Welcome to planDisney, Yvonne!
What a great question! When planning a
large group visit to
Walt Disney World, I always recommend contacting a cast member for assistance.
Call Walt Disney World at the phone number listed for Group Reservations for help. They are absolute experts in navigating your options; from accommodation choices to tickets and even looking for group discounts, the Disney experts are there to guide you every step of the way.
In addition, I recommend that you check out this particular page regarding
Accessibility at Walt Disney World Resort. Depending on the needs of your residents, you may find helpful information there, then follow up with Disability Services via the email link provided on that page.
For your resort hotel choice, I often chaperone very large student groups, and we find that any of the All-Star Resort Hotels fit our needs perfectly. For example,
Disney's All-Star Music Resort is large enough to provide us with a block of rooms that are right next to each other. We'll place chaperone rooms, a room for the nurse, and administrators' room mixed in throughout our block, making it super-easy for everyone to check in on each other and help out whenever needed.
Staying in a Disney Resort Hotel also takes away the worry about transportation. No matter what our needs, we've found that complimentary
Disney Resort Transportation gets everyone in our group to and from the parks and resorts. We all can enjoy the ride knowing that professional drivers will take care of the details.
Another aspect our large group loves is the food courts at All-Star Resorts.
Intermission Food Court, at All-Star Music, is a great central location for our group meetings. Morning group check-ins, all day meals, stops after a day in the park--all can be done just a few steps into the main entrance of the hotel. Because there is a great variety of food at reasonable prices, we know that everyone can have a meal or get a refreshing drink throughout our day. With
Note'able Games arcade, shopping at
Maestro Mickey's, bathrooms, and park buses just a few steps away, you really cannot beat this location for larger groups.
All-Star Recreation at these resorts is also great for those off-park hours, too, with poolside games, campfire activities, and Movies Under the Stars right outside Melody Hall. We'll cool down with an after-park swim, change into dry clothing, then meet at a particular room or at a pool before starting the next chapter of our day.
You'll find similar options at both
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort as well, so consider calling those home during your stay, too.
Yvonne, as you plan your visit with so many friends, be sure to send additional planning questions our way; we love to help!
Andrea H