Time needed is the biggest question
For each evenly spaced out location you see on the map you can assume 1-2hours depending on flow and size of crowd. The key is to not plan a job interview after a day on the water.

Tips

• Wear a shirt, your belly will burn and sunscreen tends to wash off relatively quickly.
• Use a tech fabric if possible. Cotton is not a good time when wet. Wool or fleece is excellent for a little extra warm.
• Only go on hot days. Once people get cold the mood freezes.
• Bring an extra tube. They are cheap and is great insurance.
• Purchase something to keep your keys and other valuables dry. I recommend the Pelican 1040 (~$30, Affiliate Link)
• Buy something to hold your sunglasses.
• NRS HydroSkin is premium gear that will be the best for adding a few degrees of extra warm (~$80, Affiliate Link)

Shuttle 101

Meet everyone at either the take out, then load as many people as possible into cars going to the put-in. Remember to tube down with your keys! When everyone gets to the takeout there are two teams. Team A fits as many people as they can to take people back to their car at the put in. Team B deflates and packs the tubes. Once team A all come back everything will be packed and ready to go home.

Seasonality

Being in the water for hours makes a big difference so it really is ideal go in July or August when water temp is 69 degrees on average. The number 1 fun killer is getting cold and having no way to get warm.