Coming to Terms

[wgwtgb]

Ok guys, help me come to terms with things I said I would never do. First, I said I would never get married again, and here I am with 4 step kids. LOL Ok, if you aren't with my sense of humor, please don't give up on this post. We are looking at a trip in Late May/Early June
Step kids haven't been to Disney in a few years, so we would like to take them if we're going to be in Orlando. Step son is graduating HS and has requested Busch gardens and Universal.
We went to Universal in October... with masks... we were hot, but there wasn't a TON of complaining. I've been to Disney in May 12 years ago and said never again... that was obviously pre-masks... is this a deal breaker?
I said I would never stay off property, but with the addition of step kids and two significant others (that makes 6 of us 18+, and 4 other kids 17 and under), it seems like it would make more sense to rent a house off property. Not to mention we will only spend 2-3 days of this trip at Disney. We LOVED SSR this past trip, but the accommodations that would accommodate us seem to be at least $1k more.
And then the crowds. Yes, we know this is a pandemic and we will social distance. We aren't concerned with our health. What I am most concerned with is that for kids who are used to a trip planning mama, and never waiting in line, this may come as a shock. DH and I went in January. We were rope droppers and we were just about done with rides at 11am all days. Is this possible still with May/June crowds you think?
I know there is so much uncertainty, but we would like to make a decision ASAP, so I came to the place with those I feel are the experts.
I appreciate any feedback!

 

[Darcy03231]

As a person with a large family (there are 10 of us if we all go), we always stay off-site unless there are just two or three of us going. I prefer to stay off-site anyway. More room to spread out, full kitchen, laundry and a private pool are just some of my likes. We've stayed here before and been very comfortable - www.vrbo.com/3806567ha?

I would expect the theme parks to be hot and more crowded in May/June. More people will be vaccinated, kids will be out of school, etc.

If you want to go, I would go with the expectation you'll just get done what you can and prepare the kids for it.

 

[coolbrook]

As a family of seven we have stayed in all kinds of accomadations on and off property. If you want to be on property for a little less money you might consider two rooms at Caribbean Beach that each sleep 5. The house recommended by the previous poster looks very nice. I have bookmarked it for a possible extended family trip in the future. However, one of the things we really liked about our big family trips on property was the Disney transportation which allowed older teens to have some freedom to stay in the parks longer or sleep in and show up later, and the grandma generation to head back to the resort after lunch to rest. It also allowed for charging meals and snacks to the room when we split up for a bit. We have done large trips at Animal Kingdom lodge Kidani, in three rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter, and last year by having 7 of us and Wilderness Lodge and 4 of us at Riviera.

We will be back at Pop Century the last week of May. It will be my 4th Covid trip. If your family did ok in October with masks at Universal they should be fine in May. I was there in July and it was pretty rough, November was better and January was delightful.

As far as lines and crowds, I would say rope drop is still your friend, and you can accomplish a lot in first hour or two. Just know that the parks actually open 30-45 minutes before they say they do.

I hope you have a wonderful spring trip wherever you decide to stay!

 

[sandrews0608]

I would look at renting a townhouse at Windsor Hills. It is really close by and the extra space is really needed for that size of a family. You could get one with a plunge pool which is nice especially for the younger kids.

 

[Evita_W]

If you want to stay on property you might also look at renting DVC points, there are brokers, but there is also the DVC rent/trade section on this board and you can often get better prices there and there are Facebook groups as well. But this might be a way to stay in an appropriately sized room at a reasonable price and be on property.

 

[holden]

As long as they understand that Disney is not the same right now...I'd go for it. If they really won't enjoy themselves with the reduced offerings, masks, heat, etc., then I'd consider a different vacation.

It will be more crowded for sure. Schools will be out, people will be vaccinated, and many are sick of staying at home.

 

[gharter]

With that many people, I think there are really only 2 options that may be reasonable cost wise.
Stay off site, rent a house or see what you can rent DVC points and do a 2 Bedroom somewhere.
Good luck.