Best Moderate Hotel for a Large Family

[birdie1215]

Hello Friends!

I hope everyone is enjoying the last licks of summer! I'm new to Dis Boards and looking for some advice! My family (7 adults, 2 children-6 & 4) will be traveling to WDW in April of 2022. Although I would like to consider myself a seasoned veteran I haven't planned a trip for this large a group before. I'm trying to get your thoughts on the best hotel in the Moderate category. Right now I'm looking seriously into POR which I absolutely love---I've never stayed at POFQ but always hear great things! We would love to stay in a Deluxe but the price jump from Moderate to Deluxe with 9 people is completely insane for only 4 nights. I've looked into buying DVC points for a Grand Villa but unfortunately the sites I've checked have a no refund policy which is totally understandable. Mind you, my niece and nephew have never been to Disney before so I want to make sure this is the best trip ever! I know the Moderate resorts tend to be larger so any recommendations on where to stay within a property would be fantastic (near bus stops, lobby, etc.) I appreciate any and all suggestions! Thanks everyone!

 

[Wedgeout]

With the larger family trip, I would be looking as well at the family suites at Art Of Animation. Wonderful remodel with the Murphy bed addition. Fun theming. Plus the Skyliner option for HS & EPCOT along with the dining options at Caribbean Beach and Riviera is great!

 

[NicoleLarson]

POFQ is great. I would highly recommend that. The pool slide isn't the best of the moderates but they have a great splash pad that I'm sure the kids will enjoy. It's much smaller and more compact but still has a lot of charm. You may also want to look into the Swan/Dolphin resorts. Easy walk to EP and HS, great pool and playground for the kids, lots of dining options. You will need to call the swan and dolphin (not marriot) but they have family suites available that might work for your group. Great thing with those is that you are essentially getting 2 hotel rooms but only pay 1 resort fee, be sure to ask for any discounts that might apply to your group (AAA, senior, military, government, teacher, nurse)

 

[Brett Wyman]

<cough>Bonnet Creek<cough>

 

[Sandiz08]

The only thing about art of animation is that it sleeps 6, not 7. So you’d have to get two suites. Might as well go deluxe at that point. All star music sleeps 6 as well, but it’s not a moderate either.

 

[unrequited23]

What is the family makeup? I see you mention the kids are your niece and nephew. How many 'little families' (family members who all live in the same house) are coming? I would suggest each little family have their own room at the same resort. This might mean 3-4 value rooms are what is in your budget. A little space away from your whole extended family and a bathroom can really mean a lot on a vacation.

I would choose POFQ in a heartbeat if there was no awkward room sharing.

 

[Calee]

With 9 you are going to have to do 3 rooms if you do POFQ. You could do 2 at CBR or PORS. That just based on numbers, not necessarily comfort level of course. Have you compared the price of 3 POFQ rooms to other suites and options?

 

[birdie1215]

With the larger family trip, I would be looking as well at the family suites at Art Of Animation. Wonderful remodel with the Murphy bed addition. Fun theming. Plus the Skyliner option for HS & EPCOT along with the dining options at Caribbean Beach and Riviera is great!

Thank you for the recommendation and reply!

 

[birdie1215]

POFQ is great. I would highly recommend that. The pool slide isn't the best of the moderates but they have a great splash pad that I'm sure the kids will enjoy. It's much smaller and more compact but still has a lot of charm. You may also want to look into the Swan/Dolphin resorts. Easy walk to EP and HS, great pool and playground for the kids, lots of dining options. You will need to call the swan and dolphin (not marriot) but they have family suites available that might work for your group. Great thing with those is that you are essentially getting 2 hotel rooms but only pay 1 resort fee, be sure to ask for any discounts that might apply to your group (AAA, senior, military, government, teacher, nurse)

Thank you!! I'll take a look into the Swan and Dolphin!

 

[birdie1215]

<cough>Bonnet Creek<cough>

I hear such great things about Bonnett Creek! I think we're gonna stay on property since it's my niece and nephew's first time but maybe the next one!

 

[sponica]

I feel like it might help to know the breakdown of the group. I'm a fan of each family unit having their own room....for reasons. But you also need an inventory of how many beds/bathrooms you want.

 

[HMANSION LOVER]

If the pockets can afford I suggest 2 AOA family suites. 5 in one suite and 4 in the other. Point being you will wind up with 4 full baths for all 9 to get ready. That will save a whole lot of time getting ready to depart in the AM

 

[birdie1215]

What is the family makeup? I see you mention the kids are your niece and nephew. How many 'little families' (family members who all live in the same house) are coming? I would suggest each little family have their own room at the same resort. This might mean 3-4 value rooms are what is in your budget. A little space away from your whole extended family and a bathroom can really mean a lot on a vacation.

I would choose POFQ in a heartbeat if there was no awkward room sharing.

I'm so curious about French Quarter! It'll be my parents & sister/me & my husband/nice nephew & parents

 

[birdie1215]

I feel like it might help to know the breakdown of the group. I'm a fan of each family unit having their own room....for reasons. But you also need an inventory of how many beds/bathrooms you want.

It'll be my parents & sister/me & my husband/nice nephew & parents so 3 rooms total--definitely not opposed to having our own space!

 

[menotyou21]

This is definitely an interesting group makeup....so it sounds like you'd need 3 queen beds at a minimum, plus 3 individual sleeping spots. Some have mentioned the extra space a larger suite or 3rd room would bring....which could be exactly what you need. On the other hand, you could "get away with" 2 rooms at a deluxe resort that sleeps 5 or possibly the 5th sleeper room at POFQ? I've done connecting rooms (2) at Poly for 9 people and it worked perfectly for our group. Swan/Dolphin 3 rooms is definitely a good suggestion as well. Of course this all depends on what your group needs and is willing to spend on sleeping accommodations. Estimates for comparison: 3 standard view rooms at POFQ in April 2022 are running $4,700 for 4nts. 2 rooms at CR-GW are $6,200.

 

[badiggio]

rent points for dvc and look into the 2 bedroom units that sleep 9.Some great deals available renting on the boards,make it affordable to stay on site.Staying only 4 nights shouldn't be bad at all and if it's during the week instead of weekend,better yet

 

[Marthasor]

I highly recommend the 2-bedroom suites at Swan/Dolphin. We've booked them a few times and they typically price out around the cost of 1 standard room at a deluxe, monorail resort. The suites typically have 2 beds in one room, a king in another and a pull-out sofa in the living room plus 3 full bathrooms. They are deluxe resorts in the EP area and offer boat/walking/Skyliner access to DHS and walking/boat access to EP. They have a nice pool complex and some of the best restaurants on-property IMHO.

 

[starry_solo]

I highly recommend the 2-bedroom suites at Swan/Dolphin. We've booked them a few times and they typically price out around the cost of 1 standard room at a deluxe, monorail resort. The suites typically have 2 beds in one room, a king in another and a pull-out sofa in the living room plus 3 full bathrooms. They are deluxe resorts in the EP area and offer boat/walking/Skyliner access to DHS and walking/boat access to EP. They have a nice pool complex and some of the best restaurants on-property IMHO.

I agree with this option. Since you're going in 2022, there won't be the "free" magical express.

You're close to three deluxe resorts (Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk) too.

 

[sponica]

It'll be my parents & sister/me & my husband/nice nephew & parents so 3 rooms total--definitely not opposed to having our own space!

Your absolute first step. SEE WHAT'S AVAILABLE IN APRIL 2022. Depending on the week, the pickings might be slim. For reference, I booked my Polynesian stay for April 2022 in March 2021. When I went to check availability for my mom, the Polynesian was sold out.

From there, figure out your needs/wants from a resort and your budget. There's no such thing as a bad resort, it's just that some resorts are better at meeting our needs/wants than others.

Since you're there for such a short time, I'd actually be inclined to stay value if you're going to be focused on the parks. If you're still set on a moderate, I'd probably go with POR or POFQ because they are pretty equidistant from everything by bus. Slightly closer to Epcot.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I know your against renting DVC points but IMO that’s really the best option for your group. You want deluxe accommodations but at moderate prices and you want somewhere where 9 people can be together? They fit the bill. You could do 2 studios (if available) or a 2 bedroom.