Planning a trip to WDW for 11 (ranging in age from 71 to 4)

[Disgruntled Walt]

Context: After 8 years, my family will be making its grand return to WDW with three times the number of children present and a wide-range of emotions. I grew up going to WDW every summer as a reward for straight A's. I was born into this tradition, and my parents brought my older brothers for seven years before I was born. When the prices started to get a little crazy and our own situations changed, we started visiting less frequently during the 2010s.

So now we're celebrating my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary next year with one last big trip to the place that meant so much to our family through the years.

As you can probably tell from my username, I'm not too pleased with many of the recent developments in WDW. I'm used to Magical Express, FREE Fastpass, Evening Extra Magic Hours for all resort guests, the Great Movie Ride & Splash Mountain still existing, etc.

Lots has changed, and I'm really out of practice; furthermore, we've never been such a sizable crowd before.

I'm looking for recommendations for which resort would give us the best experience: accommodations for a large group in connected rooms if possible, best price, etc. I'm also looking for advice on getting table service reservations (our favorites are 'Ohana, Liberty Tree, Boma, Cape May Cafe, Hollywood & Vine, and basically any buffet/family style).

Appreciate any assistance or advice anyone can offer. Or past experiences with a large group like this. I plan to write up my thoughts on the trip in the "Trip Reports" section of this site when things start getting more concrete.

 

[nickys]

Good luck with your planning, sounds a great trip down memory lane for your parents and family.

I’m going to suggest a resort that I’ve not stayed at - POFQ. Not sure about the odds of connecting rooms, but it’s such a compact resort that even if you don’t get lucky it wouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Boats to DS are a real bonus too for some “date night” time for each couple. And get some live music and fun at POFQ & POR.

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

Good luck with your planning, sounds a great trip down memory lane for your parents and family.

I’m going to suggest a resort that I’ve not stayed at - POFQ. Not sure about the odds of connecting rooms, but it’s such a compact resort that even if you don’t get lucky it wouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Boats to DS are a real bonus too for some “date night” time for each couple. And get some live music and fun at POFQ & POR.

POFQ and POR were my family's go-to's in the later 2000s (when I was right in the prime of my childhood)! They really do feel like home and I'm hoping we'll at least stop by there for some reminiscing. But I think we're going to have to go to a DVC so we have in-room laundry.

 

[Dorothy!]

I second Port Orleans French Quarter, for the exact same reasons. Its a fantastic resort.

My other recommendation would be to use a travel advisor to help you with your trip. I highly recommend Kelly Walter from Unlocking the Magic Travel. She helped me when I was planning our trip for the Disney Princess Half Marathon last year. I can send you her contact info if you are interested.

 

[rshell68]

Wow 11! Keep us posted on how it goes!! Have you ever checked out those DVC point rental sites? We checked this one out a couple of times: https://dvcrequest.com/ never used but have been interested.

 

[buckeyegator55]

be sure to check out davids dvc rentals

 

[HoustonHorn]

TS restaurant availability seems to be as open as I've ever seen it in my 25ish years of being the trip planner. But two pieces of advice to help snag tables:

1. If possible for your situation, don't go on the busiest of weeks (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Years, Spring Break, Easter, etc.).

2. Similarly, try to eat at off times. That 10:30 breakfast can saddle you over the lunch changeover, so you can make any buffet a brunch. And a 4:00 supper means you're not touring in the heat of the day + you'll actually be a little hungry for that 10:30 treat.

3. If you can't get a table for 11, split the party up into a 5/6 or 4/7 (or heck, even a 4/4/3 may work best by not needing more than a 4-top). Day of, you can try to modify or swing by and ask the host if there's anything they can do.

I'm as guilty as anyone of B&Ming here on the forums, but once you're there, let all of the nostalgia and memories wash over you, and try not to let the disappointment show. Have fun!

 

[Worldlover71]

I'm also planning a trip for a large-ish group (9). Are you committed to staying on-site? There are many huge rental houses off property that cost a fraction of the cost of on-site accommodations. Expedia/VRBO has lots of options.

If you definitely want to say on-site, renting DVC points is the way to go for a large group. I ran all sorts of scenarios and renting points for a large villa always worked out cheaper than getting multiple rooms, even at the value resorts. Old Key West and Saratoga Springs will be your least expensive options. Most of the rental companies charge fees on top of the noted rental cost, so make sure you budget for that. David's DVC rentals does not charge fees and often has the lowest prices, but they are based in Canada so your cc company will probably charge you a hefty foreign transaction fee. Also, make sure you budget for travel insurance since most DVC rentals made through a 3rd party are not refundable. Figuring out what is best for your group can be a lot of work, but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end.