Family of 5, ages 16 down to 3. SOS!

[Jeslynb]

Hi everyone.

We are planning a trip for the week leading up to Christmas, 2019. We have with us:

Us - mom and dad

16 y/o son
14 y/o son
3.5 y/o daughter

We have been to Disney many times with just the boys and have always stayed offsite to spread out. However, this time we are considering on-site so the teens can use park transportation and not be stuck with us and their little sister. I am thinking of the contemporary but I don't know if it's realistic to have three kids of such disparate ages trying to sleep in one room with us. I would also do 2 adjoining rooms or a suite depending on cost.

The other option would be to book offsite at our favorite super-cheap condo and the boys can just branch off once we get to the parks.

Anyone here have similar aged kids and if so, what worked well for you?

 

[Turksmom]

Hi everyone.

We are planning a trip for the week leading up to Christmas, 2019. We have with us:

Us - mom and dad

16 y/o son
14 y/o son
3.5 y/o daughter

We have been to Disney many times with just the boys and have always stayed offsite to spread out. However, this time we are considering on-site so the teens can use park transportation and not be stuck with us and their little sister. I am thinking of the contemporary but I don't know if it's realistic to have three kids of such disparate ages trying to sleep in one room with us. I would also do 2 adjoining rooms or a suite depending on cost.

The other option would be to book offsite at our favorite super-cheap condo and the boys can just branch off once we get to the parks.

Anyone here have similar aged kids and if so, what worked well for you?

We have a 10 year gap between 2 oldest and two youngest. We stayed in a suite at Art of Animation and had enough room to spread out. Kids in living area, we took the bedroom and it has two bathrooms and a small kitchen area.

 

[mama22babygirls]

I was going to also suggest Art of Animation. All star Music also has family suites....

 

[Sara_H]

What about renting DVC points and getting a 2 bedroom?

 

[Deb & Bill]

What about renting DVC points and getting a 2 bedroom?

Probably too late for Dec 2019.

 

[heidijanesmith]

For 5 of you and you want some space, I would book two rooms at Pop and hope for connecting rooms. Or a suite at AoA would be fun too.

When my kids were teens they would not share a bed, so I would book two rooms, a suite at AoA or see if you can get a roll away bed at a resort that has a daybed.

Our kids loved the freedom of using Disney transportation. As parents we felt comfortable letting them use it. We also got the dining plan as they were always hungry. Letting them use the MB for snacks, refillable mug and food was fantastic.

 

[Sara_H]

Probably too late for Dec 2019.

Might not be. We are going in January and just got ours booked about 3 weeks ago. Could be worth a try.

 

[holden]

What about renting DVC points and getting a 2 bedroom?

This is my suggestion as well. You could stay at BLT or Kidani for the extra bathroom.

 

[starry_solo]

Get a family suite at one of the value resorts.
OR check out the Disney Springs hotels and see if there are any deals. They don't have Disney transportation, but they do have the 60 day FP+ opportunity and their own shuttles.

 

[SharonZ]

With the ages of your kids, I wouldn't do one room. Get a family suite or two value rooms, and make your only request connecting. It's probably a little late rent DVC, right before the holidays this year.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

My kids are 19 and 13. Last trip we all 4 took together they were 15 and 9 and we shared a room with them. The year after we did an all inclusive vacation in the Caribbean and that is the last time we ever shared a room with them for more than one night.

We are thinking of going all together again in a few years and I've been thinking of offsite or two rooms. I'm pretty sure we will do two rooms onsite just for the transportation. The kids love being with us but I know my kids like sleeping in and I'm an early bird. They may want to meet up with us some days or do a different park. Especially with a younger child with a big age gap I can see your kids wanting to do their own thing at times.

I would do two rooms at a mod or value. We like having a pool slide but since it's December I might be persuaded to do a value.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

You could still look for something like a treehouse or two bedroom at Saratoga. I booked a room direct through Disney (not renting points) for a 2 bedroom at BLT, so it's always worth looking at the Disney website for your dates.

 

[robinb]

I have to warn you that Christmas pricing is ridiculously expensive. Also, I wouldn't expect too many discounts with the opening up of Galaxy's Edge in November or December.

There is good availability at DVC in 1 and 2 bedrooms for 12/14-12/21. Your crew would fit comfortably in a 1BR with a sleeper chair in addition to the pull out sofa. Animal Kingdom, Old Key West and Bay Lake Tower all have sleeper chairs. OKW is 173 points ($2941 at David's DVC Rentals), AKV is 179 points (standard view, $3222) and BLT is 239 points (lake view, $4302).

You can also fit in a Studio that has a murphy bed (not all do) and that'll be about half the price of a 1BR, but that'll be about the same as cramming into a Deluxe room.

A couple of hotels at Disney Springs will sleep 5. I would pick one and book it now with a cancelable rate while you mull over your other choices. The Disney Springs hotels have 60-day FP+. EMH and free, reliable bus transportation.