Which resort for a large family?

[Dragonfly_34]

We're planning to go to WDW in 2 years. At that time we'll have a 17 year old, a 5 year old and two 3 year olds. I was talking to my mom yesterday and she wants to come with us. We're still in the early planning stages but I'm wondering what the best resort would be. We'll need two rooms but I was thinking about letting my oldest son bring a friend. He'll be bored to tears if he has to spend all day with his little brothers and sister, but I also don't want him to be by himself the whole time. If he brings his cousin (they are a year apart), they could sleep in my mom's room - I have a feeling my three younger kids will want to sleep my room. If he brings a non-family member, they'll probably need a room of their own.

From what I can see, The Cabins at Fort Wilderness would be an option, along with one of the Deluxe Villas but I don't know if it'd be better to just get two rooms at a "regular" resort and just keep the door open between the rooms. DH really likes POFQ and Caribbean Beach....I liked POFQ but wasn't thrilled with CB, although I was 6 months pregnant with twins when we went so that might have played into it. I'd be fine with going back to POFQ but DH wants to stay somewhere new.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

 

[tgeorge0207]

Have you looked into the AOA (Art of Animation) Hotel. They have regular rooms along with family suits. They are really nicely themed for kids! Otherwise We like POR and POLY and we are a family of 5 so smaller but that is what we do!

 

[4HppyCamprs]

It depends on your vacation style. The value resorts Art of Animation and All Star Music have family suites. There is also the Wilderness Cabins or the option of two rooms. We are a family of 5 and my mom comes with so 6 and we stay at POR for now because DD is only 1 but when we are counted as 6 we will stay in two rooms at POR because my family just cannot stand the value resorts. Also the family suites and cabin are nearly as expensive as two moderate rooms.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

We prefer to stay at two rooms at a moderate, our favorite is CBR. With the cabins the thing that I really didn't like was only having one bathroom with 6 people. I haven't stayed at any of the values or AOA so I don't have an opinion there.

 

[auralia]

Personally I'd go rt before the twins turn 3 to save the 600$ ish in tickets and I'd probably do 2 rooms at A mod or rent dvc points.

 

[laceemouse]

Personally I'd go rt before the twins turn 3 to save the 600$ ish in tickets and I'd probably do 2 rooms at A mod or rent dvc points.

Yes! Once the twins turn 3 you will have to buy tickets for them, pay for their food (or dining plan) AND count both of them in the room count, so you will be a family of six.

We are a family of 6, and actually have 7 now with our son-in-law. When our 4 were younger we prefered 2 rooms at a value or moderate so we would have 2 bathrooms. The DVC units are awesome, like an apartment, but will definitely cost more money. We have done the cabins, they are fun but only one bathroom was not ideal for us. This next trip we will be in a suite at Art of Animation!!!

I would try to go when it is free dining or at least a good room discount if I were you

 

[laceemouse]

Oh, with Grandma and a friend for your son, yes, you would need 2 rooms. Value or moderate really depends on your budget.
I would say NO to the cabins because there is only one bathroom and no privacy and you will have more than 6 people anyway.

You really, really need free dining with all those mouths to feed.

 

[justhat]

We are a family of 5 and we stayed at AoA this summer and LOVED it. We usually stay in a deluxe or moderate, but my son was dying to try AoA so we did. Loved the space, the 2 full bathrooms, mini kitchen, table, couch, bedroom with door, etc. Perfect setup. We took the real bedroom and the kids alternated between the pullout couch and fold down bed (cause the fold down had Nemo behind it).

If you do go before your twins turn 3, not only will you save a ton, but likely a better chance you can get them in pack n plays and free up space.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

OP, have you talked to your mom about her sharing a room with kids? I would think after spending all day with them, she would probably appreciate a quiet room to return to. My parents love my kids but when spending vacation time together, 24/7 is just a bit too much.
Unless that's something she really wants, I would suggest getting 2 rooms for your family and let Grandmom have some peace.