2 rooms at an all-star or 1 at a nicer hotel?

[my4kids]

I'm brand new at this and actually my family doesn't really travel at all.
My husband and I decided to take our 4 kids on our first trip to disney for our 11th anniversary (I was expecting #4 on our 10th anniversary and could not travel) Traveling late Oct 05

Here is my big question - Is it better to book 2 rooms at a value resort or 1 at a moderate or deluxe resort considering the size of our family (my husband , myself, 3 kids and 1 baby in a crib)

I would love to stay at the Poly- but 1 room there looks like it is more expensive than 2 at a value. I was also considering 1 or 2 rooms at the Riverside. Any info at all on this would be appreciated!

Also any helpful info on getting a discounted rate at a nicer hotel for 1 room would be great! kid1 kid2 kid3 kid4

 

[magicmouse2]

Hi and welcome to the Dis. You will get lots more responses if you post this in the resorts forum! However I would go with 2 rooms at the value resort.

 

[my4kids]

See, I said I was new at this, somehow that resort forum went right past me.
I will go there, but thanks for your advice.

 

[ahappydisneymommy]

I would get 2 rooms at a value hotel also. That way you also have 2 bathrooms. Plus, the value hotels (I really like Pop or ASMo) are really cute and I think the themeing is the best for kids.

 

[byoung]

Go for the value. Check out the DVC when you are there.

 

[Debi]

Each has its pros and cons. As others have mentioned, having two bathrooms and extra space is a plus. But, you can't beat the convenience of the Poly to the MK; just a short boat ride or monorail ride away.

Happy planning!

 

[goofyinpa]

I have 4 kids (all teens now!) and when I go we always get 2 rooms at the All-Star resorts. We prefer the Music for the layout of the resort. The bus system is the best there is anywhere on Disney property. There is no long wait to get to any of the parks directly. No transferring like when you stay at a deluxe hotel. One time we took a bus from the contemporary and waited in line for an hour. It was terrible and never did that again. We will be staying in 2 rooms again this December when we go. 4 beds, 2 baths just cant be beat. So what if there is no hot tubs or dining rooms. When you have kids, a fun pool and a courtyard for eating is perfect! You wont regret it! Have a great time.,

 

[Unregistered]

Hi,

Have you never considered renting a luxury home when you visit Disney Florida? It's fantastic value for money when you consider what you get compared to a hotel room (or two)

Not sure if I am allowed to advertise here but we own a three bedroom home it's really good value for families and you get a whole house not just a room+bathroom. We are 10 mins from Disney, backing onto a lake Private pool, PS2, games room with billards, table tennis, fooseball fishing rods and bikes for guests use - a million times better than hotels rooms whether you are a large family or a couple.

Bye for now Julie.
Sorry had tried to add my website but unable to - it's 'sunshinelink' if that helps anyone.

 

[gibmom]

I'd recommend 2 rooms. I have a big family and it works out well to seperate the ones who get up early from those who sleep later!
Julie

 

[dizneekim]

Hi, my4kids-welcome! I love staying on property, but if budget is a consideration, think about finding a condo on Skyauction. We have done this twice and gotten a condo nearly as big as our house for a week for about the same as one night at the Poly. Two bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, living room... It really makes for better fmily dynamics to have some elbow room! We found that the drive from Vistana was comparable to staying on property. (Monorail hotels excepted.) Just food for thought! My new philosophy is to enjoy each trip and try something different next time if there's room for improvement. Have a great time planning-that's half the fun!

PS-I would suggest posting on both the resorts board and the Orlando area board. You may get very different responses on each one!

 

[canwegosoon]

I think the only place I might consider doing 1 room would be at FWcabins. Otherwise I would go for 2 rooms at a Value or Moderate. I believe you might have a chance at getting a discount, there's always AAA...check the codes board they will help you! By the way I love POR...But you have to remember what type of accomodations/services will you want to make it feel like your are on vacation. I know the houses/condos off site are cheaper, but if I have to work while I am on vacation...I personally hate it...I do it at our summer house, and WDW is the one place I feel I am on vacation.

 

[Third times a charm]

I second the Fort Wilderness cabin option!! Your whole family would love it.

 

[sid]

speaking from the DRC cast, it all depends on the age of the children. if you have young children (under the age of 10), then two value rooms would be the best way to go because of the more "children" themed resorts. now, if they're older, Port Orleans Resort Riverside would be the next best thing (in our moderates). if you're looking to stay within the moderates, then Coronado Springs would be the next thing, but you'd be paying for a suite (that being the case, then you might as well as stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge). myself personally, i promote Old Key West like no other. granted, it's more than two preferred location rooms during Holiday season, but you don't have the constraints of room sizes, available rooms nearby, etc. the best way to go is call us at the DRC at 407-WDISNEY (934-7639) and ask us for our opinion. in the end, the only opinion you can go with is your own. also, AAA does offer some material (albiet being outdated) on the resorts and grounds.

 

[toesmom]

my dd loves the all-star resorts, anywhere from 1yo up to 7yo... 2 adjoining rooms, great idea, lots of room.

I think the value resorts just scream disney everywhere. Happy anniversary.

 

[SJSJ4]

Look into the FW Cabins. You can't imaginge all the things there is to do there. You could spend a day out of the parks and just be busy doing so many fun and exciting things there. I would suggest renting an electric cart. We went in Jan 05 with 6 of us. Two adults and kids ages 22,20,19, and 17. Ther was plenty of room. Its also fun taking the boat to MK and the electric parade at night on the beach is great. Fireworks of MK in the backgound from the beach. Chip and Dale sing a long every night. Look into it. Its a great place and the food is TERRIFIC at the Trails End (b and dinner especially) Have a good trip.

 

[Boo'sMom]

If you factor in a AAA discount, the FW cabins will be within dollars of the same price as 2 value rooms~with the added bonus of a full kitchen.

 

[NUHuskies#1]

Welcome! You will find a LOT of great info here. I have three boys- 12, 8 and 15 months. We have traveled to WDW since the oldest was 3 and the baby has now been 3 times and has stayed at the All Stars, Port Orleans and Beach Club. I agree the two rooms at All Stars would be great for you. I think the pools and the dining options are better at the All Stars than Fort Wilderness. (IMHO) Unfortunately, my husband got sick of sleeping in the same room with them year after year so we bought DVC for the 1 bdrm this past year! Have a fabulous time and Happy Anniversary!