Best resorts for family of five?

[lmhall2000]

We were fortunate in our last visits to be able to get by with two queen beds and a crib- but our youngest is now 3 and our oldest is 7. There are only about 5 resorts that seem to have rooms for more a family of five. I'm thinking about the villas at various resorts- but I think it would lose the ambience offered at the themed resorts. For those of you with larger families do you have a favorite- or recommend one that would appeal to young children?
Thanks!
Tara

 

[CRCrazy]

The best for a family with young kids in my opinion would be the Contemporary. The rooms are large, with two queens, so sharing a bed isn't as snug as in a double, and the daybed was very comfy for my thirteen year old daughter, so one of your younger ones will fit just fine! The wing rooms are the least expensive deluxe to fit a family of five, although you could do the PO Riverside with such a little one, or two rooms at the All Stars for less money.

The Contemporary is right on the monorail - or a quick walk to MK! The Food and Fun Center has great quick bites to eat, the arcade is the best on site, and there is a nice little playground as well as two pools, and two hot tubs. The pools definitely lack theming, but my kids loved the slide! Chef Mickey's is right there, and you can't beat watching the fireworks and kiss goodnight from the observation deck, and the Water Pageant from the beach, or your room!

Happy vacationing!

 

[tar heel]

There are a few more than 5: PO-R, Contemporary, Poly, GF, BWI, BC, YC, FW Cabins. Also, you may stay in deluxe rooms at WL and AKL.
Our children are older, but we've stayed at the YC the past three visits. We also were perfectly happy at PO-R and may stay there a couple nights our next trip before our youngest turns 9 -- at that point, we lose that option. With children the ages of yours, I would probably opt for an MK area resort if the budget allows a deluxe.
We've never stayed in a villa b/c of the expense -- families of 5 are required to get 2-bedroom units.

 

[BCV23]

Our family of five has been staying at the Polynesian since 1983...well, actually we were a family of four until 1985....but at any rate I think it's the best choice for a family of five if you're considering a hotel. The rooms are very large, the resort is sooo relaxing, monorail access to Epcot or MK is a short walk from any longhouse.You can take the ferry or launches to the MK, too. They offer 24 hour room service and the snack bar is also open 24 hours. There are two pools as well as the beach (my children loved playing in the sand when they were all young). The Neverland Club is open in the afternoon for families or you can use it as a babysitting service in the evening.

 

[lmhall2000]

Do the rooms at the polynesian also include a daybed? I thought they only had 2 queens- or do you have to pay for a bigger room? I would like to stay at under $250 a night- we homeschool so we can go at any time of the year and let the specials dictate when we travel- but I need to have a list of which resorts to be on the lookout for that accomodate 5 without having to go to a "deluxe" room. Thank you all for your great insights!
Tara

 

[epcotfan]

I would go for the Contemporary since they have the largest rooms on property and can hold 5 people with the daybed. You also have monorail access and can walk to the Magic Kingdom if necessary. (this is a nice option especially after parades when everyone else is cramming onto the monorail)

 

[Poly Pal]

Stay at the Polynesian. Stay at the Polynesian. Stay at the Polynesian.

The rooms are just slightly smaller (not noticable to me) than those at the Contemporary. Stay at the Polynesian. All of the rooms have daybeads which are large enough to sleep a 6 foot tall person. I've napped on one, so I know. All the rooms have 2 queen beds.

If you request the Tahiti longhouse (and your request is fulfilled), then the sink will be outside of the tub/toilet part of the bathroom which makes it easier for a group to get ready in the morning. Stay at the Polynesian.

Transportation options are the largest at the Polynesian. You can monorail to the MK or TTC. You can take the motor launch to the MK. You can walk to the ferry dock and take the ferry to the MK with all of the commoners (just kidding - but you will feel special if you stay at the Polynesian). You can walk to the TTC to catch the monorail to EPCOT. You can also catch motor coaches (o.k. they are just regular ol' busses) from in front of the Polynesian to just about anywhere in the World (unless its another resort hotel). Stay at the Polynesian. Or you can catch busses at the TTC.

The new Volcano Pool is a hit with my kids. Zero entry for my youngest and a long enclosed waterslide through the heart of the volcano for my oldest (9 yrs old). If the Volcano Pool is too crowded, you can go to the oval, quiet pool which is usually not that busy. It is deeper at one end than the Volcano Pool for those who like to perform underwater stunts ("How many underwater somersaults can you do?" is a game my kids like to play.)

When he was younger, my oldest absolutely loved the playing in the sand at the Polynesian's beach. My wife and I watched him with his grandpa on the beach to well after sundown from our perch in the California Grill several years ago. They were illuminated by the tiki torches that light the resort at night. Stay at the Polynesian. Those tikis just "do it" for me and my wife. We would purposely take the longest route back to our room at night, even after a loooong day in the parks (just not in the heat of summer!) just to enjoy the torch lit pathways.

If you can go at anytime of year, the Polynesian can be had for less than your $250 per night budget. You'll need to go in Value Season with a code. We were there in August last year for $198/night including taxes (11%). Stay at the Polynesian.

In all fairness, the CR (and the GF) all have their plusses. But for a themed resort, the Polynesian wins hands down. Last trip down, my kids thought it was just like being on "Survivor" except there was air conditioning, room service, indoor plumbing, 3 restaurants, shops, a video arcade, a marina and surrey bike rental. Stay at the Polynesian. The Polynesian is one of only two WDW resorts that had Walt's input. So there is original magic there!

Have a great time wherever you stay! Did I mention that I think you should stay at the Polynesian?

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you decide to stay at the villas, you will have to get a two bedroom unit since you exceed the occupancy of a one bedroom. Studios and One bedrooms hold 4 plus one infant under 3. Two bedrooms hold 8 plus one infant under 3.

I agree with the Polynesian. We stayed there on our first trip with our son (4 at the time) and two nieces (8 and 10). The day bed there is about a twin sized bed. I slept on it several times and found it to be very comfortable. With 2 queens and the twin, it worked out great.

 

[lmhall2000]

Are you trying to brainwash me with all your special phrasing hidden here and there? But something's telling me we should stay at the Polynesian! We had planned a trip to Hawaii when we lived in Seattle- but never got to take it- so this will kind of substitute for that missed trip. I think you're right- I had planned a trip for WL for a friend of mine and loved the theming of it- but didn't want to stay at a villa and thought the extra $$$ for the deluxe room were a waste on us- we don't need the extra space- we're never there- we just need comfortable beds to lay our heads- so thanks everyone for all your help- we had been to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary- and we loved the restaurant but the contemporary style is too "contemporary" for us- we're laid back as we can get so souncs like Polynesian will fit us- and our dear son has had a fascination with volcanoes- didn't know their new pool had all that! Thanks everyone- hopefully over the next 15 years we'll be able to stay everywhere and share our experiences to help others! Bless ya!
Tara

 

[Poly Pal]

Good choice!

We've stayed at WL and the room was too small for our then family of 3. The lodge was nice though and the theming ranks right up there with the Polynesian.

Now when I count to 3 you will wake up feeling totally relaxed...

 

[Mom of 5]

The Polynesian is a great choice. Our family loved staying there!

Have a wonderful trip !

 

[wdwnutze]

Our family of 5 loves the Poly. We found the rooms to be plenty big enough and if you get a lagoon view, it is breathtaking. Our family consisted of 2 adults, 17yo ds, 9yodd, and 2 1/2 yo dd and each one of them enjoyed it. We found it to be very convenient to everything and felt like we were getting a double vacation. You will have a great time there.

 

[eller]

We like the sleeping for five at the AKL. You can have a queen, bunks and daybed. As children get older, sleeping in different beds can be a bid bonus!

Their are many things for kids to do here. Zero entry in the pool is great and slide is fun too!

As young as your childdren are BWI might be a good choice too. Two queens and childs bed.

Have fun desiding, that's have the fun!

Lori

 

[mirlow]

We are a family of five. My youngest doesn't really count because she is one, but she won't sleep in a crib They are also happy at the ASMO! Our favorites are the Polynesian and the AKL There have been some great deals on concierge you might want to check them out.

 

[denisenh]

I wanted to reply and put in a vote for Fort Wilderness Cabins. The full kitchen is a plus and the 2 rooms (living room and bedroom) and larger bathroom are so nice. The deck and grill come in handy as well. They just don't seem to get the credit they deserve.
But now I want to stay at the Polynesian!

 

[OhMickey]

I have a family of 6. We've stayed at the ASMo , ASsp, ASMu, FW cabins, and (before 6) Contemporary. We loved them all. But if we had our choice it would be the Contemporary. It is so convenient and the rooms are large.

 

[Angel1]

at the Polynesian for half of the week, and at the YC for the other half.

I am a little concerned because the YC doesn't "guarantee" a roomwith a day bed, but when a family of 5 makes a ressie, I'm hoping they'll put us in a room that's big enough!

Best wishes!

Judy

 

[disnaholic]

Have you considered staying at Port Orleans Riverside? They are the moderate priced resorts and offer 2 beds and you can request a room with a trundle bed that will sleep a child.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Most rooms at the Grand Floridian sleep 5. The rooms are also large, and the bathrooms have the double sinks seperate from the rest of the bath. The hotel has an excellent location, as well as many amenities. Here are some pictures of a room: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/floridia...ridian+Lagoon+View+Room+Jul02&.src=ph&.view=t

 

[brandtmd]

I would think about yacht club also- depending on when you are going. The yacht club room is a little smaller than monorail resorts, but the daybed is also really good sized. The cheaper times of year can result in early pm closing of magic kingdom, so that at 6p you are left with transporting to elsewhere. The pool at yacht and beach is way spectacular and it is a quick hop to epcot at night for fireworks, parades, and peaceful wanderings.With home schooling there are so many educational opportunities at Epcot, There are many relatively inexpensive food choices. There is also boat/walking access to MGM and those attractions. Poly is a great choice though. We did that with our three when they were smaller. I would suggest yacht over beach as it has a balcony- always nice for time together when the kids are sleeping. Boardwalk inn has variable balconies and a
smaller day bed-only 5 ft long. The wonderful thing is that there is probably no bad choice-just a different choice. Susan Brandt