Where to stay with a large group

[elctrcn]

We are starting to plan a trip for mid may in 2004. Rookies to WDW. DW and I were there five years ago. Second time in a long time for most people going with us. Want to stay on property. Any suggestions for a large group on where to stay? Thanks for any imput.

 

[PTarbay]

How large a group?You might be able to get discounted rates and discounted or special tickets.My husband had a 4 day meeting at Coronado Springs and we had 3 day park hoppers and they put us in certain buildings together and great rates.Coronado Springs specializes in conventions and large groupsand has special planners to help you.If you want something more deluxe the Contemporary is also set up for large groups.If you're new to this why not use a Disney expert like Dreams Unlimited Travel?They charge the same rates as Disney and keep checking for you to see if any discounts become available.They will do all your priority seatings for the restaurants.This will be my 28th trip to WDW and I always do my own planning but this time I read so many good things about them on this board I tried them.They are experts on everything Disney and gave me some great tips,got me reservations I couldn't get and got me into the resort I wanted when Disney said it was full.Whatever you do I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[susy]

Coronado springs is AMAZING!!!! So far it is our favorite resort. It has everything you need! If you want to go a little cheaper, why not try Pop Century? It is opening in Dec, so it will be practically brand new. If you want to go deluxe, how about AKL? The transportation and theming are great! I agree about using DU. They will keep checking discounts for you. You can book with a AAA rate (i'm not sure how many rooms with one membership) and I know you can book three rooms with one adult AP.

 

[circus slim]

How large a group? Family?

We had a family reunion there in 2000. 19 of us all told. We ended up renting 4 Cabins at Fort Wilderness and really enjoyed it. We managed to schedule a couple of cookouts at the cabins, there are grills alongside the cabin's deck. This saved us a ton of money and gave us plenty of room to spread out.

Disney accomodated out request to have the cabins nearby very well too. We had three cabins in a row on one side of the street and another directly across the street.

Fort Wilderness is very nice and the cabins are very comfortable!

 

[elctrcn]

Sorry I forgot to say how many. Maybe as not as "large" of a group as I thought. Nine adults and three kids. Just started reading these boards and I'm sure I'll be rading until we live for our trip.
Thanks again.

 

[Dalpal]

I dont know if you have heard, but there is a new thing that disney is doing. Its called speacial gathering...
You can probably get info on mousesaver.com or even on the disney.com site.
Its suppose to offer spacial events for groups of over 8 people....
Hope this helps

 

[Grumpy92]

It really depends on what you want. Do you want to stay in a string of hotel rooms or do you want one or two big suite types.

The VC resorts can accomodate up to 12 guest. It has several rooms connected to a huge FR with a kitchen. Very nice if you want to stay together.
I arranged a family trip and housed them in 3 of the Wilderness homes. The families loved it they had their own personal space, a full kitchen and yet were close together.

I would definitely call w-disney and inquire about the new Special Gatherings. They can help you with dining resv, and resort accommodations as well as many other things.

 

[mbb]

...its like a three bedroom house - onsite!! However, for Mid May 04...availability is probably going to be a definite issue..

Magical Gatherings could give you some great info...

Talk to those youère traveling with....and enjoy!!

 

[Disneyolic]

We're a party of 6 adults (ages 36, 38, 57, 57, 59, and 61) and 2 children. (ages 2 and 4). We chose YC because of the proximity to Epcot and the BW. Also, of course, SAB for the kiddies (adults too). We think everyone will be happy with this resort and we can't wait.

~DawnMaree

 

[swilphil]

I think the Epcot area is great for a big group because they offer so much for so many ages. Along with Epcot, you're close to MGM, the Boardwalk and miniature golf. You don't need to rent a car at all in this area. The bus transportation to MK/AK is very good. You could rent points and stay at the Beach Club or Boardwalk Inn Villas. If that's too pricey, you could get a couple of Junior Suites at the Dolphin. Each suite sleeps 6 in two seperate rooms--nice for when kids go to bed early or nap. Dolphin is in a great location on property in the Epcot area next to the Beach Club. It's not Disney owned, so they have some good rates. Does anybody in your group qualify for the teacher/govt./nurse discount?? It can be federal, state or local govt. workers, and I've heard the teacher discount extends to those who work in many areas of education.

 

[elctrcn]

Is mid May a hard time to make reservations? Wife and i went in May of '99. Thought the crowds were not bad. We were figuring if we went before schools are out the crowds should be a little lighter.

 

[Dancind]

Mid-May is a good time to go. The crowds start to pick up the last week in May. It will be hot, though, so plan pool time. The poster above with the comment about Grand Villa availability was referring to the difficulty of booking a Grand Villa in general. They get booked up pretty much 11 months out, when DVC members can book them. Diana