Choices For Fam Of 5?

[mombrontrent]

We have 5 people in our family but the little one is only a year old. We had origiannly booked one room at POP but thought the small room wouldn't be enough space and on a 10 night trip all of us sharing one small room would not make for a fun vacation. So we added another room. We are still staying at POP but with two rooms, it is worth the extra money for me and DH's sanity! The CM on teh phone said even though they cannot guarentee ajoining rooms they make every effort with families and it's usually no problem getting it.

 

[Allison]

We have 5 people in our family but the little one is only a year old. We had origiannly booked one room at POP but thought the small room wouldn't be enough space and on a 10 night trip all of us sharing one small room would not make for a fun vacation. So we added another room. We are still staying at POP but with two rooms, it is worth the extra money for me and DH's sanity! The CM on teh phone said even though they cannot guarentee ajoining rooms they make every effort with families and it's usually no problem getting it.

We had no problem getting connecting rooms at POFQ during the busiest week of the year with our family. In fact, I got every request I had which surprised me.

It really was a great option for us especially since our kids are older and bigger.

We spent the first night (Christmas) in a trundle room at POR. There is no way we could have done that all week.

 

[Angel1]

We had no problem getting connecting rooms at POFQ during the busiest week of the year with our family. In fact, I got every request I had which surprised me.

It really was a great option for us especially since our kids are older and bigger.

We spent the first night (Christmas) in a trundle room at POR. There is no way we could have done that all week.

We now get connecting rooms for our family of 5. The CMs on the phone pretty much DO guarantee it.

We have a HS junior, and have 2 rooms booked for August. I'm thinking after she's in college, we can go back to one room, but since my DH has experienced us having our own room at Disney, I can't forsee any going back!

It's so nice not having 4 people squished in that room!!

 

[collcass]

That is why Disney just recently opened up the Family Suites, for those larger families. So they are listening to the guests that wanted more options for larger families. But if you are thinking they will make it as cheap as one value resort room, then you are bound to be disappointed. It just doesn't make good business sense. Yes you have more people to buy food and sourvineers for, but you also take up more space and use more utilities.

Not trying to bash anyone with a larger family, but that is the reality of having more than 2 kids. Your choices become a little more limited. But you still have many choices at Disney.

A little more limited? Actually, with four children, unless you get two rooms you are limited to ASMu or Ft Wilderness.

The reality, however, is a young family of six is able to fit in any of of the rooms w/ daybeds just like a family of five except that Disney says we can't. No, it DOES NOT have to do with the fire marshal as everyone seems to believe. Why do I say that? Because they allow a child under three into the room witohut counting toward room capacity. For the fire marshal, however, ANY BODY in the room counts toward capactiy.

We are going to goto WDW and have a wonderful time, but it will be our only time. I have been so put off by the magnitude of greed on their part that I just can't fathom getting caught up in it.

 

[Allison]

We are going to goto WDW and have a wonderful time, but it will be our only time. I have been so put off by the magnitude of greed on their part that I just can't fathom getting caught up in it.

Disney isn't different than any other hotel or resort. We have dealt with this on all our vacations with our family size, certainly not just at Disney.

I have priced vacations for cruises, all-inclusive beach resorts, lake resorts, water park resorts, etc. and we have to deal with the fact that based on our family size, our room choices are more limited and more expensive than the standard party of 4 for all of these.

 

[maxiesmom]

A little more limited? Actually, with four children, unless you get two rooms you are limited to ASMu or Ft Wilderness.

The reality, however, is a young family of six is able to fit in any of of the rooms w/ daybeds just like a family of five except that Disney says we can't. No, it DOES NOT have to do with the fire marshal as everyone seems to believe. Why do I say that? Because they allow a child under three into the room witohut counting toward room capacity. For the fire marshal, however, ANY BODY in the room counts toward capactiy.

We are going to goto WDW and have a wonderful time, but it will be our only time. I have been so put off by the magnitude of greed on their part that I just can't fathom getting caught up in it.

At what point did you forget that Disney is a business? And that their main reason for being is NOT to provide magic, but to make money?

Everything costs more for larger families. From food to cars to clothes. An on-site stay at Disney World is not a right, and Disney does not owe you a room that you can fit everyone into for a cheap price. It is the same as anything else, the more people you have the more money you have to spend.

The hotel industry as a whole prices their rooms for four people, it ain't just a Disney is greedy thing. It is not up to them to make a trip to the World affordable for everyone. The world just doesn't work that way. If you are going to choose your vacation based on who doesn't charge you for your children, I wish you luck.

 

[mombrontrent]

On a lighter note I don't think I want to have 6 people stuffed into one hotel room to save a few bucks!

 

[tin2003white]

Disney has made strides in making things more accessible to bigger families - the Suites at the ASMu, for example and the trundles at POR.

As with all things at Disney and beyond, it's up to you what works for your family. We've actually had six people at the POR Alligator Bayou (two adults, DS11, DS friend 11, DD4, DD1), so we had the trundle and the portable crib. Sure the room was full, but we just don't spend much time at the room. We got back at night and the guys went swimming for a bit while the little ones got settled. We were very happy, but certainly that may be too crowded for many people.

We're (five of us) heading back to Disney in a couple months - POR for five days (while we're at the parks), then we're going to spend a couple days at the Polynesian (first time at a Deluxe resort, which we're excited about).

 

[minnie61650]

Just an FYI


For comparison, the price of a Family Suite is $9-11 more then 2 Standard Rooms, or $13-15 less the 2 Preferred Rooms, depending on season.

Also a fridge is included in AS Suite.

Fridges cost $10 a night to rent when staying at a value . Don't forget the Queen size bed,a coffee pot and microwave are also in Family Suites.




Family Suite info;

DH and I stayed in a Family Suite at All Star Music ( a value resort) in Sept. of 2006.

We really enjoyed the Queen size bed, the kitchenette with the microwave, having a sofa and cushioned chair to sit on and relax after a day at the parks before retiring for the evening.

I thought the pullouts very comfortable.

They are designed so the back cushion and seat cushion of the pullout support the pullout. There is no metal bar to hurt the sleepers back.

Info thread--Pullouts in Family Suites at ASMU with photos of how the pullout is supported.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18100990#post18100990

Here is the layout of the Family Suites:

They:

-Sleep up to 6 (plus one child under age 3 in a Pak-n-Play crib)
-Studio amenities and separate sleeping areas giving more privacy than a standard room.
-Queen bed, full-size pullout sofa, convertible ottoman & chair sleepers (4 separate sleepers)
-Private master bedroom and family room have 27” flat CRT TV and high speed Internet access.
-Kitchenette with microwave, small refrigerator (4.3 cu. ft) and coffee pot
-Two-full bathrooms


Here is my review of the Suites:

www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=17640774&postcount=7

For more photos and info please see this info thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392879

Have fun at Disney wherever you choose to stay!

 

[minnie61650]

Layouts of rooms that sleep 6:

WL jr. Suite

CSR jr. Suite

BW room that sleeps 6

FW Cabin

Family Suites at All Star Music.