Families of 5....what do you do?

[Regina]

Congrats on number 3!!!

One of the main reasons that we joined DVC is because we're a family of 5. Our three were 11, 10 and 7 when we purchased 11 years ago.

Some advice, get the points that you can comfortably afford now. We still enjoy fantastic Disney vacations even though we've been paying HS/college tuitions for 8 years. (The past 4 years it's been 3 tuitions at once. OUCH!)

Our maintenance fees are manageable and enable us to take fantastic vacations while dealing with paying for our kid's educations.

Another consideration, if you plan on traveling as a family, HS/college schedules often conflict and you may need to go during peak times. We had an amazing Christmas/NYE trip this past year, all on points. Doing the math to see what it would have cost out of pocket is a real eye-opener. It would have been more than DD's annual HS tuition!

As the years go by, we find new reasons to be grateful that we became members.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Congratulations Lesley. That's wonderful news. Best wishes for many wonderful Disney family memories together.

Also, less important but notable, hat's off to thread contributors so far for this thread not getting off into the room occupancy debate.

 

[laceemouse]

Congrats Lesley!!! Just wait for the sticker shock when you have to buy adult tickets when your kids hit 10!!! Our 2 oldest are adults now by Disney standards (12 and 10.) We also have 2 more, currently 8 and 5. Two bedrooms are a must for us.

 

[Mickmse2002]

We are also a family of 5. Two girls, ages 11 and 13, one boy age 8. All five of us have fit very comfortably in a 1-bedroom at BCV and at OKW. We have also stayed in a 2-bedroom at OKW. If the kids are small everyone fits very nicely in a 1-bedroom. Two kids on the pull-out bed and the third on an air-mattress.

It is very easy for people to say "buy enough points to stay in a 2-bedroom" but not necessarily needed. If everyone is comfy in a 1-bedroom then that is what you should do.

(There have been times my wife and I have been in a studio and I wished we were in a 2-room!)

I think, bottom line, stay in the accommodations you are most comfy in, that's what vacations are all about.

 

[Pa@okw95]

The limit on a one bedroom is 4 unless you have a child under 3 years old. If anyone is staying in a one bedroom with 5 they are breaking the rules of the association.

 

[Mickmse2002]

"The limit on a one bedroom is 4 unless you have a child under 3 years old. If anyone is staying in a one bedroom with 5 they are breaking the rules of the association."

You've got to be kidding? We apparently don't "break the rules" in DVC's eye's as we are very up front and honest about the size and ages of the party when we book the room. The only thing they have ever said, aside from enjoy your magical vacation, is that they won't provide any additional bedding.

I am always amazed by some folks who like to point out others who "break the rules" when they are most likely "breaking rules" of themselves in some way shape or form. Don't believe me? How many people actually drive a posted speed limit?

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
The limit on a one bedroom is 4 unless you have a child under 3 years old. If anyone is staying in a one bedroom with 5 they are breaking the rules of the association.

Oops, looks like I spoke too soon with a hats off regarding someone not turning this thread into a room occupancy debate.

As you know, the room occupancy debate is not allowed on the DVC forum and thus your post is "breaking the rules" of the established posting guidelines. The occupancy debate is relegated to the debate board. It is not necessary for this thread to go in that direction.

 

[RobDoc]

Well, as usual, the topic has suddenly turned into something the original poster specifically stated wasn't desired.

Disney's stated occupancy for a 1BR villa is 4 plus a child under three.

The resort will not check the number actually in the room and will not provide extra bedding or linens.

Discussion of occupancy limits is welcome on the Debate Board, but is not encouraged on this forum.

Thanks!