5 Tried-and-True Destinations Ideas for Memorable Family Reunions
Planning a family reunion can feel overwhelming. Between coordinating schedules, finding accommodation for everyone, and choosing activities that appeal to toddlers through grandparents, the logistics alone can be daunting. But what if you could find destinations designed specifically to bring families together, where the entertainment, dining, and lodging are all taken care of?
That's where I come in. As your travel advisor, I handle all the logistics so you can focus on what matters most—enjoying time with your family. From coordinating group bookings and managing payment schedules to keeping everyone informed and on track, I take the stress out of reunion planning.
I've curated the best family vacation ideas that transform reunion planning from stressful to spectacular. What makes these destinations truly special? They eliminate the everyday responsibilities that usually fall on someone's shoulders. No grocery shopping, no meal planning, no cooking, no dishes, no activity organizing—just quality time with the people you love.
These destinations offer something for every generation and every interest. I'm here to help you plan a reunion that strengthens family bonds and creates memories that span across the ages.
Let's dive in.
Family Cruises - Alaska or Caribbean Itineraries
Cruising has evolved into one of the most reunion-friendly vacation options. There is something for everyone!
Why Cruising Works for Reunions: Everything is included and in one place—no coordinating multiple hotel bookings or restaurant and activity reservations across town. Your family boards once, unpacks once, and wakes up in a new destination while the ship does all the travel work.
Family Oriented Cruises: Two cruise lines I regularly recommend for families are Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line. From the FlowRider surf simulator to rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, Broadway-style shows, and dedicated kids' and teens' clubs, Royal Caribbean's mega-ships are floating resorts.
Disney Cruise Line's rotational dining system means your family dines in a different themed restaurant each night, but your servers follow you, learning your preferences and dietary needs. This personalized service makes extended families feel truly cared for. The characters, broadway shows, and fireworks at sea create magical moments the whole family can enjoy.
Activities for Every Age: Adult-exclusive areas like pools, lounges, and spa give grown-ups sophisticated retreat options, while kids clubs are next level with entertainment and experiences for the little ones. Even the teens get their own exclusive spaces designed just for them. Every family member gets what they need.
No Cooking, No Cleaning: One of the biggest reunion stressors? Figuring out who's cooking for 20+ people and who's stuck with dishes. At these destinations, meals are taken care of—from grab-and-go options to fine dining experiences. You're on vacation!
Built-In Entertainment: No awkward moments wondering what to do next or how to keep everyone occupied. These destinations have activities running from sunrise to well past sunset, so boredom is never an issue.
Flexible Together Time: The beauty of cruise reunions is the flexibility. Grandparents can enjoy a quiet coffee overlooking the ocean while the teens go zip-lining. Everyone reunites for dinner, shows, or deck parties. Many ships offer connecting staterooms and family suites, keeping multi-generational groups close but not cramped.
Destination Variety: With Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean, and even world cruise itineraries, you can choose a sailing that matches your family's interests and travel capabilities. I highly recommend Caribbean and Alaskan sailings for easy port access and beautiful itineraries.
Disney and Universal Resorts
Let’s start with Walt Disney World, Florida: The Crown Jewel of Family Reunions
When it comes to multi-generational magic, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando remains unmatched. Spanning four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs entertainment district, there's literally something for everyone in your family tree.
Why It's Perfect for Reunions: The beauty of Disney World lies in its flexibility and variety. While the thrill-seekers tackle Space Mountain, grandparents can enjoy the gentle nostalgia of It's a Small World with the little ones. The resort's vast array of dining options means there are options everyone will enjoy — choose from quick-service counters when you're on the go or a memorable character dining experience when you want to enjoy special time together. With literally something for every age and interest, no family member feels left out or bored.
Accommodation Options: Disney's resort hotels range from value to deluxe, many offering suites and villa-style accommodations perfect for extended families. The Art of Animation and All-Star Resorts provide budget-friendly family suites, while the Polynesian, Riviera, Beach Club and Contemporary Resorts offer upscale villas with full kitchens. Disney’s Saratoga Springs even has Treehouse Villas for an extra memorable adventure together.
Reunion-Friendly Features: Group dining reservations, private fireworks viewing experiences, and character dining experiences create those special moments every reunion needs. You can even have a group family photo taken at iconic locations around Walt Disney World.
Disneyland Resort, California: Classic Magic on the West Coast
Don't overlook the original Disneyland in Anaheim. While smaller than its Florida counterpart, Disneyland offers an intimate charm that makes it ideal for families. Disneyland Resorts, Downtown Disney, Disneyland, and California Adventure are all walkable to each other.
The Disneyland Difference: Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure sit right across from each other, making park hopping effortless. Your family can literally walk between both parks, eliminating long bus rides and making it easier to take mid-day breaks at your hotel.
Accommodation Options: Disneylands resorts offer something for everyone with the wonder of Pixar Place with rooftop firework viewing, the upscale amenities of the Grand California, and the deluxe villas and suites at Disneyland Resort.
Perfect for West Coast Families: If your family is scattered across the western states, Disneyland provides a more accessible meeting point. The surrounding Anaheim area offers additional hotel options at various price points, and you're just a short drive from the beaches of Southern California for a post-park relaxation day. You could even loop in a couple of days exploring San Diego for an extra adventure!
Universal Resorts: Thrills for the Adventurous Family
For families with older kids, teens, and adventure-loving adults, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood deliver non-stop excitement with a different flavor than Disney. For a family reunion, I would recommend a visit to Universal Orlando vs a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal Orlando
With the world’s newest theme park Epic Universe just launching in May of 2026, Universal Orlando now has four theme parks including the immersive Wizarding World of Harry Potter across three parks and arguably the best water park in Orlando Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando packs incredible thrills into a compact space.
Why Reunions are fun at Universal Orlando: There is something for everyone. Whether it’s a thrill seeking adventure or a relaxing day poolside, everyone in the family will find something they love about Universal Orlando. In addition to the theme parks and Volcano Bay, Universal’s CityWalk entertainment complex offers live music venues to diverse dining options.
Multi-Generational Appeal: While known for thrills, Universal also features gentle rides in Seuss Landing and Minion-themed attractions for younger cousins. Meanwhile, teens and adults bond over the adrenaline of the Incredible Hulk Coaster and the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Epic Universe offers new worlds to explore together including Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter Battle of the Ministry, How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and Dark Universe.
Accommodations: The resort's hotels, especially Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal's Endless Summer Resort, cater specifically to families with affordable suites and multiple pools.
Universal’s Signature resorts offer themed kid-suites and Loews Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific also include Express Passes in your resort stay so you spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying new experiences together!
Disney's Aulani Resort, Hawaii: Paradise with a Purpose
For a family reunion that combines a family-centered experience with a tropical paradise, Aulani Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii, offers an unparalleled experience. This isn't a theme park—it's a beach resort infused with Hawaiian culture and Disney storytelling.
The Aulani Experience: Imagine your family reunion taking place against a backdrop of pristine beaches, snorkeling lagoons, and sunset views that need no filter. Aulani seamlessly blends luxury resort amenities with authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences, from ukulele lessons to a beautiful Lu’au experience to treasure together.
Multigenerational Harmony: The resort's design naturally brings families together while offering spaces for all ages. Adults relax at the adults-only infinity pool and spa and for a family swim, enjoy exploring the 900-foot lazy river and splash zone.
Aunty's Beach House kids' club gives parents a chance for romantic dinners while children engage in supervised island activities.
Creating Lasting Bonds: What sets Aulani apart for reunions is how it facilitates genuine connection. Whether your family is participating in a traditional Hawaiian blessing, learning to make lei together, or simply gathering around one of the resort's fire pits, these shared cultural experiences create deeper bonds than any theme park ride.
Explore the Island: Aulani can serve as an amazing home base for your family to explore the island together. Family’s can take a meaningful day trip to Pearl Harbor for a shared experience to remember forever. Looking for a new adventure? Drive over to spend the day at Kualoa Ranch for a Jurassic Park Adventure tour, horseback tours, zip lining, and jungle expeditions.
Practical Perks: Aulani's villa accommodations feature full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, perfect for extended family stays. The resort's stunning beach location means access to a gentle lagoon and more authentic Hawaiian experiences when you venture beyond the resort gates.
Professional Planning Support:
This is where my expertise as your travel advisor becomes invaluable. I handle the complex logistics—coordinating bookings across multiple rooms or cabins, managing group payments and deposits, tracking everyone's arrival details, and ensuring you get the best possible rates and perks. I’m here to partner with you in creating a beautiful trip for your family where you can relax and enjoy.
Making Your Choice: Which Destination Is Right for Your Reunion?
Choose Royal Caribbean if: You want more of an all-inclusive feel, you want to visit multiple destinations without changing hotels, or you're looking for the most entertainment options packed into one vacation.
Choose Disney Cruise Line if: You want the all-inclusive cruise convenience with Disney's signature service, would enjoy broadway shows, want to visit multiple destinations without changing hotels, or have young children.
Choose Disney World or Disneyland if: Your family has all ages ranging from babies/toddlers to grandparents, you want maximum activity variety, are navigating any additional needs like food allergies or sensory sensitivities, and you prefer stay-in-one-place convenience with optional day trips.
Choose Universal if: Your family’s youngest are heading into their preteen years, you have Harry Potter fans, want cutting-edge attractions and access to the world’s newest theme park.
Choose Aulani if: Your family values cultural experiences and natural beauty, you prefer a relaxed pace over theme park intensity, or you want a destination that feels more vacation than amusement.
Pro Tips for Any Family Reunion Destination
Book Early and Together: Whether it's resort rooms or cruise cabins, booking as a group often unlocks perks like onboard credits, group rates complimentary upgrades, or special gathering spaces. I will work our suppliers to give you the best possible amenities for your reunion!
Designate a Reunion Coordinator: Appoint one organized family member to handle the logistics, communicate with vendors, and coordinate group activities.
Build in Free Time: Don't over-schedule. Some of the best reunion memories happen during unstructured time—pool days, beach afternoons, or simple hotel room game nights.
Capture the Moments: Invest in professional photography packages, or designate a family member as the official photographer. These visual memories become priceless as years pass.
Create Reunion Traditions: Whether it's matching family t-shirts, a special dinner, or a group activity, establishing traditions strengthens family bonds and creates something to look forward to for future reunions.
The Bottom Line
Family reunions are about more than just the destination—they're about creating space for cousins to bond, grandparents to make memories with grandchildren, and siblings to reconnect. These destinations ideas understand that mission and have built experiences specifically to facilitate those precious moments.
Whichever destination you choose, you're not just planning a vacation. You're investing in your family's story, creating chapters that will be retold for generations.
So gather your relatives, pick your destination, and start planning. Your family's next great adventure awaits—and trust us, the memories you'll create together will be worth every moment of planning.
Ready to plan?
Message us today and let’s get started!