3 generations--where would you stay?

[jamstew]

I'm planning to take my daughter, son & daughter-in-law and their children to Disney. The children will be 4-1/2, 5, and 6-1/2 when we go. We'll be going in early May, and I'm torn about where to stay. I can afford deluxe, but I'm not sure I can justify the expense. I've narrowed it down to the Polynesian, Beach Club Villas, Animal Kingdom Lodge (all deluxe obviously) and Port Orleans (moderate).

I love the idea of the Polynesian being so close to MK since I imagine that's where we'll spend the most amount of time. That said, two rooms there are more expensive than the Beach Club Villas. Ditto with Animal Kingdom Lodge. Obviously, Port Orleans is about 1/3 the cost of the others. I'm concerned about transportation between the parks and all resorts other than the Polynesian. I've read that bus service from BCV and POR/PORQ can be a pain.

I want the trip to be a joy for everyone!

HELP PLEASE!

Jamie

 

[Princess Roo]

If money were no object, I would definitely choose the Polynesian with the little ones...really can't beat the monorail. And beach club has the GREAT pool and walking distance to Epcot. I like AKL a lot, but don't think it's worth the price differential unless you LOVE animals.

For us, I guess we *could* afford the deluxe hotels, but we'd rather stay at a moderate and go more frequently or use that money for something else. Of the moderates, we really, really like POR. We were there last year with our toddler son and my parents and it just has amazing theming. I also stayed there as a teen and loved it then. The boat to Downtown Disney from there is really fun, too.

We didn't have any trouble with the bus transportation. The Port Orleans trip we took buses all the time. On our trips since then, we have used a mix of bus and our car, depending which park we are going to and if what time we're going. My feeling with the buses is that if you're going to spend a week at Disney riding buses, you're probably going to have at least one time where you have to wait what seems like an extremely long time. But, overall, I think the bus service is great, and often faster than driving!

I hope that helps a little!

 

[thunderbird1]

While I agree the Poly (or any other monorail resort) is much easier with small children, with the youngest being 4 1/2, I think they're old enough to do just fine with the POR transportation. I also think I'd choose the hotels over the villas to give everyone (the adults) a little space from each other. Having stayed at both Poly and PO(FQ), I also can't really justify the added expense for Poly, even when we can afford it. I'd prefer to take the extra $$ and put it towards an extra couple of days of vacation or something else that kicks the vacation up a notch, like the DDP, parkhopper upgrade or a special event, like the P&PP or Cirque du Soleil. Plus, if you stay at PO, you get the added bonus of 2 main pools with slides, fishing, and the boat to DTD.

Can you tell we like PO? Good luck deciding, and have fun!

 

[design_mom]

We've done a couple three generation trips -- and have stayed at BCVs and POR.

Our first was at BCV with my mom/dad, me, DH, DS(3 at the time), my sis, BIL and their DD (1 at the time). We had a 2BR villa. There was a double bed (queen?) and a fold-out chair-bed (single) in each bedroom. We divided up:
BR1: my mom and dad, my DS
BR2: my sis, BIL and niece
Fold-out couch in the living room: me and DH.

(My sis threw a fit about "needing" a bedroom, so we took the couch. I wouldn't do it again though because the couch was quite uncomfortable. If you choose BCV, don't let yourself end up with the couch! LOL!)

It was a lot of together time, but that worked for our family. It was really nice to have a common room where we could all hang out together. And although we didn't eat many meals in our room, it was still nice to have the kitchenette to toast bagels or make a snack.

You can walk to Epcot from BCV and there's a short boat ride to MGM. And the pool at BC is super-cool! The kids also loved having 24x7 "access" to Grandma and Grandpa.

We've stayed at POR lots of times. It's our favorite resort for the money. The rooms are nice, the food court's great. They have several pools so you can go to a "quiet pool" if you don't want the hub-bub of the main pool.

They have a limited number of adjoining rooms, but I don't believe they have any where three rooms adjoin. When we stayed there it was nice to have your own room, but we missed the central place to gather and plan out the day (one room is really too small for everyone) and a kitchenette would have been nice.

So...I guess some of your choice should depend on what you want. Are you the type of family who needs its own space? (If so, I suggest the individual rooms because BCVs was a lot of together time.) If the purpose of the trip is to spend time together and you all get along well, I think I preferred BCV for a group trip -- even though I would negotiate harder next time so I didn't end up on the couch!

p.s. I've never stayed at the Poly, but would love to. I just can't justify spending the big bucks though, even though we probably "afford it."

 

[pweyl36]

How about renting a house?

 

[MYDISNEYHOUSES]

I agree with the rental home idea for a party your size.

There are communities as close as some of Disneys hotels and with their own pool and spa.

And the price is much more reasonable for what you get.

 

[jamstew]

Thanks, designer mom, that was great information. We would only need two rooms (I'd share with my daughter and her little one), so if we decide on BCV nobody would have to sleep on the couch! I don't think we'd necessarily need adjoining rooms at Port Orleans, so long as we could get rooms close together.

 

[jamstew]

I know that renting a house would be the best and most economical way to go, but I really want to stay on-site, which I've never done. We'll be flying, and I don't want to have to rent a minivan and car seats to transport us around every day

 

[thunderbird1]

I know that renting a house would be the best and most economical way to go, but I really want to stay on-site, which I've never done. We'll be flying, and I don't want to have to rent a minivan and car seats to transport us around every day

Most economical, perhaps. Best, no way, especially with 3 generations. Aside from the obvious not having to rent a van, car seats, or having to drive/navigate for the entire vacation (which, IMHO, is priceless), being onsite and using Disney transportation gives you the freedom to split up when necessary (and it will be necessary). Youngest needs a nap? Someone can take him/her back to the room while the rest stay and play. Grandparents not night owls (or morning people)? Parents (with or without kids) can stay out late (or get up early) without having to impose on anyone else. Forcing everyone to come and go on the same schedule can be incredibly stressful. You're making the right choice by staying on site, whichever resort you choose.

 

[ashleypmo]

We loved POR on our last stay. Rented the surrey bikes (w/ the little kids up front in the basket--what a blast & it's our favorite vacation photo!), & went fishing on Ol' Man Island. The arcade is great (I believe it's the largest on Disney property I read), and the property is beautiful and serene . Plus, you can take a quick boat ride over to the POFQ and use their pool, too (the two properties are considered sister resorts, so you have pool-hopping priviledges between the two of them), which has a fun sea-serpent slide.

Funny, I've been trying to decide where to put our crew of 7 when we go in May 2008, but it seems like every time someone posts asking for opinions on POR, I'm right there saying how much I loved it. Hmmm....maybe that should tell me something!
ashleypmo

 

[homedad]

for whats is worth, we did a grand gathering with 4 generations in 2005 for ages 2 to 84. We used the WL, least expensive of deluxe(and AKL) , close to MK, and easy pool to keep tabs on kids. For your resort listed, Poly. Good Luck.

 

[PA Princess]

Since my mom has always accompanied us and the our 4 kids on all but one wdw trip, we always travel as 3 generations

We have stayed at several deluxe hotels...WL, Poly 2x, Contemp, and BC. We enjoyed them all and had lovely vacations. However, we have found over our last two trips (to CBR and POFQ) that we really prefer the mod level resorts.

In some ways for us the mods are even more relaxing because they are away from the parks. When at the MK resorts we would often look at the park and think, man we should get back over there LOL. Yes, the mods require a wee bit more travel time to parks, but we have really found that time to be negligble over all. We also really like the mod food courts and we like the lower price of the resorts. It means that we spend more freely for other vacations perks

We loved POFQ and we will be back there in September. We visited POR twice and we thought it was a great resorts also, so that would be my pick for your family. Have a great trip no matter the decision!

 

[blessedby3]

We did an extended family trip this past Dec. and our family of 13 stayed at the WL. We loved the WL. It was so convienent to the MK. We took the boat or bus and our kids loved it. The WL is so much more convienent than the AK. AK seems so far out to me. WL is still a deluxe, just cheaper. The monorail is a great perk and we have stayed at the CR and loved it, but if I were trying to save a few bucks I would stay at the WL in a heartbeat!!

 

[TravelinGal]

Since you said you don't want to do an off site home, I'd suggest the 2 bedroom villa. People need their space. I wouldn't want my mom and sister sharing a sleeping area with me and my husband!

I love the option of having the extra space. Adults can have a place to sit and chat/have a drink whatever while kids nap if you have the villa. (living room)

If you do 2 hotel rooms you may or may not be connecting. (it's a request, not a guarantee) So, if any kids are napping an adult might have to sit there, in the dark in the same room, with nothing to do (other than nap themselves).

 

[thunderbird1]

If you do 2 hotel rooms you may or may not be connecting. (it's a request, not a guarantee) So, if any kids are napping an adult might have to sit there, in the dark in the same room, with nothing to do (other than nap themselves).

You say that like it's a bad thing. I'm bummed that Spaceship: Earth is going to be closed during our trip not just because I like the ride, but because it's "mommy's nap ride." After an early morning, long day and big lunch, I just can't help myself.

Thanks, designer mom, that was great information. We would only need two rooms (I'd share with my daughter and her little one), so if we decide on BCV nobody would have to sleep on the couch! I don't think we'd necessarily need adjoining rooms at Port Orleans, so long as we could get rooms close together.

When we travel with 3 generations (not to WDW, but other destinations), we actually prefer not to have adjoining rooms. Everyone (in our family ) needs a little space now and then, but if the grandkids know grandma and grandpa are right through that secret door--no rest for anyone.

 

[TravelinGal]

Originally Posted by TravelinGal
If you do 2 hotel rooms you may or may not be connecting. (it's a request, not a guarantee) So, if any kids are napping an adult might have to sit there, in the dark in the same room, with nothing to do (other than nap themselves).

You say that like it's a bad thing. I'm bummed that Spaceship: Earth is going to be closed during our trip not just because I like the ride, but because it's "mommy's nap ride." After an early morning, long day and big lunch, I just can't help myself.

I guess it's NOT a bad thing. I'm just not a napper myself. I always feel more tired and groggy if I nap. Seem like I can't shake that fog for the rest of the day.

I agree - I love Spaceship Earth because it's a nice bit of COOL downtime while still being in the parks. We'll miss it this year as well.

 

[jamstew]

Since my mom has always accompanied us and the our 4 kids on all but one wdw trip, we always travel as 3 generations

We have stayed at several deluxe hotels...WL, Poly 2x, Contemp, and BC. We enjoyed them all and had lovely vacations. However, we have found over our last two trips (to CBR and POFQ) that we really prefer the mod level resorts.

In some ways for us the mods are even more relaxing because they are away from the parks. When at the MK resorts we would often look at the park and think, man we should get back over there LOL. Yes, the mods require a wee bit more travel time to parks, but we have really found that time to be negligble over all. We also really like the mod food courts and we like the lower price of the resorts. It means that we spend more freely for other vacations perks

We loved POFQ and we will be back there in September. We visited POR twice and we thought it was a great resorts also, so that would be my pick for your family. Have a great trip no matter the decision!

This makes a lot of sense to me. I really like the idea of the food courts and less expensive food generally. Someone mentioned that POR had very few adjoining rooms. Does anyone know if it's the same with POFQ? I hadn't really thought it through about nap/rest times, but that could be an issue. How far in advance can you actually make reservations, and would an earlier request for adjoining rooms be to your advantage?

 

[design_mom]

This makes a lot of sense to me. I really like the idea of the food courts and less expensive food generally. Someone mentioned that POR had very few adjoining rooms. Does anyone know if it's the same with POFQ? I hadn't really thought it through about nap/rest times, but that could be an issue. How far in advance can you actually make reservations, and would an earlier request for adjoining rooms be to your advantage?

I'm the one who originally mentioned the limited number of adjoining rooms. I'm not sure if the adjoining rooms are assigned based on the date reserved, or what time you check in... but we've always gotten them when we've requested. (As someone said, Disney says they're not guaranteed -- and it's not like some hotels where every room is adjoined to another.)

We've requested adjoining rooms for our trip in December. (one with one bed and the other with two beds) I know we had to upgrade our "view" because they didn't have the combo we wanted as a Standard View room... but I'm crossing fingers that we get them!

 

[Gillian]

Don't the 2 BRs in BCV have a king in one room? will that work for you, your daugher & her child? or for your son & his family? If you have 7 people and do not want anyone sleeping in the living room, do you have enough beds? I know my kids like to sleep on the floor, but not all do. I think a room on either side of the living room is really nice, just not sure about the beds for you guys.

You might have trouble getting connecting rooms with a door between them, but I'd think rooms near by would be fine, since you've 4 adults. I believe they like to hold the connecting rooms for famlies with more kids than adults. And I wouldn't want my mother in law having a room that connected directly to one with me & my husband. just sayin'

The wilderness lodge is a nice option that's close to the MK. It has a fun pool for the little ones, and they love riding the boat to the park or to Fort Wilderness campground. I'm not sure about bus service. We have stayed at FW twice, and like to visit WL.

 

[JAM3]

I was surprised to see that not many people suggest AKL. I know that was one of you choices. Our Grand Gathering stayed there last year and loved it! The resort has a fantastic food court, much better than POR (FQ) in my opinion. We also found in convenient to have sit down restaraunts on site if we all wanted to have dinner together and not spend a lot of time traveling to another resort or park. All of the kids loved the resort too. There ages ranged from 16 years-4 months). They have activities you can participate in for viewing the animals for no additional charge (such as the night time goggles). The pool and kiddie pool are great as well. Prior to satying at AKL we were concerned that the bus ride was going to be long bc of its location but we had no problem with them. We waited a lot longer for the buses at our rescent trip to POR (FQ). Up to 45 minutes!

In any case, I hope you and your family have a great time!