Best resort for big group

[Miss Inga Depointe]

Hi! We're planning a big family reunion and I wonder what you all think is the best resort for a big group of extended family? I think we'll splurge and do a deluxe resort, but we'd just so we would be closer to the parks with teens coming and going, but I'm open to suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[Scoootch]

With alot of teens I'd go for an Epcot resort like Y&B or even BW - great pools & restaraunts and walking distance or boat to both MGM and EPCOT. That being said though, depends on budget,time of year you're going and what theming you'd like.

If you can be more specific about what you're looking for it would help in making suggestions

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

Well, I'm not sure exactly. I mean, I know what I want but we're having a big meeting with my brother and sisters and mom and dad and we're going to decide. I was just wondering if someone had any advice of some that work better than others.

EPCOT is probably better even though I like the MK ones better. I just think if we were staying at one that was farther from the action, we'd be losing people and get too spread out.

I just want to be able to contribute intelligently to our discussion. We love the monorail resorts and WL, but EPCOT would probably appeal to the 6 teens that will be wanting to go their merry way. Do you think?

 

[Scoootch]

Being within walking distance to the 2 parks may be a help and teens generally like MGM for rockin' roller coaster and TOT. Plus you have all the restaraunt choices between the resorts and WS at Epcot. If you prefer the monorail resorts though, then by all means go for it. I'd personnally see which resorts had the best discount codes and see which rates where better and then choose. If GF or the Poly is $60 a night more than BC for instance than I'd go for BC - plus you'll have SAB at YC or BC (best pool on property).

anyway -- best of luck deciding

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

Thanks Scoootch, I think that I'd be happy in a tent just as long as it was at WDW!

 

[Suzanne033]

We went with a group of 16 and stayed at the Poly. Our group included young and old. It was the best. We could take a boat or the Monorail to the MK and buses to any of the other parks. Another thing that the Poly has is that it is within walking distance of Ticket and Transportation. If you just miss either the bus or the monorail you can just walk over to TTC to get transportation.

Another great thing about the Poly is that they have a character breakfast, the Luauand Ohana's. You don't even need to leave the resort to have great meals.

 

[pumpkinboy]

For real togetherness, there are always the Grand Villas in the BWV, with three bedrooms, three baths, a full kitchen and laundry and nearly 2200 sq ft (plus a queen-size pull out couch in the living room. Plus all the grand villas have BW views, great for ppl watching, relaxing and looking over the lake at the BC/YC, viewing the Epcot fireworks. BWV have a great theme pool too, and as you know are walking or quick boat ride distance from Epcot and MGM. They will run you about $1300 a night in peak season, or 1100 in shoulder season, and an even better deal if you have DVC points to use instead (you could try and rent one on the DVC Rent/Trade board), but so worth it for "WOW" factor. (we're thinking of one for February '06)

I would agree that the Epcot resorts will likely suit you party best. A party of about 10 will fit nicely in the GV, and you could get studios or 2BR villas for the rest of the folks, and use the GV as a meeting place.

Have fun planning!

 

[off to neverland]

We'll have a big group when we go in may and we're staying at Beach Club villas for the reasons everyone else has stated. Walking distance to two theme parks, big stormalong bay for the kids, the fun restaurants and Jellyrolls for the adults. It just seems so accomodating.

My concern is the bus service from BCV to magic Kingdom. I've heard mixed reviews, but think that the closeness to the other parks mitigates any problems getting to MK.

Have fun!

 

[djm99]

When planning a family reunion I would first call Disney's Meetings number and get those great quotes ($64 for Value resorts, $99 for moderates, and $119 Animal Kingdom Lodge - regular view). They offer two kinds of contracts - chose the one that gives the family the ability to book themselves. Those rates are the best they have to offer when booking more than 10 rooms. If you book at Coronado Springs you can have a convention hall and the ball room right there on site. They also have a spa and health club. But if you are dealing with many different incomes I would pick 1 resort in each category or just stay at Coronado Springs ($99).

When you set your dates, include me in those family rates!!! We are Disney family - right!

 

[Bracho]

We have had 10 rooms 3 times, once at the Beach Club, once at the Polynesian and once at the Wilderness Lodge. Every one of those properties has done a great job dealing with us and we never had a problem. I think Disney is very good at handling larger parties....

Being at the Beach Club was GREAT!! being that close to Epcot was perfect with all the kids and the pool area came in so handy.

Good Luck

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

Thanks for all of your responses! For you who did magical gatherings, it was worth it?