2 adults 3 children & a baby, where to stay?

[mamalovesdis]

I am currently trying to plan our 2nd disney trip. Our first trip was in April 2011 with our 3 children and we stayed at POP. Disney magic happened on that trip apparently and we now have a #4!

So, from our previous experience, Pop was really cramped for us. We spent like no time at the resort though, never even swam at the pools, because we planned a park each day for 5 days and had the DlxDP. It was busy. This time I would like to extend our stay and take things slooooooower. We also rented a car last time, but will not be renting this time, so relying soley on disney transport. I didnt really like how far away Pop was from everything and after being at a park all day, I was SO jealous and dreaming of the monorail resorts.

We'd like to go in August or September, depending on what deals come out for the rest of the year. I may tentatively book something now, we do have a PIN for the dates of 8/11-9/27 up to 35% off resort only. Might be the best deal we get.

Our children will be ages 13,9,4 and 1. My 1st thought was to stay at a monorail resort for convenience, having small children and a stroller in tow. I like the Poly or CR. I am in sticker shock though, going from value to dlx is quite the difference! Im also worried about room size. The rooms look like the same set-up as the Pop value rooms but maybe more sq footage. The AoA rooms look really nice, but the price is almost as much as dlx and again, no monorail. Ive also looked at BC/YC. No monorail there, but closer to Epcot & HS. Ive tried pricing out WL but for some reason it wont let me. We exceed the max persons I guess? Then there's POR which is DIRT cheap (why is it so cheap?) but would be cramped again. Ive also debated splitting our stay 1/2 POR and 1/2 DLX so we could afford a longer/cheaper stay. Looking at 7 nights, would love to make it 8 or 9.

So what would you suggest? Do we need a villa? Isnt that even more than a dlx standard room resort? Or should we go for POR or even maybe ASM or AoA? Im so confused. And if we go deluxe, which one? Poly, CR or BC/YC? I dont see too much talk about the CR? Do people not like it?

Sorry this is long!!! I appreciate all your help

 

[maxiesmom]

If you can get a good discount, go with the Poly or the Contemporary. Being on the monorail is the best thing with small kids. And both are just great resorts. From the Contemporary you can walk to the Magic Kingdom. And from the Poly you have a great view of the fireworks.

If money is a concern, go with an All Star Family Suite. You get a bedroom with a queen sized bed for the adults, 3 fold outs for the kids ( I slept on one and found it very comfy) and 2 bathrooms. Plenty of space for everyone to be happy.

 

[Carrie772]

If you can get a good discount, go with the Poly or the Contemporary. Being on the monorail is the best thing with small kids. And both are just great resorts. From the Contemporary you can walk to the Magic Kingdom. And from the Poly you have a great view of the fireworks.

If money is a concern, go with an All Star Family Suite. You get a bedroom with a queen sized bed for the adults, 3 fold outs for the kids ( I slept on one and found it very comfy) and 2 bathrooms. Plenty of space for everyone to be happy.

I agree with this. A family suite would be really good. You would have your room with the baby and the other kiddies can have the den.

POR is actually pretty nice too. I loved the food court since there is a lot of room there and kids going back and forth for refills and more ketchup dont really bother anyone when it's like that. Plus, POR now has queen sized bed in the rooms! Big plus for kids sleeping together.

The room only discount right now is realy good as far as booking the Poly. It is saving us a bunch!

So you do have options. Just check out the pictures and the FAQ threads. They are really helpful.

Good Luck!

 

[GaBelle]

We've stayed at Poly (2010) and GF (2011). The convenience is worth every penny, especially with kids. And there is a good bit of wiggle room; that was a concern of my DH and he was pleasantly surprised.

 

[ccgirl]

I am currently trying to plan our 2nd disney trip. Our first trip was in April 2011 with our 3 children and we stayed at POP. Disney magic happened on that trip apparently and we now have a #4!

So, from our previous experience, Pop was really cramped for us. We spent like no time at the resort though, never even swam at the pools, because we planned a park each day for 5 days and had the DlxDP. It was busy. This time I would like to extend our stay and take things slooooooower. We also rented a car last time, but will not be renting this time, so relying soley on disney transport. I didnt really like how far away Pop was from everything and after being at a park all day, I was SO jealous and dreaming of the monorail resorts.

We'd like to go in August or September, depending on what deals come out for the rest of the year. I may tentatively book something now, we do have a PIN for the dates of 8/11-9/27 up to 35% off resort only. Might be the best deal we get.

Our children will be ages 13,9,4 and 1. My 1st thought was to stay at a monorail resort for convenience, having small children and a stroller in tow. I like the Poly or CR. I am in sticker shock though, going from value to dlx is quite the difference! Im also worried about room size. The rooms look like the same set-up as the Pop value rooms but maybe more sq footage. The AoA rooms look really nice, but the price is almost as much as dlx and again, no monorail. Ive also looked at BC/YC. No monorail there, but closer to Epcot & HS. Ive tried pricing out WL but for some reason it wont let me. We exceed the max persons I guess? Then there's POR which is DIRT cheap (why is it so cheap?) but would be cramped again. Ive also debated splitting our stay 1/2 POR and 1/2 DLX so we could afford a longer/cheaper stay. Looking at 7 nights, would love to make it 8 or 9.

So what would you suggest? Do we need a villa? Isnt that even more than a dlx standard room resort? Or should we go for POR or even maybe ASM or AoA? Im so confused. And if we go deluxe, which one? Poly, CR or BC/YC? I dont see too much talk about the CR? Do people not like it?

Sorry this is long!!! I appreciate all your help

Personally, for me, I could never stay in a hotel room with that many people. Heck, I don't like doing it with my DH, DD10 and DS5. We rented points last time to stay at AKV and LOVED it. We usually stay in a 2BR timeshare so all sharing one room is not our idea of vacation. In addition, all those people sharing one bathroom would be a nightmare in my family. Not sure of the capacity but what about the cabins at WVL?

 

[Megsie1000]

Since you won't be able to do a one-room monorail resort again once your baby is over 3 (and 2 deluxe rooms OMG the cost), I would splurge and go monorail for this trip. I think you would probably be happy at the Polynesian. The rooms are fairly big. You could get a patio room for a little extra space for the kids to play outside. You would be close enough that one of you could take the baby & younger ones back for a nap and the older ones could stay at the park with the other adult. Since it seems you like to eat sit-down (you did deluxe dining before?) you would have lots of restaurant options close by and convenient on the monorail.

Once your youngest is not a baby any more you'll have to do a suite or two rooms anyway, so if you think you can swing it, I say do a monorail resort!

 

[HM]

I agree with the previous poster that suggested that for this trip you stay at the Poly or CR because once your last child is 3, you'll no longer have that option. Those are some of the largest rooms on property and I think you'll find it's enough space for this trip.

 

[mericletwins]

Since you won't be able to do a one-room monorail resort again once your baby is over 3 (and 2 deluxe rooms OMG the cost), I would splurge and go monorail for this trip. I think you would probably be happy at the Polynesian. The rooms are fairly big. You could get a patio room for a little extra space for the kids to play outside. You would be close enough that one of you could take the baby & younger ones back for a nap and the older ones could stay at the park with the other adult. Since it seems you like to eat sit-down (you did deluxe dining before?) you would have lots of restaurant options close by and convenient on the monorail.

Once your youngest is not a baby any more you'll have to do a suite or two rooms anyway, so if you think you can swing it, I say do a monorail resort!

I saw the dates you were looking at and you should email Magical Vacations Travel. I just booked a great deal for the last week I August (some kind of Labor Day deal). For this deal it was cheaper for me to stay at the BC CL than to get a standard BC room with the 30% code I just got in the mail. Crazy, right?

I think the offer is only for BC/YC and GF, but I could be wrong. Also, they only have a limited amount of rooms, so if this s something you are interested in, you should jump on it.

 

[ginadv]

FWIW, we LOVE the cabins at Fort Wilderness. Very spacious, full kitchen, separate bedroom with double bed and bunk beds, room for a pack and play for the baby and a comfy, pull down murphy bed in the living room for you and DH.

I do recommend renting a golf cart to get around as the resort is huge and the internal buses add that extra pain in the neck, but the cart is so much fun. We've bungeed a double stroller to the roof of the cart and also squeezed a single into the back with two kids.

Anyway, we all absolutely love it there--especially the boat to the Magic Kingdom. And we've had very good experiences with the buses to the other parks.

 

[quandrea]

I would definitely look into renting DVC points. You will be able to stay in a one or two bedroom villa for much less than the cost of one deluxe hotel room. You could even snag Bay Lake Tower and be able to walk to the MK. Check out the DVC rent/trade board.

 

[Sunnywho]

I would consider offsite and renting a car. More space for less $.

 

[mamalovesdis]

I saw the dates you were looking at and you should email Magical Vacations Travel. I just booked a great deal for the last week I August (some kind of Labor Day deal). For this deal it was cheaper for me to stay at the BC CL than to get a standard BC room with the 30% code I just got in the mail. Crazy, right?

I think the offer is only for BC/YC and GF, but I could be wrong. Also, they only have a limited amount of rooms, so if this s something you are interested in, you should jump on it.

emailing them, ty!

I agree with the previous poster that suggested that for this trip you stay at the Poly or CR because once your last child is 3, you'll no longer have that option. Those are some of the largest rooms on property and I think you'll find it's enough space for this trip.

Never thought of it that way, good point!

FWIW, we LOVE the cabins at Fort Wilderness. Very spacious, full kitchen, separate bedroom with double bed and bunk beds, room for a pack and play for the baby and a comfy, pull down murphy bed in the living room for you and DH.

I do recommend renting a golf cart to get around as the resort is huge and the internal buses add that extra pain in the neck, but the cart is so much fun. We've bungeed a double stroller to the roof of the cart and also squeezed a single into the back with two kids.

Anyway, we all absolutely love it there--especially the boat to the Magic Kingdom. And we've had very good experiences with the buses to the other parks.

We've stayed in a lot of cabins around where we live and I dont think its the feel we are going for at Disney. Great suggestion though! I wish there were more options for larger familes on a budget at the world.

I would definitely look into renting DVC points. You will be able to stay in a one or two bedroom villa for much less than the cost of one deluxe hotel room. You could even snag Bay Lake Tower and be able to walk to the MK. Check out the DVC rent/trade board.

I just checked into renting DVC points and it looks like they run about $12/pt. BLT in September is 194 for 7 nights, so about $2300, plus 7 day park tickets would be $1500, so thats about $3800 for 7 nights.

Ive been pricing out a lot of different scenarios and it looks like we could do a split stay and get CR for 5 nights and POR for 4 nights total with 7 day park tickets: $3500. Or with Poly/POR $3650 or BC/POR $3400. Is this a good deal? Can you use the same PIN for a split stay I hope?

I was looking again at POR and it's 60 sq ft more than the POP rooms were. I think we could at least handle it for a few days if it means we get to stay at Disney longer .

Which resort is better: CR, Poly or BC?

 

[Megsie1000]

For your crew I would choose a monorail resort. BC is nice but getting to the MK can be a bit of a chore plus the rooms are not as big.

Poly has the biggest room. I think your kids would love it. CR is nice, too, and you can walk to MK but my experience with that is that I didn't want to do that at the end of the day or in the heat. So not as much of a benefit as I thought it would be. That was years ago, though.

 

[twinboysmom]

Did you price out the garden wing rooms in the CR? They are quite a bit less $$$ than the tower and maybe a whole 5 minutes more of a walk. We love the CR. Your family can walk to the MK. So much quicker than the monorail.

Just wondering, did you price a studio or 1 bedroom unit at BLT? Your family size would require a 1 bedroom and most likely, a lakeview or magic kingdom view. The standard view rooms are usually booked by DVC members right st the 11 month window. It's a great option for your family. More space, a washer and dryer, full kitchen, and 2 full bathrooms (with a jacuzzi in the master).

Personally, I think a legal 6 is too tight at POR so I would stay at the CR, BLT, poly or GF, or a family suite at AoA or music.

 

[ElizabethB]

Stay at the Contemporary. Get one garden wing room with parking lot view. You will love the convenience to MK.

 

[LindaBabe]

with your crew, I would *not* do a split stay. I agree with ElizabethB

 

[mamalovesdis]

For your crew I would choose a monorail resort. BC is nice but getting to the MK can be a bit of a chore plus the rooms are not as big.

Poly has the biggest room. I think your kids would love it. CR is nice, too, and you can walk to MK but my experience with that is that I didn't want to do that at the end of the day or in the heat. So not as much of a benefit as I thought it would be. That was years ago, though.

This is what my dh said. He cant imagine we would want to walk there.

Did you price out the garden wing rooms in the CR? They are quite a bit less $$$ than the tower and maybe a whole 5 minutes more of a walk. We love the CR. Your family can walk to the MK. So much quicker than the monorail.

Just wondering, did you price a studio or 1 bedroom unit at BLT? Your family size would require a 1 bedroom and most likely, a lakeview or magic kingdom view. The standard view rooms are usually booked by DVC members right st the 11 month window. It's a great option for your family. More space, a washer and dryer, full kitchen, and 2 full bathrooms (with a jacuzzi in the master).

Personally, I think a legal 6 is too tight at POR so I would stay at the CR, BLT, poly or GF, or a family suite at AoA or music.

I was pricing out the cheapest option, no fancy views at CR. And the BLT, a 1 bedroom no view.

I know POR will be tight. Im not that crazy about the AB rooms either. I need to find a money tree between now and 45 days prior to arrival so we dont have to do a split stay. Maybe I should book both ways and cancel one 45 days out.

Stay at the Contemporary. Get one garden wing room with parking lot view. You will love the convenience to MK.

with your crew, I would *not* do a split stay. I agree with ElizabethB

I really do hate doing a split stay, but Im willing to sacrafice in order to stay longer. Plus, we have only done value and Im curious what Mod is like.

I think I like Poly best, looking at photos and reading reviews. And I like that the rooms are all being redone before we get there (as long as it stays on schedule). BC seems to have some pretty great reviews as well, but man I think I would miss that monorail. Nice that its close to Epcot & HS, but I think we will spend more time at MK. Its the park I like the best since it has something for everyone and my kids ages are spread pretty far apart from 13-1.

 

[mericletwins]

Which resort is better: CR, Poly or BC?

It depends on your family and what appeals to you as far as themes. We have stayed at all three and liked all three, but the BC wins out over the other two in our opinion. The convenience of getting to two parks surpasses the convenience of getting to one. Plus, we are pool people, so the pool plays a large part in our vacation. The Poly pool always was crowded ( and we were there in the middle of January. ) The CR pool was kind of plain and boring, but I think they have upgraded it a bit. We also like all the "extras" around the Beach Club and Boardwalk area. Movies on the beach, surrey bikes, hair wraps, entertainers on the boardwalk in the evening, etc

 

[tink_n_pooh]

Will you be spending the most time at MK? If so the monorail resorts are great. Transportation to the other parks is not fabulous since the buses are shared between at least 2 MK area resorts and the MK is far from everything else.

We really like the boardwalk area resorts since we can walk (very easy walk) to Epcot or DHS (a little longer but still easy) or take the boat. Buses from these resorts to MK, AK, and DTD are shared so that isn't that much fun.

I also suggest renting points from a DVC member (less expensive to do it through the DIS boards than to go with an outside company in my personal experience). The convenience of a full kitchen, washer/dryer, living room space, and just overall more space is worth it. You can also get a better deal at the boardwalk or beach club DVC resorts than you would get at BLT plus the boardwalk area has plenty of extras and great pools for taking this trip a little more relaxed

 

[tink_n_pooh]

It depends on your family and what appeals to you as far as themes. We have stayed at all three and liked all three, but the BC wins out over the other two in our opinion. The convenience of getting to two parks surpasses the convenience of getting to one. Plus, we are pool people, so the pool plays a large part in our vacation. The Poly pool always was crowded ( and we were there in the middle of January. ) The CR pool was kind of plain and boring, but I think they have upgraded it a bit. We also like all the "extras" around the Beach Club and Boardwalk area. Movies on the beach, surrey bikes, hair wraps, entertainers on the boardwalk in the evening, etc

Agreed on all counts.