Difficulty deciding on resort for family of 5

EeyoreFan5

Mouseketeer
Joined
Jul 25, 2006
Messages
190
I am still tossing up my decisions on the resort for May 2008. I have a family of 5 and so we are limited to where we can stay. POR - I;m afraid it would be too adult-ish for my 3 DD's. Then there is the family suites at ASMu. I have heard however that the fold outs were very uncomfortable. Plus they seem hard to book. The last choice would be to book 2 rooms at either ASMo or POP (which we loved last year).

Any suggestions?
 
Can you swing a cabin at FW? There is only one bathroom, but the full kitchen can make up for any added cost (and it might save you money over two rooms). With the cabin, each person would have their own bed (bunks and a double in the bedroom and a quite comfortable murphy double in the living room). The activities at FW make it a great place to stay; it has a nightly campfire sing-along and movie, petting zoo, horseback riding, marina, bike barn, tennis courts, multiple playgrounds, hay rides, carriage rides, beach (complete with hammocks) and two swimming pools.
 
I would book the two rooms at a value. With 5 people and having two bathrooms is a great plus. I don't thing POR would be to adultish at all it's a great family resort. Now PORFQ is a little more adult geared (smaller), but I'd still go for the two bathroom advantage at value.
 
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.

These are same make of foldouts they putting into the DVC resorts.

AKL Villa will also the fold out chair in their new Studios so they can sleep 5.

Here is the photo of the fold out I took:

9-26-2006-12.jpg


Here is photo of the foldout from the DVC room. ( the DVC fold out is the same type of pull out the Family Suites has but the DVC ones are prettier and have a nicer fabric.

2jesbjq.jpg



Notice the seat and back of chair support the foldout bed.



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

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

I will post a few reviews of the Suites in my next post.

Have fun at Disney!:wizard:
 

Packclogger said:
Just returned Friday from a week long stay in the family suites and they were great. My family and I (DH, DB, DSIL and DNep) stayed in them. We were in room 2650 which was on the 3rd floor of Jazz building #2. I would ditto many of the comments that whetstone had previously posted, especially the air conditioning. My DH likes the room on the cold side and I don't think the temperature ever got down to the temp we had it set at. The resort was pretty crowded during the time we were there (lots of tour groups), but our room was in a good location where we didn't have a lot of noise (DNep took naps each day). The pull out sofa and chair were pretty comfortable to sleep on, but the ottoman was not as comfortable. Mousekeeping was great and we even got some towel animals (little dogs). I didn't really take any pictures of the room because it looked exactly like the pictures posted on this thread. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to post.


abie said:
I made a seperate post but I'll copy it here. I'll have pics in a couple of days after we sort through them all....



Me, DH, and DS11 just got back from 5 nights in the All Star Music Suites.

We were in 2436 in the Jazz building. The room was on one of the rows that shoot straight back toward the parking lot about 3/4 of the way down on the first floor. Basically you make a right at the drum set and head straight back.

The location was very quiet. I don't think we heard a single person the whole week. It was not far away from the pool or main area.

The room was perfect for us. DS slept in the living room area and DH and I slept in the bedroom.

DS had a lot of fun trying all the different beds in the living area. He proclaimed that the couch bed was great for at night but the chair bed was best for naps. He didn't like the footstool bed but said it would be good for a smaller kid.

The only complaint I have about the room is that the bathroom for the master bedroom area is on the other side of the kitchen. It would have been nicer for me if it was within the master bedroom area, or if there was a door to the kitchen area that could be closed. I had to be careful not to wake DS going to the bathroom at night, and no walking around nekkid between the bedroom and bathroom.

Mouskeeping did a great job all week. The resort was clean, everyone was very friendly.

We only used the food court for snacks but I did see people eating burgers and pizzas. They seemed to be enjoying them.

The bus service was excellent! I could not believe how easy it was. I was very concerned about this when I went but the longest wait we had for an all stars bus was 10 minutes. One night we left MK after wishes. There were a ton of people and I was worried we would have a long wait. Within 10 minutes 3 busses stopped. We were on the third bus and the line was empty after that.

Sharing with Sports was soooo not a big deal. It's right next door and added about 2 minutes to our trips on the way back. On the way to the parks we never had to get into a crowded bus, even though they had stopped at sports first.


We took a cab to Boma and hopped on the AK bus to Magic Kingdom. We did wait about 15-20 minutes there.

Having the extra space, a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, 2 tvs, these things made the trip so much nicer than being crammed in one room with 2 double beds. I would choose this over a moderate or delux if it's the 3 of us going again.

abie said:
Couple of other tidbits.

The Bed - i think it is a queen. It seemed bigger than the sofa bed in the living room that was a double. I didn't measure it but both me and DHs assessment was it was bigger.

Coffee Maker - The coffee Maker takes 4 inch basket filters. We took the cones instead and they worked fine. We didn't take enough, but we reused them (for 2 pots in the same morning) We checked the gift shop and they do not sell filters, so don't forget to take them.

maybees02 said:
The room was wonderful. We were on the 3rd floor of Jazz 2. Not too terribly far from the food court or bus stops, in my opinion, and smack dab between both pools. We had plenty of room, and the beds were all comfortable. Believe me, I slept in them all, with all the bed changing and sleepwalking my DS and DD were doing. We had great mousekeeping, with towel animals or a window display every single day but one! Everyone was helpful and nice. The pool was never terribly crowded. The food court was crowded if we were there at 9:00 a.m. which we only did once. Bus service was great - we never waited very long and the buses were never too crowded except on the EMH morning at MK that we braved. We never heard noises from other guests. All in all it was a wonderful stay. I will be posting restaurant and dining plan info and reviews, too, in a few days, after I do laundry!

QUOTE=LurrrvtheDuck;19021525]Back in April of this year we stayed in the Family Suites at ASMu thanks to Linda's lovely advice. We were all very happy and comfortable in them.

It was 5 adults and all of us slept comfortably.

Not quite sure how big the bed in the 1 room is because it didn't feel like a full because it was slightly bigger than a full, but didn't look like a Queen either. :confused3

Anyway, 2 adults fit comfortably in it though.
The 1 adult fits comfortably in the single pull out beds (the chair and ottoman). 2 small children may fit in the chair pull out too.
1-2 adults fit comfortably in the pull out couch which is the size of a full.


I didn't sleep on any of the pull outs. The reports were the chair and couch were very comfortable, but the ottoman wasn't as comfy.
I lied down on the chair pull out bed for awhile and the time I was there it was comfortable and I couldn't feel any bars or springs.
The kitchenette area was wonderful. It has a microwave, mini fridge and coffeemaker. The resort supplies 1 roll of paper towel, plastic eating utensils, a bottle opener/corkscrew, teas and instant coffees (instant coffee that is in the filtered bags already), paper plates and bowls, plastic cups and there was plenty of storage space.

The bathrooms were nice and having 2 was a big plus for 5 females. No fights for bathrooms and shower time. There's plenty of room in the closet/sink area to store luggage and to hang clothes. There was also plenty of drawer space for all 5 of us.

Having the 2 TVs was great too.

The internet connection was in the bedroom (but the connection cord was out in the living room area we later found out).

So we were very satisfied with the room and layout. We didn't feel cramped and were comfortable. There wasn't a lot of noise, no complaints. I think the only one was hearing the bathrooms from the adjoining room in the living room, but if we closed our bathroom door we couldn't hear it.

We were in the Calypso building 10, 3rd floor, Room 656 or 0656 and had a pool view and were VERY close to the food court/front desk/gift shop/bus stops. The laundry and bar by the pool was also very close.

I'll share some pictures in the next post.

So thank you Linda! I hope Disney makes more suites too and I hope they start offering Discounts on them because that to me was the only drawback. :sad1:[/QUOTE]




You can find this info on the Family suites FAQ thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072409&page=1&pp=15

Have fun at Disney wherever you choose to stay!:wizard:
 
we picked the beach club, they can have 5 in a room. We haven't been yet tho
 
Here is another vote for the FW cabins. I've known 2 separate families of 5 that stayed there and they both LOVED it.
 
If you are looking for the lowest price then POR is your best bet (and I wouldn't classify the resort as too 'grown up' for your children--it's very child friendly.)
If you want more space go with the family suite, or with two connecting rooms at a value.
Otherwise, I'd say do the Ft. Wilderness Cabins. They really are quite convenient to the Magic Kingdom, and give you some added room (and the kitchen is a great added value as well.)
If cost is not as much of a determining factor for you, then most of the deluxe resorts are an option as well (AKL and WL are not an option with the regular room categories--you would have to do the deluxe to get 5 in the room there.)
 
The most affordable option for a family of 5 is POR.
The next most affordable options are 2 rooms at a value, The All Star Family Suites or a FW cabin.

2 rooms vs. Family Suites:

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 Suites vs. Fw cabins:

Both sleep 6.
FW cabin has double beds and a bunk bed, full kitchen, 1 TV and 1 bathroom.
Family Suites has a Queen size bed in a master bedroom area, a fold out sofa, fold out chair and fold out ottoman. The Suite also has a kitchenette. 2 TVs and 2 bathrooms. The Suites also have a privacy curtain (like the mod's have) by each of the sinks.

The FW cabins start at $249 during value season.
The Family Suites start at $179 during value season.
Here is the web site with the resort rates for 2007:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/disney-rates-2007.htm#VALUE


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

ASMusic_FamSuite_layout.jpg



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!:wizard:
 
I note your youngest is 1. So long as she is under 3 when you travel, you can stay in any resort room for four. So, your choices are pretty much unlimited until your youngest is 3.
 
We are a family of 5 (6 on our trip with an infant) and have booked 2 rooms at POP for our Jan. vacation. We have stayed POP before and I am looking forward to having 2 baths, 4 beds, 2 tvs and space to spread out. I know minnie61650 says that the pull outs are comfy at the family suites, but I am not risking 10 nights with an uncomfortable bed. We always end up with a pull out at the beach because of the number of kids we have and they have never been comfy. I prefer real beds and that is why we are heading to POP with 2 rooms. The fridge at the suites is no big deal to me. We have done it with one and without. I am on a fridge swap right now so hopefully that will work out. If not, we will do without.
 
We have stayed at deluxes which sleep 5 but my kids never liked the daybed there.

We just returned and had connecting rooms at Pop and loved it. We loved the 4 beds, 2 TVs, and 2 baths. We didn't rent a fridge and never missed it. My kids are 11 and 9.

We will not be going back to a resort that has a daybed or pullout bed. We just preferred having the 4 real beds. I guess we have the "Princess and the Pea" sydrome.:lmao:

Have a great vacation.
 
As a family of 5 appreciate the OP's questions and everyone's helpful answers :)
 
It would be so great with your family at all different ages to have a bit of a getaway feeling. The beauty of the cabins is that you don't have to worry/struggle to find somewhere to eat every moment of the day. You can wake up, make your own refreshing breakfast to energize yourselves and have your very own 'place' to come back to mid-way through the day to have nappy time with your youngest.

A FW cabin is cheaper than 2 rooms at a moderate resort PLUS you get the added value of enjoying some of your own homecooked meals!

Lots to do during "downtime" in FW - pony rides, beach area, watch fireworks from the beach at your leisure nightly, Chip & Dale entertainment each night with marshmellows in the fire pit, 2 swimming pools and very easy access to the MK (by boat).

Add a littlemore fun to your stay and rent a golf cart to zip around on ... yourolder kids will love it! All the best to you as yu make your decision!
 
I think you would enjoy POR. We stayed there with our boys a couple years ago. They absolutely loved it. We are considering staying there again next fall. We are also a family of 5, so it is very difficult.
 
Lots to do during "downtime" in FW - pony rides, beach area, watch fireworks from the beach at your leisure nightly, Chip & Dale entertainment each night with marshmellows in the fire pit, 2 swimming pools and very easy access to the MK (by boat).

Add a littlemore fun to your stay and rent a golf cart to zip around on ... yourolder kids will love it! All the best to you as yu make your decision!


Are these things included in the price of lodging or are they extra? Do you know if reservations are required or are most things just first come/first serve? I think our little girls might enjoy some of the things you mention and the (early) teen just might, too!
 
We have 6 in our family, so I know what you're going through! We have been every place from the Contemporary to the Cabins to the Pop. The kids range in age from 2-13, and their favorite is POR. They love the pool! They don't think it is "too adult" at all. We let them pick for our next trip, and POR it is!
(The Cabins were a close 2nd) :yay:
 
the cabins are an option
we are dong 5 in our room at the GF
have you thought about the all star suites?
 
My fear with the suites is that the pullouts will not be comfortable. I also do not like that the door is in the living room where my girls will be sleeping. I have a fear of someone opening the door or leaving or something like this.
I have also been told the the suites are not eligible for the discount code where as booking two rooms at Pop or any all stars are.

I also do not Need a frig/kitchen just an added perk. I do like the idea of two rooms and 2 bathrooms. This will simplify getting ready in the mornings.
 
I am still tossing up my decisions on the resort for May 2008. I have a family of 5 and so we are limited to where we can stay. POR - I;m afraid it would be too adult-ish for my 3 DD's. Then there is the family suites at ASMu. I have heard however that the fold outs were very uncomfortable. Plus they seem hard to book. The last choice would be to book 2 rooms at either ASMo or POP (which we loved last year).

Any suggestions?

We are a family of four who makes a visit to WDW yearly (sometimes more than once a year). For the past two years, we have stayed at the CBR and loved it. Well, next year, we will have one more teenager with us.

I e-mailed Disney to find out their recommendations regarding accommodations for a party of 5. I also wanted to know when the 2008 package prices would be posted.

Here is an exact copy of the e-mail I received from Disney:


Dear Lisa,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

Each year, our Product Development Department reviews all components
offered under each package name. This determines the packages and
components included for the following year. At this time, packages
beyond 2007 have not been announced. Please check back in the Summer of
2007 for updated information.

You may want to look at the Family Suites at Disney's All Star Music
Resort or the cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground. Then there
is always the possibility of taking two rooms at a value or moderate
resort. The next bump up for a party of 5 would be a deluxe resort.

Family Suites at Disney's All Star Music Resort include separate
sleeping areas, a mini kitchenette with a small refrigerator and
microwave, two full bathrooms and will sleep a party of 6 plus a crib
size infant under the age of three. Bedding in the spacious Family
Suite (520 sq ft) is 1 Queen Bed, 1 Convertible Sleeper Chair, 1 Sleeper
Sofa and 1 Convertible Sleeper Ottoman. Having two bathrooms makes
getting ready easier and more convenient. This room category includes
all standard Resort Amenities, plus coffee/tea maker and hair dryer.
With the extra room, families can be together in the suite and still
enjoy separate sleeping areas with more privacy. You can relax and
recount the memories of the day before falling off to a good night's
sleep.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offer the Wilderness
CABINS: reminiscent of the log homes of the pioneers - but with the
Disney touch. Each manufactured 42x12 cabin has richly colored
wilderness accents, extra storage space, dining room and full size
bathroom with shower/tub. The bedroom has a double bed and bunk beds,
and the living room features a comfortable, pull down double bed, as
well as cable TV. The maximum party size is six plus a crib size infant
under the age of three. You will certainly enjoy the comfort of
air-conditioning and heating, fully equipped kitchen, and daily
housekeeping service. For outdoor relaxation, just stroll onto the deck
with picnic table and adjoining barbecue grill, all nestled under a lush
canopy of trees. Laundry, restrooms and showers are available, if
needed, at the nearby pool.


Additional information can be found on our web site: http://disneyworld.com/resorts


And use the link for Resorts / Cabins and Campground

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact
us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if
applicable on all correspondence.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Lainie Weidner

WDW Online Communications

PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and
should be confirmed just prior to your visit.
 





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