5 people in value resort/April 03 question

[Lezah]

We are going on a 1 week cruise (not Disney) departing on April 5/03 and are going to stay in
Florida for 1 more week to take advantage of our PAP which don't expire til August/03. My parents are staying with us and we are renting 1 car/van for all of us. Up until last year we've always stayed offsite, but last month we stayed 13 days in ASMu and loved it. We were thinking that with only one car and the fact that Mom and Dad don't want to spend every waking moment at WDW, staying onsite would work out the best because we could rely on the buses. Except now I've found out that value resorts don't fit 5 people even if one is only an 8 year old. There is more than enough room in the rooms for a rollaway over by the window! But apparently they don't have them available. What about making our DS a bed with extra bedding on the floor by the window. We've done it before when driving down to FL and it worked out fine. He thinks it's like camping. It seems stupid to pay for a moderate or even 2 rooms when we want to do it as cheaply as possible and we'll only be sleeping in the rooms anyway. Anyone have any ideas? Also I've found out that it will be very busy during the second week of April. Anyone have any recommendations about this? Also if we have to stay offsite, any good recommendations with transport to WDW? Sorry for the length of this post but I'm starting to panic that we made a bad decision to go after the cruise. We don't have to pay any extra for the extra week, and our passes are already paid for and since we only have to pay for the accommodation and car rental and that we're splitting with my folks it seemed like a great idea at the time. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

While it does sound like you have a good plan, the maximum room occupancy still stands at 4. This was set in the fire code by Osceola County when the All-Star opened. You can be evicted from the resort by having more people in the room than what it's occupancy limits. But, it's a personal thing whether or not to take the chance (and, lose the money for the room if evicted).

 

[threeboysmom]

I know your dilemna! We're a family of 5 also. But unfortunately, Disney's policy is strictly 4 in a room for the All Stars - no getting around it (unless you want to be dishonest). Port Orleans Riverside is the only moderate that will sleep 5 - maybe you will get lucky & get a discount code for your time frame for around $90/night. But the other thing you'll need to consider is the extra adults. I believe it's 2 adults per room - extra adults are an additional $25 a night (I think!!!). Someone else here may be able to know that for sure. Sorry - it's hard to do Disney on a budget with a family of 5. Offisite will probably be the best option for you (especially since it's 4 adults).

Can't help you in your offsite decision. We normally stay at Sheraton Vistana Resort, but it is somewhat pricey if you are trying to stay on a budget.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

threeboysmom, the deluxe resorts charge the additional $25 per night per adult over two adults. I think moderates charge $15 and values charge $10. Which brings up a good point, to do what the OP would like, they'd still have to pay an additonal $20 in extra adult charges in addition to the price of their room.

 

[susy]

You are going during peak season and will pay plenty for a room- even if there are discounts. I would just go home after the cruise- you will be beat and just take another vacation in summer before the passes expire.

 

[Joan S.]

Lezah, How about Port Orleans? I know that there are some rooms that sleep 5. We used one when my youngest was about 5or 6. The 5th sleeper is a trundel bed, so it is good for a smaller child. If you feel your child would be comfortable with this give CRO a call. But I am pretty sure that these rooms are only in the section called Alligator bayou.(If this is what they still call it now!)When we stayed the two resorts were still seperate. Good Luck! Joan

 

[Joan S.]

Lezah, I thought of another option if you are eligible for a discount at the Dolphin(WE are a family of 5 and have stayed there-it was wonderful!). They have Entertainment book rates,teacher, nurses,and Military Discounts . If you can get a discount this may be a good choice also! Joan

 

[onceuponadream]

Do 5 people fit in a room at Dolphin/Swan?? I thought the limit was 4...would love to know if it's 5!

 

[eeyore0062]

Lezah... believe me when I tell you, you wouldn't want to have 5 people in those tiny rooms, with only one toilet, one sink, and one shower! You really need to rethink this, and perhaps get a second, connecting room! For everyone's sanity, and comfort, as well as abiding by the fire codes...!!!