Party of 12 - any suggestions for lodging?

[tyniknate]

We are planning a 2014 trip with some extended family and need to have this be the most econominal it can be, without losing the magic. Our first thought was to book rooms in the value resorts and cross our fingers that free dining would be offered. Well, our dates are blacked out this year so it doesn't give me much hope for next year. I'm praying for a pin!

We aren't totally opposed to staying off site. I've looked at Bonnet Creek and did some digging for info on Windsor Hills. Does anyone have any recommendations about either of these two places....or info on somewhere else for a party as large as ours? I will be doing all the planning for this trip, so I'm really nervous to get it right. Eight of our party members have been to Disney several times. The newbies are my sister-in-law and her family, but her DH isn't thrilled about having to go and has let us know about it several times. He is only coming because his wife wants to go. Honestly, I wish he would just stay home. I'm hoping once he gets there it won't be as bad as he thinks it will be.

So, does anyone have suggestions for me?

 

[shell8558]

Last May we traveled as a party of 14. We stayed Wyndham Bonnet Creek . Had 1 two bedroom and 1 three bedroom condo . We were located right next to each other and it worked out great! Loved the location and amenities of the resort. We asked for a firework view and got it ! My parents got to watch the fireworks at night from the balcony and didnt feel like they were missing anything . ( they took my nephew back to resort everyday after lunch) If I had to stay offsite again - I would definately go with WBC again . We all enjoyed the lazy river and waterslides at the resort, it was one of our favorite things to do for a beak in the middle of the hot day.

 

[Dave1234]

Windsor Hills is fantastic closest to Disney and excellent facilities and property choice. Another option is Emerald Island, at 3 miles from WDW its very slightly further than Windsor Hills which is 2, its a large resort set in woodland and a conservation area so worth considering. Some info on here: http://www.emeraldislandprivaterentals.com/emerald-island-resort/
Dave

 

[Ksquared]

Our last trip, we stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek. Had one of the better trips that year. Not sure how many the 4 bedroom units sleep but it's definitely worth considering. You feel like you are in Disney (the resort is located right next to Caribbean Beach) even though you are off property. There are 6 pools to choose from. We stayed in a Presidential unit in Bldg. 6.

This year we are a party of 12 and have decided to rent a house. Since we are going in December (in between xmas and new year), we liked the idea of having a heated pool right there and a game room to keep the kids entertained on our time away from the parks.

We are staying in Highland Reserve which is a little further out but very reasonably priced.

 

[KayR]

If you all want to stay together, a 6 or 7 bedroom home is the way to go.

Windsor Hills, Windsor Palms, Emerald Island (amongst others) all have 6 bedroom homes. They are all in the same general area. Technically Windsor Hills is the closest, but the difference in travel time is a couple of minutes. Out of the those, Emerald Island is the only one with 7 bedroom homes - there are standard 7 bedroom homes, and some larger Harbor style home in an area known as "The Enclave" (larger EI homes on larger lots).

All of the homes will have their own pool & usually a spa. When we have stayed at any of these resorts, we never use the community pool/spa - its so convenient having the pool outside your back door.

HTH

-Kay

 

[a1970model]

In 2010, I rented a 5-bedroom house with www.floridasunvacationhomes.com for our party of nine (four different families). We split the cost of the house and it was very affordable. The home was exquisite and perfect for our large group. We rented a smaller 3-bedroom condo this past June for just our family and the service with Florida Sun was just as great.

I just did a search for 6 and 7 bedroom homes with pools at Windsor Hills with Florida Sun and there are several available in 2014. I would look at the photos and try to match up the bedrooms with your family members' genders and ages. We also found that cooking meals at the house was much easier for a larger group vs. trying to eat out at a restaurant and waiting forever for a table.

Good luck! There are some great off-site options for larger families that are beautiful, luxurious, and affordable.

 

[tyniknate]

Thank you all for the replies. You've certainly given me lots of ideas. Now to do my homework on all of them.

Can anyone tell me the estimated travel time from one of these places like Windsor Hills compared to Bonnet Creek compared to say a Disney Value Resort?