August 2015, 1st time staying onsite....

[snoopygirl79]

Hi all,

My family (2 x grandparents, 2 x 6 year old girls, 1 DH) and me (6 people in total) hope to go to WDW next year and stay onsite for a week. We've never stayed onsite before and DH and I haven't been to WDW since 2006. I'm just after some advice on the best hotel or area to stay in. We'd like to stay in at least a moderate and were thinking of Port Orleans. Is the transport good from there to the parks? Are the Deluxe resorts worth the extra money as we'd only use the rooms to sleep really? It's all just a minefield to me and I don't know what to do for the best!!

Any advice anyone can offer me will be much appreciated!!

SG

 

[chmurf]

My family (2 x grandparents, 2 x 6 year old girls, 1 DH) and me (6 people in total) hope to go to WDW next year and stay onsite for a week.

you will need 2 rooms or a villa at a deluxe resort.

We'd like to stay in at least a moderate and were thinking of Port Orleans.

very good choice, but as above, you'll need 2 seperate rooms/bookings. No unit at port orleans will accomodate all of you at the same time.

Is the transport good from there to the parks?

moderates are very spread out. transports will take the grand tour of the resort before heading for the parks. Factor in 10 to 15 minutes more, compared to a value or deluxe (except SSR/OKW which are also spread out)

But, no matter which hotel you choose, at the end of your stay, your transportation time will most likely be the same.
Some hotels are closer to some parks, but they are also farther away from other parks. In the end it doesn't really matter.
It's more a question of being "lucky" and not waiting for buses. But for the transportation time (e.g. time actually spent on buses) it's roughly the same for all resorts

Are the Deluxe resorts worth the extra money as we'd only use the rooms to sleep really?

TBH : no.

It's all just a minefield to me and I don't know what to do for the best!!

we're all waiting for next thursday when UK free dining deals (and we hope room discounts as well) will be released. That might help you decide.

 

[joolz1910]

Disney will release deals on Thursday which will include free Disney Dining plan at Deluxe resorts. This deal includes Old Key West, which has been discounted on top of the free dining. You could consider a 2 bed villa at OKW and request a lock-off so that the grandparents would have (in effect) their own unit attached to yours.

We loved OKW when we went and the free Dining is a huge bonus for a big family. You each get 1 refillable resort mug, one snack, one counter service meal and one table service meal for each day.

 

[Elise79]

You have 2 main choices: either 2 rooms at most resorts or a 2 bed villa at a DVC resort.

Personally, having travelled with family I would always opt for 2 rooms so you all have your own space.

Whether it is worth paying for a deluxe is personal again - we would as we like to spend some time there each day however we stay in a one bed at a DVC resort with only 2 adults & a six year old. If you are out all day and only sleep in the room then a value would be sufficient probably.

Before having DD we stayed at CSR and loved it as there was only the 2 of us in the room.

 

[scoobydooby]

POR would be an excellent choice. Great food court, lovely pool and in my experience good bus service. Or POFQ where the pool may be a bit better for younger children as it's easier not to lose sight of them there.

I love the deluxe resorts but wouldn't have had one if we were only sleeping at the unit and probably wouldn't have bothered with 6 year olds who are too young to appreciate the facilities you are effectively paying for (except perhaps for the monorail).

Don't forget if you get the free regular dining plan it's not really free as you need to tip 18% or more per meal. This will add up with 6 people. We are a family of four (Disney) adults and over a two week 'free' regular dining plan trip I budget £500 for tips, alcohol and add ins like occasional appetisers and the occasional breakfast and water.