Newbie needs help planning 2011 family trip

[huntforjulia]

I am starting to plan trip for 2011, dates aren't firm yet May/early June. family of 7, am trying to crunch numbers to see if I can bring my 3 nieces also other extended family will meet use there. Want to stay at movies(for the grandsons) but camping also an option.
If you camp can you use Magical express? If so can you leave luggage/tent anywhere and go to parks until check in time like you can at other resorts?
I am also trying to figure out dining plan or not, is a resort mug available on TS? I see it listed on QS & deluxe but not TS. The price of 10 mugs would pay for 3 days of TSDP for 1 person. Trying to figure if breakfast in room, 2 character meals & QS would be cheaper.
Would booking a group reservation for 10 get a better discount? I can't find any info. other than a group reservation can be as few as 10.
I am trying to budget high as I know the prices for tickets,ect. usually go up in August. I am so excited! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[arihillfarm]

You can book a room only reservation 500 days out and then add the package when next year's prices are released, usually in August.

Anyone can buy a resort refillable mug (they are around $14 each), even if not on a dining plan. The quick service and deluxe dining plans do include a mug per person and the plus dining does not, but one can be purchased separately.

Magical Express is available to guests staying at Fort Wilderness. If you do not have a vehicle (which I'm guessing you won't if you'll be using the ME) and your site is not ready, you'll need to leave your luggage with the front desk. I just wouldn't wait too long though to make your way back and set up camp. I've been there and done that trying to set up a tent site after dark, too many times it seems.

Unless you'll be booking 10 rooms or more, Disney's group rates for rooms and tickets would not apply.

-Astrid

I am starting to plan trip for 2011, dates aren't firm yet May/early June. family of 7, am trying to crunch numbers to see if I can bring my 3 nieces also other extended family will meet use there. Want to stay at movies(for the grandsons) but camping also an option.
If you camp can you use Magical express? If so can you leave luggage/tent anywhere and go to parks until check in time like you can at other resorts?
I am also trying to figure out dining plan or not, is a resort mug available on TS? I see it listed on QS & deluxe but not TS. The price of 10 mugs would pay for 3 days of TSDP for 1 person. Trying to figure if breakfast in room, 2 character meals & QS would be cheaper.
Would booking a group reservation for 10 get a better discount? I can't find any info. other than a group reservation can be as few as 10.
I am trying to budget high as I know the prices for tickets,ect. usually go up in August. I am so excited! Any suggestions would be appreciated.