Budget Accommodations for 5 Adults

[Aurora D]

My family is planning a trip during Thanksgiving week 2016. I realize hotel prices are at a premium during the holidays. I've priced out the value suites, Caribbean Beach (which technically accommodates 5 adults) and am now looking into the Downtown Springs area hotels. Has anyone stayed at any of them with 5 in a room? Do you still get the Disney perks such as extra magic hours, Magic Bands linked to room, etc? I know it won't be as immersive but better than off site, right?

 

[aaarcher86]

No magic bands no magic bands, and if don't believe they get EMH but I could be wrong on that one since I think Swan and Dolphin does.

Have you looked into renting DVC points?

 

[HM]

I'd look at the cabins in Fort Wilderness as an onsite option. They sleep six.

 

[piccolopat]

No magic bands no magic bands, and if don't believe they get EMH but I could be wrong on that one since I think Swan and Dolphin does. Have you looked into renting DVC points?

Swan gets EMH but no MDE or magic bands. Price is much better than the adjacent Epcot hotels and has discounts like AAA available.

 

[VillainFavs]

When you're looking at 5 adults, you're going to be adding extra each night for additional adults in the room at CB. Prices listed are only for 2 adults in the room. Might consider getting 2 rooms at a value resort. Prices might be cheaper than some of the suites or cabins.

 

[Marionnette]

My family is planning a trip during Thanksgiving week 2016. I realize hotel prices are at a premium during the holidays. I've priced out the value suites, Caribbean Beach (which technically accommodates 5 adults) and am now looking into the Downtown Springs area hotels. Has anyone stayed at any of them with 5 in a room? Do you still get the Disney perks such as extra magic hours, Magic Bands linked to room, etc? I know it won't be as immersive but better than off site, right?

Disney Springs area hotels are still considered to be offsite. Only the Hilton Orlando has EMH privileges but with Disney clawing back on any perk that they might be able to charge for, I would not count on EMH there, either. Just like Disney, there will be an added charge for additional adults over the age of 17.

DVC might be a possibility but a studio that sleeps 5 would be extremely crowded for 5 adults and 3 of those people would be sleeping on foldout beds (2 on the sleeper sofa and one on the fold-down Murphy bed). And at this late date (yes, it's late for a Thanksgiving 2016 DVC reservation) you might find it difficult to rent something. However, you do avoid the extra adult fee. and get to stay onsite if you're successful.

 

[happy2012]

Sadly,I've never found the hotel plaza blvd to be any savings @ all. This is b/c they charge to park a car [or round trip airport fees per person] PLUS crazy resort fees!!! Adding more & more $$ a day w/ no Disney perks like transportation,free resort parking, free park parking, magic bands & extra magic hours. They are pretty hotels & have amazing locations,some within walking distance to Disney Springs, so I see the appeal. If being close to DS is most important to your family, then I'd definitely considerate it. OR if you think about it this way....... Disney's DLX Saratoga Springs Resort is pretty pricey for that DS location, you might feel like you are getting a nice deal w/ 5 people in 1 room for what $100 per night + hotel fees? It all depends on what's important to your family. I'd just do the math.
I've stayed @ Marriott Springhill Suites just passed hotel plaza blvd, for a few nights before a Disney package & thought it was really nice. Nice pool,rooms location near good restaurants & they give an AWESOME free breakfast. I was using points so I had a free night. 2 downsides were the parking fee & the cafe charged WAY more on goods than WDW property. I'd recommend it though b/c the breakfast is healthy & yummy + you get a mini suite instead of just a room! Good luck!

 

[Disneyliscious]

I know it won't be as immersive but better than off site, right?

IMO, no. You can get a 2 or 3 BR condo within 2 miles of Disney for around $70 a night (we just rented one at Windsor Hills for $89/nt). With tax, cleaning, etc it will come to around $110 per night (I just priced a 3 BR at this price and you can easily find them cheaper than this at other communities).

Figure in the cost of your parking (not sure how many days you'll be in the parks), rent a throw-away campsite for 1 night ($79.88) to get free Magic Bands ($70.90 value) and 2 days of free parking ($40 value).

$110 x 6 nights = $660 plus $79.88 = $739.88 (if you will be in the parks more than 2 days you will need to add $20/day parking for the additional days over 2). This was priced for a stay of 11/20-11/26. If your on site stay costs more than that then no, it is not a better deal.

This is assuming you will have a rental car. If not, you can still use the shuttle offered at many communities, you just have to make sure to know their schedule but hopefully this will give you some idea of costs you would incur elsewhere.

 

[Maliboo]

Disney Springs area hotels are still considered to be offsite. Only the Hilton Orlando has EMH privileges but with Disney clawing back on any perk that they might be able to charge for, I would not count on EMH there, either. Just like Disney, there will be an added charge for additional adults over the age of 17.

DVC might be a possibility but a studio that sleeps 5 would be extremely crowded for 5 adults and 3 of those people would be sleeping on foldout beds (2 on the sleeper sofa and one on the fold-down Murphy bed). And at this late date (yes, it's late for a Thanksgiving 2016 DVC reservation) you might find it difficult to rent something. However, you do avoid the extra adult fee. and get to stay onsite if you're successful.

I think that perk was taken away at the DTD Hilton a while ago (yes, just checked and starting Jan 1st, Hilton is no longer offering EMH to guests). I would definitely look off site. The extra room, full kitchen, possibly your own pool and multiple bathrooms is invaluable in enjoying vacation, especially with 5 people.

 

[SplashMo]

Have you considered staying at POR?