Best place to stay with 3 young kids

[lemondog]

Hi everyone. We have 3 kids, ages 3 and 7 months (twins). At first we thought we would wait until our kids were much older to do WDW (maybe 4 and 6). However, we are seeing more and more of the ++ cost benefits of taking them while the twins are still under 3 yrs of age. So we are thinking maybe when they are 2. At that age they can still sleep in their Pack n Plays, so we would have our choice of resorts (our other dilemna was finding a decently-priced room that would allow 5 people if we waited until they were older).

So which resorts would you recommend with 2 adults, 1 child and 2 pack n plays in one room? Obviously we want something with enough space to hold us, but at the same time we want to find something that isn't too terribly expensive. Any ideas? Thanks!

Angela

P.S. I know I'm starting this planning a little early but we are already saving now and I want to make sure we are fully prepared, especially with 2 toddlers and a preschooler in tow.

 

[kldmom2000]

Personally, I would look into the Ft. Wilderness cabins-they are economical in the sense that they sleep more than the standard hotel room and you have cooking facilities/refrigerator/etc... all important things with 7 month old twins! The added benefit of not being in one of the hotels is that it's your own cabin-so if the kids are being somewhat loud??? then you don't have to worry about the people in the next room complaining.... Good luck and have fun!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Brian Noble]

This will be an unpopular opinion, but even with two kids aged 4 and 6, it will be a while before I stay anywhere but offsite in at least a one-bedroom suite, and preferably a condo/pool home with a kitchen. The kids nap in the afternoon (while we read/watch tv/whatever) and go to bed earlier than we do. Given that, our family won't stay anywhere for more than a night or two in a single hotel room---it's just too inconvenient. Add in the fact that one can get a reasonable off-site suite or sometimes a small condo for $ comparable to or less than even the value resorts, and for me the decision is easy.

In fact, I was about to book a 2 or 3 bedroom condo from www.vrbo.com in Windsor Palms for our trip before my uncle graciously offered me a "family discount" on his vacation home in the area.

If I were going to stay on site, I'd either book two connecting rooms at a value (probably POP) or a FW cabin.

 

[alloyd1170]

The rooms at CR are pretty big. You're on the monorail loop and within a 10-15 minute walk from MK, plus you can see MK from some rooms. My son loves it (as do I) since he loves trains and the monorail coming through the building. Chef Mickeys is right there, theres a pool with a water slide and a playground. Its great for taking a mid day break. There are buses right outside the lobby that go to the other parks, DTD, etc. I dont think we waited more than 20 minutes if that for one. The shops in there are also pretty good. The only problem I have is that the arcade is right next to the cafe, so every time we ate there, my son would take off to the arcade. I couldnt eat as no food was allowed in there! Next time we feed him in the room before we go too!

alison

 

[DisneyPete]

Port Orleans Riverside, All Star Movies and Sports were big hits with my wee ones. The wife greatly preferred POR for the landscaping and because it was quieter. The kids liked having a slide at the pool but they also loved the oversized props at the All Stars.

 

[dijid]

There are definitely benefits to going while the kids are still young. Seeing that magic in their eyes is incredible.

I'd say where to stay depends on your budget and how you plan to be at the parks. If you're going to be at the parks all day, non-stop, then staying offsite might be the way to go. You certainly get more bang for your buck. If you plan to frequently return to your room, or will split up and have one parent go back for a nap with the twins, then onsite will probably be better.

If money were no object, I'd tell you to look into a two bedroom at one of the DVC properties. Old Key West is very relaxing and we found it easy for our kids to unwind after a day at the parks. You get a full kitchen and a jacuzzi tub for you. The one bedroom would probably work for your family, too.

The Fort Wilderness cabins would be my next recommendation. We loved it there. You get a separate bedroom and a full kitchen. A deck for the kids to play on and a very relaxing atmosphere. But - if you go this route - there is only room for one pack and play in the bedroom. The other would need to be in the living area, or you'll need to put one kid in bed with bedrails (provided free). We love these and the DVC properties (and offsite condos) because you can eat breakfast in your pjs, save money on meals, and put the kids to sleep in a separate room while you get alone time. Makes for the best family vacations at WDW IMO!

 

[gigi1313]

personally, i would stay at a value resort and get two rooms... especially if the young ones need a nap and the older (or mom and dad) don't... the extra tv is a God-send and just having the extra space (w/out costing a fortune!) is nice!

 

[long4disney]

We always book two connecting rooms instead of staying in a suite which is a lot more expensive. It is nice to set up the crib in the other room, so when your child needs to nap during the day, you can let them nap in a nice, quiet, dark room and you can relax in the connecting room by watching t.v. or sitting on the balcony with a nice cold pina colata!!! Also when it is time to go to bed at night, the little ones go down a lot earlier, so this way you can still be up in the other room and have a bathroom to use without disturbing the sleeping children!!!

 

[long4disney]

I also forgot to mention that I think the best resorts to stay at on Disney property with young children are the Magic Kingdom resorts, since you most likely will be spending your time there with little ones. The monorail is a life saver with young children. It is so nice to be able to come and go without taking your child out of their stroller to board a bus or a boat. When my DD has gotten fussy and needed to go back to the resort for a nap, it was a piece of cake to wheel her on the monorail directly to the resort. This makes it easier for us, so my DH can stay at the park with my son and I can take my daughter back to the resort without having to carry her, plus the diaper bag and fold the stroller up etc... I can't imagine trying to do it myself with a child ready to melt down on the buses or boats.

The Grand Floridan, The Polynisian and the Contempory are the three monorail resorts to choose from.

We have stayed at the GF and the Poly and the convienence of both resorts have been a blessing!!!

 

[BevS97]

the monorail resorts are massively expensive though, especially if you need to book 2 connecting rooms.

if you want more space than I would stay offsite, there are some fantastic accomodations offsite that are no more than 5 minutes from Disney property - we stayed at Windsor Palms last year and we could be at Animal Kingdom in 5 minutes - much faster than from a monorail resort. (Sure it was further to MK, but the point is that none of the hotels are close to all the parks)

This year, we are trying onsite, and I am not at all sure we have made the right decision but we will try it and report back afterwards. We;ve gone for Port Orleans because I thought it looked lovely.
I could not see spending the money for 2 rooms at all stars -for the price of 2 rooms at all stars I could stay somewhere very nice offsite, and for me, all stars just doesn't offer any magic and it's not particularly convenient.

 

[crisi]

1) Will you be going back to the room to nap (this didn't work with my kids, btw, we tried). If so, you want somewhere you can get to convieniently - you don't want a two hour nap eating four or five hours of your day. Monorail resorts are ideal (but expensive). Having a car might be a good idea. Ft. Wilderness Cabins are only a boatride from the MK (which is where you'll spend a lot of your time) and may be a good option.

2) How much room do you need? You technically could stuff a single room at the values, but you wouldn't be comfortable. You could get two rooms at the values. A family of five will fit comfortably in a single room at the Poly or GF - those rooms are pretty large. Ft. Wilderness cabins (again) have several rooms, so you could really spread out. Or a one or two bedroom DVC unit (check the rent/trade board) - but that will be pricey). An offsite condo can give you space for a low price - but you'll want to do your research to make sure you are getting something clean and convienient - a run down unit an hour from door to Dumbo will not be good.

3) How much money do you have to spend. A suite at the GF would be perfect, lots of room, steps out the door to the MK. But at several thousand a night, probably isn't in your budget. Generally, offsite is more economical than on. Single rooms more economical than condos or suites or getting two connecting rooms.

 

[DisneyPhD]

While all vaule and mod resorts are great for kids, I would go for a Deluxe if you can aford it because of all the walking outside. Mods and vaules are very spred out with a lot of walking. If it is rainy this can be a real pain. For the same reason we did not like OKW as much as BCV and VWL. (we are DVC members.)

I would consider Poly or BC if you could do it. The pool at Y&B (SAB) is wonderful for young children and it is only a short walk form Epcot and boat to MGM. Poly is monorail, very family friendly and large rooms that will fit you well. One problem with MK resort are while you are close to MK, you are far away from everywhere else. WL is family friendly, but rooms are rather small unless you get one of the higher price ones. With children that small I would not be comfortable with them in a differernt room. We tend to sleep together on vacation since they don't sleep as well away from home and it is comforting for them. (BTW my DD loves sleeping in a pack and play at WDW, she calles it her little bed.) I don't know how I am going to get her out of it for her little sister next trip. We might need to request an extra one.

You could do fine in DVC room, you don't need a 2 bedroom. (close to 500 a night) You could even do it in a studio, (Older child on fold out couch and 2 pack in plays) but a one bedroom would be better. Having the extra admenties would be great with young kids. I have heard that WDW has changed recently and all Deluxe and mod rooms are getting refridgertors for free. That will help out alot (water, juice, milk lunch meat. Can save you hundreds with children.) Value you can get them for 10$ a night, same as before.

Be sure to check out mousesavers.com for codes before you go, save what you can. You can even make the ressie and add the code to it later when they come out, but that is a risk.

 

[empersmom]

I like the idea of the Wilderness cabins - but and I did not read all the way down so sorry of someone suggeste this already, Disney does have 1,2, and three bedroom units available. i would not recommend a studio - while you have the microwave for the kidlets they are small.

 

[Gillian]

As someone else said, fitting 2 pack n plays in a cabin will be very tight! And honestly, since you have to take a bus everywhere (even to the boat to the MK), it can be a pain staying in the cabins with the little ones.

For space & convenience the cheaper rooms at the Polynesian or the contemporary would be a great option. As for a patio or balcony and after the kids are asleep you'll have a place to relax! Our room in Tokelau (sp?) at the poly was on the second floor with a balcony and had tons of space. You don't need the extra tvs and bathrooms so much with the ages of your kids. The CR wing rooms are also a good deal if you get a special rate. Only 1st floor rooms have patios though.

AKL or WL would also be nice because of the balcony thing, but the rooms are quite a bit smaller. Maybe with bunks you'd have more floor space? I'm not sure how the beds are arranged exactly.

Watch the prices on mousesavers and get a good feel for what rooms typically cost during your planned dates. That will give you the best idea of what to budget.

We are planning to go back in May and have chosen the WL as a good mix of location, space & cost. We will have a 4 1/2 & almost 2 year old. We like offsite as well but want this trip to be all disney, all the time.