Family of 5 on a budget

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

Okay, right now we are a family of 4. We happily stayed at AsMo b/c it was a good deal for us. We really liked it. Since we aren't in the room that much anyway, I don't know if I could spend all the money on a mod or deluxe even if I could afford it.

We will soon be a family of 5. If I understand correctly, we can stay in a room for 4 through the age of 3 with our newest child, right? Once they turn 4, we will have to get a room that is for 5 people, right?

So my only options in the future will be to get connecting rooms, which will double our hotel rates or to get a family suite at AsMu, which would also cost a lot more? OR to even further up the cost of the trip, to stay at a mod or deluxe that accomodates five?

One more question - Double Tree is in Downtown Disney. I know we'd lose some of the Disney magic, but the hotel rates, even though more, wouldn't be double at least. I assume they have their own transportation? They can't participate in EMHs or the DDP though, can they?

Thanks for the info!

 

[briar_rose_59]

Correct, up to age 3 can stay in a room with 4 other people. Once they turn 3 you will have to get a room that accomodates 5. IIRC, 1 room at PO-Riverside costs less than 2 standard rooms at the Values. The Family suites also don't have "beds" for everyone (there is one bed in the one room, and pullout sofas in the other room, which are apparently quite comfortable) and the suites rarely participate in discounts (so if you use those, the suites may not be your best bet). I've never stayed at the Double Tree. Don't know about their transportation but no, they can't participate in EMH (only the Hilton can, if I'm not mistaken) or the DDP. Hopefully this helps a bit :

 

[fla4fun]

The Downtown Disney resorts do have their own transportation, separate from the Disney transportation system. The Hilton is the only one that participates in EMH. None of the DTD hotels participate in DDP. The Doubletree is the farthest hotel from DTD, but that does make it convenient for walking to restaurants off property, which can save you some money.

Another thing to consider is rate seasons. If you can come during value season, the Disney resorts are much more reasonably priced, so two rooms at a value might still be in your budget. One thing to consider though, is that when you book two rooms, you can request connecting but it isn't guaranteed. That's why most people will either suggest the Family Suite or a trundle room at POR. If you can get a discount at POR, that is typically your best bet.

 

[disneyfanfamily]

I think that you can have up to 5 as long as the youngest is UNDER 3. Once they hit 3, then you have to go to use a different resort other than a value (unless you do 2 rooms).

We are in the same boat as you. We only stayed in a value once (DD was almost 3) so we "made it" in the value. Now we stay at POR. We have the $$ to stay at a pricier resort, or 2 rooms at a value, but I look at the bottom line, and POR is the cheapest we can go. I have a hard time forking out the money for a room when we are not in it that much. Besides, POR is a very nice resort.

Angela

 

[JennyDrake]

I would encouagre you to spend the extra money and get a suite. You will all still be speaking by the end of the trip. It will also be nice to put little ones down without the grownups having to "hush." I have not stayed at Double Tree, but a friend of mine w/ a 10 year old stays there regularly and they really like it.

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

Yes, it is a child under the age of 3, not 4.

 

[Tam1067]

I feel your pain. Our third one added expense and hassle (but we love her anyway!).

If the youngest is under 3, you can stay at a resort which sleeps 4 in a room, so you could all stay in one room at the values. Once the youngest hits 3, you're going to have to move up, either to a family suite, a room with a trundle at POR, or a deluxe room which sleepts 5. Another option would be one of the cabins at Fort Wilderness. Those sleep 6 and are going to cost less than a deluxe room; plus you'd have more space and a kitchen.

Of course, there are lots of off property options which sleep 5 or more and would be less expensive too.