Can you help a Newbie, PLEASE!!!!

[ManCityMickey]

Hi All.

Please excuse my ignorance!!

We have been to DLP a few times and we're discussing a family trip to Florida with my in-laws. There would be 13 of us in total!!!

Is it best to find a large villa? (we would need 7 bedrooms)
Or, should we stay on-site?

If a villa is best, where are the nearest / best value ones and how far are they to the Magic?

Sorry about all the questions.... I have THOUSANDS more to ask, but a few at a time will suffice...for now!!

Thanks in advance,
Ian

 

[MorningGlory]

Hi Ian, best of luck with the planning

A large villa would be a good option because of your party size, although they tend to be a bit away from the parks and any kind of amenities. As an alternative, there are several complexes in much better situated areas that could offer you 2 apartments to accommodate your party. 2 that come to mind that are good value from what I have found are Cypress Pointe Resort in Lake Buena Vista (a great area with plenty of restaurants, etc around and close to both Disney and Universal) or Bonnet Creek Resort which is practically on Disney property. I have read only good things about these places, and the pics I have seen of Cypress Pointe's 3 bed suites has convinced me and my family to go for them when we go again in 2012.

Whatever you decide, have a great time planning

 

[ManCityMickey]

Thanks Paul.

I will have a look at those recommendations.

Much appreciated!!

Ian

 

[Sapper383]

It realy depends on what you want.
We like to stay on site, next year there will be 10 of us and we are staying at AK (3 seperate rooms)

 

[MorningGlory]

Ian, here's a link to a photo tour of Cypress Pointe;

http://cypresspointe.net/Tour.htm

It is in a great location, I love the LBV area for all of the amenities close at hand and that both sets of parks are only a 10-15 minute drive.

 

[Samlovesthemouse]

The onsite/offsite choice can be quite personal.

I would personally choose to stay on-site if the budget allows me to. It depends if you plan on only doing Disney or the other parks too. On-site just makes me feel like I am in the magic.

The only good thing with on-site with large family is that everyone can do their own thing more because of the transportation. I went with my extended family and there was 10 of us, at the point I was the oldest kid (16) and us older ones were able to go off and do our own thing a bit more.

Happy choosing, whatever you choose it will be magical

 

[Pegasus928]

As many on here will testify I am a huge fan of the villa holiday.
We have never stayed on site so really can't compare the 2 options but we have always found that a villa has met our needs and provided us with everything we need and more besides. We enjoy the privacy, the space, being able to go in the pool/jacuzzi when we want.
With 13 of you going I would suspect that a villa would be cheaper than Disney, but that also depends on the make-up of the group. There are some huge 7 bedroom villas available with a mixture of double and twin rooms so that may be an option.
A couple of places to start are HERE and HERE
Both are well established and trusted websites and we have used them many times, as have others here. There are so many villas to choose from that you should never have to compromise on what you want. The minimum we look for is a pool that is south facing and not overlooked, free internet/wi-fi, games room, en-suite in most rooms.
Most communities are about 20-30 minutes from the parks but there are some that are a little bit closer. A quick search will bring up maps of the area with the particular community pin pointed. This MAP was the first one to come up when I searched but I am sure there are more.
If you find a villa that you like then just pop on and tell us what it is called. Chances are someone has stayed there before and can give you a review

 

[ManCityMickey]

Thanks everyone!!

Plenty of info there to be going on with. I will let you all know when we have our shortlist, and use your knowledge and experience to decide.

Ian

 

[sullyandsid]

Hi there,

i have done both - the villa and on site - i am now a DVC member so I doubt I will stay off site again.

But on or off site for your large party may depend on what month of the year you are going and also if you can get a deal through Disney - esp if you can get free dining plan as it will save your party a fortune and being on site with the transportation is a big big bonus - not forgetting the Disney Magical Express to and from the airport.