Help! Family of 8, planning Feb. trip

[52plan4]

Friends of mine are planning a trip in mid to late Feb. They want to stay for approx. one week and stay on site. Family consists of Mom, Dad, Grandma (the able bodied helpful type) four children age 8 and under, plus a 4 month old baby. I'm exausted just writing about it let alone taking the trip, but they have asked my help in planning, and I really only know Disneyland well, not DWorld. Can you help me out with this one.please! They want to stay on site and use Disney transportation, 2 rooms or a suite might work, any ideas on on accomodations for them? Cost is of course a factor, but convienence I think would be a huge factor with such a large young family. Also, are there any dining or other specials going on, any good money or time saving tips you could offer? I normally would use these boards and research this to death for them, but I am in a huge time crunch this week and don't want to leave them hanging, I will very much appreciate any help you Dis'ers can offer!

 

[spiceycat]

if they want convenice - 2-bedroom VWL - near the MK.

or BCV or BWV - both near Epcot and Studio

depends upon the park they will stay the most in - with kids those ages saying MK.

if they want to save money - OKW 2-bedroom. Not near any parks - but good bus transportation to everywhere.

the newest AKV is also pretty wonderful if they are like to watch animals. Even a value or standard villa - standard is near the pool (or roof). but you can see the animals at a bunch of different places through out the resort

a 2- bedroom is that - has 2 bedroom. One with a king in the master, 2 queens or 1 queen and a double sleeper sofa in the 2nd bedroom, and a queen sleeper sofa in the living room.
full kitchen - small (except at OKW). 2 bathrooms - master-whirlpool tub and shower stall - 2nd - combination. (except at AKV - it only has the combination)

they can rent a reservation from a DVC member to save money. but only suggest they rent sun-thurs (leave on fri). fri/sat are too much money. would suggest either just stay 5 days - or go with 7 days - change resort to Pop for those last (or first) 2 days

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Price-wise, the cheapest thing for them to do would be to get two connecting rooms at a value. Late February would probably be a better option as mid-month is President's Day week, etc. There is a special running right now that can be booked online or via phone that includes a slight discount on the room as well as free park hopping/water parks/Disney Quest. I think that would be the best deal at this time. Do you know the exact age of the kids? I'm sure someone could price this out for you if they had more details.

 

[Pigsty333]

There are two discounts for that special you refer to: One code is for you to book online and the second one is to be done with a travel agent.

The new year is right around the corner and your Clients’ next Disney vacation could be too! With this special winter offer, they’ll be able to kick-off 2008 with a magical Walt Disney World® Resort vacation at a fairytale rate. Plus, they’ll also receive Park Hopper® and Water Park Fun & More ticket upgrades!

If your Clients purchase this 4-night, 5-day Magic Your Way package they’ll enjoy accommodations at a select Disney Value Resort in a standard room and a 5-day Magic Your Way Ticket (with free Park Hopper® and Water Park Fun & More Options) for $385* per adult, based on adult double occupancy ($231* per junior (ages 10-17) and $192* per child (ages 3-9) when staying in room with adult). This offer is valid for stays most nights Jan. 1-17 and Jan. 21 – Feb. 13, 2008.

Or if they’re looking to stay at a Disney Resort hotel that reminds them of the comforts of their own home, they can purchase a 4-night, 5-day Magic Your Way package that includes studio accommodations at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (a Disney Deluxe Villa Resort) and a 5-day Magic Your Way Ticket (with Park Hopper® and Water Park Fun & More Options) for $655* per adult, based on adult double occupancy ($231* per junior and $192* per child when staying in room with adult). That’s a savings of $318* per adult. This offer is valid for stays most nights Jan. 1-17 and Jan. 20 – Feb. 13, 2008.

With the Park Hopper Option included in their vacation package, your Clients will have the ability to come and go from one Theme Park to another, every day for the length of their ticket.

And with the Water Park Fun & More** Option included, they’ll be able to enjoy a total of five visits to their choice of a Disney Water Park, or DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park, or Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Complex or the Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island nightclubs.

When your Clients take advantage of either of these offers, they’ll also have the chance to take part in The Year of Million Dreams celebration, which has been extended through December 2008. They’ll experience enchanting new entertainment, fantastic new attractions and the dream-making magic Disney Cast Members create for Guests every day. And they may even meet a famous Disney princess or two.

* The number of rooms allocated for these offers is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same package. Theme Park Tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply.
**Water Park subject to seasonal and weather closure.

Don’t wait too long…this offer must be booked by Dec. 15, 2007.

Be sure to ask about packages for other lengths of stay or other great rates available for stays most nights Feb. 14 – Mar 15, 2008.

 

[ElizabethB]

The most convenient by far for a family with 5 children age 8 and under, including a small infant, is the Contemporary Resort. They can walk to Magic Kingdom, wheeling the kids in their strollers. They can easily hop back to the resort for naps. They have the monorail right there so easily can get to Epcot and to the other monorail resorts. The rooms are very large and comfortable. If they want to save a little money, I'd suggest the standard garden wing rooms.

The Wilderness Lodge Villa 2-bedroom is also a nice idea, but pretty pricey, unless as others suggested, they rent points from a DVC member and leave before the expensive Friday and Saturday nights (this is one reason we never bother to rent points -- we just book the villa through Disney reservations). Transportation to Magic Kingdom is by boat.

They could also do a family suite at All Star Music with a second double room there.

I'd go for the Contemporary for its sheer convenience to the park the kids will want to be at most -- Magic Kingdom. Ask for connecting rooms and they'll be all set.