Where for a party of 16?

[Epcot Mom]

Here's the dilemma. A friend with a family of 16 (seriously, 11 kids plus parents and a few additions) wants to go next June. I'm thinking something dvc to give them the comforts of home with that size group. Any suggestions? We're well versed on party of 4 but need thougts on 16.
Thanks!
Epcot Mom

 

[cel_disney]

Here's the dilemma. A friend with a family of 16 (seriously, 11 kids plus parents and a few additions) wants to go next June. I'm thinking something dvc to give them the comforts of home with that size group. Any suggestions? We're well versed on party of 4 but need thougts on 16.
Thanks!
Epcot Mom

Wow...are the kids able to be split between 2 - 2bedrooms? I dont think there are too many GV's available at this date to keep the kids/parents together and 'others' in a separate room....

They might be good candidates for renting and off property house or two??

 

[Deb & Bill]

Four studios or four one bedrooms or two two bedrooms. If the splits will work out.

 

[Bad Llama]

How about 2 x 2 Beds and a 1 Bed ? I think you will be lucky to get a GV in June

Good Luck,
A.

 

[Bad Llama]

You're probably best trying the bigger resorts for availability - SSR or OKW

Hope you get what you want

 

[bookwormde]

I would suggest 1 2br and 2 studios. be sure to make it a grand gathering so you rooms will be close together.

OKW would be my choice for this big of a group.

bookwormde

 

[LauraLea]

I would go for 2 treehouse villas at SSR.

Laura

 

[cel_disney]

I would go for 2 treehouse villas at SSR.

Laura

If this is available - it has great potential for a group this size with kids! If not - 2 2bedrooms at OKW or AKL that have the sleeper chairs would be my other suggestion for location!

 

[wildernessDad]

Are any of the "kids" 18 or older? I'm just thinking about the logistics as at least one person 18 or older needs to be in a room.

 

[Epcot Mom]

Splits are very flexible as the kids range from early 20s to the youngest in third grade. For this reason, I'm thinking on property would allow for the most flexible transportation as the kids want to go different places at different times. I'm also thinking the meal plan would be great so if a group of the older kids wanted to stay late, they would have some food credits on their cards to work with.

They just told us this week they want to go so I haven't even called to check availability yet. They aren't dvc members so cash reservations are necessary too. Thanks for the ideas! Feel free to add on any other tips or favs with a big group or Grand Gathering!!! I appreciate the help!

 

[iloveokw]

We did 15 people in 2 2 bedroom units at OKW and it was great. The cash price will be lots of $$$$ tho. With that many people it will be much easier to stay onsight even if they have to do moderates or values. Then people can come and go as they wish with the buses.

 

[dizmom2mwjk]

I would suggest renting points from a DVC member...it would run about $6000...for a week...June is 284 pts per week @ THV x $10 per pt = $2840 (assuming you get the same deal I did) and you would need 2 villas (each sleeps 9 ppl), so that is ABOUT $5700.

Cash ressies per Disney website would $6580 for ONE THV for the same time...2 would be $13,160...

That is JUST the lodging....

With DVC...you can now add on DDP for PARTIAL stays, so you could do it for the middle 4 days, but not arrival or departure days...and save $ that way, as well...(but you do it all thru your DVC renter...) that option is not available thru cash ressies....and when talking 18 ppl it can be a BIG chunk of $$...

The trick will be finding someone with good references and ENOUGH POINTS to get the reservations from one renter....but it is possible...I did it here on the disboards....do the research.

The only other downside is that some DVC renters only take checks...some will take Paypal...it just depends...make sure you are comfortable with your renter

 

[Epcot Mom]

Thanks! They are still trying to figure out their week. I'm already nervous about finding somewhere for them to eat under 180 days with that many people!

 

[CarolMN]

Recommend they register as a Grand Gathering. That should help them get rooms close together.

 

[Pirate Granny]

We are renting an OKW GV...and I found our owner here on the rental page...but we did start looking at the 11 month mark. We also booked our ADRs 180 days out...8 adults, 4 children...we got every restaurant for the times we wanted...no problem...but you need to get going and start your. Planning...with a group that large you may have book directly with the restaurant...call Disney dining and find out which restaurants you will have to do that with 16 persons.

 

[HannaBelle]

The suggestion of a grand gathering is a great idea. In doing so, they will be eligible for different dining activities designed for large family groups. Ohana is also good for big groups.

I would encourage them to book meals served family style...it saves time!

 

[dadio]

Doing the exact ame thing as you...group of 15 for june 2011...have a Deluxe studio and a GV @ SSR...got off the phone with MS on sat and booked a dinner @ LeCellier, Chef Mickey and Fantasmic dinner...still need to iron out the other 3 TS meals, but very happy to get in Le Cellier...now with 15 that is a tall task there, but with 3 ressies all within 15 min, we are good to go....dad is a canadian, so I know he will enjoy it....

One thing to keep in mind....(which I didn't know)...even with the 180 day out ADR date...if you are staying for say 10 days...you can call on he 180 day mark and book ALL of your ADR's, and not have to do it one day at a time as the 180 day mark clicks by,,,so you can book the whole trip with one call on your first day...good to know, not now....but in the future...good luck with you planning!