It happens every year over the holidays. Either my family assembles for a fun, festive scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting––or someone (let’s be honest, it’s usually me) gets uppity, acts impatient, or behaves in a way that can only be described as “outrageous.” If it’s the former, I simply can’t wait to see my kinfolk again. If it’s the latter, I feel obliged to see them so that I can make amends. In any case, a reunion is in order.
Once upon a time, staging one was relatively straightforward. Everyone tended to live close together. So all you needed to guarantee a good time was a big backyard, lots of cold cuts, and an impartial referee for the three-legged races. Well, that was then. This is now … We still do long to re-connect. In fact, surveys show that spending quality time with relatives ranks high on people’s to-do list. The trouble is that no one has the energy to organize a big event, let alone host the inevitable bunch of out-of-towners. Luckily, “Destination Reunions” which combine a get-away with a get-together come to the rescue, allowing the gang to reassemble without over-burdening anyone.
Of Mice and Men
Not surprisingly, Walt Disney World is at the forefront of this travel trend. Anyone who has visited the Orlando resort—or watched those ubiquitous TV ads—knows that it has a broad appeal. After all, it’s not only kids who like to get goofy. Along with theme parks that top every child’s vacation wish list, Walt Disney World boasts championship golf courses, seductive spas, first-class entertainment, even fine restaurants that consistently rank among North America’s best. And enjoying them en masse is a breeze, thanks to Magical Gatherings: a program designed specifically for groups staying at resort hotels.
Although Magical Gatherings promoters put a lot of emphasis on pixie dust, it’s really good old fashioned practicality that makes this program tick. That’s because Disney is a known entity, which makes consensus building considerably easier. (Stop cringing control freaks: you know consensus is important!) Of course, newfangled online tools help too, letting guests take assorted virtual tours and finally prepare a tailor-made itinerary that meets with everyone’s approval.
Parties of eight or more—dubbed Grand Gatherings—get added support from on-site specialists who coordinate activities, thereby taking the guesswork (and potential grief) out of reunion organizing. Other Grand Gatherings goodies include special souvenirs and access to two-way radios. Exclusive “experiences”––such as a safari-themed dinner with character visits, live entertainment, and up-close animal viewing––may be booked at extra cost. Customized events are available, too. So in case one of your brood starts feeling nostalgic, sack races and a barbeque can be arranged.
Two If By Sea
Like Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Lines operate on the “Something for Everyone” premise. That’s why nearly a full deck of each ship is devoted to kids, while separate areas are reserved for older folk. (Even Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, has a play area for children, plus beaches for the exclusive use of teens and adults). The approach clearly works: over half of its passengers sail in multigenerational groups. Royal Caribbean gets in on the act, too, offering Royal Reunions Packages for groups booking eight or more state rooms on Freedom- and Voyager-class ships.
With Royal Caribbean’s standard program (priced at $50 a head) you receive extras like door decorations, group photos, a personalized cake, and activities—among them, competitions with other reunion parties. Signing on for the Elite version ($100 per person) gets you more organized events along with daily VIP treats. As added bonuses, the line’s travel office will help you sail through the planning process and give one free fare for every sixteen paying guests. For bookings, simply see your travel agent or call 800-205-9812 ext. 80805.
Choosing one of these cruises has obvious benefits. Entertainment is abundant, carefully orchestrated, and close at hand. Moreover, since meals are included, you needn’t worry about divvying up restaurant bills. With that said, cruising extras can add up fast. Packaged shore trips, for example, are pricey. And then there’s all that champagne you’ll be ordering. (Remember, you invariably have to toast your niece’s graduation, grandma’s successful bypass surgery, and that tarty aunt’s latest marriage.) That’s when all-inclusive resorts back on dry land become a viable alternative.
