Welcome to the Moms Panel Michelle! It can be fun to learn about and plan your Disney vacation! Let's talk about the highlights of your vacation: where to
stay,
play, and
dine.
For a family of 8, carefully consider your resort options. You may want to book 2 rooms at a resort of your pick (from value to deluxe resort options); or you may want deluxe villas where as many as up to 9 guests can sleep!
Then consider which parks and park ticket options are available. You may want the park hopper option or you may want to add the water parks and more fun option. For fun between theme park visits my family loves the Boardwalk and Downtown Disney. Oh, and don't forget that you can make customizable maps of the theme parks that make for really cute souvenirs!
As for dining options, you should look over the different kinds of restaurants and "quick service" locations and character dining options to decide if a dining plan is right for your family. Once you have the dates to your stay booked, I'd make reservations for any "must" dining locations that have the option available.
A few more quick suggestions: Check out the special offers portion of the Disney World website. Also, I think learning while planning will lead to an even more memorable visit to Walt Disney World. If you can, look into a book such as the ones mentioned
here by my fellow panelist, Kay.
You're welcome here at the Moms Panel and remember that you can ask more specific questions that may come up as you make your plans! Hope this helps!