Need resort help for family of 11!!!

[goofy papa]

What once started out as my wife and I bringing our 2 kids with us next June now has turned into the grandparents, aunt and uncle, and their 2 grown kids (24 and 21) and a husband. A total of 11. I am in charge of finding rooms for us. I was looking for help in solving this problem. The way I look at it, I have the following choices...

1. Get 4 seperate hotel rooms in the same hotel and see how close together we can get

2. Rent DVC points for a 3 bedroom villa

3. Find out from you guys if there is such a thing as a suite that would fit all of us?

We don't mind all staying together since we are all spread out across the country and wouldn't mind being close together for a week or so.

thanks for your advice and help

 

[ducklite]

Rahter than one three BR villa, I'd suggest renting points for two 2 BR villas. Same amount of points, and that way each couple has their own BR...

Anne

 

[tricia]

I would go with the four separate rooms, unless of course you really want the kitchen. You can get four standard rooms at just about any resort for the price of one 3 bedroom villa. This way there are four bathrooms, and everyone has their own space. You could still probably be pretty close together, (same floor or something), if requested.

 

[Dalpal]

Just a thought...

Would there be a group rate for that many people??

 

[ducklite]

No, you need a minimum of ten rooms to get a group rate. And it might have recently been raised to 15--if anyone knows this, please let me know.

Anne

 

[TDC Nala]

A three bedroom villa is called a Grand Villa. They're only available at OKW and BWV and they get booked by members pretty quickly. If you're renting and you want one, book 11 months out (the booking would be done this July). Find a DVC member renting enough points to cover your stay whose home resort is OKW or BWV to make the reservation.

An alternative is to rent two 2 bedrooms, or a 2 bedroom AND a one-bedroom or a studio. You can put 8 in a two-bedroom and 4 in either 1 bedroom or a studio. You'd just have to decide how much you want to spend and how much room you'd need. You can request that they be near each other (it wouldn't be guaranteed but they'll try) and you could go with any of the DVC resorts.

The Polynesian has a longhouse that's nothing but suites. I don't know if there's one for 12.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by tricia
I would go with the four separate rooms, unless of course you really want the kitchen. You can get four standard rooms at just about any resort for the price of one 3 bedroom villa. This way there are four bathrooms, and everyone has their own space. You could still probably be pretty close together, (same floor or something), if requested.

Right...and by renting points you can get two 2BR villas at a DVC resort for the same price as a 3BR grand villa, and that will also give living room space for socializing plus 4 baths and 4 bedrooms, and the kitchens, not to mention washers and dryers.

Anne

 

[peachgirl]

I agree with the idea of either 2 2br villas or the grand villa.

Just a thought though...

Be sure and check on rates reserving through WDW as well as renting points. We're staying in a 2br villa at OKW this June. With the discount we got, it was actually cheaper to reserve through WDW rather than renting points. When reserving through WDW you get much more liberal cancellation policies ( that may be something for you to consider when dealing with so many different families) and full housekeeping services. Renting points isn't always the least expensive way to go!

 

[tink2]

My family of 11 gets three separate rooms when we go together. This trip, we are thinking of getting an AP and book under one name to get the AP rate for all three rooms. We ask for 2 connecting rooms and that all 3 be together- has been filled the last 2 trips without any problem. Unless you just have to have the kitchen, I would go this route.

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't know that I'd be to interested in counting on an AP discount, especially after reading the "where the @#$% are the AP discounts" threads all over the place here.

Maybe book 4 rooms and cancel them if an AP discount comes through for the Home Away From Home resorts?

 

[susy]

What about two FW cabins? They each sleep six- although I don't know who would sleep where. They each have a full or queen (not sure), bunk bed and a sleeper sofa in the living room. It's just me, I guess, but I don't want a kitchen of ANY kind in my room.

I would go with four rooms. CBR has very spacious rooms for a moderate, with lots of storage space and that ever-so-wonderful "privacy curtain". Perfect for a large party. We had two rooms there when we went with my inlaws and had a ball. This place has a real "tropical resort feel" without spending too much!

 

[twinmomplus2]

We do this every year, sometimes as many as 25 people. may I suggest a grand Villa for the Sunday through Thursday nights, Have a great time all together in the huge Living room and wonderful kitchen. Everybody do thier own wash and check out on Friday morning.... as vacation points are double weeknights actually double and change. Then on the weekend portion of your trip each get a standard hotel room. By then you may be tired of each other and welcome the space.......
Also you should check out renting a vacation home. Private pool homes 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, Very close to The parks are very reasonable. Formosa gardens developement is supposed to be the top of the line. You can go to Allstarvacationrentals.com or familiesfirst for more information. Good luck.

 

[goofy papa]

I knew I could count on you for great ideas. I never thought of looking into 2 2br villas or 2 FW cabins....I will also check out other home rentals, but I must admit, I am partial to staying on site. I would feel like I was cheating if I stayed offsite. My wife thinks I am nuts for feeling that way. Oh well.

You guys are the best! Lots of great ideas.

 

[Bob NC]

For the past 3 years we have travelled with a group of 11 in 4 rooms. The first year we stayed at SOG, all 4 rooms next to each other adjoining/connecting. Second year we stayed at CSR, 4 rooms again adjoining/connecting in Bldg 7B, right next to the pool deck. We would gather in the mornings and afternoons at the tables next to the pool just 20 feet from our doors. Last year we had 4 rooms at CR, once again all adjoining/connecting.