Advice Needed On Housing for a Group Trip

[rudetreehill]

Hey, all.

I'm planning a trip for my extended family. It will be the three adult members of my household, brother-and-sister-in law and their three children (4, 6, 2), grandma and grandpa and an uncle. 11 people in all. Definitely staying on property (I won't do it any other way. I'm spoiled, and that's just how I roll... LOL)

Originally, I was thinking about getting three or four rooms at one of my favorite places (either Wilderness Lodge or Port Orleans, most likely). But I'm wondering if there are other options I should consider such as:

1) Cabins at the Wilderness Lodge

2) Suites somewhere. (I like the idea of a kitchen to help cut down costs and make it easier to feed the kids)

Is there another option I'm missing? We're thinking it'll probably be in March.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

thanks!
richard

3)

[dburg30]

Well it will depend on if you are a family that doesnt mind being in close proximity of each other, in that case you technically could do a 2 BRD and a studio DVC rental possibly? If you wanted one big place the grand villas I think will sleep 12, again thru maybe renting points from a DVC member. Other then that if you dont mind 'camping' (though it's really not) the next thing I would look at would be the cabins at FW for sure. March could be around spring break? So your choices may be limited, if you are driving down, could check out the offsite area and look at renting a house maybe and just driving to the parks. That would be your cheapest almost for sure. But you'd have to pay to park would be the only downfall.

[marcielm]

For a price comparison, I ran Mar. 8 - Mar. 14th. It might be a little bit more beginning the next week of March, as I can't remember the exact cutoff date for when Peak Season begins.

**nevermind... I found Peak Season starts in mid-Feb. so no matter when you go in March, up to Easter Week, you are in Peak!*

Two cabins at Ft. Wilderness would be cheaper than doing a couple of villas, and they have full kitchens. Each cabin would run you about $2500 for 6 nights. For a comparison, a 2 bdrm villa is about $5400 for the same 6 nights.

You could also get 2 family suites at ASMu, but you would not have the full kitchen. Each suite would be a little over $2000 for 6 nights. The kitchenette is enough for breakfast food, and maybe quick sandwiches for lunches... but with the money you might be saving you could think about doing a dining plan.

Oh, and these are rack rate for room prices... if you do the buy 4 get 3 deal, the Cabins actually work out to a better deal than the ASMu fam suites (because they are a buy 5 get 2). Of course, then you are looking at packages that include tickets (four day passes).

[rudetreehill]

Marcielm... thanks a billion! I think you've pretty much confirmed what I was thinking. I'm also considering moving to non-peak, if I can convince the family, simply because it'll help save a nice little bundle of money. I'm kind of leaning toward getting three of the cabins at Fort Wilderness. I think the kids would love it (I've spent some time over there and think it's beautiful, plus there's so much for the kids to do). Although my PERSONAL pick would be the Wilderness Lodge (mainly 'cause I like hanging out all day at the pool bar. LOL).