Camping with a Large Group-Questions for a 1st time Dis Camper

[dragitoff]

Let me preface this by saying, I'm a griseled Disney vet, but I've never camped at Disney. We have a large group of families from our church that camp together 2 or 3 times a year. We just completed our 1st camping trip together of 2011 and are wanting to plan a trip to stay a weekend at Disney. Since I'm the resident Disney "expert", I've been asked to get the info together. Our plan is to do a weekend in September/October. We'll only be staying the weekend (check-in Friday/Check-out Sunday) so people don't have to miss work. We're only about 4 hours away from Orlando. Our trip this weekend had 24 people (8 tents) and that's an average of what we normally have. We want to come no a weekend where we can go to MNSSHP on Saturday night and then hit one of the parks either Saturday during the day or Sunday before heading out. Either way, I'm trying to come up with the most cost effective way to do this. Suggestions and tips are GREATLY appreciated! Does Disney offer any discounts for large camping groups? How many tents can you typically put on each site? Etc.....

 

[Disneylitch]

I know there is a group camping area that the scouts use. However, I don't know what the requirements are to use it. I would call the reservation line and talk to them about it.

 

[tim5055]

Yes, they have the Creekside Meadow camping area. The web site states "Groups of 20 or more may reserve the tents-only Creekside Meadow campsite." IIRC there are electric & water around the camping area and they charge "per person" for this camping area.

 

[AuntBJ]

I think in a thread earlier this month, someone said it is sometimes cheaper to get sites than the Creek Meadows area. Was it $10pp/night for Creek Meadows? You said 24 people which would be $240/night as opposed to possibly 3 sites or more sites. I think it depends on how you can split up the people among the sites if you go that route.

I will go look for that thread.

As far as the tickets, I don't think you will find much of a discount on a one day pass unfortunately. I think the MNSSHP is a good idea and just go into MK just as early as allowed on that day.

Edited to add link to previous thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2645511&highlight=creek+meadows

 

[dragitoff]

When I called Disney this morning, they didn't even mention the group area (although I did). The CM seemed to think our group would be better off (and I agree) staying in regular sites. Most of our families have larger tents and sleep 2-4 per tent so we could double up per site and split the rate of $49+ tax per night. It's definitely a cheaper alternative to even the All-Star resorts and I sleep soooooo much better on my air mattress than on the AS beds. lol. The only problem really is the weather. You can't ever predict that. I know the tickets won't be any kind of discount, but at least we can save on the accomodations. Many of the people in our group has never even been to Disney so I'm trying to get the best possible deals so as many will come as possible.

 

[2goofycampers]

You can put 2 tents and up to 10 people on a site.

For the best collection of discount info check out this site.

http://www.mousesavers.com/

 

[bama_ed]

You can also make the reservation through Disney's Grand Gathering Service for larger groups. They can make all the ressies and make sure your sites are together. Also, they can make a dinner ressie for the entire group (I would recommend Hoop Dee Doo Review there at the Fort) or other special requests.

Enjoy!

Bama ED