Can't decide where to stay...suggestions please

[Mercy]

OK, we are going in August 2004, there will be 5 of us me, dh, and 3 teenage boys (one of the boys is a cousin). Our last trip we stayed at the Dolphin and loved it, but my boys were a little younger and we didn't have the cousin along. Right now I have a room booked at the Dolphin for this next trip.

Now that we have added another teen, I'm getting concerned that we will be really cramped in the room with the 5 of us. But dh says, he thinks it will be fine since we won't be in the room that much anyway.

So, I don't know what to do. Keep my ressies at the Dolphin or maybe look into something bigger. Maybe rent from a DVC member, or go off-site to a condo type place. I like the DVD idea but it is more expensive especially with the points going up on Friday and Saturday nights. AAAggghh.... don't know what to do!

I'm open to different suggestions. What do you think?

 

[Efastpitch]

I would look at any of the value or moderate resorts and request connecting rooms. This will give you privacy and two restrooms. I think you will enjoy your trip more if you do this. Sometimes you just need to be able to get away from the kids.

 

[tci1212]

With that many people,I would look into something larger, the cabins at FW sleep six. The rate varies depending on the discounts available. It is very close to MK, just a boat ride away.

 

[MELSMICE]

There are many options. It just depends on how much you want to spend & what type of atmosphere you would like.

1. You could get 2 rooms at a value resort, giving you 2 bathrooms. Small rooms, no outdoor patio, etc., but fun for kids.

2. You could get a cabin at FW, which gives you a separate bedroom with bunks. Only 1 bath, but a full size kitchen, outdoor deck & a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy in FW. Pools are nothing great but my 3 DD's still have fun.

3. You could stay at the YC or BC. Their rooms sleep 5, one person would be on a day bed. Not sure if a teen boy would be real comfortable on it. They have a great pool - the best on property. Great location to EPCOT & MGM. ESPN sports club is right on the Boardwalk & within walking distance from these resorts. 1 bath. They are probably the same size, but the rooms at the YC seemed "roomier". YC is much quieter than the BC - they are connected to each other.

4. Contemporary also sleeps 5 & is within walking distance to the MK.

5. You could rent points from a DVC owner. You could get a 2BR unit & have 2 full baths, 3 TVs & full kitchen. There are many different resorts to choose from. OKW is the quietest - a boat ride away from DTD. BCV, again, has the best pool. Great location. BWV has a fun pool also & is a great location right on the Boardwalk. VWL has a nice pool, quiet atmosphere & is a boat ride away from MK.

As far as weekend points in a DVC unit there are some ways around this depending on how flexible you want to be. We will come in on a Friday & stay at another resort for 2 nights (w/ a code if we can get it) We move to our DVC unit on Sunday & will stay through Saturday. This only takes one weekend night of points. For a future trip we are contemplating moving on Friday for the one night also to save those weekend points. I'm not sure if we want the hassle yet, though.

With 3 teenage boys you might want to consider a place that has a kitchen. I have 3 DD's & I know they are "starving" when we get back from the parks (doesn't matter how much we have eaten) or "starving" if we spend a day at the pool. It is just very convenient to have the kitchen. Of course, there is an option of getting a small fridge in your room.

As far as on-site or off-site, obviously, it's a personal preference. We prefer on-site. I don't know how old your boys will be, but on-site may be a benefit if they are old enough to go to the parks themselves. You can give them a cell phone & they can use the Disney transportation & get to & from anywhere on the grounds. This is definitely something to think about.

Good luck deciding. Again, there are many options. I know your predicament. We are a family of 5 & while there are many options, you have to consider the cost. A basic hotel room just doesn't cut it!

 

[Kimberle]

You've gotten some good advice!

You'd be comfortable at the CR. The rooms are big & the bathroom has a nice set up and is big as well. The couch folds down into a bed. You'd be pretty close to MK so if you were planning on letting the boys go off on their own, it'd be pretty easy for them.

What ever you choose, you'll be at Disney so you're bound to have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[ScottJoy]

I rented points from a DVC member in November 2003, stayed with my family of six in a 2-bedroom suite at the Beach Club Villas, and had a vacation we'll all remember forever!

 

[Kallison]

Our favorite for room size, comfort, bathroom and balcony view was CR.

Favorite pool BC -- but not crazy about the room layout, view or teeny tiny bathroom. Did not feel all that deluxe to me.

Next favorite room, location and overall resort ambience including super helpful staff was the Dolphin.


For location I would probably pick Dolphin. You will need to rent a rollaway bed for the 5th person or bring your own aero bed.

 

[Mercy]

Hi all, thanks for all the great suggestions.... now if someone could just pick one for me and tell me to go with that one

Kallison, right now our ressies are for the Dolphin and we are planning on taking an aero bed. We love the Dolphin and the location. I'm still considering renting points from a DVC member also, it would be nice to have a kitchen for some quick meals. But I have a pretty good rate at the Dolphin and renting from a DVC member would cost considerably more. Oh, I don't know

 

[susy]

I would switch to two rooms at a value or mod. Last year we took our niece and nephew (teenagers). We had two rooms at a value and it worked great! the kids had their own room (and bath!) to come and go as they pleased. DH and I were happy in our own room. The food courts are great! I would take along a cooler with extra snacks and drinks. There are several advantages to onsite and two rooms. The onsite advantages are obvious. Remember that with two rooms you get four beds, two bathrooms, and all the space for your stuff. I would try Pop Century! Seriously, I would not vacation with four men in a condo type set-up. Think about it. It will be no vacation! You will spend the whole time cleaning or being surrounded by a mess! That is NO vacation!