The Best Disney World Hotels for Big Groups: Where to Stay With 6, 8, or Even 12 Guests

by | Oct 14, 2025 | Disney Vacation Club, Disney World Resorts & Hotels

Wondering what the best Disney World hotels for big parties are? We’re sharing some of our favorite options.

Planning a Disney World vacation with a big group? Whether it’s a multi-generational family trip, a friends’ getaway, or a special celebration, finding the right resort is key. Large groups need space, extra bathrooms, and—ideally—a common area where everyone can relax together after a long park day.

After more than 20 Disney trips, I’ve traveled with every party size imaginable—from solo visits to groups of nine. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that finding hotels at Disney World for large families or groups isn’t always straightforward. Some rooms cap out at four guests, while others can sleep up to 12—if you know where to look.

Here’s your guide to the best Disney World resorts for big groups, including insider tips, maximum occupancies, and the most surprising room types.

Why Big Groups Can Be Tricky at Disney World

In 2015, I was booking for a party of nine that included both adults and kids ranging from 5 to 19 years old. Everyone wanted to stay together in one space, which meant finding a single “room” that could handle us all under one reservation.

The challenge? Many suites maxed out at seven or eight guests—even some of the priciest options. To make it work, you need to understand Disney hotel occupancy limits and where the best large-room options are. The good news is that Disney has expanded its Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offerings in recent years, giving more choices to large parties—and you don’t have to be a DVC member to book a villa.

Disney World Hotels That Sleep 5–6 Guests

If you’re traveling with a medium-sized group, you’ll find plenty of rooms that sleep five or six without booking a villa. Many have pull-down Murphy beds to increase capacity. Popular picks include:

My favorites for a smaller party are Pop Century, Art of Animation family suites, Port Orleans – French Quarter, and Beach Club. Nothing beats being able to walk into EPCOT and grab a fresh croissant in France for breakfast. 

When You Need 8 or 9 Guests in One Room

Surprisingly, many of Disney’s most luxurious suites—like the Theme Park Presidential Suite at the Contemporary or the Polynesian Bungalows—still cap at eight guests. That meant our party of nine would’ve needed two rooms or bungalows, pushing the cost over $40,000 once park tickets were added.

Two notable non-DVC exceptions include:

Best Option for Large Families: Disney Vacation Club Villas

best disney world hotels for big groups, island tower at polynesian village resort

Penthouse at Island Tower. Photo by Morgan Flaherty

For most groups of nine, DVC 2-Bedroom Villas are the sweet spot. These often have multiple bathrooms, full kitchens, and living spaces perfect for gathering. Just note: not all sleep nine—some max out at eight.

Favorites include:

When You Really Need Space: 3-Bedroom Grand Villas

3-Bedroom Grand Villas are the ultimate big-group stay at Disney World, typically sleeping up to 12 guests with sprawling layouts, huge kitchens, and multiple balconies. They’re rare, so book early.

Top picks:

  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – One- and two-story layouts, some with interior balconies.
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Two-story villas with interior balconies and Murphy bed art of Mickey & Minnie.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Stunning Savannah views from both levels.
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort– Oversized laundry room (yes, it’s a thing), steps from Magic Kingdom.
  • Disney’s Old Key West – Gazebo-style porches and spacious interiors.
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Media room, chandelier, and massive master bath.
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Freestanding soaker tubs and design-show-worthy kitchens.
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort – Modern European décor with Hidden Mickey balcony railings.

Insider Tips for Booking Disney Hotels for Large Groups

  • Check exact occupancy limits – Some rooms that seem identical on paper sleep eight instead of nine.
  • Consider lock-off villas – A 1-bedroom + studio combo can boost occupancy.
  • Don’t rely on adjoining rooms – Not guaranteed, and you’ll lose the shared living space.
  • Factor in bathrooms – For groups over six, two or more bathrooms are a must.
  • Book early – 3-bedroom villas and larger suites are extremely limited.

 

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Authored by
Trisha Daab

Trisha Daab is the author of five books about the magical food and characters at Walt Disney World. Find her on the WDW Magazine blog and in the magazine “Character Magic” column. When not writing about Disney, Trisha is traveling for food or spoiling her Disney dog, Wall-E.