Tips for a Multigenerational DVC Trip

Are you part of a large family? I have multiple family members who share the same birthday…twice. So, I get it. Those of us from big families must think a bit differently when taking DVC vacations. Here are a few tips for taking a multigenerational DVC trip.

Logistics Matter 

Let’s start with the big one. Whether you travel with small children or elderly family and friends, the chief concern remains the same. You want to avoid unnecessary travel and walking as much as possible. 

When you take a small child to Disney, you’ll make memories to last a lifetime. However, you’re also their personal chauffeur at times, and pushing a stroller around the parks will wear on you. The last thing you want to do is add to the stress by riding the bus a lot, too. Packing and unpacking a stroller will fatigue you. 

On the elderly side of the conversation, your loved one(s) will do everything possible to keep up. If they’re anything like my family, they’ll never complain, either. So, you’re the one who must mentally calculate how well they’re doing and then negotiate the politics of asking them to slow down some. 

You can save plenty of aggravation by choosing a monorail resort or something near the Disney Skyliner. That way, the transportation system will do the heavy lifting, saving your traveling party plenty of wear and tear.

Choose Resorts with Plenty of Activities 

A multigenerational DVC vacation will play out much differently than your typical Disney Trip. You won’t be as active at the parks due to the various age gaps. Kids get tired and need naps, while grandparents…get tired and need naps. 

So, you’ll spend more time at your DVC resort, which is a good thing. I’m an ardent proponent of taking at least one resort day per vacation, but it’s paramount during a large family trip. 

You should choose a DVC resort with countless high-quality amenities. An excellent pool is a must, but virtually all DVC resorts offer that. So, what else matters?

A few casual outdoor activities like golf, pickleball, and tennis would be nice. I’d also recommend places with character meals. The pictures are delightful, and costumed Cast Members create countless viral video moments each day. They are likely to do something your family will discuss for many years to come. 

Think Carefully about Your Room(s)

Here’s an awkward conversation that every multigenerational family faces. Should we share a room? You’re probably nodding your head and mentally groaning because we all know. It’s an almost unavoidable conversation.

Here’s my suggestion. You should have a multi-pronged plan consisting of two pitches. The first is for a shared room, preferably the largest Villa you can afford with your DVC Points. When you don’t have enough, remember that the program allows DVC Points Transfers. So, a different family member can share the cost, presuming they’re also a member. 

You should have a pitch for getting multiple rooms as well. As an introvert, I naturally push for this one. It’s easier to sell when you point out that you can book adjoining rooms. 

The most important part is that you set up a vacation that will make you happy. You don’t need to be a pleaser on the Room Type. You’ll probably settle enough throughout the trip, including what to ride and where to eat. 

Prioritize the Kids 

This is easy for me to say as an uncle rather than a parent. Still, I feel strongly that when you’re not sure about something, you should always prioritize the kids. 

They’re the ones living out every child’s fantasy of going to Disney. Just as importantly, they’re the ones who will create the memories for the rest of you. Nobody in your traveling party will forget what the children did at Disney. In fact, grandparents are prone to tell everyone they know about it…several times. 

So, your tendency may be to pick a DVC resort that skews older for your elderly party members. I believe that, while incredibly thoughtful, that’s the wrong approach. But I reverse that opinion if some of your elderly loved ones are — how do I say this delicately? – prone to complain. They can ruin the trip with bad vibes, and you don’t want that. 

In that scenario, do what makes them happy but then schedule plenty of child-friendly activities. Obviously, those are available everywhere at Disney. 

Have a Good Plan at the Parks 

Finally, I’ll circle back to what I said about spending less time at the parks during a multigenerational vacation. There’s an addendum to that.

When you’re at the parks, you should remember a few reliable offerings the whole family will enjoy. Character greetings are absolutely magical, providing excellent photo ops and plenty of big laughs. 

Also, you’ll treasure slow indoor rides during your visit. Good examples are It’s a Small World, Living with the Land, and Spaceship Earth. The lines are typically reasonable, and each attraction lasts for at least ten minutes. That’s plenty of time for everyone to cool down and relax a bit. 

Disney has also transformed its parks in recent years to add more hangout spots. Mickey’s Toontown, CommuniCore Hall & Plaza, and World Celebration Gardens are excellent places for multigenerational families to spend time. Just have a good plan for where you should spend time at the parks when everyone grows fatigued. That’s the final step toward having an unforgettable vacation.