Not sure if I can get this trip cheaper...

[anabelle]

My dad is treating all 17 of his kids and grandkids to a trip this summer. He put me in charge of booking. His eyes nearly popped out his head when I told him the cost. But he wants onsite with dining plan. Otherwise, we might stronghold him into paying for dinners and that is not the Lopez way. Anyway, I have the trip down to $11 K, which is as low as I think I can get it. That is about $650 per person, for 6 nights and 7 days. Is that fair?

 

[maggiew]

Where did you book rooms? And what is the breakdown of number of rooms, etc?

Are you able to go during free dining (if it becomes available) and stay at the Value resorts? That might be the cheapest? But it might only include the Quick service plan if the free dining deal is like last year.

Maggie

 

[maps]

Would need more details--what are the dates, where are you staying, are you flying or driving?

Have you thought about staying offsite? We've rented vacation homes that are gorgeous and have many rooms with pools and spas. That might be an options to lower the cost and you could have meals in the home, too.

 

[ccgirl]

You could also look into renting points and staying in one of the DVC's. You may need two of them due to size of your party. That way, you can have at least one meal in the condo...even if it is just a small breakfast. That will cut down the price.

 

[Tiggs14]

Have you considered going during free dining and staying at a Values resort?

Free dining should be announced March 1st this year if the rumors are right.

 

[secretpantssam]

I agree with pps about checking if you can get the free dining deal. That would save you guys a ton!

 

[andrews_dad]

If he is dead set for staying on property, that is tough. You could rent a sweet home or two at www.homeaway.com and have a pool, kitchens, etc. Everyone could be togther at night to visit. Even if you factor in rental cars and parking, you'd save a bunch over rooms at Diz. On home away some BEAUTIFUL places with 7 BR's and 5 baths that sleep 17 for $1299 for the week. You'd have to add a bit more for cleaning. Also, on homeaway.com don't be afraid to offer LESS than advertised. They want in rented and many owners will work with you. Add in a couple of mini vans to rent or full-sized passanger vans. Cook some of your own meals family-style. These huge houses often have spas, game rooms, pools, outdoor kitchens, screened in patios, the works.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

I have no suggestions for you, except to say

WHAT A NICE DAD!!!!!!!!!

 

[delmar411]

I'll 2nd/3rd looking into renting DVC points for 3 two bedroom villas. OKW requires the least amount of points and have the largest rooms.

Or wait until free dining comes out and go with that. For 17+ ppl dining will be a huge portion of the bill.

 

[HM]

Number of rooms (# of adults/children in rooms)
Resort you are planning on staying?
Are you currently using any kind of discount?

 

[anabelle]

Sorry here's the breakdown
4 families, 3 of them with 3 kids
one family are just my mom and dad. Two of the children are 9 and under. He insists on staying on site. No one really wants to do any driving. Everyone is in charge of getting themselves there. We are staying at Riverside because they let you have 5 people. Although a couple of kids will go with my parents. My dad is dead set on the dining plan. I thought of maybe switching to OKW and getting two $750 gift cards, but that would still be more expensive. Since this is not my money I am playing with, I am too nervous to rent points.

 

[maggiew]

When are you going? And depending on that, are you using a code or is that rack rate?

Maggie

 

[PrincessNoelle'sMom]

Maybe two cabins at FW with the quick service dining plan and a kitchen to "fill-in" ??? OR - ASMu suites more room than POR and two bathrooms per suite, again with QSDP. It is difficut enough to accomodate large parties at TS restaurants, so limit those to 1 or 2 special places or a dinner show and use QS for the rest of your meals.

 

[SandrA9810]

Have you talked to Grand Gatherings? They usually do a pretty good discount on the rooms, but with that many people, free dining might be better.

Remember, when you do the rooms, to limit the number of adults to 2 per room so you're not paying extra on them... no matter who sleeps where once you're there. (and I'm not implying breaking any rules). I know that the front desk can have room keys open more than one door.

And renting DVC points could save you a bundle, especially when it comes to the grand villas. And you can add the dining plan without purchasing tickets.

I know if you go with grand gatherings, you get like 10% off tickets as well. So it's worth looking into.

 

[PrincessNoelle'sMom]

Have you talked to Grand Gatherings? They usually do a pretty good discount on the rooms, but with that many people, free dining might be better.

Remember, when you do the rooms, to limit the number of adults to 2 per room so you're not paying extra on them... no matter who sleeps where once you're there. (and I'm not implying breaking any rules). I know that the front desk can have room keys open more than one door.

And renting DVC points could save you a bundle, especially when it comes to the grand villas. And you can add the dining plan without purchasing tickets.

I know if you go with grand gatherings, you get like 10% off tickets as well. So it's worth looking into.

That is interesting. I have never known anybody who benefits from a discount on rooms/tickets through Grand Gatherings - can you elaborate??? Thanks!

 

[SandrA9810]

When I chatted with them, There was a significant discount on the rooms, and a 10% off on tickets more than 3 days. But I was also calling about a much larger group for a family reunion. So maybe that had something to do with it....

When I looked into a DVC villa for my aunt to rent, and my sis with her brood to come visit (8+2infants, so a treehouse villa). I found renting DVC points were way cheaper than what could be given with a CM discount.

 

[Evi]

I'd start buy signing everyone up for the give a day get a day and then even if for nothing else then fastpasses for a few days.

I'd also do a comparison rate for accommodation with a discount and dinning your probably better off booking rooms with a 25-30% off and paying for dinning plan either way price it both ways. Also price out family rooms at allstars, fw cabins, suites in saratoga springs and Port orleans. You may have more options spend time with a disney travel agent on the phone even if your only doing maybe scenarios they will price out different options for you.

With the size of your group I would consider staying off site and I never stay off site but you could save substantially and have really wonderful accommodations.

 

[anabelle]

Does anyone really think there will be free dining in June? That would save the most money.

Right now we have 3 rooms at military rate, so we can by tickets separately. I do have to buy a package with the last room because it is just the 30% rate going right now. Does anyone know if you can use the service tickets with a package/?

 

[HM]

No, there has never been Free Dining in June.

 

[Mrs D]

Does anyone really think there will be free dining in June? That would save the most money.

Right now we have 3 rooms at military rate, so we can by tickets separately. I do have to buy a package with the last room because it is just the 30% rate going right now. Does anyone know if you can use the service tickets with a package/?

Are you able to get the dining plan without buying tickets when you use the military rate?

Another option for renting DVC points is thru DVC Request, but I'm not sure it would be any less expensive.