There are 6 of us and we always rent a house. The one we're renting next weekend was only $80/night for 4br/3ba. Staying onsite and renting adjoining rooms would be another option, although if you stay at a value resort you have to pay to upgrade to the dining plan since only the quick service plan is offered for value resorts. I agree that www.themagicforless.com is a great route to take. It would take a lot of the stress off of you!!!
I'm on the fence. I think it would be fine to cook, but the part of me that has become my paranoid Granny would say "throw it out and play it safe" LOL
Mine vary also, depending on what they've been into. Usually it's daily in the summer or during a sport season and they've sweat alot. During the cooler months, usually every other day unless there is a special event or they get extra dirty.