In this episode, I discuss challenges often faced by groups going to Disney World, including picking when to go, where to stay, places to eat, and touring.

I also have a quick tip about the dining plan, recent news, and a featured company.

These are notes from this episode. There's much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.

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Challenges for groups

Groups going to Disney World should consider not doing everything together, assigning 1 person to manage My Disney Experience reservations, sharing responsibilities (such as food or Tinker Bell gifts), and getting Memory Maker.

Some areas where challenges often come up include:

* Trip dates - going when everybody can go often means being at Disney World during busier and more expensive times

* Deciding where to stay - everybody has different budgets, many Disney resorts only allow 4 per room (read my post about rooms that allow 5+), and many people may decide to stay offsite. People who stay onsite and have 2+ rooms should call Disney and ask for a "travel with" number to link the reservations which will allow room requests for the group to be granted before everybody else at the resort.

* Finding places to eat - buffets are good, but also consider places like Ohana, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Garden Grill, and Liberty Tree Tavern which will appeal to a wide range of people. Making reservations for a group online can be a challenge since restaurants have maximums, but you can split it into 2 smaller reservations and just let the restaurant know when you're checking in that you're together. Remember that 18% gratuity will automatically be added for groups of 6 or more.

* Touring as a group - I'd recommend splitting into smaller groups based on individual families, age, or interest to make it easier.

News

* Star Wars Half Marathon - the Dark Side was announced and will feature kids races, a 5K, and a 10K in addition to the half marathon. The race weekend will be April 14-17, 2016, and registration opens on September 22, 2015.

* The My Disney Experience app was updated and now shows PhotoPass pics.

* The Blizzard Beach closure will now begin on October 4 instead of in late October.

* Eat to the Beat concerts, which take place during Food and Wine Festival, now offer a tier 1 FastPass+ option

* People traveling to Disney World September 29 and later will receive luggage tags with their MagicBands. The luggage tag you get will depend on which color MagicBand you choose.