Family of 6 on a budget - where to stay?

[hpygrll]

I'm helping friends of ours plan their trip - 2 adults - 4 kids 5, 6, 8 and 10 -(There are only 4 of us and we are DVC - so I have no idea what to tell this larger family!!!!)

Where to stay on property?

Thanks!

Jenny

 

[Rhonda]

They could stay in 2 Standard rooms at a Value resort. Or a Wilderness Cabin at Fort Wilderness. They could also try for a Family Suite at All Star Music, but they tend to be a little more expensive than just getting 2 Standard rooms.

 

[bekkiz]

A few suggestions

All Star Music Family Suites sleep 6 and depending on the time of year, rack rate is 179-289/night. They're pretty nice and new, and from what I can tell, people just love them

However, again, depending on the time of the year, 2 rooms at a value or a moderate might be just as good of a choice. Values can be as low at 70/night, Mods can be as low as 100/night.

 

[simonkodousek]

I would get a family suite at ASMu because they have a kitchenette and two bathrooms.

 

[DonnaL]

They could really go in a few directions.......budget could also go two ways.....if they plan to eat all meals out, then obviously a value or mod would be the better choice in so far as accomodations. However, with a family of six they will really blow their budget on food (I speak from experience, however, their kids are a bit younger). Why not have them check the DVC rent board........maybe they could get a 2 bdrm. That way, they would have the kitchen to cut down on eating all meals out and also, the laundry available whenever they need it. So, even though their accomodations may cost more, it just might be a wash as far as total expense.

 

[Deb & Bill]

A DVC two bedroom will cost more than two value rooms. They will get four double beds in two value rooms. Two value rooms will also cost less than one family suite.

 

[hpygrll]

These suggestions are all very helpful! I am passing on to our friends.

Thanks all!!!

Jenny

 

[deadhedjen]

We're a family of 6...and we're ALWAYS on a budget, lol.

I'd price out 2 rooms at a value.
Compare seasons for them too. Or are they set on their travel dates??? The off season will save them more $$.

I would also price out the meal plan.
With 3 kids under 9 it shouldn't be that much.

Do they belong to AAA???

For 2 rooms with the AAA discount (depending on how long they are going for) they should come out ahead.

We had always stayed off site b/c we thought staying on-site would be too costly. Also, we really didn't want to go the value route.

Turns out we really enjoyed staying at the value resort. Just the bus transportation alone was WAY worth it. No lugging kids through a parking lot to a hot car. Just hop on the bus and away we went.

 

[minnie61650]

They could stay in 2 Standard rooms at a Value resort. Or a Wilderness Cabin at Fort Wilderness. They could also try for a Family Suite at All Star Music, but they tend to be a little more expensive than just getting 2 Standard rooms.

Prices for a FW Cabin during value season of 2007 start at $249 a night .
Prices for the Family Suites start at $179 a night during value season.
Prices for 2 standard rooms at a value resort start at $164 during value season.
Prices for 2 preferred (location) rooms at a value resort start at $188 during value season.


For comparison, the price of a Family Suite is $9-11 more then 2 Standard Rooms, or $13-15 less the 2 Preferred Rooms, depending on season.

Also a fridge is included in AS Suite.

Fridges cost $10 a night to rent when staying at a value . Don't forget the Queen size bed,a coffee pot and microwave are also in Family Suites.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

DH and I stayed in a Family Suite at All Star Music ( a value resort) last Sept. (2006)

We really enjoyed the Queen size bed, the kitchenette with the microwave, having a sofa and cushioned chair to sit on and relax after a day at the parks before retiring for the evening.

I thought the pullouts very comfortable.

They are designed so the back cushion and seat cushion of the pullout support the pullout. There is no meatle bar to hurt the sleepers back.

Info thread--Pullouts in Family Suites at ASMU with photos of how the pullout is supported.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18100990#post18100990

Here is the layout of the Family Suites:

Here is my review of the Suites:

www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=17640774&postcount=7

For more photos and info please see this info thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392879

Have fun at Disney wherever you choose to stay!