Families of 5 @ Disney

[islangrl]

We have been staying in the cabins at Fort Wilderness for the last couple of years. They accomodate six, so you could even have one MORE kid.
My grandpa used to take us there as kids and I have so many wonderful memories of my times at FW. My kids all LOVE it there. So much space, and your neighbors are not too close. When you need a break from all the parks and chaos, you can just sit on your own deck and have your kids run around. You might not want to cook on vacation, but the kitchen is great for little ones needs, and the BBQ grill is great for husbands! Plus mousekeeping will even do the dishes. My kids love all the parks, but they have the best time at Chip and Dale's campfire and the movie afterward, and watching the Electric Boat Parade from the dock. You can even rent a golf cart and just cruise around. Plus there is a boat that goes straight to the Magic Kingdom. Wow, I think I'm gonna have to go make a reservation.

 

[WDWjen]

We have 5 although our youngest just turned 3 so we've been able to swing 1room so far (we go about once a year) We have rented DVC points and have had no problems fitting in one room as we are in the parks from opening til bedtime! I loved the Wilderness Villas and the Boardwalk... the best with little kids. I have also done offsite at the Springhill Suites for a little extra room but staying onsite is usually much easier. DVC resorts are much nicer than the POP or All stars and if you go at a slow time you can get a standard room for under $100 a night. For our next trip we'll probably try and do 2 connecting rooms.

THe Poly / GF / Cont all have rooms that can fit 5 but they can get pricey - although the MK is so close it might be worth the extra money.

 

[Disneydreamer5]

Family of 7 here. We are myself, DH, DD18,DD16,DS15,DD14, & DD11.
When planning for children, vacation was not a factor we considered, financially speaking. We thought about a house to live in with enough room for everyone, clothing our children, feeding them and their education.
We have had many small trips over the last 18 years. We have gone and stayed with relatives that live close to waterparks and amusement parks alike. In 2005 we took our first big trip to the world and I have to agree with another poster here that (hate to say it but) Disney is not very friendly, nor affordable for larger familes on a medium income.
Our average budget allows for $5,000 for vacation and we can only travel in certain times of the year due to work and school schedules making staying on site very pricey.
Sure they offer cabins for six but we do not fit there.
We can stay at the DVC's but they are over $400 a night. I could never justify spending that kind of money for a room we are hardly ever in.
If we ever return we would probably stay in 2 rooms at the values again, unless we hit the lottery that is.
I would love to see Disney have a resort that would allow for larger familes, without leaving us completely broke.
I don't need a kitchen, refridge, or even a microwave. All I need is enough beds for everyone in my family and that we could all be in the same room.
When we went in 05 the adjoining rooms were fine but I hated my girls being in another room and found myself waking up all night to check in on them so I would end up sleeping with them instead of with my husband, not a huge deal but it did stink.
Now that my oldest is going on 19 there is no gaurentee that our rooms would even be connecting anymore. That is another issue I face.
As a family of 5 you will have many options to choose from depending on your style and budget but once you hit the magic number of 7 or more your options will reduce greatly. So as many have said in the past to me, think before you have anymore kids that you might not be able to vacation in Disney.
Congrads on your new baby, God Bless and I hope you find some place great for your next visit.

 

[Schmeck]

Family of 7 here. We are myself, DH, DD18,DD16,DS15,DD14, & DD11.
When planning for children, vacation was not a factor we considered, financially speaking. In 2005 we took our first big trip to the world and I have to agree with another poster here that (hate to say it but) Disney is not very friendly, nor affordable for larger familes on a medium income.

Sure they offer cabins for six but we do not fit there.
I would love to see Disney have a resort that would allow for larger familes, without leaving us completely broke.

So as many have said in the past to me, think before you have anymore kids that you might not be able to vacation in Disney.

Disney is not affordable for a lot of people - there are some people that will never be able to go there. When people choose to have large families, they should expect it to be difficult to go anywhere - in Europe, most hotel rooms hold 2 people, maximum. Family hostels are good, cheap alternatives, but are few and far between. Disney is a lot more friendly about large family size than a lot of other places, that's for sure!

What size should Disney cater to? Most families are in the 4-5 person range, and there are tons of options for that. Two connecting rooms at a value seems to be a very legit option, giving 4 beds, 2 bathrooms, and 2 tvs. That would hold eight, plus two little ones under the age of 3 would make it 10. Why should Disney make it less expensive for 8 people in one family to go to a resort than 2 families of 4???

 

[my2minnies]

We are a family of 6 and just returned from a trip. We had connecting rooms at the Pop and it was great. We have been 5 times and this was the first time we actually had to get two rooms because of our twins are now three. It was great having the extra space, two bathrooms and the ability to watch TV while the kids were sleeping in the next room.

Our kids are 3, 3, 6, and 7.

 

[SomedayI'llBe]

My guess would be having 3 kids in a room alone with access to outside, might be troublesome. Depending on the child of course. If I were going to do that with small children I would split up my husband and I. That way there was an adult in each room.

That was exactly the problem I meant. If you have a connecting room that you leave th middle door open to, it might not be an issue at all- it depends on the kids. But some parents could worry, especially if the kids are younger. What I meant by the age spread is that they aren't very far apart, they'll be young kids in the connecting room that aren't with the parents, which many might not be comfortable with.

 

[Colleen27]

We prefer the deluxes, so we're not too worried about the eventual need to have a room that sleeps 5. Right now, the baby doesn't count anyway, but even when she does we'll be able to manage with one room at the BC or a deluxe room at WL (our two favorite resorts so far). When my mother travels with us, we book connecting rooms at a mod or deluxe, depending upon the budget, and one of the older kids bunks with her.

Even without the extra adult, I'd be okay with connecting rooms and we do that sometimes at non-Disney hotels. My 10yo is a responsible kid and very protective of his sisters, so I'm confident they wouldn't be opening the door or leaving the room without us.

 

[Disneydreamer5]

Disney is not affordable for a lot of people - there are some people that will never be able to go there. When people choose to have large families, they should expect it to be difficult to go anywhere - in Europe, most hotel rooms hold 2 people, maximum. Family hostels are good, cheap alternatives, but are few and far between. Disney is a lot more friendly about large family size than a lot of other places, that's for sure!

What size should Disney cater to? Most families are in the 4-5 person range, and there are tons of options for that. Two connecting rooms at a value seems to be a very legit option, giving 4 beds, 2 bathrooms, and 2 tvs. That would hold eight, plus two little ones under the age of 3 would make it 10. Why should Disney make it less expensive for 8 people in one family to go to a resort than 2 families of 4???

I don't remember saying Disney should make it more affordable for only large familes. However families of four can stay at Disney as it is for as little as $82 a night at regular season rates, where as for my family I would have to pay double that amount.
I am not saying I should be intitled to anything here. What I said was that I wish it was more affordable for me and that it would be nice if we could all be together in 1 room instead of 2 adjoining rooms. Forgive meI didn't realize you were the Disney police and I wasnt allowed to say how I feel on that subject.
You attacked another poster before you jumped on me though I am not really sure why. The OP asked a question and I had a comment so I gave it. I don't appricate you attacking me for it with your sarcasm.
Also I would like to add that I am well aware how lucky we are that we did get to go to Disney. That was the only time we have ever been and I have no idea if or when we will ever get to go back ourselves so please don't try to tell me how lucky I am that we got to go at all as there are many who never will, I am very well aware of that fact, up until 2005 I was one of those familes, thank you very much.,

 

[mom2att]

I just resently found out that I am pregnant with my third child. Is it just me or does it seem like Disney gets complicated with a family more than 4. I am nervous that I may not get a family suite at a value resort in the future. Does any family of more than 4 want to share what works for them at Disney? I'll take any advise. Thanks!

One word--Offsite.

Actually, if you've been comfortable as a family of 4 in one Disney hotel room, you've got 2+ years to continue with that option, no problem. We stayed in the values often when youngest ds was still in the pack n play, but once he hit three we started staying in an offsite condo for roughly the same price and haven't looked back.

 

[Schmeck]

I don't remember saying Disney should make it more affordable for only large familes. However families of four can stay at Disney as it is for as little as $82 a night at regular season rates, where as for my family I would have to pay double that amount.
I am not saying I should be intitled to anything here. What I said was that I wish it was more affordable for me and that it would be nice if we could all be together in 1 room instead of 2 adjoining rooms. Forgive meI didn't realize you were the Disney police and I wasnt allowed to say how I feel on that subject.
You attacked another poster before you jumped on me though I am not really sure why. The OP asked a question and I had a comment so I gave it. I don't appricate you attacking me for it with your sarcasm.
Also I would like to add that I am well aware how lucky we are that we did get to go to Disney. That was the only time we have ever been and I have no idea if or when we will ever get to go back ourselves so please don't try to tell me how lucky I am that we got to go at all as there are many who never will, I am very well aware of that fact, up until 2005 I was one of those familes, thank you very much.,

I'm sorry that you think posting some ideas and pointing out certain things already posted feels like an attack, as that was not my intent. Comments about Disney not being friendly to large families, and Disney not allowing larger families to visit without going broke makes it seem like people are blaming Disney for a choice a family makes. I'm just lost as to why Disney should cut large families some kind of break, and why it shouldn't cost double for a larger family to go anywhere compared to a family half the size???

 

[Disneydreamer5]

I'm sorry that you think posting some ideas and pointing out certain things already posted feels like an attack, as that was not my intent. Comments about Disney not being friendly to large families, and Disney not allowing larger families to visit without going broke makes it seem like people are blaming Disney for a choice a family makes. I'm just lost as to why Disney should cut large families some kind of break, and why it shouldn't cost double for a larger family to go anywhere compared to a family half the size???

I did't say it shouldn't cost more for a larger family. It just stinks that it is so much more.
I was not blaming anyone for my family size. That is a choice I made and I would make it again if given the chance. I love having a larger then most family. I also don't think Disney should have to cater to large families. I just simply can not afford the larger room options they do offer. Nobodys problem but mine and that is fine. I am fully aware that whatever I write is not going to make a bit of difference. Poeple write on here all the time about what they "wish" would happen and that was what I was doing.
I am not above anything or anyone. As I stated before, the villa's are not affordable for me.Again nobodys problem but mine. I did not consider vacations when planning my family size, maybe I should have but hey I should have, could have done a lot of things differently.
I don't need anything fancy, I don't need a kitchen, a washer and dryer, and I could careless about the view. If Disney offered somehwhere to stay, where we could all fit in one room, and as long as I was able to still use there transportation, even if it had no frills what so ever, and it wasn't going to cost me over $200 a night, that is where I would be staying. Obviously they don't which is why we stayed value in 2 rooms, which again is fine but I just "WISH" there are other affordable choices for me, personally, as well as other large famlies.
If you didn't mean to come off nasty then that is great and I appreciate your saying you were sorry but if you go back and read your post you will see that you did come off very sarcastic.
Look the bottom line is that I was only telling my side of the tale here.
The OP asked about what happens when you reach the 5 or more mark and as a family of 7 I gave my 2 cents worth.
I am sorry if I came off sounding as if Disney owed me something because I did not mean it that way.
Just stating what the facts are regaurding larger familes.

 

[princessreilly]

Thanks for sharing your options. Sorry if I caused any problems on here. In my situation DH and I have found ways to go to Disney on a regular basis because we have found with good planning, it costs the same as any other vacation for us. This was a surprise pregnancy for me and it has thrown me through a loop! I am a big planner and this is the only one I didn't plan. I'm am really excited, but it's time to start planning. I know with DS turning 3 next year and baby #3 on the way, there will be alot of changes. I knew there were some of you on here with families of 5 or more that had already figured it out! I love seeing what my options are in advance.

 

[sorul82?]

When people choose to have large families, they should expect it to be difficult to go anywhere

Sometimes people don't choose to have large families. Some may have been only "going" for 2 children but were surprised with twins the 2nd time.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Thanks for sharing your options. Sorry if I caused any problems on here. In my situation DH and I have found ways to go to Disney on a regular basis because we have found with good planning, it costs the same as any other vacation for us. This was a surprise pregnancy for me and it has thrown me through a loop! I am a big planner and this is the only one I didn't plan. I'm am really excited, but it's time to start planning. I know with DS turning 3 next year and baby #3 on the way, there will be alot of changes. I knew there were some of you on here with families of 5 or more that had already figured it out! I love seeing what my options are in advance.

The cheapest way to stay on site for a family of 5 is to get a room at POR for about $150 per night during value season. We are a family of 6 and the cheapest way for us to stay on-site is to get two connecting rooms at a value, which is about $164.00 per night during value season. So for about $15.00 more per night you can have two rooms, four beds and two bathrooms.

 

[chessie2008]

Hi - just wanted to comment that I've been looking into a Disneyland trip and I was surprised that all three Disney hotels out there accomodate 5! (someone suggested *sarcastically I think* that they build bunk beds - that is what they did at one - a bunk bed w/ a trundle so it holds 3 kids! Great idea I would love to see at WDW). Having a larger family myself we are looking into DVC since it will be the only way we can afford going as much as we would like to.

 

[mjkacmom]

I'm sorry that you think posting some ideas and pointing out certain things already posted feels like an attack, as that was not my intent. Comments about Disney not being friendly to large families, and Disney not allowing larger families to visit without going broke makes it seem like people are blaming Disney for a choice a family makes. I'm just lost as to why Disney should cut large families some kind of break, and why it shouldn't cost double for a larger family to go anywhere compared to a family half the size???

I could be mistaken, but doesn't a family of 4 (or at some resorts, 5), pay the same amount for a room as, let's say, a family of 2 (or maybe even 1?). Shouldn't it cost the family of 4 twice the amount of the family of 2 to stay in that room, since the family is twice the size? I think that those of us with a few more children would like the opportunity to stay on property, in rooms designated for more people. Maybe cabins for 8, which would of course cost more than the typical cabin, but less than 2 cabins. It is unfortunate that only the deluxe resorts have capacities for larger families, out of all of the options.

 

[Colleen27]

I could be mistaken, but doesn't a family of 4 (or at some resorts, 5), pay the same amount for a room as, let's say, a family of 2 (or maybe even 1?). Shouldn't it cost the family of 4 twice the amount of the family of 2 to stay in that room, since the family is twice the size? I think that those of us with a few more children would like the opportunity to stay on property, in rooms designated for more people. Maybe cabins for 8, which would of course cost more than the typical cabin, but less than 2 cabins. It is unfortunate that only the deluxe resorts have capacities for larger families, out of all of the options.

Exactly. Disney really doesn't have good options for larger families, and just going from 4 to 5 can easily double lodging costs.

The value suites are a nice thought, until you think about the fact that they're more expensive than two rooms and sleep two fewer people.

The cabins are another nice option for families of 5-6, but they're not inexpensive and then you have to add in the cost of renting a golf cart to get around FW if you don't have a car, because that would be way too much walking for most kids.

The DVC villas have a similar problem - both the studios and the 1 bedrooms sleep 4. So a family going from 4 to 5 has to go from a studio all the way up to a 2 bedroom that has space for 8.

It really doesn't come into play for us personally, but I can understand the frustration. It does stink that adding one extra person or having your youngest child turn three means your lodging costs instantly double. And it is even tougher on larger families, because two rooms is the best/most affordable option but Disney won't guarantee connecting rooms to ensure the whole family can be together and that the parents don't have to split up to provide supervision.

 

[Disneydreamer5]

Exactly. Disney really doesn't have good options for larger families, and just going from 4 to 5 can easily double lodging costs.

The value suites are a nice thought, until you think about the fact that they're more expensive than two rooms and sleep two fewer people.

The cabins are another nice option for families of 5-6, but they're not inexpensive and then you have to add in the cost of renting a golf cart to get around FW if you don't have a car, because that would be way too much walking for most kids.

The DVC villas have a similar problem - both the studios and the 1 bedrooms sleep 4. So a family going from 4 to 5 has to go from a studio all the way up to a 2 bedroom that has space for 8.

It really doesn't come into play for us personally, but I can understand the frustration. It does stink that adding one extra person or having your youngest child turn three means your lodging costs instantly double. And it is even tougher on larger families, because two rooms is the best/most affordable option but Disney won't guarantee connecting rooms to ensure the whole family can be together and that the parents don't have to split up to provide supervision.

Thank you. Finially someone got what I was trying to say.

 

[DISNEYNUTS]

I agree, that a family of 5 is difficult in disney, we used to go every year until that 3rd child was over 3. before that we stayed everywhere at disney since we've stayed in values once with 2 rms, POR once, and this year POR with 2 rooms because the trundle will not fit my 14yr 6ft tall son and Asthma prevents youngest from sleeping on it. I too wish there were more options. Yes there are some, Family suites, but if your going at christmas you better have a back up plan in case you aren't lucky enough to get one of these(we weren't). In our case our room cost more than doubled,because of the combination of rooms 1 king 1 double, but the CM went through loops to get us two rooms at POR at Christmas.

 

[my2minnies]

It is hard having a larger family at Disney. I would LOVE to stay at a Deluxe resort just once, but it is extremely cost prohibitive. I could get two studios or because I am a family of 6 a two bedroom suite. Both are extremely expensive. There is no way that I would ever want to spend that much money on a hotel room.

I do however think the option of having the two rooms at a value resort is a great choice. We were told that the rooms are guaranteed to be connecting if there are more kids than adults in the party. This is what we do and will continue to do. But I do understand why people would like more options. The price per person for a trip is usually more for larger families--especially for families of 6 or 7 people.