Hi Deborah!
Any of the two-bedroom villas at the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) properties can accommodate eight guests. Each has two baths, a fully equipped kitchen (with fridge, dishwasher, dining area, stove, microwave) and a washer/dryer. Renting a villa can be economical if you split the cost among all the members of your party. The kitchen is very convenient, and can help save on meals in the parks. These rooms are located throughout Disney at Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Animal Kingdom Villas, Boardwalk Villas and the Beach Club Villas. My family is a DVC member, and frequently stay in two-bedroom villas when we travel with my parents. They are huge and the resorts are magnificent!
If you prefer to stay in a number of separate rooms, the most economical are the value resorts. You can chose from several well-themed properties, with excellent amenities, disney benefits and fabulous pools. The Value Resorts include the All Star Music, Sports and Movies and Pop Century Resorts. You can certainly request rooms near each other. While these requests aren't guaranteed, in my experience, Disney does a fabulous job of trying to accommodate their guests. I'd follow up with a phone call to the actual resort about a week before you arrive to confirm your request to be near one another.
As for packages, if you intend to travel soon, you are in luck! Disney is currently offering one of the best specials I have seen to date. It's "Buy Four/Get Three Free" promotion includes park tickets and provides for three free nights when you pay for four for many nights through August 15th. Check
www.disneyworld.com frequently for up to date specials and promotions.
I hope you have a wonderful vacation!