Welcome to planDisney, Serena!
Oh, my goodness, while any trip to Walt Disney World is a wonderful thing, a big group means even more magic. Let's take a look at your options.
First, it's easy for one person to plan that
trip for a larger party. In fact, as the travel organizer of the family, I like one person making plans. This ensures that no part of the group missed out on an opportunity that was available at one point, but was not when the other planner tried to book that, too.
Take a look at some helpful information on how
My Disney Experience can help you manage all of the details for everyone. Once all 8 of you have a MDE account, it's easy to link together on your
Family & Friends List. When your MDE accounts are set up this way, any one of you--or just you, if you prefer--can make plans for the entire party. I usually recommend there be at least one or two others in a larger group who can jump in and help with those plans if the primary planner is working on something else at an important moment, or if there's a technical glitch such as a phone battery calling it quits.
Consider booking a larger space for everyone to stay together. If you browse through Places to Stay and add the
Sleeps 5+ filter, you'll see so many! For example, 2 and 3-Bedroom options at
Walt Disney World Deluxe Villa Resorts offer extra space for larger groups. In fact, 3-Bedroom Grand Villas sleep up to 12 adults and features a full kitchen, washer/dryer in unit, and 3 to 4 full bathrooms. With a generous living space plus ample seating for dining, you've got room to gather together at any time. 2 Bedroom Villas sleep 9, so this could be a great option as well.
Location matters, Serena, so check out those villas at
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. This resort is located right across from
Disney Springs--a great spot for late night dining, entertainment, and music. Some buildings (Congress Park area) are just a few minutes' walk from all the fun. Prefer the ease of a
Monorail or Skyliner commute? Choose a resort that offers this type of transportation.
Other options that give you that larger living space--some of which with two bathrooms--include booking two Family Suites. At both
Disney's Art of Animation Resort and
Disney's All-Star Music Resort, Family Suites accommodate up to 6 adults and offer 2 full bathrooms and kitchenettes.
You could also book two standard rooms at many resorts and request connecting rooms. While not guaranteed, if they are available when it's time to check-in for your adventure, Cast Members will do all they can to ensure they're yours.
Once it's time to make
Dining Reservations or
Lightning Lane Pass plans, any one of you can do so for the entire party.
Serena, as you plan all the group fun, be sure to send additional questions our way. We love to help!
Andrea H