change to POR?

[jerenaud]

Hello! I'm just looking for comments on my options here, as I've been waffling ever since we decided to go to Disney. We're going in the middle of December and have the free dining code (from before dining went public). We are 3 adults (Mum, Dad and Grandma) and 3 kids (6, 3, 9 months).

Initially we booked the cabins. Then figured that since we were doing the dining plan we didn't really need the kitchen, so we downgraded to ASMu family suites. The theming of the All Stars has never appealed to me, but I went for it based on thinking the kids might enjoy it and it was saving over $600.

Now, however, I'm considering POR, mainly because the themeing seems much more attractive to me. My mother in law is a big swimmer, so having more pools is nice.

I haven't been with kids, so I'm just guessing, but I'm thinking that we'll spend the mornings and early afternoons in the parks, then head 'home' in the afternoon. We may or may not go back out in the evening, and won't have park hoppers.

Now to my real question. Technically we can all stay in one room at POR. That option is actually a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than ASMu. I had never really considered one room - when we travel without my MIL we tend to look for junior suites or some sort of breakup of the room. To go to 2 rooms at POR would add about $500 (getting my MIL's room with the room discount then paying OOP for her meals but we would keep free dining - trust me, I've worked the numbers).

So... can 3 adults and 3 children survive a week in a single room at POR?

Thanks,

Erica

[mmeb144]

With the age group of kids that you have, I would go with 2 rooms at POR. The smaller they are (the kids), the more stuff you have to haul with you. ASMu suite would be cheaper than 2 rooms at POR. However, you could crunch the numbers for getting 2 rooms at ASMu.

We are contemplating a trip in December with 2 adults and 3 teens. My DD wants to get 2 rooms at POFQ. I'm not sure how we will swing the budget for 2 rooms. I'm toying with the idea of cramming us into 1 room at POR. It should be interesting in the morning with everyone trying to get ready.

Short answer, you will be crowded in one room at POR with 3 adults and 3 little people.

[cassie]

I can't imagine 3 adults plus 3 kids in one POR room. With one bathroom, it can be a big deal. Either the suites or two rooms makes more sense. I know it may cost more, but you seem to be expecting to be spending more time at the resort, so you need more than one room.

[lovethateeyore]

The rooms at POR are small. Also, when we were there last year it seemed like we were so far from the main building. I would request a room close to the dining hall as it was such a long walk just to go get something to drink.

[Rockmtn]

You can only legally have 5 in a POR room. You would need two rooms.

We are in the same boat, we almost booked a value for about $600 less. The value resorts look too much like motels for our taste and we really like POR.

[jerenaud]

Originally Posted by Rockmtn

You can only legally have 5 in a POR room. You would need two rooms.

We are in the same boat, we almost booked a value for about $600 less. The value resorts look too much like motels for our taste and we really like POR.

One of the 6 is under 3, so doesn't 'count'.

I appreciate all your comments, you basically confirmed what I'd figured. Incidentally, we don't travel with a lot of 'stuff' - we spent 10 days in hawaii with 2 suitcases and a carry on, but I do realize that that was only a piece of the argument being made.

We still haven't decided what to do - stick with the value or upgrade to 2 rooms at the moderate. I'm struggling to figure out if we'd get enough use out of the pools to justify the difference. If they could guarantee connecting rooms I'd be a lot more likely to do it.

Erica

[mmeb144]

Can't Disney guarantee connecting rooms with the ages of your children?

Can you share your packing tips? My kids are older and we still have at least one bag each for our Disney trips.

[disneymom06]

Having done what you are thinking, (we had four kids, one was under 3), I would NOT suggest one room at POR. And POR is my favorite resort. It was very tight and tough on my nerves and we had only 2 adults, I couldn't imagine 3.

I have done the cabin, kids loved it but not my cup of tea. While we now do two rooms at POP, and POR is still my favorite, for the money POP is the best value for us. WIth free dining, you really can't compare anything to the value that you get at POP.

If you don't mind spending the extra money, I would do two rooms at POR and put in for connecting rooms. Two rooms are really your best option.

PS We also pack very tight, two suitcases for the six of us for 8 days. I know where you are coming from, Good Luck!