Disney Resort or not for a large group?

[mama22]

Hi! I am looking for some ideas for our group for a WDW trip. We are a family of 5 going with 2 other families of 5. We have stayed on Disney properties with our own individual families for our WDW trips in the past 15+ years, mostly at the deluxe resorts which are so convenient for getting around. We would like to plan a trip together for Presidents week 2018, but the Disney resorts are pricey and so we are looking at off-property options. What should we look for or expect after having stayed on Disney property for so long? How time consuming is driving around? What hotels do you like for large groups?

TIA!

 

[sbd78]

With a group that large, I would personally look into a pool home. There are many resorts and neighborhoods near Disney with very large homes with their own private pools, many that are also in gated resorts that also have resort style amenities. We haven't gone on our trip yet, but we are trying Windsor Hills for our next vacation. A lot of people on these boards seem to love it and it is very close to the parks. They have some very large homes along with a resort style pool, slide and hot tub and they are adding 2 more dueling waterslides and kids splash area that should be completed this winter. There are many other neighborhoods near Disney with large homes maybe others can recommend?

 

[chartle]

For the last 3 trips we have stayed at Buena Vista Suites using a code found on this site for less than $100 per night. Its a mile or two off property near DS and takes minutes to get to the main entrance assuming you have a car. We are also rope to closing people so things like the hotel pool are not a big deal.

Each room has 2 queen beds and a queen sleeper sofa in another room with a door, a true suite. They also serve a full hot American Breakfast, eggs, meat, potatoes, etc.

If you have your own transportation the only hassle is getting to the MK. Having a CVS across the street was nice getting drinks, snacks and any other sundries. You may never go back on site.

Also after the our AK day back when you had no reason to stay after dark you can also go to any of the local eateries. First trips we sticked to the standards Olive Garden and the like but later trip with all adults over 21 we could expand our selections to local places.

 

[100AcreWood]

If you're willing to stay in the same house, you could rent a large home with a pool. However, I would personally want my space. You could rent three condos in Windsors Hills close to one another and save a ton. I have used vacation central florida twice for Windsor Hills. Check out their website for a good guess on prices. We're a family of 5 and there is no way we would go back to staying onsite. We save money and the space alone is worth it. I love having a kitchen for breakfast. As far as travel time, we spend less time traveling to and from Disney staying offsite than we did using the buses. The only exception might be the Magic Kingdom at the end of the night. Going through the ticket and transportation adds a little time but it's not enough to make any difference to us.

 

[chartle]

If everyone is in the same house make sure every family has an idea on how things are going to work as per meals, bathrooms, cleaning, cars parking other cars in in the driveway, etc. Here is a thread from a few days ago about this.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/large-group-questions.3626482/

 

[chartle]

The only exception might be the Magic Kingdom at the end of the night. Going through the ticket and transportation adds a little time but it's not enough to make any difference to us.

Yea there is a certain excitement taking the ferry or monorail over in the morning. Some one staying onsite even asked if there was a bus to the TTC so they could have their boy friend experience the magic of slowly approaching the Magic Kingdom on the ferry because as a child that was one of her favorite memories.

But getting back to your car at the end of the night just seems like torture.

 

[sueb711]

We stayed off site for the first time (after staying WDW deluxe many times) in Windsor Hills and loved it... the price, the space, full kitchen, multiple bathrooms, washer/dryer, pool. I was unsure of off site when I booked but I don't see us ever going back to onsite.