Anyone done a Magical Gathering with LARGE group??? AKA the FFF Trip - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Old 03-12-2005, 01:17 PM   #1
PixiePrincess
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Anyone done a Magical Gathering with LARGE group??? AKA the FFF Trip

Well I have officially lost my mind... write in down on your calendar... they will be here any minute to put me in a white jacket (the kind that ties in the back!!!)

We were at the WLS Support Group meeting the other night (weight loss surgery for those of you who were baffled) and someone mentioned us getting a group together to do a vacation the first part of December. Well naturally John says "how about a Magical Gathering at Disney World". The whole group (250+ members) loved the idea and guess who got volunteered to head it all up?!?!?!?! Now don't get me wrong, I am probably, okay most definitely, the more informed Disney traveler of the group but with planning our wedding, I don't know if I can take this kind of stress!!!! LOL
Okay, breathe in breathe out!!!
If I can get a head count, get a block of rooms booked and then leave all the rest of the planning until after the wedding I might be able to hold on to some of my sanity, whatever may be left... LOL

So my is... do you think it be okay to put off some of the planning until mid May? Have any of you done a large group gathering at Disney?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated

We are calling it the F.F.F. Magical Gathering Getaway... AKA The Formerly Fat Friends Magical Gathering Getaway

Some of our members are so excited... I have heard everything from "I am actually going to be able to fit through the turnstile without turning sideways" to "OMG I'm going to be able to finally ride the Teacups"... coming from people who weighed 300 - 500 lbs before surgery and are down to like 130 - 200 lbs soaking wet.
It's going to be a wonderful trip... if I can pull it off!!!
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Old 03-12-2005, 02:30 PM   #2
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Re: Anyone done a Magical Gathering with LARGE group??? AKA the FFF Trip

Good Luck! I think it will be a really fun trip, I'm just glad it's not me planning it! I would start as soon as possible planning though and have veryone give you ideas!
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Old 03-12-2005, 02:44 PM   #3
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Re: Anyone done a Magical Gathering with LARGE group??? AKA the FFF Trip

I would definitely start planning as soon as possible. Don't wait. But I would also keep one thing in mind - too many choices can lead to disaster. If you have over 250 people involved, I would quickly get an idea of where people want to stay, and then narrow that choice down to 2 or 3 resorts tops! Do this first, as this is the most critical step in the entire process (room discounts, room availability, etc).

Once you have the resort or resort area picked out, then I would enlist the services of a seasoned travel agent. You know that there are many to choose from (just from the recommendations from these boards) and I wouldn't do it any other way or you will absolutely go insane. Plus, let someone else shoulder some of the burden because you want to enjoy yourself, too, right?!!

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Old 03-12-2005, 06:58 PM   #4
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Re: Anyone done a Magical Gathering with LARGE group??? AKA the FFF Trip

Definitely call to the Grand Gathering people and start to get an idea of what you'll have to do. I think there's also a group at WDW called "Group Sales" that might be able to help you.

I would definitely get an idea of what two or three hotels you want to stay at and make some "block" reservations.

A travel agent might be a good idea!
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