everyone is figuring out how to get to Disney World on their own, so arrival times will vary although we are all supposed to arrive on the same day. I know I am planning on driving and it will take me 2 days because I am not young enough to make it one day. I need those extra stops and rest time. It does seem most plan on driving but I have also heard some are considering flying.

Day 2: Universal for those that want to go and Animal Kingdom for the rest of us, since those going to Universal are OK skipping Animal Kingdom.

Day 3: Halloween Party. We are not getting day tickets for this day but will attempt to be in the park by 4 pm.

Day 4: EPCOT – thinking due to staying up late for Halloween Party this would be a good day to do this as it seems to be the park that opens a bit later plus we will have just been to Magic Kingdom the night before.

Day 5: Magic Kingdom

Day 6: Hollywood Studios

Departure Day: So sad, it is time to leave the mouse until the next time.

I know this will change quite a bit before it gets here and no downtime really built in, so we will see how that works out. I'm sure there will be some midday breaks in there. We have 1/2 the group that doesn't like coasters and thrill rides and the other 1/2 that does, so it will get interesting. That's where we are at right now.

 

[DLo]

Following along. Looking forward to reading more

 

[mkmomto2]

Following! Woah, you have quite the task corralling all of that, but it sounds like so much fun!

 

[Becky2005]

Following! Woah, you have quite the task corralling all of that, but it sounds like so much fun!

Most definitely! Add in Disney always changing things and it will get even more fun. So many different touring styles mixed into a big group. Thank goodness we do all agree that we don't have to do everything together or it could end badly.

 

[Becky2005]

I was having computer trouble but I got our trip booked! I have 2 rooms at All Star Movies. I did ask for connecting rooms so we will see what happens. I know it isn't guaranteed and since we are all adults, it isn't the end of the world if it doesn't happen but will make life easier if it does.

I did have a glitch where I had to call in as, it listed me on both reservations even though the e-mail confirmation I got had the names correct. The last thing I need is 2 package tickets for the same timeframe. LOL!

I am crossing my fingers that eventually some deal will come out and we can take advantage of it but in the meantime at least I know we are good to go no matter what.

 

[heatherbynum]

Following along as we are planning a big family trip for October 2025.

 

[Becky2005]

A quick update although not a lot is happening at the moment. My doesn't like Disney husband is now leaning toward coming too. I don't know what to do with that man! LOL! He is wishy-washy about coming. Originally he said no because unfortunately, due to his health he has no option but to be in a wheelchair at Disney and he *hates* that idea. He can walk but not long distances and add the heat, etc... he was told that not having a wheelchair wasn't an option. I think it's a pride thing but I keep reminding him no one is going to care except him.

So onto changing things around and planning as if he is coming! I figure at this point it is easier to plan for him to come with us and then drop things if he changes his mind vs. the other way around since there are more accommodations needed that way. I will have to change to one of the All Stars Suites at Music. Not my favorite idea but we looked at the other hotels that would make things easier for my husband and we just can not justify the additional cost of that. Also, trying to decide if we do the dining plan. He is big on eating and I know financially the plan is not the greatest since we don't drink alcohol.

In other changes to people attending:

My brother's daughter is bringing her boyfriend (who wasn't counted above) we think
My niece's husband probably isn't going due to his work and the last minute nature of not knowing if it is approved.

That brings our total to 20 people at the moment!

 

[Becky2005]

As predicted we already have some changes which are in blue:

Arrival day: No plans, Everyone is figuring out how to get to Disney World on their own, so arrival times will vary although we are all supposed to arrive on the same day. I know I am planning on driving and it will take me 2 days because I am not young enough to make it one day. I need those extra stops and rest time. It does seem most plan on driving but I have also heard some are considering flying. Seems several people in my party want to do the Coke tray -- so our goal is to get to the Coca-Cola store in Disney Springs! LOL!

Day 2: Universal for those that want to go and Animal Kingdom for the rest of us, since those going to Universal are OK skipping Animal Kingdom. No Universal is planned now, so Magic Kingdom for our first park.

Day 3: Halloween Party. We are not getting day tickets for this day but will attempt to be in the park by 4 pm.

Day 4: Animal Kingdom -- thinking this is a more relaxed type park plus probably 1/2 day for most. My family *might* hop to EPCOT since my youngest wants to check out the countries more vs. the chaos we had on our quick weekend trip.

Day 5: EPCOT

Day 6: Hollywood Studios

Departure Day: So sad, it is time to leave the mouse until the next time.

 

[Becky2005]

My goodness. This seems like forever ago I started this. I recently got back from the mini sibling trip I took at the end of August.
I just posted the trip report (broken up but it is completely posted) if you want to get a preview of upcoming things for the next trip and also things I messed up on.

I still need to call Disney and make the changes I need as I was *hoping* although I knew it was a slim chance I could do it in person while I was there. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Now that the 2024 trip is done, it is time to focus on this trip though. It will be here before I'm ready.

 

[Becky2005]

I finally had the time yesterday to call to make the changes to my reservation. I knew it wasn't necessarily hard but I didn't know how to do it on the back end basically where I wouldn't lose any money or screw something up!

It did take a while and I had a wonderful CM who helped me and had to listen to me gab about my vacation at the same time. LOL! He was able to get the travel insurance to work also (I thought I might lose that since that basically is 3rd party even though you go through Disney).

Instead of 2 rooms at All-Stars with 4 people, now we have a Ft. Wilderness Cabin with 5 people. My DH is getting tickets whether he wants them or not since we got a package deal. We also were connected to my daughter now as a group traveling together.

Now to hope some deals come out for 2025 and we can apply them. If we can great, if not at least we have things booked.

My brother also booked his timeshare (and got the dates correct! Hurray! He has a tendency to book the wrong dates for hotels!).

I am excited now though because I can focus on this trip. Although it is still over 300 days away, I know it will creep up and then get here before we know it.

 

[Becky2005]

Ever have a major conversation and completely block it out? It was 3 against 1 that the conversation happened. If you had asked me in a court of law, I would tell you I had no memory of the conversation at all. Now, logically that totally makes sense that I would have done this but my brain decided that was not an important thing to remember.

Apparently, we *did* decide to go with the QS dining plan knowing we will probably spend more money than doing it out of pocket since none of us drink alcohol but at the end of the day it was decided that would work for us. I somehow blocked the whole conversation out of my head, so thankfully a discussion on food prices had the boys bring it up.

My youngest did think I was weird when I told him I switched everything over but I told the CM no to the dining plan (mostly because I am waiting to see if there is a deal) but he figured I knew what I was doing. Luckily, I'm sure I can add this at anytime before we leave. Disney isn't going to not take my money.

Scary to think I'm one of the major planners for the trip! Yikes!

 

[Becky2005]

Ahh...still at the very much waiting game! We have gotten to the 300 days mark but that seems so far away but it will start going faster soon enough.

I am excited though to find out, *if* I have read everything correctly, we will qualify for extra evening hours! This will change things around a bit. I'm usually a night owl (except for Disney) so it might not be as critical to do the early morning rope drop depending on how things work out.

Everyone is still trying to figure out how they are actually getting to Disney World. It is almost a Planes, Trains and Automobiles situation at this point. Several of the ones going have work constraints, so travel times need to be figured out. They are testing a new direct line train from Chicago to Orlando but we don't know if it will still be a thing when we go since it says temporary. My brother will test it out earlier in the year.

I am curious what will be open and closed by the time we go. So many announcements today. Bummer about Big Thunder Mountain will be closed but the rest so far, won't affect us too much. I'm sure more will be changed before summer next year.

 

[Becky2005]

Oh the many webs Disney weaves! 2025 is certainly going to be an interesting year to visit the parks!!!! Just when I thought we were good with closure announcements, they add the Premier Pass one. I am so interested in how the pilot program will end up working and if it will still be a thing by next summer. I am not sure how I will do it but I feel like it would make our lives so much easier with DH coming along at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios on this trip. Not so sure about Epcot. It would be a huge splurge though so EEK. I would have to work a little harder on earning gift cards with rewards programs.

After talking to my boys none of them are even interested in Pandora, so there is no real reason for us to even worry about early entry or rope drop. Basically, we will see the shows and I think there are only 3 rides we are remotely interested in Safari for sure, then Dinosaur if it is still there for 1 of my boys and Everest for a different one. No reason to buy any service for making lines shorter here. The rest of the time will be going on the animal trails and deciding what we want to do at that point.

 

[Becky2005]

It's been a while and not necessarily that much has changed on our end but Disney is sure keeping us hopping with all the announcements. My grandson told me he wanted to ride Rock & Rollercoaster with him before the Muppet switch announcement so who knows if it will even be running at that point.

We did confirm that we will have a few less people on our trip although that was to be expected. We had some that were *iffy* to start with (still have a couple that I'm 99.9% sure they are not coming but you just never know).

Newish line up of who is going!

Myself, Dh and our 3 adult sons

My daughter, her 2 sons along with her friend

My sister, her husband, and adult son.

My niece and her son (my sister’s grandson)

My brother, his adult daughter and her boyfriend. Still up in the air if 2 more of his family is coming.

If I can count that brings us to 17 people vs. 21 now.

I did add the QS dining plan so everything is set there.

 

[Becky2005]

The joys of planning a trip with lots of people. Things get so complicated at times! Plus add lots of changes this year that Disney themselves are doing with closures/refurbishments.

Looks like due to some work schedules, my brother & his family will only be in Disney World for 4 days total. Arrival day which we aren't really counting since none of us know exactly what time we are getting there and then 3 days for the parks. I'm not 100% sure if the same thing is going to happen with my sister & her family.

We now have to find out if his daughter wants to go to the Halloween party or not. If they follow past schedules there should be a Halloween party on the Tuesday and Friday of our vacation. If she wants to go we keep that part as is, if she doesn't we will probably change to the Friday party (assuming there is one). Now to find out which 2 parks she would like to visit besides the Magic Kingdom. Normally I would say skip Animal Kingdom but she is a big animal person and she may want to visit.

This is the frustrating part but not surprising either. We still have plenty of time to change things around so it isn't that big of a deal but it just changes the dynamics a little bit of how things will work.

 

[Becky2005]

Happy 2025!!!! I can now say I'm going to Disney World this year!

As new discounts came out today, I did try to see if we qualified and no such luck. I did check to see how perhaps the Contemporary would compare but alas, we would lose some space and have to pay slightly more (although it wasn't that bad). I was told no, so we are keeping things like they are.

My Niece2 (brother's daughter) did say she the Halloween party idea is fine, so we are sticking with our original plans at the moment.

Now it is a waiting game to see what other announcements Disney makes for this year! It is definitely an interesting year to be going. I have started to casually look into things to start purchasing but not much to do at the moment. My older boys & DH who don't have Magic Bands, don't really want one but we will see when we get there. They will just get a card to use instead.