Family of 5 (2 teens) ~ Where to stay?

[Sharnhalt]

We are a family of 5 - two of which are 15 & 14. Trying to decide whether to get two rooms or if any of the larger suites would be smarter. We have stayed at Carribean Beach and Dixielandings in the past and loved it. We really enjoy the convenience of a food court too. Does anyone have any suggestions on what would work the best or what they have done.

 

[A1A1]

I was going to suggest POR because of its proximity by boat to Downtown Disney. Do you trust the kids to take the boat to DD without you, or to go off on their own while they are there if you went together? There is alot to do there regardless.

Another I thought of for you was CR. It is a close walk to MK, they have a game room, nice marina, and kids those ages might be drawn to the modern decor. They might enjoy the monorail going through the building, as well.

Another place people with kids that age seem to like is FW. If you rented a cabin, you would have seperate sleeping area with bunk beds (hope they aren't too big for them). You would have a full kitchen and living room. Also there is a deck outside your cabin for the kids or you to sit and relax outside the "room". Kids seem to enjoy tooling around the grounds in the golf carts. They can walk the trails and explore. Posts of guests who stayed there love all there is to do at FW.

 

[tar heel]

We're a family of 5 with two teens. In the past 14 months, we've done one room at yc, a fw cabin and two rooms at all stars sports and csr. Believe it or not, one yc room is the favorite in spite of the one bathroom and closer quarters. Why? Location, location, location plus the pool and hot tubs. With the proximity to two parks and the Boardwalk, it was easy for a kid who needed some space to go off by himself. There is no food court, though, and quick food is a bit of an issue at that resort.

We also all really liked csr -- great pool and one big hot tub. It has a nice food court, too, although the set-up is different. It has a much more deluxe feel than po-r, which we also like a lot.

My kids didn't like all stars b/c there was no pool slide or hot tub -- we stayed six nights and neither teen went to the pool. Although we loved the cabin itself, the transportation issues at the end of the day didn't match with grumpy, tired teens. Also, this is the worst place for quick food you don't fix yourself b/c there's nothing nearby and everything is already closed when you return from the parks.

 

[SuiteDisney]

The suites at the deluxe resorts are very expensive, but if it's within your budget you can't beat the luxury. Coronado Springs is the only moderate resort with suites and they are less expensive than at the deluxe resorts.

When we went with 5 people, we got adjoining rooms at All Stars. It worked out fine, there was enough room and 2 bathrooms come in handy. And it was less expensive than one room at a deluxe.

 

[karebear1]

BCV or BWV using rented points from a DVC memeber can be very reasonable. There are studios, 1,2 and 3 bedroom villas. Usually people will rent their points for $10.00/point- which is a great deal. Why don't you check out the DVC renntal board on this site and ask some questions there? You might just get a price you could never beat anywhere else!

 

[ducklite]

Have you thought about AKL or WL? Many of the rooms have a set of bunk beds with the queen, so your teens wouldn't have to sleep together if that is what the issue is.

Anne

 

[tazz]

We have 2 teens (14 & 15) and are staying at the YC conceirge level. Last trip they said this is the place (or BC) they'd like to stay at most because of the pool. I think the closeness to Boardwalk makes it appealing to the teens too. We requested 2 queens and a daybed. I asked them if they'd rather stay in a larger room or more deluxe resort and the resort won. We decided to go for conceirge because it will be easier for snacks for the kids and won't really need the food courts.

 

[franw]

I would have to agree that any of the Boardwalk area resorts would be terrific for our family situation. It gives the kids a lot of room to roam without worrying about them getting on buses without you. Not that there would be any security worry that I know of - other than seeing some rather intoxicated people riding from time to time from Pleasure Island. It would give them a sense of freedom and at the same time you would have them within walking distance of you. The Swan and Dolphin are two other considerations. Good luck with your plans.

 

[PaulaJ]

I think you have to consider the personalities in your group. Do you value a bit of privacy? How much value would 2 bathrooms over one have for you? We were very happy to have 2 rooms when travelling with 2 teens and one 6 yr. old..staying at ASMo. When some wanted to sleep, some would watch TV in the other room. Saved alot of time having 2 bathrooms too. If $ is an issue, I think this is a great option.