Taking a Group of 12 to Disney World

[sugarbean]

Hello all-
I am thinking of taking my husband and daughter, my two sisters and their families as well as my parents to Disney World in the next year or two. There would be eight adults and four children, ages 7, 8, 9 and 5 if we get to go next year. I am thinking of getting four separate rooms (they do not have to be adjoining) at Pop Century and going at a time when the Free Dining Promotion has been offered in the past.... September is what I'm thinking right now. We will be driving down to save on airfare, as cost is a big factor. Does anyone have any tips/hints on how to do this without spending a huge fortune, as well as how to keep everyone (semi) happy?

Thank you!

 

[DopeyDame]

We just did that exact trip a few months ago. The kids are younger, but it was 8 adults and 4 kids.
I think if you can get free dining that will be a big plus, because food was probably our biggest stress point (who was paying for what, where to go, what to do when some people wanted expensive and others wanted fast food, etc.)
Also, I would put one or two people in charge of fast pass plus. The person in charge should obviously get input from everyone, but at first we tried to coordinate getting times, and it was just too much. Finally, me and one sister basically took over the fastpass operations and it was much better.
We spent most - but certainly not all - of our time together. The breaks were well needed sometimes. 12 people is A LOT to try to keep together while you're wandering the parks. We had an overriding schedule of meals and fastpasses, and within that people came and went as they pleased.
My daughter did get sick one day, so obviously things happen and plans change. Everyone was good with being flexible and helping out. If everyone goes in with the right attitude, it should be a fantastic trip!

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Unless you are dead set on staying onsite, you can save a ton of money and get a full house with a pool from vacation rental sites. Not only would you save on accommodations, but you would have a nicer place to stay. Additionally, you'd be able to save money by preparing a lot of your own food in the house. We've rented houses twice from www.allstarvacationhomes.com and had great experiences both times.

 

[sugarbean]

We just did that exact trip a few months ago. The kids are younger, but it was 8 adults and 4 kids.
I think if you can get free dining that will be a big plus, because food was probably our biggest stress point (who was paying for what, where to go, what to do when some people wanted expensive and others wanted fast food, etc.)
Also, I would put one or two people in charge of fast pass plus. The person in charge should obviously get input from everyone, but at first we tried to coordinate getting times, and it was just too much. Finally, me and one sister basically took over the fastpass operations and it was much better.
We spent most - but certainly not all - of our time together. The breaks were well needed sometimes. 12 people is A LOT to try to keep together while you're wandering the parks. We had an overriding schedule of meals and fastpasses, and within that people came and went as they pleased.
My daughter did get sick one day, so obviously things happen and plans change. Everyone was good with being flexible and helping out. If everyone goes in with the right attitude, it should be a fantastic trip!

Thank you! Nice to see you survived a trip similar to what we want to do

 

[sugarbean]

Unless you are dead set on staying onsite, you can save a ton of money and get a full house with a pool from vacation rental sites. Not only would you save on accomodations, but you would have a nicer place to stay. Additionally, you'd be able to save my by preparing a lot of your own food in the house. We've rented houses twice from www.allstarvacationhomes.com and had great experiences both times.

Thank you! I really hadn't considered staying offsite, but I'll definitely look into it. Thanks!

 

[Muskrat191]

Our next trip is a big family trip (inlaws, parents, sibling-in-laws) and we've rented this house: http://www.vrbo.com/578230. Even with car rental and parking, it is cheaper than onsite. We also plan to do breakfasts and some dinners at the house to save money. It is also nice to have the spa, living room, etc. once the kids are in bed (we have little ones - age 4 and 2).

 

[sugarbean]

Our next trip is a big family trip (inlaws, parents, sibling-in-laws) and we've rented this house: http://www.vrbo.com/578230. Even with car rental and parking, it is cheaper than onsite. We also plan to do breakfasts and some dinners at the house to save money. It is also nice to have the spa, living room, etc. once the kids are in bed (we have little ones - age 4 and 2).

Thank you! I just now started looking into a house rental off-site. We may go this way...but I just want this trip to me extra special for my daughter and three nieces. I have only ever stayed on-site before. Does it feel as special when you stay off-site?

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Thank you! I just now started looking into a house rental off-site. We may go this way...but I just want this trip to me extra special for my daughter and three nieces. I have only ever stayed on-site before. Does it feel as special when you stay off-site?

We've stayed off site twice. Yes, it feels as special off site! Did you see those rooms?!? The girls could sleep in Cinderella's carriage. Maybe even more special, because you have a little extra cash left to spend on special meals or experiences. The only thing we miss off site is the extra magic hours.

 

[sugarbean]

We've stayed off site twice. Yes, it feels as special off site! Did you see those rooms?!? The girls could sleep in Cinderella's carriage. Maybe even more special, because you have a little extra cash left to spend on special meals or experiences. The only thing we miss off site is the extra magic hours.

True...and I do LOVE the idea of having a pool to ourselves. We may try this out-thanks for your help!

 

[DisneyRegulars]

You can see in my signature that after 2 offsite stays we knew we only ever wanted to stay onsite again. That's why we bought DVC. The houses we stayed in were amazing, but for me, offsite definitely lacked that carefree, nothing is wrong with the world, feeling that you get staying onsite. No amount of fancy room or pinball machines or private swimming pools could make up the difference to me. A little kid though, might not notice so much.