Best way to plan a trip for group of 6 adults?

[hurleysweety]

So my family is planning on taking a trip to DLR next Christmas (yes, I'm planning a trip that is over 13 months away... ) And I was wondering if anyone could give some advice pertaining to planning for large groups. I will be doing most of the planning myself and am already getting overwhelmed!



About our trip - me and DH, Dsis, Dsis's TBD friend, Dmom & Ddad (6 total...so far)

Rooms:
- DH and I would like our own room
- Parents would like their own room too (although they would also do a suite with Dsis and her friend)
- So looking for either 2 or 3 rooms at same hotel, not picky about rooms being next to each other
- If there is a hotel with a 3 bedroom suite, we would consider it
- We plan on staying 4 nights (Thursday - Sunday trip since parents own their own business and can't get away any other time)

Questions:

My first specific question is, are there any websites out there that will allow you to book multiple rooms on one reservation? I'm just trying to get some prices together to figure out the cost.

Oh, and DH and I will have APs...how will this affect the reservation at any of the DLR hotels? Will we have to book separate or can we reserve more than one room under our AP?

TIA for any help!!!

 

[fairykin]

wow..weird there are no answers..i will try to answer as our trip in december is with 5 adults and 3 children.

I booked 3 rooms each with double beds. You should be able to request rooms near each other.

If you book at Disneyland hotels and tell them of your ap i think you will get a discount during the term and within the limitations of your ap.

if you are going to stay at disneyland..then go to the disneyland site and play with the dates on their bookings.. you can even save them...that will give you an idea of prices.

or you can call the number given on the website.

i think i read where someone said at HOJO you get a discount with your AP. Might be worth calling.

I opened up a savings account and called it Disney... i toss money in it as often as i can and it built up nicely. That's a good way to save for a trip in 2010.

Also..ask about Senior discounts if that applies to Your parents.. i was suprised at the Senior discount rate for stays at Disney owned properties.

Nice to meet You and Good Luck with Your trip planning.

 

[fairykin]

Oh yes and if You don't have a Disney Rewards Visa, I would get one for a trip this big.

Also..if you book a disney vacation package.. i would get the insurance.. it's not that much more and you just never know if you might need it with that many people going. You might have to cancel do to an illness or an accident.

 

[SueTGGR]

Personally, I would call reservations and ask the question. I know it is way ahead of time but they might be able to help you with the planning with suggestions and deadlines.
I completely agree with the Disney Visa, if you can get another credit card. Use it, pay it off just to rack up the points. Even if you use it for the deposit or paying in full and then pay it off to get more points. See how it would work?
But I have called and posed questions to the reservation staff before to help me plan better. Well, along with the DIS boards?

 

[hurleysweety]

Thank you so much for this! I will put this info to good use!

We do have a Disney card (put everything on it and pay it off every month!), and even though my parents will probably paying for both their tickets and possibly Dsis' as well, we should put the whole trip on our card (woohoo points!) Great idea!

Also, I wasn't aware of a senior discount, pretty sure Ddad would be eligible.

Thanks for the tips both of you!

 

[cccdisney]

At the DLR hotels you can book two rooms with an AP. So if you and dh both have an AP you can book 2 rooms each if needed. But you should check the senior discount, it might be better than the "regular" AP rate.
And if they come out with a better AP rate you can always change the reservation to the better rate
HOJO's does offer an AP rate (20% I believe). They also have great Ent card rates!

 

[hurleysweety]

At the DLR hotels you can book two rooms with an AP. So if you and dh both have an AP you can book 2 rooms each if needed. But you should check the senior discount, it might be better than the "regular" AP rate.
And if they come out with a better AP rate you can always change the reservation to the better rate
HOJO's does offer an AP rate (20% I believe). They also have great Ent card rates!

Thank you for the info about the AP and holding rooms.

Where would I get senior discount information? Would I have to call to get that rate or can I book online? ( I like online because I take forever to make decisions and I love to price quote a million times!)

 

[cccdisney]

I think you need to call for the senior rate. Never done it but I don't remember seeing an option for it on the Disney website.
I like to book things online also

 

[blackjackdelta]

You may want to look at the Residence Inn Maingate, they have multiple configurations of suites, less than 1/2 mile to DLR. Great breakfast and many more amenities.

Jack