Trying to get family of 8 into one resort

[Sally]

We are a blended family of 8, 4 girls and 2 boys. My husband gave me a budget of 6500. for the trip and I think I can swing it with either 2 rooms at POR or 3 rooms at POP. He did request that I include dining, since the kids will be off by themselves all day, and they can do lunch where ever they are, and we have will have that one sit down meal together. The ranges of the kids are 22 to 10. Any resort suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Aliceacc]

It's been 19 years since I was at WDW, so take it for what it's worth:

How about a Family Suite + one more room at ASMusic? I bet it would give you lots of room, a bit of privacy, and that extra bathroom.

 

[maxiesmom]

Have you looked into one of the Disney Vacation Club resorts? The 2 bedrooms sleep 8. And if straight out reserving the room from Disney is too expensive you can usually rent points from a member for a lot less. We did that in 2006, and got a 2 bedroom Beach Club Villa for what 2 rooms at POR would have cost.

Of your 2 chocies, I would do the 2 rooms at POR. You have a better chance of getting 2 rooms that adjoin than 3. Plus POR is such a pretty resort. And Piano Man Bob is the best entertainment on site!

 

[Sally]

Thank you for the suggestions so far. I have been planning these trips for years, but this is the first time everyone was going and that just threw me off my usual calm planning into a panic of planning. I hadn't thought of DVC or the family suite.

 

[DisneyDebbie]

I would make sure everyone understands the dining plan, everything is lumped together, and there are no limits to how many credits are used until they are all gone. Make sure eveyone knows exactly what they can use.

I've heard the family suites are great, but they never get discounted. Two rooms at POR might come out with discounts.

 

[safetymom]

Discounts have been given on the family suites.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Have you thought about giving your children charging privileges on their key to the world (room key/ID)? We've been giving our son charging privileges since he was about 9 and has never failed us. It might be cheaper for the kids to use Counter Service dining if they are not with you during the day and just charge it to the room. You can do a daily check to see if anyone is getting out of hand by checking with the front desk and asking for a printout of your charges. The charges are listed by room key, so you can find out who is charging what and where.