Family of 5 Options & AP Question

[Lisa3]

My DH has finally agreed to let me book a trip to WDW this year!!! We would be going the first week in Dec. with 3 kids ages 9, 7, and 6. We stayed at DL (PO Riverside) in Nov. of 2000 and am wondering if we should stay there again or try someplace else. Is there charge for the third child in the room with the new codes? What are some other options for a family of 5? Can we stay at AKL, WL, Poly, YC or BC with 5 in one room?

I am also thinking about buying APs and planning a second trip Nov. 2003. Can I get an AP rate on a room if I purchase the AP when I arrive to check in? If not where can I purchase the AP and when does it become effective? We don't travel that often so I need help from all of the experts out there!:confused:

[gepetto]

You will not be able to stay in a regular room at WL or AKL. You would have to get a "deluxe" room at AKL or a junior suite at WL. I know you can stay in a regular room at Polynesian.

You can order AP's (vouchers that are activated your first day in the parks) by calling 407-WDISNEY. Some Disney Stores will order them for you.

You really should have your AP when you check in.

[CarolMN]

The discount codes don't change the occupancy limits for any of the resorts. The only moderate that can handle 5 in a "regular" (non-suite) room is POR. The Poly, GF, CR, YC, BC, & BWI can all accomodate 5 in one room.

You might also consider 2 rooms at one of the All Star Resorts (ask for connecting rooms. You should be able to get them guaranteed because of the ages of the children. You'd have two bathrooms if you opted to do this).

A cabin at Ft.Wilderness is also an option. The children might enjoy some of the activities at FW.

My advice is to book one of the monorail hotels if you can get an affordable rate. With the ages of your children, you'll likely spend most of your time at the MK. The monorail makes that very, very convenient.

Enjoy the trip! Early December is our favorite time to visit!

[snowmouse]

We too are a family of 5 and this is just driving me nuts! I spent a lot of the day yesterday trying to use the codes and secure a room for 5. The above posters are correct about WL and AKL. I was quoted $405 for WL deluxe and 249 at AKL for deluxe. The codes were not applicable to deluxe rooms. All CM's I spoke with said these rooms would be exactly the same except for the addition of a day bed.

The best rate currently for a deluxe would be at the CR (I got a quote of $179) and BC or Poly at $199. These rooms all have a daybed standard. I am currently holding a trundle room at POR , but still hoping for a better rate at a deluxe next week when the AP codes are released.

Good luck. Oh yeah, my rates were quoted for October which will be a little bit more than when you are going.