Most affordable way to do this?

[prune1977]

Ok, heres the deal, my brother hasn't been a very good dad and his exwife isn't a great mom either. So myself, DW, Ds8, DD6, and DS 3 would like to take our nephew 16, niece 13, and nephew 12 on a once in a lifetime trip with us to WDW. Anyhow 2 ?'s would they even really really enjoy it being at the ages they're at as they've never really been much of anywhere. Then would it be more affordable to rent pts and stay at a villa that would fit us all and do a ddp or would it be more affordable to stay at a value or moderate and do 2 resorts and do a ddp? Or would something else be better? We know we don't want to pay OOP for food as they eat a lot and no way we could afford that so we for sure want a dining plan. Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[kmb584]

Hands down, it's going to be more affordable renting 2 rooms at either a value or moderate resort. I love and utilze DVC villas quite a bit and can understand where the appeal is, but the current price per point is $14 and for 1 week in a 2 bedroom in May 2014 (random date I selected) at either OKW or SSR (lowest points per villa) it would be close to $3800. Similarly, for that same week 2 rooms at a value resort would be around $1900, 2 rooms at a moderate $3200.

It seems that you're going to go with the DDP either way so it's important to note that the cost will be OOP with a DVC rental whereas you may get lucky with a free dining promo at a value (QSDP that can be upgraded to DDP) or moderate. If free dining isn't offered, a promo for discounted rooms may be which will save roughly 20% off of the room cost.

As for your niece and nephews enjoying themselves, I'd sure hope so. I don't know them so I can't offer much besides that I think they will. You mentioned that they've never been on a true vacation before so it should serve as a nice break and memorful occasion. It's also hard to not be happy when visiting WDW - the places exudes it.

(PS: I think it's awesome that you're wanting to take them on vacation! )

 

[kmb584]

I also wanted to mention the idea of staying off-site. One of my favorite off-site resorts is Wyndham Bonnet Creek (conveniently located within the WDW gates and a mere 3 minutes from Epcot) and to book a 2 bedroom unit (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, living room, dining room, in-room laundry, patio/balcony) through Vacation Upgrades would be $840 for 7 nights. I know you mentioned the DDP being of importance but with such a low cost for the resort, you could possibly come out ahead in the money game even with OOP food costs. You could do breakfast in your room, breakfast and dinner, etc.

 

[prune1977]

I also wanted to mention the idea of staying off-site. One of my favorite off-site resorts is Wyndham Bonnet Creek (conveniently located within the WDW gates and a mere 3 minutes from Epcot) and to book a 2 bedroom unit (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, living room, dining room, in-room laundry, patio/balcony) through Vacation Upgrades would be $840 for 7 nights. I know you mentioned the DDP being of importance but with such a low cost for the resort, you could possibly come out ahead in the money game even with OOP food costs. You could do breakfast in your room, breakfast and dinner, etc.

Well, I mentioned the dining plan because the first time we ever went part of the magic was doing an early breakfast at MK before park opening and seeing a near empty park and just the neatness of the different dining places for them.

 

[Sue M]

I agree, the least expensive option would be 2 rooms at a Value (double beds) or moderates (Queen beds) plus at Por the Aligator Alley rooms have a Murphy bed in addition to the 2 queens.
You could check into David's DVC rentals, I think they are less then booking with Disney, but renting points is pretty much non refundable, so you would have to be sure on your dates.

Staying at Bonnet Creek, or other off site options, you'd have to factor in cost of a car rental, or in your case a van.

 

[mrsp1030]

It all depends on where you rent points. I've seen points for lower than $14/pp on mouse owners.

 

[serene56]

Well, I mentioned the dining plan because the first time we ever went was the magic of doing an early breakfast at MK before park opening and seeing a near empty park and just the neatness of the different dining places for them.

you dont need a dining plan to book a reservation you can pay out of pocket too

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

If my husband and I were going to take 6 children to WDW, and 3 of them weren't our own, I would want a 2 bedroom villa (they sleep 8) so we would have the benefit of extra living space, a full kitchen (save tons of money having groceries delivered!!!), dining table, laundry room, etc, etc. If you check online DVC points rental companies (Disney Dave) you can usually get Saratoga Springs for a fairly decent rate without a ton of advance notice.

I think two value rooms with 8 people (6 of them being kids) would be torture. Also the age differences are huge, the teens aren't going to go to bed at the same time as the little ones, so in the 2 bedroom villa you can put the young ones to bed and the older kids can hang out in the living room. Maybe bring an XBOX from home for them to play with at night. I think the "home" feeling of the villa is going to work out a lot better. It wouldn't really be a trip of a lifetime if everyone is cramped up together and miserable. Plus you've got to keep your sanity.

 

[wysteria]

2 rooms at value or 2 rooms in Alligator Bayou at POR. The bayou rooms sleep 5 so you could have your entire family in one room and stick the teenagers in the connecting room.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

2 rooms at value or 2 rooms in Alligator Bayou at POR. The bayou rooms sleep 5 so you could have your entire family in one room and stick the teenagers in the connecting room.

Hopefully if you choose this option you'll have connecting rooms so you can keep an eye on the teens. Don't want them wandering around after you go to bed. I'm not sure what the success rate is with connecting, I guess if your rooms aren't connecting you and your wife would have to split apart and each take a group of kids in a room. That would stink.

 

[maxiesmom]

2 rooms at value or 2 rooms in Alligator Bayou at POR. The bayou rooms sleep 5 so you could have your entire family in one room and stick the teenagers in the connecting room.

The problem is, they won't guarantee connecting rooms ahead of time. And if they didn't get them, the adults would have to split up, and each sleep in a separate room.

I would look into renting points. With that many people of all ages, a little extra space can make a huge difference. And then if you choose to you can cook a few meals in the unit. When we rented points we did simple meals in the room. Sandwiches, ravioli, stuff like that.

 

[darkwing818]

I agree, the least expensive option would be 2 rooms at a Value (double beds) or moderates (Queen beds) plus at Por the Aligator Alley rooms have a Murphy bed in addition to the 2 queens.
You could check into David's DVC rentals, I think they are less then booking with Disney, but renting points is pretty much non refundable, so you would have to be sure on your dates.

Staying at Bonnet Creek, or other off site options, you'd have to factor in cost of a car rental, or in your case a van.

POR is the way to go, & I would always stay on property makes all your logistics much easier to manage. JMHO.

 

[LovesTimone]

Okay so 2 adults and 6 kiddos - That's 8 right -

Here's my suggestion, I would book 2 rooms, with the adjoining door in-between rooms, on the inside not rooms next to each other. BE very clear when making reservation's, This way you have access to everyone. You will 4 have double or queen beds, and 2 bathrooms, 2 TV's etc...

I would suggest a moderate resort -

POR or POFQ - this way you basically have use of 2 resorts, 2 food courts, 2 feature pools. Boat transportation to DTD, really nice ride. I think that POFQ and POR have the best food court.

CBR - This is a large resort, but I think has the best feature pool, has a cool little island to check out to. Who doesn't love pirates

CSR - We have stayed here, and this is a convention hotel, and has that feel, and just does not have that Disney feel.

On the dinning plan- I am a huge advocate of the DDP - I suggest DDXDP for this trip, This way you get 3 meals and 2 snacks a day plus a refillable mug pp ( the mug can only be used at resorts). With Counter service meals, entrée, drink and dessert included, for table service you will get appetizer, entrée, dessert and drink. If there are teenagers you will need this, my DD's could eat you out of house and home at this age.

We always go with the DDXDP - DH likes knowing that everything is paid for up front, except for tips, adult beverages, and souvenir's. This way everyone can order what they want.

As a suggestion head over to allears.net, and check out the menus with prices. They update them often.( monthly)

On a personal note -I commend you and your wife for wanting to do something nice for you nephews and niece. You can't believe what a difference this trip will make to them. You are showing them what family is really about.

Have a magical time.

 

[prune1977]

If my husband and I were going to take 6 children to WDW, and 3 of them weren't our own, I would want a 2 bedroom villa (they sleep 8) so we would have the benefit of extra living space, a full kitchen (save tons of money having groceries delivered!!!), dining table, laundry room, etc, etc. If you check online DVC points rental companies (Disney Dave) you can usually get Saratoga Springs for a fairly decent rate without a ton of advance notice.

I know the eating in room for trip would save us $$$ but I don't cook well at all & part of a vacation for us is my wife not having to cook, plus part of the magic is the restaurants at Disney. My wife says she wouldn't mind cooking but I just can't let that happen on a vacation.

 

[prune1977]

Okay so 2 adults and 6 kiddos - That's 8 right -

Here's my suggestion, I would book 2 rooms, with the adjoining door in-between rooms, on the inside not rooms next to each other. BE very clear when making reservation's, This way you have access to everyone. You will 4 have double or queen beds, and 2 bathrooms, 2 TV's etc...

I would suggest a moderate resort -

POR or POFQ - this way you basically have use of 2 resorts, 2 food courts, 2 feature pools. Boat transportation to DTD, really nice ride. I think that POFQ and POR have the best food court.

CBR - This is a large resort, but I think has the best feature pool, has a cool little island to check out to. Who doesn't love pirates

CSR - We have stayed here, and this is a convention hotel, and has that feel, and just does not have that Disney feel.

On the dinning plan- I am a huge advocate of the DDP - I suggest DDXDP for this trip, This way you get 3 meals and 2 snacks a day plus a refillable mug pp ( the mug can only be used at resorts). With Counter service meals, entrée, drink and dessert included, for table service you will get appetizer, entrée, dessert and drink. If there are teenagers you will need this, my DD's could eat you out of house and home at this age.

We always go with the DDXDP - DH likes knowing that everything is paid for up front, except for tips, adult beverages, and souvenir's. This way everyone can order what they want.

As a suggestion head over to allears.net, and check out the menus with prices. They update them often.( monthly)

On a personal note -I commend you and your wife for wanting to do something nice for you nephews and niece. You can't believe what a difference this trip will make to them. You are showing them what family is really about.

Have a magical time.

Yea we've been to Disney before & we always do a dxdp but this is first time we might get to bring out niece & nephews along. We'll definitely do some sort of dp just got to figure out which one

 

[Hopefully]

I know the eating in room for trip would save us $$$ but I don't cook well at all & part of a vacation for us is my wife not having to cook, plus part of the magic is the restaurants at Disney. My wife says she wouldn't mind cooking but I just can't let that happen on a vacation.

We are DVC owners, so we usually stay in a 1 or 2 bedroom villa. We do grocery delivery from wegoshop.com and I highly recommend them. I too do not like to cook on vacation and eating in restaurants is part of the magic for us too.
BUT, we order breakfast foods, coffee, juice, water, soda, beer, wine, cheese and crackers and other snacks.
Even if you are in regular rooms, having a quick breakfast in the room saves time and money. We believe we save the delivery cost with just the bottled water. We all carry either water or soda in with us as well. Again, a savings. And it is great to sit with an "adult beverage" and relax on occasion. With teens it will be great to have soda and snacks when you return to the room.
Connecting rooms, at any resort, are never guaranteed, no matter how well you explain your situation. As long as you have 2 adults, they consider you could occupy 2 separate rooms.
Good Luck

 

[GrumpyBelle]

I like the idea of renting points. I would want all of the kids together where I could keep an eye on them. This may be an issue since you can't be guaranteed 2 connecting rooms. Also as others have mentioned the ability to have groceries delivered makes this a more affordable option as far as eating goes. We order food for breakfast since we don't eat large breakfasts and can eat while everyone is getting ready. We also order quick snack type options for after the parks at night---ready made pizzas, chicken fingers, etc. That way we only have to eat a lunch--or small something during park time and a dinner. By doing it this way, it is cheaper to eat even with 1 table service meal and some extra snacks each night than to pay for a dining plan.

 

[1GR8DISNEYFAN]

I agree with a previous poster who suggested Bonnet Creek. 2 years ago we got a 2 bedroom 2 bath presidential suite for about $180 a night. You may need a 3 bedroom, but you would have lots of room for everyone. With a full kitchen you could save on breakfast and snacks and simple meals, but still enjoy Disney restaurants. You could save $ on tickets through Undercover Tourist. The only thing is you would not have a chance at FD. It is a great resort for teens and families and on Disney property so you don't feel like your ever leaving Disney. Check out the pictures on the "We Love Bonnet Creek" thread in the "Orlando Hotels and Attractions" forum. At the time we stayed there my DDs were 19, 19 and 15 and they loved it. They said they would rather stay there than the Poly. Now rather or not the teens would have fun really depends on their personalities. My teens always loved vacationing as a family, and we had a great time together. But my DDs have friends who do not care to spend time with their parents, the last place they would want to go is WDW with their parents, and I have read about some on these boards where the teens spoil the trip because they really don't want to be there, they don't want to get up early to go to the parks etc. We have similar family situations as you, where the kids are suffering due to the parents lack of parenting skills, so I understand and appreciate what you would like to do. I think if you decide that you are able to afford it, it would be best to talk to the kids to see if it is something they would like to do. I think the 12 and 13yo would love it, just not sure about the 16 yo. Good luck on your decision, your nephews and niece are lucky to have you!

 

[gillenkl]

Davids DVC Rental? never used them but lots of people do - and as another posted said, you can get on their email list and they will send you deals for $10-11 a point.

http://www.dvcrequest.com/

 

[kpm76]

I know the eating in room for trip would save us $$$ but I don't cook well at all & part of a vacation for us is my wife not having to cook, plus part of the magic is the restaurants at Disney. My wife says she wouldn't mind cooking but I just can't let that happen on a vacation.

I know cooking on vacation is not ideal, but I'd much prefer to go with a 2 bedroom DVC unit and cook as opposed to 2 value rooms with no guarantee that the rooms will connect. Everything at a DVC resort is going to be superior to a value resort and your experience will be entirely different. It will be a true family vacation because you will all be together.

Run the numbers on the DDP. With the price increase, it's really not a "value" anymore unless part of the value for you is having everything paid for prior to the trip. I also find the DDP taxing to keep track of everyones credits, snacks etc. And I am always the one in charge of making sure everyone in our party is using the correct amount of credits etc.

Since you're asking for opinion/options, I would go with the DVC 2 bedroom, grocery shop yourself or have them delivered and eat breakfast in, maybe grab CS for lunch and do easy things for dinner, like pasta etc. Plan a few restaurants for lunch or dinner but not everyday.

Good luck and happy planning!