Best resort for 5?

[cheryterese]

Any current thoughts on the best resort for a family of 5? Kids will be 8, 6 and 5 at the time of our next trip. We've always stayed off-site, but want to try on-site this time. Thanks!

 

[jimandami]

Any current thoughts on the best resort for a family of 5? Kids will be 8, 6 and 5 at the time of our next trip. We've always stayed off-site, but want to try on-site this time. Thanks!

I would say a family suite at AoA. We just returned from an 8-night stay in a Lion King suite with 3 adults and 2 children. We had plenty of room and the kids absolutely loved the resort. I know a lot of people say they are fine in a deluxe room or even a room at POR with 5, but for me, that is just too crowded! Another option would be to rent points for a 1-bedroom villa that holds 5, such as Animal Kingdom Kidani Village.

 

[cheryterese]

I would say a family suite at AoA. We just returned from an 8-night stay in a Lion King suite with 3 adults and 2 children. We had plenty of room and the kids absolutely loved the resort. I know a lot of people say they are fine in a deluxe room or even a room at POR with 5, but for me, that is just too crowded! Another option would be to rent points for a 1-bedroom villa that holds 5, such as Animal Kingdom Kidani Village.

Is the adult bed a king or queen? How are the kid's areas set up - separate bedroom area or in the living area? How is the pool there? Bussing? Thanks!

 

[Eljay]

Any current thoughts on the best resort for a family of 5? Kids will be 8, 6 and 5 at the time of our next trip. We've always stayed off-site, but want to try on-site this time. Thanks!

Another option would be a Fort Wilderness cabin. 5 of us will be staying there very soon.
The bedroom has a double bed and bunk beds, the living room has a double pull-down Murphy bed.
You would have a full kitchen. Disney transportation is also part of the deal. The cost is similar to a deluxe room.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vCO3LMSGW4&feature=related

With 3 younger kids, you could give them the bedroom and the grown-ups could have the Murphy bed.
Great if you want to stay up a little later than the kids.

 

[jimandami]

Is the adult bed a king or queen? How are the kid's areas set up - separate bedroom area or in the living area? How is the pool there? Bussing? Thanks!

The adult bed is a queen. To get a king and have a separate space for the kids, you would need to rent points for a 1 or 2 bedroom DVC. We are used to a king as well, but didn't have problems with the queen at AoA. The bedroom is a separate room with its own bathroom. In the living area, there is a pull-out couch and an Inov-bed that comes down from dining table, both of which were actually very comfortable. There is also a second bathroom and a small kitchenette. There are 3 pools at this resort and the main pool (Nemo pool), which is absolutely fantastic. It does not have a slide (since it is a value resort), but is zero entry and has a great splash area and a small playground. The Cars pool is small but very cute and has little cabanas that are shaped like cones. We did not have problems at all with buses. I think maybe once or twice we waited more than 10 minutes and that was when a bus had literally just left when we walked up.

 

[Missytara]

There are multiple threads on families of 5; it is a very popular topic on the boards.

Also, the Disney website has a page where you can plug in the size of your party and budget and it gives you options within that budget.

I would then head over to the DVC board and inquire about renting points and see what works out best for your party.

 

[DMKarmac]

We are a family of 5 and have stayed at Pop Century for the past 5 years.
Initially we were all able to fit into one room (when the youngest was under 3), but the past 4 years we have opted for 2 connecting rooms at Pop.
The family suite was an option, but I think if you look at the $, it can be cheaper to get 2 connecting rooms. We get 4 beds and 2 bathrooms. We usually put the teenagers in the other room and keep the youngest with us.
Lots of space for everyone, and when it gets too noisy, you can shut the door. I would highly recommend 2 connecting rooms. I wouldnt want it any other way.

 

[cheryterese]

How does renting DVC points work?

 

[Missytara]

How does renting DVC points work?

You head over to the DVC board and you will see an entire board on renting points.

 

[maxiesmom]

Any current thoughts on the best resort for a family of 5? Kids will be 8, 6 and 5 at the time of our next trip. We've always stayed off-site, but want to try on-site this time. Thanks!

What is more important, space or being on a tight budget? You can do 5 in one room at POR, but you won't have a whole lot of space. Or you could do 2 value rooms. Those are the 2 cheapest options.

If location is important you can do 5 in a room at most deluxe resorts. The Poly is great, you can hang out at the pool and night and see Wishes! But the Poly tends to be kind of pricey.

 

[lanejudy]

We are a family of 5 and have stayed at Pop Century for the past 5 years.
Initially we were all able to fit into one room (when the youngest was under 3), but the past 4 years we have opted for 2 connecting rooms at Pop.
The family suite was an option, but I think if you look at the $, it can be cheaper to get 2 connecting rooms. We get 4 beds and 2 bathrooms. We usually put the teenagers in the other room and keep the youngest with us.
Lots of space for everyone, and when it gets too noisy, you can shut the door. I would highly recommend 2 connecting rooms. I wouldnt want it any other way.

2 rooms at a value will be one of the lowest cost options, other than the POR Alligator Bayou rooms. However, WDW will not guarantee rooms will be connecting (with an interior door between rooms) or even adjoining (next to each other, no interior door). It can be requested, and with young children Disney does try to accommodate, but it will not be guaranteed.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

My family of 4 adults and 1 17 year old stayed at Yacht Club this past weekend and it was great. We were worried we would be crowded or that the day bed would be uncomfortable but everything was fine. I am 5 foot 4 and slept in the day bed without a problem. Y and B are great for 5 people because someone is always at the pool, making the room less crowded!

 

[cheryterese]

Thanks - I will check out all of these options!

 

[carolinamama]

Our family of 5 will be staying at Bay Lake Tower. We opted for a 1 bedroom.

 

[jjiillee]

We are a family of 5 and stayed in a one Bedroom our first time at Bay Lake Tower. It was nice to have the washer and dryer. Loved being able to walk back from MK if we wanted to. Last year we stayed at the Poly and loved that as well. Did miss the washer and dryer. Loved having a monorail. The theme is much better at poly than blt. If your kids still need to come back and rest (or swim) during the day, which mine do, it was great being on monorail.