Been to Disney World before but never in July or August -- Planning a family trip next August - 1st week - 4 families - 9 adults - 6 children - 5 to 14 years old - plan on staying on the property --Any specific recommendations - to beat the crowds - the heat - should we rely on the monorail or rent a car? Meals? Etc. etc.
Thank you

If you are staying at a monorail location (Contemp, Grand Floridian, Poly) then you really don't need a car.

Get to the parks early and stay late= lighter crowds and cooler weather. I would go to a waterpark, maybe even both waterparks. The waterparks are really our favorites. You can always take a nap or hang by the pool in the afternoon. If it rains then stay at the park.

I like a lot of the Disney dining places. Not sure where the best places would be for 15 people though. We make reservations for one meal a day normally at Disney. Do plan to make reservations for character meals, especially if Cinderalla's Castle is on your list.

I would certainly spend some time together, but I would take a few adults with the smaller children and then some with the older children some also. The smaller kids will get tired faster and won't be able to ride and do everything.

With a week, you shouldn't have to feel rushed "to do everything" each day. Take your time and don't try to over do it.

I love the parades, but if you have already seen it, or don't care for it, then during parades is a good time to ride the rides as everyone is congregated watching the parade.

Let sunscreen be your friend. Wear the most comfortable shoes you own.

Stay hydrated. By that I mean don't wait until you're thirsty to find something to drink.

Many of the local drugstores sell small, battery operated fans on a cord that you can wear around your neck. They're cheap (in every sense of the word) and usually won't last more than a week, but these can be a godsend if you're stuck in a line in the sun or without a breeze.

Use Fastpass. If you're not familiar with it, go to allearsnet.com or disboards and read up. As spirobulldog says, go early. If you're staying on Disney property, take a mid-day break, then go back in the early evening.

We've gone in August a few times. In addition to the tips above:

At Epcot the Energy attraction is fairly long and indoors. It will get you out of the heat and sun for at least 45 minutes. Pirates of the Caribbean at the Magic Kingdom is pretty long too - at least the wait can be but its mostly air conditioned.

It is likely to thunderstorm every afternoon - good time for naps.

Most of the Disney hotels have multiple pools - a big one and smaller ones known as quiet pools. No slides so less attractive to kids. Nice for adults.

Buy water bottles in bulk at a nearby Walmart or other discount store- Disney charges $2.50 or more per bottle. Freeze them if you can - some WDW hotels have refrigerators in the rooms - and bring with you to parks. the water will be very refreshing as it melts. There are water bubblers everywhere in the parks so you can refill if you are so inclined.

We've sometimes have booked the last sitting at the Chef Mickey breakfast at the Contemporary. We go to the Magic Kingdom early, hit as much as we can and then head over to a late breakfast/early lunch. Fewer people will be there and the characters are likely to spend a bit more time with the kids in your party.

We also like the restaurants on the Boardwalk - Spoodles was always a favorite.

You may consider staying at the Boardwalk Villas - condo style accommodations within walking distance of Epcot. Helps to have a kitchen.

The last two visits we've stayed at Coronado Springs - one of the moderate resorts. Very Southwest in feel, great pool with a big slide. Because it is a "convention" site for Disney the rooms have more stuff than some of the other moderates like refrigerators, coffee makers and hair dryers (though this may have changed).

Have a wonderful time.

The simple advise is to arrive early. Take long breaks at the pool in the hottest hours of the day, then return in the evening when it cools and crowds are diminishing.

In August avoid the heat of midday whenever possible. Be sure everyone has hats and a strong sunscreen and carry your own water bottles so all can stay well hydrated - esp smaller kids.

I agree dividing into groups may make sense sp all can see what interests them most - and still have plenty of down time at the pool.

We like having a car. But, if you're going with a group that large it's relatively impractical.

We've been to WDW multiple times and have gone in August. Yes, it's hot. But then again so are many other places.

My suggestion would be to plan on being in the parks early and late. Get there at the opening and spend a few hours. Then take a break at the pool in the afternoon. Plan on heading back to the park in the early evening.

The crowds REALLY got large starting around 11, which is usually the peak period for entry. If you get to the Magic Kingdom at say 9, you'll probably do more in the first three hours than people coming at noon will do in several hours.

I would suggest you plan one day at one of the WDW Waterparks. With younger kids Blizzard Beach. With older kids Typhoon Lagoon. With a mix of both probably Typhoon Lagoon.

I think these are great suggestions -- and I thank you all for taking the time -- it will certainly make our trip more worthwhile!!!

If you're staying on property you will have no use for a car, you can use Disney buses and monorails & boats at no additional cost.

That's a HUGE group! I would recommend that you have each individual write down 1 or 3 things that they really want to see & do, and split into smaller groups inside the park with each grouping of people having like desires. Everyone should have a better chance of seeing what they desire, and you can plan to congregate together every few hours or so to swap tales.

If you want to all dine together, I would call Disney and talk to them about it. It CAN be done. You will need reservations (everybody has 'em).

I think the suggestion of getting to the parks early, and then retreating back to the resort in the afternoon is an excellent one. Gives you time to chill or swim or nap before you head back out in the early evening.

It sounds like a blast. You will have SO much fun!

We always use a touring plan when visiting the parks during school breaks. Both Tour Guide Mike and the plans from the Unofficial Guide to Disney World are very good. We received our plans free when we booked through www.buildabettermousetrip.com but I know you can purchase them too.

Spend the money on TourGuideMike. Terrific advice. Take a mid-day break by the pool. Make dining reservations as soon as you can especially for character meals.

Don't rent a car. Too expensive and not necessary. Especially for a large group.

Have fun.

Mickey's magical express will pick you up from the airport and return you to the airport. As long as you are staying on property you will never need a car. We are going in March with a large party, 7 adults and 2 children and we rented the Treehouse. It is onsite will all the perks, but is a house with 4 bedrooms and three baths and we share the expense. I called the 800 number online for parties of 8 or more.