Family of 5...where to stay?

[KrazeeK120]

The cheapest option is definitely POR. However, it will be tight. We do it with our 8, 6 and 4 year old. However, I'm not sure for how much longer!

While true, it's only about $10 more per night to get 2 value rooms, which adds a LOT of space and a second bathroom. I'm guessing that for most folks budgeting a Disney vacation, an extra ~$100 isn't going to make or break them. I'd pay the extra and get the space and second bathroom over cramming everyone into one of those rooms at POR.

 

[autismgoesdisney]

While true, it's only about $10 more per night to get 2 value rooms, which adds a LOT of space and a second bathroom. I'm guessing that for most folks budgeting a Disney vacation, an extra ~$100 isn't going to make or break them. I'd pay the extra and get the space and second bathroom over cramming everyone into one of those rooms at POR.

I just looked and checked out my vacation at two rooms at Music for my family of five versus POR. You are correct, it wasn't that much extra. It was $205.23 (for one week and 8 day passes, no hoppers/waterslides) more expensive. Not bad for two rooms! The only other thing is if you go when its free dining, you'd have to pay to upgrade that too. Not sure how much more that is.

 

[msmith07101]

Thank you everyone! I am actually researching this for my sister. They stayed last year at POR and they said they didn't like it. Just didn't like the resort and had little things bother them...like the hot tub not working...they didn't feel like there was anything to do for the kids...this based on previously staying at all star music a couple years ago where they said there were lots of activities going on all the time. AoA is where they would like to stay, but it is so expensive for the suite. But they are also looking at November, the week of Thanksgiving, which is probably higher than anything they would have payed on visits in May. Maybe if some room discounts come out or free dining...that would make the difference.
I would like to go too...so still doing some searching for a bargain!

 

[Summer Daydream]

We stay in the cabins at Fort Wilderness. We like it there for our trips of 6 people.

 

[maxiesmom]

Keep in mind that if you ask for connecting rooms, there is a small chance that you won't get them. No matter what the person tells you when you make your reservation, Disney definitely regards connecting rooms as a request only. There has been a poster who was the only adult with multiple kids, and still didn't get connecting rooms.

Disney doesn't turn down that request if they can help it. But sometimes they just run out of connecting rooms. Also, if you want connecting rooms, stay away from the Music resort. My Dreams Unlimited TA warned me that many of them were used to make the Family Suites, so they have fewer to give out to start with.

 

[Nomad70]

We are a family of 5 and stayed at POR. Our kids were 4, 10, 13 at the time. Yes, it isn't the biggest room, but we are family and being "cozy" isn't that bad for a few days. The trundle was small, but our little one was fine with it. Besides, unless you plan on spending loads of time in the room it really doesn't matter.

 

[Catrin]

Have you looked into the Port Orleans Riverside Alligator Bayou area? We are a family of 5 and we have stayed there several times. My boys love it there and the food court is great!

This was a nightmare for my family (ages 16, 12 and 6 at the time). When everyone saw the poor excuse for a Trundle Bed - they all said NO WAY IM SLEEPING ON THAT!!!

The room was just too small and cramped for us. We would have been better off booking two rooms at POP or one of the All Star Resorts.

The only plus is a great pool and food court!

Catrin

 

[hmmemom]

We are a family of 6 and always stay in the ASMu Family Suites. We are pretty much just looking for a place to sleep, but I know they have lots of activities going on. A big bonus for us over the Cabins is 2 bathrooms. We usually go during free dining and pay to upgrade to plus dining. There is a fridge and microwave, so we eat breakfast in the room before we leave for the day. It can get tight with the sofa, chair, and ottoman opened up into beds, but it's not a big deal for us.

 

[moparop]

We stayed at the Contemporary in Garden wing on our last trip and loved it. We loved the space we had, the number of beds we had in the room, the location and of course the monorail. We are considering AoA for our next trip but I am freaking out at the thought of losing out on the great transportation.

 

[cjsm&d]

It just seems so darn expensive for 5 people. I wasn't aware that some of the deluxe resorts can sleep 5. But again, so expensive!

POR Aligator Bayou has 2 queens and a murphy bed. That should cover you.

 

[cjsm&d]

This was a nightmare for my family (ages 16, 12 and 6 at the time). When everyone saw the poor excuse for a Trundle Bed - they all said NO WAY IM SLEEPING ON THAT!!!

The room was just too small and cramped for us. We would have been better off booking two rooms at POP or one of the All Star Resorts.

The only plus is a great pool and food court!

Catrin

The beds have been upgraded to Queens and the trundle has been replaced with a pull down murphy bed.

 

[ILUVDISNEY12]

if you want a value price..then stick with the All Star Music resort by either choosing the family suite or the connecting room..there is also Art of Animation but it's a tad bit pricey....Port Orleans is great as well..

If you are going to be mostly at the parks...i would go to All Star since you would just need a place to sleep...

 

[cjsm&d]

Thank you everyone! I am actually researching this for my sister. They stayed last year at POR and they said they didn't like it. Just didn't like the resort and had little things bother them...like the hot tub not working...they didn't feel like there was anything to do for the kids...this based on previously staying at all star music a couple years ago where they said there were lots of activities going on all the time. AoA is where they would like to stay, but it is so expensive for the suite. But they are also looking at November, the week of Thanksgiving, which is probably higher than anything they would have payed on visits in May. Maybe if some room discounts come out or free dining...that would make the difference.
I would like to go too...so still doing some searching for a bargain!

I find it surprising that they felt there was less to do at POR than a value. POR seems to offer pretty much anything activities-wise the values offer + a better pool and slide, and even a fishing hole for the kids.

 

[msmith07101]

I find it surprising that they felt there was less to do at POR than a value. POR seems to offer pretty much anything activities-wise the values offer + a better pool and slide, and even a fishing hole for the kids.

Yeah...I don't know. I was surprised they said this, but I have never stayed at POR, so have no idea. I think sometimes you can just end up with a bad visit that can leave you with an impression that isn't necessarily the true picture.