Planning a trip home this summer, what am I missing?

[jwmccullough]

Greetings Friends!
This is my first post, so go easy on me. My wife and I bought into BCV in Jan/03 and we are in the midst of planning a major vacation there taking cousins, brothers, parents and children likely in late August. I am trying to compose a list of what I need to consider as we get ready to finalize plans. This is what I have to work with:
12 vacationers:
2 - (grand) parents
6 - adults (20-30 yo)
4 - children (8 months - 5 years)

I was planning on a 2 bedroom + a studio, figuring the kitchen and laundry convenience.

So now, what all do you consider when planning a trip. I am already wondering if there is a grocery store nearby (even to Downtown Disney) to get food to prepare a meal or 2, or would I be better off to just go with 3 studios and stay another day or so?

Any input is greatly appreciated, and thank you in advance!

Jess

 

[goofy4dvc]

Here's some info that I copied from a previous post. Hope it helps. The studios have small bar size refrigerators in them but no stove, only a microwave. If you're driving down you could take electric skillets. I think you'd be much more comfortable in a larger unit though. We usually a quick breakfast (no cooking) in the room, lunch at the parks, and sandwiches or something light in the room in the evening. Some evenings we eat out. You'll find that the washer/dryer will come in handy too. We pack alot less than we used to by washing a few loads of clothes.

Albertson’s – www.albertsons.com
12981 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando (407) 857-5666
Located just north of 417 at exit 11.

SuperTarget – www.target.com
2155 Town Center Blvd, Orlando (407) 251-5133
Orange Blossom Trail & Town Center Blvd.
Located just south of 417 at exit 11. NOTE: you may need 50 cents exact change to get back on 417 @ Orange Blossom Trail.

Winn Dixie – www.winndixie.com
4161 Town Center Blvd, Orlando (407) 851-2271
Located just south of 417 off of John Young Parkway (exit 10). Store is on Town Center Blvd, west of John Young Parkway.

Publix – www.publix.com
3972 Town Center Blvd, Orlando (407) 850-4351
Located just south of 417 off of John Young Parkway (exit 10). Store is on Town Center Blvd, west of John Young Parkway.

Walgreens – www.walgreens.com
13880 Town Place Blvd, Orlando (407) 851-8059
This is a drugstore and has a limited selection of groceries.
Located on the northeast corner of John Young Parkway (exit 10) and Town Center Blvd.

Wal-Mart Supercenter – www.walmart.com
1471 East Osceola Parkway, Orlando (407) 870-2277
* From the airport take the Greeneway (417) to exit 13. Go south to Osceola Parkway. Turn right on Osceola Parkway. Wal-Mart is on the left. If going to WDW directly after Wal-Mart, you can take Osceola Parkway west all the way to WDW property.

Winn Dixie – www.winndixie.com
11957 South Apopka-Vineland Rd, Orlando (407) 465-8600
This location is located approximately 1/2 mile north of the Crossroads Shopping Center on the right side of the road. Go to the end of Hotel Plaza Blvd and take a left on Apopka-Vineland Rd (535).

Coming Soon: A new Publix is under construction on Apopka-Vineland Rd (535) approximately 1 mile north of Crossroads.
Kissimmee Area

Publix – www.publix.com
Vineland & 192
2915 Vineland, Kissimmee (407) 396-7525

Wal-Mart Supercenter – www.walmart.com
4444 W. Vine (192), Kissimmee (407) 846-6611
Next to Medieval Times

Target – www.target.com
3003 W. Vine (192), Kissimmee (407) 846-6611
Osceola Square Mall

 

[stacy6552]

There is a costco not too far off the beaten path between MCO and WDW. We stopped there for snacks, water and soda....

Im pretty sure it was Winn-Dixie that we got the rest of our food from while there.

Something to remember about planning for big families is to plan maybe one big group thing per day. Be prepaired to split up so everyone can hit everything they want with no guilt about someone else.

Two fun big group things are a fireworks cruise and the Hoop Dee Doo Revue.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Well, ideally a Grand Villa would be the thing for your group of 12, but I assume the point cost is higher than you want (plus thay only have them at OKW, BWV and soon SSR).

I would highly recommend getting the 2BR plus a studio (or a GV) as the laundry and full kitchen will save you hassle and $$. As for groceries, we don't mind paying a little extra to shop online at Goodings before we leave and have them deliver to the room when we get there ($50 minimum plus $10 delivery charge); yeah, you could do better in terms of grocery prices, but Goodings quality is excellent and the convenience of delivery saves that much extra time for vacationing, since we are down there on vacation after all.

Sound like a great time. Enjoy!

 

[spiceycat]

how are you getting to DVC - a towncar - then don't worry just call them up and say that you want the grocery stop.

if you are driving - then say so - I will provide directions to 2 publixs, winnie-dixie and a super walmart (which many here hate - but I love - try it on Monday or Tuesday - don't go near it on the weekend or you will hate it too)

 

[kweaver]

FWIW...Publix has a lot of great "prepared* food from their deli and produce areas...which is nice to have around when you are on vacation.

With a group that size, if you are planning to eat at some of the sit down restaurants, I'd definitely recommend setting up some PSs.

August is a very hot, muggy month in FL, so be prepared for plenty of down time at the pools...especially with the little ones.

 

[Cruelladeville]

Do you really like all the people who will be staying with you in the 2 bedroom, and do they really like each other? I mean, do you REALLY LIKE THEM, enough to live with them for awhile? You might want to get a one bedroom for yourself, and a separate studio for some of the other family members. I know I have gotten used to having space when I go to Florida, thanks to DVC, and it just seems like you have cut the room space a little close. Maybe put the grandparents with you, but get the other adults their own units. Don't forget that if necessary, you could rent a few points from other members, or perhaps pay cash for a night or two. Did anyone say that you are REALLY nice to be doing this for your family?

 

[Daydreamin]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
As for groceries, we don't mind paying a little extra to shop online at Goodings before we leave and have them deliver to the room when we get there ($50 minimum plus $10 delivery charge); yeah, you could do better in terms of grocery prices, but Goodings quality is excellent and the convenience of delivery saves that much extra time for vacationing, since we are down there on vacation after all.

Is there anyway to look at the available online items from Goodings without registering your info? Just hoping to get an idea of what they have and prices so that I can make a judgement.

Also, do you call them for delivery once you're in? If not, how does that work?

I LOVE the idea of not having to to to a grocery store while I'm on vacation.