Help me plan! So much has changed!!

[sk!mom]

I honestly thought that our 2011 trip was probably our last until maybe grandchildren someday so I haven't kept up with the Disney changes. I've only frequented this board and the CB the past couple of years. My brain is exploding after trying to catch up this past week- magic bands, FP+.

My DD17 and 3 of my nieces and nephews are all graduating this Spring and we have been in discussion since last Summer over a good location for a celebration trip. We have been unable to come up with anything that interested all 4 until Disney was mentioned over Thanksgiving. My DD has been 5 times previously, my niece has been twice, one nephew once, and one never. My DD's top selection criteria is that she wants a trip with the other 3 so she's fine with Disney.

This will likely be a group of 12. The 4 seniors and their parents. We are considering two family suites at AofA but are open to all onsite suggestions. We want on site so that the teens can come and go as they please without transportation issues. We adults can do the same.

The trip will be in early August just before they all head off to college. Hot but the only time that all schedules allow.

Some want to include at least one night at Universal for HP so we will probably all do that.

We will all fly. 3 groups from Texas- 2 from SAT and one more likely DFW. 1 group from Arkansas- Fayetteville or they often drive to Tulsa for better flight deals.

I have previously planned group trips for 9 and 21 but somehow this one seems harder.

Open to any and all suggestions for money saving or logistics.

 

[buzz2400]

Not really sure what you need help planning. One thing is that it might be costly to get from disney to universal with a lot of people. You might be better off getting two rooms instead of suite so that teenagers have their space. If you are looking to save money than you have to stay at an all star or pop century. All of the parks have new rides so you might just want to browse the information on disney (instead of the forum).

 

[DisneyDiana]

I would rent points and get 2 two bedroom villas. There is probably still availability at several of the resorts.

I was just looking at sleeping options in a family suite at AOA. I don't know if any of you will be comfortable on the table bed. You would definitely have more space in the villas. Renting points won't be much more money, possibly less.

 

[dzneelvr]

Some thoughts from a family who travelled with college age kids: do universal on either front end or back end to avoid hopping back and forth with that large of a group. Eliminate the thought you'll all be together doing everything. (here I'm talking WDW because I don't know universal): make a group ADR for early dinner or late lunch each day in the park you choose and that is your common check-in point. otherwise they can be on their own for park admission and counterservice. At the common meal you can decide if you want to do things together later in the evening, which will be the best time to get on attractions. Don't sweat about breakfast together--betting these kids want some sleep time, sun time, etc. My DS and DD packed breakfast bars and added fruit, yogurt from the food court and were good to go for breakfast. DH and I like to have full breakfasts & we wanted to get to the parks since we're early risers; kids were not. you're always available via cell phones. maybe your final meal is in one of the resorts to experience their ambiance: AKLodge and the Poly have my vote. both easy to reach from a park and BOMA/Ohana are 2 on our to-do list every trip. for rooms, I'd vote for the All star resorts. you can get rooms with 2 doubles so everyone has a decent bed (we're not fans of the pull outs).Make your resort reservations soon and revise as any discounts come up. I'd make your ADRs and resort reservations via phone so you can ask questions and get clarifications regarding the new processes (Magic Bands).That is my preferred way and so far it's never failed me.

 

[sk!mom]

Some thoughts from a family who travelled with college age kids: do universal on either front end or back end to avoid hopping back and forth with that large of a group. Eliminate the thought you'll all be together doing everything. (here I'm talking WDW because I don't know universal): make a group ADR for early dinner or late lunch each day in the park you choose and that is your common check-in point. otherwise they can be on their own for park admission and counterservice. At the common meal you can decide if you want to do things together later in the evening, which will be the best time to get on attractions. Don't sweat about breakfast together--betting these kids want some sleep time, sun time, etc. My DS and DD packed breakfast bars and added fruit, yogurt from the food court and were good to go for breakfast. DH and I like to have full breakfasts & we wanted to get to the parks since we're early risers; kids were not. you're always available via cell phones. maybe your final meal is in one of the resorts to experience their ambiance: AKLodge and the Poly have my vote. both easy to reach from a park and BOMA/Ohana are 2 on our to-do list every trip. for rooms, I'd vote for the All star resorts. you can get rooms with 2 doubles so everyone has a decent bed (we're not fans of the pull outs).Make your resort reservations soon and revise as any discounts come up. I'd make your ADRs and resort reservations via phone so you can ask questions and get clarifications regarding the new processes (Magic Bands).That is my preferred way and so far it's never failed me.

Thank you! Our expectation is that the teens will spend their time together and maybe have a meal with us once a day. That's why on site is a must so that everyone has transportation that doesn't require being together. I'll likely plan a sit down dinner each day. Hoping to get everyone locked in soon so that we can make reservations.

Definitely forgetting about the family suites after the comments. I didn't realize the bed situation was so uncomfortable. I'm thinking that we'll do Universal at the start of the trip as I find it to be less enjoyable than Disney.

 

[hsmamato2]

I think each family should get their own room at a value,all near each other, but with your own space. Even the teens who are friends will need some space from each other.... do a day at Universal right at the beginning,then go to disney property plan to let the kids do what they want, maybe meet up at lunch or dinner to discuss hanging out daily with the teens.... staying onsite gives you all the freedom to do what you want which is great

 

[jimandami]

While I agree with renting points is a great option (we rent them for most trips) and would probably be cheaper, especially if you did OKW and rented from a private member, I just wanted to say we have actually stayed at AoA in the family suites and the beds are not at all uncomfortable. I slept on both the table bed and the pull-out and they were quite comfortable and large enough for 2 adults.

 

[sk!mom]

While I agree with renting points is a great option (we rent them for most trips) and would probably be cheaper, especially if you did OKW and rented from a private member, I just wanted to say we have actually stayed at AoA in the family suites and the beds are not at all uncomfortable. I slept on both the table bed and the pull-out and they were quite comfortable and large enough for 2 adults.

Can you get the dining plan if you rent points? With teens on their own we're considering it for ease. We had free dining last time and my DH really liked it so he might prefer to pay in advance this trip.

 

[jimandami]

Can you get the dining plan if you rent points? With teens on their own we're considering it for ease. We had free dining last time and my DH really liked it so he might prefer to pay in advance this trip.

Yes you can. The DVC member does have to purchase it for you from Disney so you just pay them.