Just a suggestion, since you are going for 8 days, it may be in your best interest to purchase one AP to get an AP room rate, and purchase park hoppers for the rest of the group. Resort discounts have been up to 40% off lately. However I wouldn't do this until after they announce the next round of discounts, which other posters have been told by CM's is Dec. 4th. And you do not need to have the pass or voucher in hand to book the discount, just have either at check-in, so you could book an AP rate and then wait to see if something better comes becomes available. Also something to consider is not everyone gets an email, some people get snailmail postcards with coded numbers on them, so perhaps you will get one of those.
Good luck!