Two adults and 8 teens! Where do I look for help?

[Karin1984]

I would start with the rest you need to budget, so you know how much you can spend on a hotel.
So, more questions about the budget, goal is 10k.
- is that for the 8 teens or does that include the adults as well?
- is the 10k for hotel (and transportation?) only or also for park tickets and food?

Worst scenario, it is for 10 people and includes everything:
6 day park tickets are $390, no hoppers, for 10 people = $3,900

For food $60 per person per day (15 breakfast, 15 lunch and 20 diner, plus 10 for some snacks) for 7 days (assuming the travel days count as half days as you can eat at home before you leave and after you arrive) for 10 people = $4,200

If this is the scenario you have $1,900 left for a hotel for 7 nights. Which equals to $271 per night = $135 per night for 2 rooms, $90 per night for 3 rooms.

I am not an expert on hotels, but I think that definitely rules out staying onsite.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Yes, we will be driving down in a 15 passenger van. So, we could drive to the parks if needed. We would rather not have to, but will if necessary.
My husband and I do plan on splitting up for the trip. We feel much more comfortable if we are able to be with the kids in the rooms at night.
We do have one girl going who is over 18. So, we could put her name on a reservation for a third room?

Yes, the 18-year old can be the lead guest on one of the rooms. If you go this route, I would recommend 3 value rooms (Pop is great, but if budget is a concern, you could just go with whatever is cheapest). 3 value rooms will be cheaper than 3 mods, but possilby more than a family suite + regular room.

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks for your reply! I agree with needing to decide off site vs on site. I like the idea of on site because of transportation to and from the parks. But, if someone who has stayed off site before can give me good advice and assure me that getting to the parks wouldn't be a nightmare, I'd certainly listen!
We will be driving down together.
It will be five girls and three boys (plus dh and I) going.
I don't enjoy the thoughts of having a room with girls in it without an adult, but if we could have adjoining rooms, I would be okay. Our initial thought was to have my husband and the boys in a room and me and the girls in a room/rooms.

I think that if you could find the budget the Cabins may be an answer. I think you can have 6 to a cabin, although I am not positive. One adult with the girls and one with the boys.

With that may people transportation can be an issue, so while off site can be more affordable, you have to corral a lot of people throughout the trip, and that can be an issue. I know I would not have the stamina to move so many in and out without any "glitches", never mind if one gets sick, tired, or whatever else can hit a teen during a vacation.

I think that if you are onsite you can also have a dining plan in place. Normally I don't suggest it for big groups because someone has to track it, but you do nto want to run into one kid having not enough food money, for any reason.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'd skip the dining plan if you stay onsite. And if you stay offsite. Give each kid money on a gift card for their meals. Any food they don't eat, they get to use the money for souvenirs or snacks.