Good morning everyone!
There has been a lot to think about here, and I have been seriously considering each person's advice and how it would work with my group and specific set of challenges.
I promise I am not discounting anyone's suggestions out of hand! I appreciate that most of the replies are from seasoned Disney visitors, and I really value the insights given.
That being said, having carefully thought things over and discussed with my Partner the pros/cons, I think my group will be best off with the original plans of staying offsite and renting a van.
Budget is a huge concern. I have the money to do this, but I need to be careful.
The less I can get away with spending, the better.
The home rental I am going with, including taxes and fees, is going to cost me about $2800 for the entire stay.
This includes 4bd/2ba, sleeps 10 (and breaks down well for our group)
The property is actually listed as 1.5 Mi to Downtown Disney. I was originally looking at a lot of properties (within 5 mi) and misremembered.
Comes with a fully stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, pool/hot tub, wi-fi, central A/C, everything we could need.
4.9/5 Star average, 268 Reviews, and I checked that everything is legit.
If I want to stay at a hotel that will be "walking distance", it will be AT LEAST twice the cost.
We won't have nearly as much space. Will be spending 3 "off" days there, so extra amenities are a huge bonus.
The properties that are that close and remotely near my possible budget are rated fairly poorly.
I did check into the mentioned properties, they are just not in the budget for me. Even if I cut other things like the van.
Staying closer would be nice, but I don't see the pros outweighing the cons, or being able to afford it.
Van vs. Lyft
I'd spend at least $400 on Lyft during this trip, with my group. Probably more.
I'm budgeting $2200 for the Van, gas, and parking.
I'd potentially save up to $1800 by not getting a Van and relying on Lyft.
I realize this is a huge savings.
That being said, even if I add that to the accommodations budget, we're looking at about $4600
My searches aren't pulling up a hotel, within walking distance, with a kitchen/kitchenette, that would accommodate all of us, in that price range.
On top of that, my Partner is ADAMANT that we have a vehicle and not be reliant on Lyft/Public Transit.
And there's the social anxiety issues a few of my group have, where I don't know if they'd honestly be okay riding with a stranger, especially if they are having a panic attack.
I think this is an area where even if I chose Lyft, I'd be outvoted.
Eating Out
I'm not staying at a hotel, it's not in the budget. So I'm planning grab-and-go breakfasts on park days.
I am planning 3 dinners cooked at home, and to pack lunches and snacks for the park.
I budgeted to eat out a few times, and with 8 adults, this really expanded my costs. In OR out of the park.
I have done research into which restaurants in the area are worthwhile and which to avoid.
I know that everyone would love to eat out every night and enjoy all the park food, but it really adds up!
I don't have a problem with Disney food, but it's WAY more expensive to not pack our own.
Budget is still a huge issue, and I'd rather splurge for a few dinners outside the park than eat our lunches at vendors/restaurants in the park.
ABSOLUTELY having groceries delivered, no matter what! This is something I do normally at home, so it's standard practice for me already.
Everyone will carry their own lunch bag, in their backpack.
We can probably stow them in lockers if necessary, but I wanted everyone's snacks/drinks to be easily accessible throughout the day.
ECVs
I did know that you can't take Disney ECVs into Downtown Disney, but that's hugely important and thank you for mentioning it!
My Auntie CAN walk a tiny bit, but both her knees are shot and its extremely painful for her.
She has an ECV of her own at home, but I'm not sure about getting it there, or what to do if we have problems with it during the vacation.
I don't mind renting her a wheelchair or ECV or both. Whatever she needs.
I did not consider what happens if we have trouble and DL is sold out. Good point, well made.
I contacted Deckerts with some questions on how their rentals work. Will hopefully hear back with some clarifications.
I will also make sure I have OneStop and Select Mobility numbers on hand, just in case. Thanks for the tip!
I don't think it would break the budget to have everyone have their own ECV, if needed.
If we each need our own, that's what we'll do, but I think some are resistant to the idea because they are insistent on sharing right now.
Breaks
I was mostly planning to take it slow and just take into consideration that we will need to stop and take rests in the park.
If we leave the park at all, even if we were across the street, I just don't think we'd make it back in the same day.
If things get over stimulating, I did find an article on places to go inside the park to chill out. (mickeyvisit.com/9-quiet-places-at-
disneyland/)
That being said, if someone really NEEDS an offsite break, they can go back to the house. It's not like it's forbidden or anything! lol
I have considered that someone might end up staying in instead of going to the park if health issues arise. I would not begrudge someone the extra rest.
I don't plan on being there late every night. But you're right, that is a long day.
True, I may be underestimating the need for extra breaks considering the social anxiety. Will discuss with the group and reassess plans as needed.
Smartphones
My family is smartphone friendly, with the exception of Auntie, I believe.
I absolutely plan on getting/using the app.
Genie+/Photopass
I am 100% sure I want unlimited downloads of the pics from the park.
It looks like you can get PhotoPass+ One Week for $78 for seven consecutive days.
Genie+ for 5 days would be $100 for the trip, and we don't need the LL if we have
DAS.
So I will get PhotoPass+ One Week for 1-2 of our group.
Budgeting Issues
Right now I am doing pricing and comparisons, exploring all the options.
I do plan to make a strict budget and stick to it. It's far enough out that it's not 100% set in stone yet, though.
If someone wants to go off-budget with their own money, that's their decision and they're welcome to it.
I'm having ongoing, in-depth conversations with family over everything. They understand the limitations and expectations.
Everyone is saving up and will give what they can towards the vacation.
Incomes are limited and this is something special that I can do for everyone this once.
I don't expect a dime back from them, this is my treat. But if they can, it's welcome and encouraged.
Managing Expectations
Some good points were brought up.
I am probably overestimating my group's "go". I was already planning to take it relatively easy, and to stop when needed for an in-park break. Maybe that's not enough.
I can't see us being able to stay closer though, budget-wise. So I feel like going back to the rental mid-day and then returning is probably unrealistic.
As stated, there are suggested places to go to get a little down time in the park, and I can always have someone go back to the van for a rest if they really just need a social break.
I may need to get more ECVs for my group, that 10 mi/day average is a bit daunting for people with mobility issues.
Everyone is just stoked to be able to go. We're not a wealthy family, we never got to take vacations growing up. This is a big deal for everyone.
No one even expects to eat out at all during this trip, so I highly doubt anyone will give me attitude over packed lunches. They know and expect this. And they are welcome to buy their own stuff, too.
I get that driving/cooking/clean up/etc can be tiring/taxing, but the good thing about having 8 people is you can spread some of this out. Someone can drive. Someone else can cook. Everything doesn't have to fall on one person.
Long days may not be realistic for everyone. I get that. I know I can do it. I will do a reality check with the others though, and factor that in to my scheduling.
There's a lot to think over here, and I appreciate everyone's contributions. I know some points were less than optimistic, but I appreciate the honesty and realism. I really don't want to make unrealistic plans and there are some good points that I may not have considered on my own. I can see I'm going to need to have a few more down-to-earth conversations to figure out the best course of action through this vacation. And that's okay! These kinds of things are EXACTLY why I am planning early and asking this board for help. Again, I appreciate it all, good or bad! Thank you for contributing!