READY TO SCREAM!!! Someone please point me in the direction I need to go :(

[klitteral2009]

I've researched so much my head is spinning...suite, or regular room? Pool..big, small, close? Transportation? Preferred room...I'm swimming in questions. I have three children to take to WDW in late January. I want a room big enough to breathe in, but not too big as to cost more than what we can afford and/or need. I want something themed for the kids but dont necessarily know that I want to stay in a value resort...so I'm asking for some guidance here. I'm looking at about a 3,000 budget for 7 days (6nights) lodging plus tickets. HELP!

 

[THERESA522]

I think late January discounts should be coming out soon, so that should help with your budget.

How old are the kids? Is another adult travelling or just you? It'll make a big difference if you're looking for a room for 4 or 5.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I've researched so much my head is spinning...suite, or regular room? Pool..big, small, close? Transportation? Preferred room...I'm swimming in questions. I have three children to take to WDW in late January. I want a room big enough to breathe in, but not too big as to cost more than what we can afford and/or need. I want something themed for the kids but dont necessarily know that I want to stay in a value resort...so I'm asking for some guidance here. I'm looking at about a 3,000 budget for 7 days (6nights) lodging plus tickets. HELP!

What ages are your kids? The $3,000 is just for lodging and tickets, or does it need to cover food as well?

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Okay... ran through a sample package. With 1 adult and 3 kids, you can stay at just about any resort. I picked the moderate level and selected Port Orleans Riverside. Check in January 19th. Check out January 25th. 7 day MYW base tickets (no hopper, no waterparks fun & more). Total is $2323.93 for a standard view room.

You didn't mention if there would be a second adult or not. If there is, then POR is the only moderate resort that can accomodate 5 people, unless one of the children is under 3yo.

I also ran the numbers for Pop Century. Same dates. Same tickets. Preferred room. The total was $1,987.77. You can only have 4 people aged 3 or above in a room at any of the values. Since you are concerned about room size, I think you'd be best to step up to the moderate level.

 

[DeanDoug]

Well, you've come to the right place! First, try to enjoy the "dreaming" process of planning. A suite may certainly make you more comfortable... but you could also consider a double room with an outdoor sitting area (I'm thinking Pop Century) that could give you some quiet time when the kids are settling down. Most locations will have some sort of theming- not just values. Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) is a great example. Have you priced the new Art of Animation suites?

You will be fine... there really isn't a wrong decision!

 

[Alexsandra]

I would go to POR. The theming is very nice with it's new Orleans feel. Feels like you just step into a Tom Sawer book. The landscape is breathtaking and very peaceful. The food court is not only beautiful it has great food choices. The rooms are much nicer than value with two queen beds, double sinks and fridge. Take an alligator bayou room with trundle bed for extra sleeping space (can sleep five). If it fits in your budget take 2 connecting rooms, especially if you are traveling with extra adult. You also have boat to DTD and all kinds of fun resort activities like fishing, biking, campfires, etc. You won't be disappointed. It is one of the nicest moderate resorts on property.

My first trip planning I was just like you and in the end, I had fun no matter how imperfect my decisions were. Don't worry, you'll have a blast and the kids too! It is WDW after all!

 

[klitteral2009]

OOPS! I should have mentioned Hubby is going with me (I'm lucky to have him!) and my children are all female and ages 10, 3 and 1...but she'll be turning 2 the last day we're there I am now leaning towards and AoA suite I think. I wasn't aware that Pop Century had outdoor seating though...may have to look into that. And the 3,000 is just for tickets and lodging..I plan on a 5 day park hopper as to make dinner reservations easier and so that hubby and my oldest can have some daddy daughter time in the eveings riding things her sisters cant during the day.

 

[Alexsandra]

OOPS! I should have mentioned Hubby is going with me (I'm lucky to have him!) and my children are all female and ages 10, 3 and 1...but she'll be turning 2 the last day we're there I am now leaning towards and AoA suite I think. I wasn't aware that Pop Century had outdoor seating though...may have to look into that. And the 3,000 is just for tickets and lodging..I plan on a 5 day park hopper as to make dinner reservations easier and so that hubby and my oldest can have some daddy daughter time in the eveings riding things her sisters cant during the day.

I went with an 7 month baby and a 4 year old. Then went back again 6 months later. You will love it. AoA might be a good option, the kids will love the theming. If not go to POR in AB room and you'll be comfortable. I personally would avoid the other value resorts. Rooms are small and twin beds made for very uncomfortable nights. I prefer moderate resorts for the room quality and the extra amenities (water slides at pool, play park, boat to DTD). My kids loved POFQ pool with giant dragon slide. If you stay at POR you also have access to POFQ (sister resort). Mod. Prices for luxury feel!

By the way, wait till Jan. Deals come out. Jan is low season and you'll either get room discount or free dining. If you get free dining make sure you stay at Moderate since you'll be able to take advantage of the regular DDP (1 snack, 1 QS meal, 1 TS meal a day) instead of just Quick serve DDP (1 snack, 2 QS meals a day).

Good luck.

Check out my blog http://disneyplaning101.blogspot.ca/ where I give planning tips and travel advise for visiting WDW with young children.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

Lots of good options so far.
I haven't priced out your dates, but wanted to add some other options.

A cabin at FW. The bedroom has a double bed and set of bunks. The living area has a murphy bed, couch, full kitchen w/eating area. Deck, grill, parking in your own driveway. Nice boat ride to MK, WL, & CR. Very relaxing area.

You could also look at renting DVC points, if you want more space.

Happy planning!

 

[klitteral2009]

I think FW is a little rich for our blood..unless we see a discount soon. I'd wait to book until January but want to get our CRT reservation and BBB appointment before they aren't available. Can you do this without already having made reservations for rooms? I think we've nearly decided for sure on an AoA suite in the Nemo section...

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

I think FW is a little rich for our blood..unless we see a discount soon. I'd wait to book until January but want to get our CRT reservation and BBB appointment before they aren't available. Can you do this without already having made reservations for rooms? I think we've nearly decided for sure on an AoA suite in the Nemo section...

You can book CRT & BBB now.
Good luck with your room search!

 

[Stasia5]

I'll add my vote for PORFQ. It has queen size beds and enough room for a portable crib. Like others have said, you get two resorts for the price of one as you share amenities with POR. There's also the wonderful boat ride to DTD. This is my family's favorite resort.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I think FW is a little rich for our blood..unless we see a discount soon. I'd wait to book until January but want to get our CRT reservation and BBB appointment before they aren't available. Can you do this without already having made reservations for rooms? I think we've nearly decided for sure on an AoA suite in the Nemo section...

Yes. You don't have to have a room reservation to make ADRs and BBB appointments. You are already within the 180 day mark for January ADRs. I don't know if you were planning to purchase the DDP or not. If you were, then if you had a package reservation (room, tickets + DDP) you'd only have to provide a credit card to guarantee the CRT reservation. Without a reservation including the DDP, you have to pay upfront for that ADR.

 

[loveshak22]

We got a standard room at POFQ last September. There were only 4 of us but my dad had a stroke and needs a queen bed to himself because of difficulties with turning around in his sleep due to limited mobility on one side of his body. We had 2 queen beds and a roll-away, plus an electric scooter in the room and I was surprised at how it still did not feel ridiculously cramped. It was tight but I think you could do a standard room at POFQ with a roll-away and fit nicely!

I think POFQ is nice because it's a smaller property and it's easy to get to the food court and buses. It has a New Orleans theme but I did notice there were a lot of kid activities when we were there. One night they had a movie on the lawn (The Incredibles) and one night it rained and in the food court the staff were playing board games with the kids. I'm sure there were other planned activities but we were in the parks all day and didn't explore.

I can't speak to the pool but you may not be doing much swimming in January, unless you like it cold.

I just did a price quote online and for 7 nights (Jan 27 - Feb 2), 6 days base tickets, and the DDP it's $3,383.81. Assuming that history is any indication they will probably be offering a room or dining discount which would easily bring you into the $3,000 range. If you take off dining the package total is $2,280.23!! So FD would put you well within your $3,000 budget.

Just based on my personal experiences this is what I would recommend. You and your hubby will still have a nice experience (POFQ has a walkway along the river and really nice decor IMO) but it's still different and fun. We had an 11 year old with us and she liked the resort. Plus, get your kids looking for all the hidden Mickeys in the room and they'll be entertained for a while!!

I would also think that kids would love AKL...with all the animals. We've not stayed there but my DH and I have a trip booked there at the end of Jan. For fun I did a price quote for the same times as above and with 7 nights and 6 days of base tickets the total is $3,075.69. If you get FD then you're right at your $3,000 mark but you get a deluxe resort and a one of a kind experience for your kids. I'm not sure how big the rooms are but I bet it would be a great option!

So....there are my thoughts on the matter

Oh - and I guess my final, final thought is that it will be fun no matter what you choose!!

 

[brewhome]

Check out the family suites at All Star Music, as well - we stayed there with our two boys two years in a row because we liked it so much. You'll get two bathrooms, a queen bed for mom & dad, a pull out couch, pull out chair, and pull out ottoman, so plenty of room for the girls. Plus, these are pricing out cheaper than AoA. The pools are great and the food court is decent, too.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Have you considered renting points from a dvc member. That would give you plenty of room to move around. We spent around $2500 for a 2 bedroom at AKV last May. We were there for & nights. Park Tickets were a little pricier for us then they would be for you. My kids were 16, 22, and 24 at the time so we were 5 adults. This is how a get the whole family together for a vacation. Otherwise the older 2 seem to be to busy.

 

[maxiesmom]

Check out the family suites at All Star Music, as well - we stayed there with our two boys two years in a row because we liked it so much. You'll get two bathrooms, a queen bed for mom & dad, a pull out couch, pull out chair, and pull out ottoman, so plenty of room for the girls. Plus, these are pricing out cheaper than AoA. The pools are great and the food court is decent, too.

My family loves this option when we go to WDW on a tight budget.

OP--I want to ask, how big a deal is a pool to your family? While you can get suites at a couple of the value resorts, you won't get as nice of a pool area as you will at a moderate resort. If your kids would like to have a pool slide, and you and your hubby might want to use a hot tub, you have to stay at a moderate or deluxe resort. Slides and hot tubs are both part of the upgrade.

 

[davedmaine]

In late Jan, you may be looking at big room discounts - I think that would make a lot more sense than FD for your family. With that kind of discount, don't be afraid to price out deluxe (you may be surprised) at the cost..

 

[AveryandLilysmom]

We are here at WDW right now, stayed our first three nights at Art of Animation. We are now staying at a studio villa at OKW (we rented points). I can tell you hands down that if you want space without paying a fortune, and the most "kid" themed choice on WDW site, it is now Art of Animation. I have not stayed at the Beach Club yet, which has the amazing pool for kids, but that is because it is alot more expensive. Our girls loved it and we only stayed in a standard little mermaid room.

Unless you are renting points a suite is very cost prohibitive, and unless discounting has changed in recent years, the special offers don't apply to suites (only villas and still way too expensive). My parents are staying next door to us at Port Orleans Riverside and I can assure you that with a family of 4, two adults and two little girls (5 and 3 and VERY petite), we personally would be just comfortable enough there as we were in the little mermaid rooms. A family of 5 will likely feel too cramped, though it is a beautiful resort. Since the deluxe resorts with any decent amount of space to them push over $300 a night even with discounts not sure you want that route either.

Art of Animation suites, without a discount, are reasonable at $225+ a night for what you get and brand new. That would be my vote, but hopefully you will be able to figure out what works best for your family and your needs! Enjoy the planning, don't stress, it is Disney!

 

[AveryandLilysmom]

Oh, and one more thing, Pop Century does not have space to sit outside. We stayed there years ago and our friends just stayed there up until yesterday-still no private space to sit outside (no chairs, no table, no "space" for just your room).