Help me find somewhere to stay-9 people!

[Mama Steph]

We were planning to stay onsite this year, first time ever! However, in deciding we need to be more financially responsible, I think we are going to stay offsite again. There will be 9 of us-myself, dh, ds' 15 and 11, dd's 10, 8 and 6, my sister and ds' friend 15. It looks like dh and I will be driving down but sis will fly (now that ds' friend is joining, one of my little ones will fly with her.)

One of our main reasons for wanting to be onsite was so that ds would not have to do everything with us, he could take the busses and go where he wanted but would be expected to join at certain times. He does NOT like rope drop.

I would love a recommendation for a villa that has regular shuttles to the parks or even within walking distance of a resort or dtd so he could catch a bus there.

Thanks!!

 

[momofsamandeden]

I really would not trust the offsite buses even at the most expensive hotels with a 15 year old. That being said did you try a room only package discount with one of the onsite villas like key west? they are larger and this way he would only be on the buses that disney has.

 

[Mama Steph]

I did and it is sooooooo much cheaper to stay offsite.

 

[GoldenAfternoon]

My mom and I are considering staying at Fantasy World Club Villas in May. They've gotten good reviews on tripadvisor and Expedia, and the price for a 2 bedroom townhouse is $79 per night on Expedia. Good luck with your search!

 

[Mama Steph]

Thanks Kristie, I'll check it out.

 

[luvmylilangels]

I always suggest the place we are staying at in Windsor Hills when it is a large family interested. Visit Sunkissed Villas It is a 6 Bed 4 Bath. 2 King size bedrooms, 3 Kids themed rooms(cars, princess, beach theme full size bunk), and a queen bedroom downstairs. It has a pool, game room(with every gaming console possible for the kids LOL) and very resonably priced. Awesome owners and from what I can see it looks like it may be available when you are interested. Not sure though. Hope this helps.

 

[crazelion]

I would check the DTD hotels to see if can get a suite. Also would check out mousesavers for a discount Doubletree Suites.

 

[happymommy]

I really would not trust the offsite buses even at the most expensive hotels with a 15 year old. That being said did you try a room only package discount with one of the onsite villas like key west? they are larger and this way he would only be on the buses that disney has.

True, but with 9 people, they wouldn't fit into a two bedroom villa. That could become very expensive.

Downtown Disney hotels - well, the Doubletree Guest Suites is the only suite hotel, and they are just suites.

You've got a big group!

Is your sister getting a rental car? You'll need two cars it seems to get around, but also you'll need some plan on what you'll all do together and what time the older kids can go do what they want to.

With that large of a group, it does sound like a very large condo (like Lake Buena Vista Resort & Spa looks very nice) or a house will be your best bet.

Maybe you can drop off the older guys at Downtown Disney or a park some days, or are you comfortable with them taking a taxi by themselves? As long as they're together, they may be able to do that. Just see how close you are to a park, maybe even with taxis you'd save over staying on site.

I'd let my son at 15 do that with a friend, and his cell phone has "chaperone" feature (which I keep meaning to turn on!) so I can see where my kids are.

I really don't know of any off site condo close enough to walk and able to accommodate 9 people. If you get into booking two rooms, it'll be cheaper to get a larger condo or house, so I guess you have to compromise.

I still think even $40 or $50 a day in taxis is worth it, personally. Gives them some freedom.

 

[kathy884]

Cypress Pointe Grandvilla condos have three bedroom / three bath condos that sleep 10. That's, though, making use of two hyda beds. This property is in a great Lake Buenu Vista location, near lots of resturants and close to downtown Disney. We stayed here with a nine party (extended family group) and really enjoyed it. I don't believe they have shuttles, though. We think it's a very nice resort. You could rent from a timeshare owner, or go retail. The resort does retail rentals too, and in the last Unoffical Guide to Walt Disney work (it's a few year old, so a little dated), the authors picked the this resort as one of the top 10 values in the area for price/quality.