Need tips for making first large group trip.

[Engine 51]

Next June we will be going to WDW with up to 16 people, only six of us have ever been before. Looking for tips of the most cost effective lodging for this many people. We have considered everything from camping at FW to renting DVC points. What have you done before, and would you do it again?

 

[WDW_Emily]

Well are you paying for everyone or are some people paying for themselves? If Its a bunch on different families, then I would stay at a value and just ask for connecting rooms or rooms with everyone next to each other. I believe the cabin's at FW only hold 6-8 people so you would have to get more then one.

 

[erstwo]

I can't really speak from experience until after December (we'll be a party of 12) but I have to say - Values all the way!

Here are my reasons - you'll be going at a peak season (June) and it will be HOT. Camping might save you some money - I think you can put up to 8 people per campsite (and as a side note the shower facilities are nice there - in case you go that route!) but there will be ZERO relief from the heat and the campsites cost as much as a Value hotel room.

When it's that hot, you'll want to go back to your room to rest most every afternoon. If you stay offsite it will be a longer commute, cutting into park time etc.

I know you'll have to do what's best for your family and budget, but I bet you'll be happy with the Value option!

 

[tampabrad]

First thing I would do is try to get everyone together and figure out what they want to do in terms of:

1. How they want to do the parks? As a group, some seperate time, park hopping ect.

2. Is everyone going to want to eat together? Some people may want counter service for every meal, some people might not. Some may want to go on their own for some alone time.

3. Is everyone going to want to stay in a Value, Cabin, DVC etc.? Some people may want their own room.

4. Does everyone want to book together or try to make their own arrangements?

5. Try to get a budget set up, and figure out what each person or family can and is willing to spend.

After that, you can see what your options are. The most expensive would be suites and booking DVC through disney reservations. Cabins at FW, multiple rooms at a value resort would probably be least expensive. Renting DVC points would probably be somewhere in the middle.

If you have cars or a van, you may want to consider renting a house near by. There are houses that hold close to 20 people and have a pool and are very inexpensive compared to staying on property. Keep in mind parking on property can get pricey if you are staying off property.

Hope this helps.

 

[Nemo14]

I would highly recommend renting a home nearby. We've been doing this every February with a group that has varied from 8 to 18 people. We save a ton of $$ that way, and have a lot more space, our own pool and spa, washer, dryer, game room, etc. It also gives us much more quality time together, and we love that!

 

[WDW-LUVR]

Call Jenell, she is wonderful. She helped me with my trip home (disney) this year and will be helping me next year as well, next years party is a confirmed 11. She will be able do everything for.

Jenell Nukolczak, CTA
Kingdom Konsultant Travel
www.KingdomKonsultant.com
Jenell@KingdomKonsultant.com
Toll Free: 1-866-566-7858
Direct Line: 443-968-2203

 

[zurgandfriend]

After experiencing a family gathering with 14 of my in-laws a few years ago the best advice I can offer is don’t, not unless you are all on the same page so to speak, let me explain.
One of my brothers-in-law is a Disney fanatic like I am. We attempted to plan a trip that fit everyone’s needs and we failed miserably. Everyone in our group had different requirements as to lodging, dining etc. We spent weeks in an endless string of e-mails, and phone calls to set things up. We are all in about the same financial bracket so we tried to convince everyone to stay at the Wilderness Lodge but mother-in-law and sister-in-law insisted on a moderate( Port Orleans), another brother-in-law wanted a value (Pop Century) and the 3rd bother-in-law wanted the Dolphin.
It was the same with the dinning and with what parks to go to everyday, etc. In the end my family stayed at the Wilderness Lodge as did Disney fanatic brother-in-law and his family. We spent most of our time together and had a great time. We only got together with the rest of family twice for park touring, a day at the Magic Kingdom and a day at DHS.
We only did two dinners together also, one at Chef Mickey’s and one at Whispering Canyon.
That night at Whispering Canyon my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and bothers-in-law all stated how beautiful the Wilderness Lodge was and how they wished they stayed there. Disney fanatic bother-in-law just looked at me did the face palm and shook his head as if to say “yup this is my family.”
I hope your grand gathering works out better than that!