family of 6 in 1 room at POR?

[4boysrus]

Next April my kids will be 8, 6, 4, and 2 (will actually turn 2 on the trip).
I'm trying to decide where to stay so that we can book our trip, but I'm having a hard time.

To stay in a ASMu family suite it's about $350 more than POR, and for 2 rooms at ASMu is about $400 more than POR.

I know that it would be a bit crowded at POR, but when we did 2 rooms at Pop last year we didn't really need all the extra space. The only major downside would be 1 bathroom and finding something for the 3 older ones to do while the 2 year old naps. It's not like we're going to be hanging out in the room a lot.

Not only would we save money by staying at POR, but we'd get to experience a moderate resort and all that it has to offer.

Anyway, I just wanted to get some feedback from the experts.

Thanks in advance!

 

[copper68]

We have young children also, so naps breaks are a must for us...

Personally, I would have to go with the extra room than go with the benefits of the mod...we are getting two rooms at the Swan at the end of August for that very reason...my daughters need a long nap in the afternoon...we stay out late when we're at Disney, and my 3 yr old and 1 yr old won't make it till midnight if they don't get that long nap in...

so for us, we would def go with the two rooms in order to have the extra privacy, the quiteness for naps, and the extra bathroom...

Also, IMO, there's not that much diff between the mods and the values anyways...

 

[Disfan3]

there would be plenty of room for that IMO...but you would have to remove the other kids from the room for the 2yo to sleep because it is all one room. There is an arcade, boat ride to DTD, LOTS of extra stuff that the other parent can take them to do while the little one sleeps...or have them all take a rest....not sure how to go about that

but there is plenty of room IMO in the POR rooms....the trundle just gets slid under the bed when not in use...and the crib can go in between the beds or next to the window or slide the table over....

as far as room and the ages of your kids I think it would be fine if you wanted to do that and save 350 dollars.

I think POR is lovely.

 

[soccer mom]

We also have four kids. Although older now, we always had two connecting rooms, whatever the budget could bear. The cabins are nice at FW, but the pool is not always close if that is important.

 

[maxiesmom]

We did 3 kids 3 adults at POR for 2 nights. We were legal too, btw. And while we fit fine, the only one bathroom thing was a bit of a problem. This was at the begining of a split stay between POR and the then Summerfield Suites LBV. And everyone was much happier at the Summerfield. We had a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom suite for less than we paid for our room at POR. For us, 6 in one room was just too tight. Even though now we couldn't legaly fit in 1 room, even if it was legal we just wouldn't do it.

Think about what the extra money will get you. Another bathroom. More space. A way to close the door and let whoever wants to nap nap, and not have to worry what the rest of you will find to do.

 

[ElizabethB]

It'll be tight, that's for sure! At the end of a week at a moderate, we're usually feeling pretty cramped (and we're two adults and two 10-year-old boys). Given your children are pretty young, I think it's doable. POR is a lovely resort -- you'll be in the Bayou section. I don't like the room decor there, but the landscaping is gorgeous. I certainly think you'll manage, although I'd probably opt for the All Star Music family suite.

The Fort Wilderness Cabins are also a possibility. We thought the transportation there was so inconvenient, however, that once at the cabins was enough for us. Plus, you really need a golf cart and that adds $50 per day to the price of your room.

You could look into renting DVC points for a 2-bedroom. I gather it's relatively cheap Sun. through Thurs. but whatever savings you generate those nights is eaten up by how many points it takes for Fri. and Sat. nights. If you were willing to move on Fri., however, you might enjoy 5 nights with alot of space, and then fewer nights at POR with a little space. DH would never move -- too much effort and trouble (especially with little ones and all their paraphrenalia, but not everyone feels that way).

It may be out of your price range, but Contemporary garden wing rooms are great and can often be had for a pretty good price with a AP rate, code discount, etc. The rooms are huge, six people can be comfortable in them, and the proximity to MK can't be beat.

I sometimes think to myself that, as between a value resort and a moderate, I'd be willing to squeeze into a moderate in order to enjoy that resort experience, so that may well be the right decision for you. April, at least, won't be as hot at the summer, so maybe everyone will need fewer baths/showers and one bathroom won't be so problematic.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[harrierdoc]

My advice would be to delay your vacation until you save enough money to be able to easily afford the 2 rooms. Why spend all the money you spend at the parks, etc..., all the while being miserable because of the cramped living space. You really aren't talking about a whole bunch more money given how much you are going to spend overall.

 

[4boysrus]

My advice would be to delay your vacation until you save enough money to be able to easily afford the 2 rooms. Why spend all the money you spend at the parks, etc..., all the while being miserable because of the cramped living space. You really aren't talking about a whole bunch more money given how much you are going to spend overall.

It's not that we couldn't afford the few hundred dollars extra for 2 rooms or a family suite, i was just thinking it might be a way to experience a moderate resort before we'll need to have 2 rooms or a suite, and we'd have some extra $$$ for spending as well!

Thanks to everyone for all of your thoughts!

 

[stm61]

it's definately doable. You're only going to be in the room to sleep, not spending hours of free time in there. Just have one person take the older kids to the pool or something while the baby naps with the other adult. At night, put 2 or 3 kids in the double bed, one on the trundle. For more sleeping space, bring a kid size air mattress and put it between the beds or in front of the sinks. I've done it with 4 kids with no problem except a slight wait for the bathroom.