Large Family - HELP

[amym2]

We have stayed offsite at Christmas time and managed, but then we are also seasoned Disney travelers. It is possible to do it, but as others have said, you need to read up on park closures due to capacity and plan which parks to visit very carefully. If you get the park hopper option, you have the option to return to a different park if parks close due to capacity. Or you can hit the parks from rope drop through afternoon and then spend the evening at your resort/rental home. If this is the only time you can go, then give it a shot. If you didn't realize that this is the busiest time of the year and you have the flexibility to go at a different time, then by all means do that!

I'd look into renting a home in Windsor Hills. It may cost you $200 for a 4 or 5 bedroom home that time of the year when you factor in cleaning costs, etcD. But that is still half the price of two rooms at a Disney resort. If you really feel like you need to stay onsite, I'd try for two rooms at a moderate resort. Or if money is not a factor, get a 2-bedroom villa.

In terms of meals, yes staying onsite would allow you to book ADRs at 180+10 days. That is a definite plus since you are going at peak time. But as long as you don't have your heart set on eating at the most popular places, you'll be fine to book at 180 days. Research to find out which restaurants can most easily accommodate large parties (Boma, Biergarten, Ohana are a few that come to mind). The DDP (dining plan) really doesn't save you money, unless you want each person to get dessert with every meal. And having a kitchen to eat breakfast is a huge time and money saver when you stay offsite.

 

[Lisa P.]

Your dates will cost the most of the whole year for your resort rooms (peak holiday pricing), for the dining plan or restaurants (holiday pricing), airfare, and car or van rental, if you need them. Crowds will be the largest and lines the longest of the entire year. This includes the lines to board transportation to the parks, enter the park gates, get food or seating at restaurants (every kind), get snacks or soft drinks, use the rest rooms, make purchases, find a spot to watch nighttime parades or fireworks... every thing you will do all day and evening long, day after day. The only uncrowded thing at this time of year is the pools... because it's too cool for many guests to swim much.

If there is any way at all, to switch your dates, you should. This is major advice for anyone on a very first visit but for a large family like yours, even more so. I cannot begin to imagine how stressful it will be to try to keep your children with you while trying to squeeze through the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and figure out where everyone is going. This is rough. If you do go, only consider the later dates so that you might get a chance to do some of the more popular rides after New Year's with less than a 90-120 minute wait per ride. The crowds will only lighten up a bit after New Year's as most people will stay through that weekend but at least the parks are less likely to be closed due to max capacity after the 1st.

Many people here can enjoy this time of year at the parks because they've been so often that they just try to enjoy the shows and people-watching and hustle-bustle. They know every trick for attacking the parks in a counter-intuitive way, opposite the biggest crowds. If they don't see a bulk of the headline attractions, they just plan to do them next time. You're trying for family time with the diverse interests of 2 older teens, 2 mid-teens, and 2 elementary school-aged kids - a final big trip with all before the oldest is/are no longer traveling with you. Whew. You'll pay a small fortune and I doubt it would be the kind of trip you're envisioning as a first-timer.

Do all of your kids (presumably in different schools) have the same school break at ANY other time next year???
--- Thanksgiving week
--- the week before Christmas week
--- President's week in February
--- Spring Break (Easter weeks are almost as busy but at least you'd have more time to try to book a DVC points rental reservation for a 2BR villa)
--- the week immediately following the last day of school or high school graduation, if it's not too late in hot June?

 

[Lisa P.]

As others mentioned, you may be shut out of the parks if you visit at Xmas and stay offsite... unless you arrive each day about 45-60 minutes before official park opening time. And you will most likely be unable to park-hop because you're not guaranteed re-entry if you leave, once inside. If you stay offsite, don't bother upgrading to park hopper passes. If you'll use DME bus shuttles from the airport, onsite is a must.

If you will have a van or two economy cars anyway, then offsite is still an option to save money while adding space/amenities. Many offsite 2BR, 3BR and 4BR resort condos and vacation homes are available for < $200 per night even during prime holiday weeks. Personally, for your family size, I would choose a vacation home that has 3-5 BRs, with a ping pong or pool table for the teens in the garage, and its own heated pool inside a screened lanai, and possibly its own hot tub. Those are wonderful for family time, especially when the younger kids are ready for bed and others still want vacation activity. The full kitchen allows for easy snacks/drinks for hungry teens, as well as late night beverages for parents, and a much more time-efficient breakfast in the busy mornings. The inroom washer/dryer is a nice bonus. It would still be essential be arrive at the theme parks super-early regardless of where you stay.

If you decide to stay offsite and you really still want the Dining Plan, consider also booking 2 double-double bed rooms at All Star Sports (the cheapest onsite rooms). The room keys would grant you access to early and late hours at the parks, you'd get "free parking" passes for your vehicle(s) and you could still buy the Dining Plan for everyone in your party. If you wanted to arrive at the parks for early entry hours, you could park at "your" All Star Sports resort and take Disney transport over to the parks. You could also use the resort's pools if the offsite resort you choose does not have as nice of a community pool (although many are beautiful, with slides, etc.) and the weather turns unseasonably warm or you just want to try it out. Meanwhile, you'd have a more comfortable space for everyone to sleep, with the whole family safely in one condo or vacation villa/home together (with 2-5 bathrooms, 3-5 TVs, etc). The cost of 2 rooms at the All Star Sports at that time of year would be ~ $400/night. If you don't need DME and you don't plan to visit the parks on one or both of your travel days, you could even shorten the onsite reservation there by a night or two and pay a bit more out-of-pocket for food - even visiting restaurants that are not a good value on the DDP.

My personal take on the Dining Plan is that it doesn't really make the trip hassle free. Having (180-day, if possible) Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) will be absolutely necessary if you want to have any sit-down meals with your family of 8 during peak season. Even then, you'll feel pressed to arrive at your ADR restaurants in time, when crowds will slow your movement. The counter service restaurants are also busy but you won't need reservations, giving you flexibility. Also, unless everyone is really getting the most expensive options available on the Dining Plan, it can actually cost more than paying out of pocket. Most people who use the DDP say they eat more sweets than they would have too - dessert at every meal plus lots of soft drinks and snacks. In any event, for some people the DDP is less hassle and for some, it's actually more trouble than not having it.

If you just want the teens to have the ability to get their own midday meals in the parks, and if you trust them to handle it well, you may opt to buy pre-paid Visa cards for them to use for lunches and snacks. Load them with an amount that makes sense to you, for the number people and meals you expect them to cover. If you'd have the onsite rooms and you trust them, you can give the older teens charging privileges on their room keys. Tell them that they'll need permission for any non-food purchase (or set a limit) and if they are reasonable with their choices, you would let them spend a pre-set amount at the end of the trip. Just some alternatives!

 

[janiejake]

Welcome~~there is a wealth of information here! I've read the answers so far, and you should really consider listening to the voices of reason and experience. I honestly would not consider your visit dates, especially for a first time trip. We were just there 1/01 to 1/06, and were amazed at how crowded it still was. We've been there multiple times in January--later January, when the crowds are much, much lower. We would never choose to go back at that same time frame. If there is any chance you can change your dates, I would do it. This time frame is even worse than the Spring Break crowds, which we've done multiple times. Of your two sets of dates, the second set is the lesser of two evils, IMHO.
When our kids were younger, We were family of 6, and needed two connecting rooms. You will need the same, at the very least, if staying on site, to accommodate your 8. They always told me that they would not guarantee connecting rooms (that it was just a "request"), but we ALWAYS got them. In fact, this last January trip, I just mentioned that I would like our rooms to be connecting or adjacent, if possible. I was astounded that we got connecting rooms. (these 'kids' are now mid 20s). Our last whole family trip prior to this was when our oldest son was a Senior in high school, so your scenario rings a bell with me.
Our favorite resort is Port Orleans Riverside. The rooms now have two queen beds. We prefer the mansion side. For you, however, the Alligator Bayou side might work better. Those rooms have two queens, and a single drop down bed that will accommodate a child.(kind of like a small sideways murphy bed). But, families of 5 would be given those rooms before you. If you opt for a Value resort, keep in mind the beds are only doubles.
I would reconsider paying for the dining plan. Major ouch in the wallet. You will be able to charge your meals to your room, using your key card, if you wish. You can choose which of your children have charging privileges on their cards, or not.(we designated only the oldest). We were always able to keep the makings for breakfast(milk,oj,cereal,pop tarts,etc) in our rooms. That is a savings.You will have a fridge in each room. They are not big, but we've kept oj, milk, yogurt ,grapes, cheese,diet coke for Me, etc. We also kept snacks in the rooms and sandwich makings--kids have hollow legs. There are services that will deliver food items to your resort so you can get stocked. Once you get your resort reserved, ask about that here. Have fun planning!

 

[AmyMama2AvaNtheo]

No advice on the room, but you have great advice here. Just wanted to give you a little money saving advice that we came across last time we went.

We packed gifts for each day ... whether it was a mickey pen or a towel or a stuffed animal, whatever, it kept the "I wants" DOWN. We also went to The Disney store and bought Disney dollars (might be discontinued now??) and each of them got $10 a day they could save it or use it each day. I went and bought snacks and individual cereal bowl things for quick breakfasts.
We did the dining plan and it was great. It was a TON of food though. But I loved having dining reservations in advance. I had a spreadsheet with all of our travel info (dining plans, parks to go to, etc) I packed glow sticks and crazy hats and all of that stuff the kids will see at the parades while you are waiting for them to start. Good luck and how exciting to plan a trip for everyone to enjoy!!

 

[lovedonald]

There is some wonderful advice on here. We are going this summer with a family of 8. We booked rooms at pop century and have the quick service dining plan for everyone. Like others have said the parks get really crowded at this time of year. I think off site it also an option but with parks reaching capacity you have a better chance of getting into the parks if staying on site.

 

[Dis703]

I agree with pp if there is any chance of other dates I wouldn't go on those dates. Especially as a first time trip. I love Disney and love Disney at Christmas and having been there maybe 9 times now I know where everything is and what I want to do and see. But I would never choose to go the busiest time of year as even during regular season the crowds can seem overwhelming.

If this is your only option I would stay onsite to save time. I would also make sure you look at maps and attractions and times prior to going and decide what your must do list will be. The crowd level will slow you down quite a bit so its very likely some of your family will miss out on things they wanted to do. Actually not likely that's probabaly a guarantee. In my first trips I was always pretty bummed when that happened to me but now I mostly have the attitude of we'll get to it next time.

And if you want table service meals you will need to book them at your 180+10 date which must be coming soon.

A trip this time of year requires a lot of preplanning but also a lot of flexibility if you can't see and do what you hoped.

I hope whatever you do you have a magical vacation!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Looking at Disney's website, it looks like there are a few 2 bedroom villas left for those weeks. However they are at least $1000 a night, just for the room, no tickets or dining.

You can look in to renting points to try and save money, but you need to do it NOW because that is the busiest time of the year and there may not be a lot of points available.

I hate to say this, but you need to make your reservations in the next couple of weeks, and get your advanced dining reservations. With a party that big it is going to be very hard to get a walk-up at most of the table service restaurants, and impossible at the very popular ones.

What you see available on Disney's website will not be available for points stays. They are two different sets of inventory.

It really is too late for either of the OP's time frames.

 

[quiescentfury]

Thank you for all your feedback!! We are VERY restricted in travel times as my kids go to three different school and I am a fulltime college student BUT good news is I found that we can go Dec 11- Dec 16. would that be better???

 

[tjmj9801]

Thank you for all your feedback!! We are VERY restricted in travel times as my kids go to three different school and I am a fulltime college student BUT good news is I found that we can go Dec 11- Dec 16. would that be better???

I think those dates would have to be better than the week after Christmas. Especially for your first trip, I'd really hate for you to not enjoy because of the crowds. Hope you have fun either way!

 

[jimandami]

Thank you for all your feedback!! We are VERY restricted in travel times as my kids go to three different school and I am a fulltime college student BUT good news is I found that we can go Dec 11- Dec 16. would that be better???

100% yes!!! You are likely still too late to rent DVC points, but just the difference in crowd levels will make your trip so much better!! Also, if you wanted to stay offsite, you won't have to worry about the parks closing early due to crowd levels. I am very much a fan of onsite, especially for first trips, but if you don't want to take the chance your rooms won't connect, it is probably your best option.

 

[Dis703]

Thank you for all your feedback!! We are VERY restricted in travel times as my kids go to three different school and I am a fulltime college student BUT good news is I found that we can go Dec 11- Dec 16. would that be better???

Yes, definitely better. Still probably quite busy but nothing is as crazy as the week from Christmas to New Years. And I agree with pp it won't be as big of a deal if you want to stay offsite. Although personally if this may be your one and only Disney trip all together I might take the chance on 2 connected or at least close rooms onsite.

 

[Lisa P.]

Thank you for all your feedback!! We are VERY restricted in travel times as my kids go to three different school and I am a fulltime college student BUT good news is I found that we can go Dec 11- Dec 16. would that be better???

BETTER?!?!??? A whole world of difference!!!!

What a perfect solution! You'll have a MUCH better time, and you'll spend less doing it. The crowds will be moderate and it's still the festive Christmas season! You will LOVE it!

In past years, they even offered Free Dining for that check-in date with a minimum stay (5 nights?). Most people seem to seriously doubt that they will offer it again this year, since attendance is up. But if you do book onsite room(s), keep watching for any Free Dining announcement that includes your check-in date. Then call back and request the free dining add-on. FYI, Art of Animation resort may not offer it even if the other values do. If the offsite options end up making sense for you, you will NOT have worry about the parks closing, at capacity. Either way, I'm sure you'll have an excellent family vacation then!

 

[KrazeeK120]

I'm glad you were able to change your dates!!

The DVC accommodations are expensive. And you're already going to have an expensive trip with a family of 8.

My suggestion would be to book 2 rooms in the Alligator Bayou section of Port Orleans Riverside. These rooms have a small murphy bed. That way, if you don't have connecting rooms, one parent can sleep in each room, the 7 and 6 year olds can have the murphy beds (or possibly some of your older kids depending on their sizes), and the other 4 kids can split the remaining 2 beds or share with you or whatever. The beds at this resort are queen beds, so the kids should have plenty of space. You have more choices given the extra sleeping surfaces.

And that way, if you do end up with connecting rooms, only 2 kids have to share a bed and the rest will have their own sleeping surface.