Sunday Savings Series: Traveling With a Large Group?

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A private theater AND a private pool?

A trip to Walt Disney World with a large group can be a lot of fun. It’s the perfect destination for family reunions, trips with the kids and grandkids, or a gathering of friends. The problem is that when you have a lot of people, accommodations can be expensive. The good news is that there is an easy way to save that is perfect for large groups.

Recently I attended a media eventĀ at Encore Resort in Reunion, Florida. We toured one of the vacation homes, then sat down for a meal that was created by a private chef. It was a nice, relaxing time. The home that we toured has 11 bedrooms! Most of the bedrooms also have a private bathroom. There is a private pool, and this particular home has a private theater. Encore Resort has smaller homes, and they also have some that are up to 13 bedrooms. There is plenty of space.

Back to that large group that you’re traveling with. Let’s say that it’s parents, their three married children, and they also have three kids each. Let’s throw in another spouse and a great grandchild as well. How much would it cost to find hotel rooms for all those people for a week? With that number of people, several rooms would be needed, and most likely the rooms would be cramped. There are also logistical problems, like how to fit five people into a hotel room that was designed for four. Instead of looking for a hotel, consider renting a vacation home at Encore Resort. You will have plenty of space, and it will most likely cost quite a bit less.

Another place where you can save by staying at Encore Resort is on your food budget. The home that we toured had a nice kitchen, with a large stove and two ovens. There were even two dishwashers, to make cleanup that much easier. You could have breakfast at the house, then pack something for lunch. That will save money.

Encore Resort has a shuttle to the theme parks, so you will not have to pay for parking. You will need to get to and from the airport if you’re flying, Disney’s Magical Express will not be an option. There are still other choices, from renting a van to arranging for local transportation. The resort is located just minutes from Walt Disney World, it is not far at all.

If you’re staying at a hotel, the pool could be crowded. All of the homes at Encore Resort have private pools. (There are alarms on the doors so that the kids can’t sneak out in the middle of the night.) There is also a small water park, so if you want to take a day off from the parks you can still spend time out in the sun.

While staying on Walt Disney World property is incredible, it is not always the best option if you want to save money. If you are traveling with a group, consider renting a vacation home and splitting the costs. You’ll have plenty of space, the kids can have their own rooms, and you will have saved money at the same time. It sounds like a win to me!