Family of 6

[m&e&jmom]

I haven't posted in a couple of years. We are just now planning a trip for November 2007. We now have 5 in our family. I did find it interesting that the rate for four people at POR and 5 people at POR (room only rate) was exactly the same. I was pleasantly surprised that Disney did not up the rate to add one more person. I can understand the reluctance to have to rent two rooms, also. I would be uneasy staying in one room while my kids were in the other. I think DH and I would end up sleeping in separate rooms just for our own piece of mind. We don't really take advantage of the "perks" at the moderates and I don't think we would at the Deluxe hotels, either, just because we are cramming so much in at the parks, so the extra money for us probably pays off with the bus service.

All that being said, we travelled with seven about six years ago and stayed at a condo about 2 minutes away--I think it was the Vistana. Everyone had their own beds, we had a kitchen, so we didn't have to eat on-site every meal, and we had the convenience of using transportation at the condo or our own car. If we had six or seven in our party again, I wouldn't hesitate to rent another condo or stay in a rental home. Yes, you would miss a bit of the magic of Disney, but you might be able to afford to do a few other things, such as extra character meals that you wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.

I hope that whatever you decide, you will continue to post on these boards and have a great trip. I'm sending you good thoughts and positive vibes.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I haven't posted in a couple of years. We are just now planning a trip for November 2007. We now have 5 in our family. I did find it interesting that the rate for four people at POR and 5 people at POR (room only rate) was exactly the same. I was pleasantly surprised that Disney did not up the rate to add one more person. I can understand the reluctance to have to rent two rooms, also. I would be uneasy staying in one room while my kids were in the other. I think DH and I would end up sleeping in separate rooms just for our own piece of mind. We don't really take advantage of the "perks" at the moderates and I don't think we would at the Deluxe hotels, either, just because we are cramming so much in at the parks, so the extra money for us probably pays off with the bus service.

All that being said, we travelled with seven about six years ago and stayed at a condo about 2 minutes away--I think it was the Vistana. Everyone had their own beds, we had a kitchen, so we didn't have to eat on-site every meal, and we had the convenience of using transportation at the condo or our own car. If we had six or seven in our party again, I wouldn't hesitate to rent another condo or stay in a rental home. Yes, you would miss a bit of the magic of Disney, but you might be able to afford to do a few other things, such as extra character meals that you wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.

I hope that whatever you decide, you will continue to post on these boards and have a great trip. I'm sending you good thoughts and positive vibes.

For someone with so few posts, you wrote a very nice one.

 

[Tinksmom5]

Some of you keep screaming that you need more options, but there are many options. You just don't like any of them. That would be something you need to deal with, not Disney. You have to decide what you would like to pay for. Also, you do not need to buy into DVC, you can rent points, which is what my family of 6 has done for our next trip. Actually, we had a hard time deciding where to stay, there are so many choices.

Frankly, some of you are starting to sound like spoiled kids. Whining that you want all the benefits of a deluxe resort, without having to pay for them, just because you have larger families. It was your choice to have more children, knowing full well they will make everything cost more. Why is it a shock that they make a Disney vacation more expensive?

And I'm suppose to be the one insulting people?

 

[Momto8]

I know all about large families and vacations as I have 8 children. For years, we couldn't afford to go anywhere but to visit both of our parents who lived out of state (we were a one-income family back then). We were lucky if we could afford to stop in St. Louis for a night or two on our way from Chicago to Oklahoma and Arkansas. We did things that had minimal costs then or were free (Grant's Farm, the zoo in St. Louis, the Arch, visiting the Magic House). We would pack sandwiches and would economize as much as possible. I'm sure we could have afforded more if I had worked, but it was my choice to stay home with my kids.

I know that at times, I thought that it would sure be nice if we could afford better vacations. However, no one made us have that large family. It was our decision and we made a lot of sacrifices for our family (as well as our kids did too) over the years. That being said we really looked forward to our vacations and enjoyed them regardless of what we did or spent. We also were able to take our kids to WDW in 1985 (we had 6 kids then), but had to stay offsite in 2 rooms and had to really economize to afford this.

One thing is good, Disney is coming up with more and more options for larger families. I would have been thrilled to be able to take my older kids to an onsite value resort if we had that option years ago. My 2 younger daughters are really spoiled compared to my older kids as we always stay onsite now with them. LOL!

My point is that when you have a large family, you are going to have to make sacrifices whether you like it or not. I know what you are saying about how you would like deluxe accommodations to be more affordable. Deluxe resorts cost more because they offer more and they cost Disney more to operate. Yes, it would be nice to have deluxe accommodations for value prices. Unfortunately it doesn't work this way in the real world. You get what you pay for.

Good luck in planning your vacation and I hope that you are able to find a resort that you will be happy with and will fit your needs.

 

[maxiesmom]

Tinksmom5--I was rude, which I admit. However, any post that points out that there are choices for your larger family at Disney you have responded to with sarcasm and insults. You get back what you give.

There are many choices you can make regarding a resort at Disney. Frankly I don't think you want to hear them anymore. You just want to be right. So go ahead and ignore any helpful advice you have been given and be happy.

 

[Tinksmom5]

Tinksmom5--I was rude, which I admit. However, any post that points out that there are choices for your larger family at Disney you have responded to with sarcasm and insults. You get back what you give.

There are many choices you can make regarding a resort at Disney. Frankly I don't think you want to hear them anymore. You just want to be right. So go ahead and ignore any helpful advice you have been given and be happy.

When someone is right I say so and you are right I did get nasty but only because I felt I was being attcked by yourself and a few others because you disagreed with my statement.I know Disney is a wonderful place thats why I go there ,I also realize you have to pay for a better resort,that is common sense all I was doing was pointing out how great it would be if it didn't have to be so exspensive for myself and other large families.I know things are more exspensive for us then most and thats common sense as well.I was just dreaming out load about ways to make it cheaper and bam I was getting attacked from every direction....So I did what most do when they are attacked I fought back.As for not being open to suggestions that is that true as I have recieved many private messages with good ideas and good information that I am thrilled to have gotten.I didn't come on here to fight I came here to meet other mom's like myself who love taking their famlies to Disney ,really can we just stop this here?

 

[offwegotoneverland]

In regards to the jet skis and the water mice etc. Anyone and not just the guests at that resort can rent them.

If you wish to rent a surrey bike or jet ski at a resort simply transfer from DTD or one of the parks.

The bus issue is also often based on "state of mind". It alwasy feels like everyone else's bus comes first.

 

[Tinker53]

7. Stay offsite (gasp!) We have done that many times! You can get a 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite with breakfast for under $150. Right by DTD.

I was going to stay out of all this but after this I just can't. I am a mother of 4 and I stay home with my kids. My DH works 2 jobs which makes it hard for us to see much of each other. That was our choice and we live with it. BOT I don't get why you people have to GASP or act like people who stay off site are so awful. This is not the only thread I have read this kind of stuff on. just because we are off site doesn't mean we dont' love Disney as much as you on site people do. This was the only choice we could afford. Without complaining we couldn't stay on site. we are just very Happy that we get to go at all. and spend some time together as a family..

So you were just insulting people staying off site and we didn't ask for it.

as for Tinksmom5 I understand why she got so upset because instead of going after the OP you went after all people with Large families. Not all of us complain about the choices we make. I think in the real world that is stereo typing. And not once did I here her complain about being a large Family.

Thanks for being a good spokes person Tinksmom5.

 

[maxiesmom]

I don't get why you people have to GASP or act like people who stay off site are so awful. This is not the only thread I have read this kind of stuff on. just because we are off site doesn't mean we dont' love Disney as much as you on site people do. This was the only choice we could afford. Without complaining we couldn't stay on site. we are just very Happy that we get to go at all. and spend some time together as a family..

So you were just insulting people staying off site and we didn't ask for it.

I wasn't insulting people who stay off site. I have done it many times, and actually this upcoming trip I was thinking of staying offsite too. Some people do post like staying off site is a horrible thing. Not on this thread, but I have seen it. So apparently to some it would be a big shock to stay at a non-Disney hotel. But if it came down to not going to Disney or staying off site, you can bet I would be off site, and happy to be there!

 

[Tinksmom5]

Tinker53 .
You and everyone like you are very welcome.I am so pleased to know there are those of you that did get what I was trying to say.I have nothing against anyone .You stay where you can afford just like me.All I was saying is wouldn't be a umm like a fairytale if Disney was more understanding that there are large families out there that can't afford to stay at DVC resorts but would still like to be treated as if we matter as much as the people who can afford the moderate and deluxe resorts.I know my family size was my choice and its a choice I would never change for anything so I will stay at my value resorts with my 2 rooms and be happy until 1 of 2 things happpens.Disney offers larger rooms at a nicer resort for less money{won't hold my breath!lol} or we win the lottery!Hey it could happen!

 

[Tinker53]

Well just think of the wonderful memories we will make with our large family. Even though it cost more money its so much fun to going places with What I call my Brat pack DS 13, DS,12, DS,9 and DS 7 (well Almost) LOL I can't believe you used the comment "I won't hold my breath" I say that to my DH about everything

We won't be staying on site anytime soon, My DH keeps saying this is a once in a life time deal with the kids, so I am going to make the most of it while I we are there.
I hope you have as much fun, and enjoy that BIG family

Take care
talk to you soon

 

[GaTech]

THERE ARE OPTIONS FOR LARGER FAMILIES. Maybe you heard it that time.

1. 2 rooms at a value
2. All-star suites
3. 2 rooms at a moderate
4. 2 rooms at a deluxe
5. Rent any off the many villas available from a DVCr. Renting points for a 2 bedroom would be as cheap as 2 rooms at a moderate.
6. The Fort Wilderness Cabins
7. Stay offsite (gasp!) We have done that many times! You can get a 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite with breakfast for under $150. Right by DTD.

Boy this thread is heated.

As a family of six(and a rule follower) that has stayed in a few of your options, I just wanted to point out one thing. If you choose to stay in 2 rooms at Disney, at least one adult must sleep in each room. This means on our trip in 2 weeks, I will sleep in one room with 2 kids and my wife will sleep in the other room with 2 kids. It doesn't matter if the rooms are connecting or not. I'm not complaining, I'm just sharing the info with others.

 

[Tinksmom5]

Well just think of the wonderful memories we will make with our large family. Even though it cost more money its so much fun to going places with What I call my Brat pack DS 13, DS,12, DS,9 and DS 7 (well Almost) LOL I can't believe you used the comment "I won't hold my breath" I say that to my DH about everything

We won't be staying on site anytime soon, My DH keeps saying this is a once in a life time deal with the kids, so I am going to make the most of it while I we are there.
I hope you have as much fun, and enjoy that BIG family

Take care
talk to you soon

My husband told me the samething before we went and now he keeps telling me to just book it ! He has no idea what it cost and how hard I am trying to save us some money...He would have us at the Poly in peak season if I let him take charge,lol.
I never stayed off site only because a friend of mine who also has 4 children said when she did it was hard trying to make the shuttle times and a few times she had to pay for cabs,$$$$$$.
We are late for everything so thats a chance I just can't afford to take but I know many who would only stay off site and I will try it myself when the kids are alittle older and perhaps can pay for some of their own exspenes's.Anyway I know you and the family are going to love it and the DH will too.Do what I did enjoy like its the last time and pray there'll be a 2nd.
Good luck and have a great time no matter what.Your going to Disney baby !

 

[Tinker53]

Sounds like my house I am doing the same thing here. reseaching everything to save a dime LOL! DH knows what I have spent but is happy with it so far Thinking if I can do this without going in the poor house, He will let us say do this again.

We are going to rent a van so I hope that helps us get from place to place. My DH is late for everything, I have to tell him things start 1/2 hour before so that he is on time. LOL
how many trips have you made to WDW?

I don't know if that will work on Vacation though

Talk to you soon
Take care

 

[Deb & Bill]

Boy this thread is heated.

As a family of six(and a rule follower) that has stayed in a few of your options, I just wanted to point out one thing. If you choose to stay in 2 rooms at Disney, at least one adult must sleep in each room. This means on our trip in 2 weeks, I will sleep in one room with 2 kids and my wife will sleep in the other room with 2 kids. It doesn't matter if the rooms are connecting or not. I'm not complaining, I'm just sharing the info with others.

There are many two or three bedroom villas at WDW through DVC where you don't have to have an adult in the second or third bedroom. I think as long as the rooms are connected and the adults can go to the other room easily, the adults can sleep in a single room if they like. Now if the rooms were not connected, yes, you would need at least one adult in each room.

 

[Tinksmom5]

tinker53 :
you are killing me .i swair to you i tell my husband the samething.we are late for everything because of him.i started that trick a few years ago but one time it backfired and now he always askes "is the party really starting at that time or are you telling me that to get me there on time}?
this is too funny.i read your profile as well and we really do have a lot in common its amazing and nice to know i'm not alone in my daydreaming!

 

[tb3175]

First of all for those of you that also have large families...I'm so glad to know that I am not the only one out there. I have been feeling a little out numbered. I have heard more bad mouthing of large families than anything else, and was begining to think that this was a waste of my time.

For those of you that have stated that Disney is in the business of making money and should not subsidize vacations just because some of us have "large families", I do not agree.

My family is a perfect example. We are very lucky that we can afford to take our family on a nice vacation every summer. But we usually plan our summer vacations a year in advance. Yes we expect to pay more because we have a large family. We are not stupid. Knowing that Disney is not "cheap" for any budget, we have decided on a few things. First we will travel during the value season, this also allows us longer to save for the trip, and we have increased our normal vacation budget by $2000.

My DH and I have already spent alot of time considered how much it will cost to get our clan of 6 to the sunshine state, how much we know that we will spend on food, souveniors, snacks, park hopper passes. With those numbers in mind we are allowing ourselves $4000 for accomodations for 6 nights in Disney. That works out to be $666/night!

2 rooms at the poly for 6 nights = $740/night
2 rooms at POR for 6 nights = $326/night
2 rooms at ASM for 6 nights = $212/night
The Suites at ALL Stars for 6 night = $217/night
The Deluxe room at the WL for 6 nights = $525/night

Obviously the Poly is over our buget. But the other options that so many people keep pointing out for large families actually causes Disney to LOSE money on OUR family. We are willing to Spend up to $666/night. Not everyone can, but we can. The closest option (for our budget) that we have is the WL. Their deluxe rooms have 2 queen beds with small sitting room with fold out couch. I like to refer to this as "a room and a half". Now wouldn't Disney be smart if they continued the trend of these "Deluxe" rooms at their other resorts...Moderate & Deluxe price ranges. I know that the WL is the cheapest of the deluxe resorts. So given the cost of WL vs Poly. A similar room at the Poly could be right at the $666/night.

And by the way suites at the poly also only hold 5 people. They a larger one that holds 9 but it is $1200/night!

So I guess that it is a deluxe room at the WL for our family of 6! Sorry that Disney will Lose $850 on our family.

And I love my BIG family!!!

 

[Holly]

We are a family of seven and have done all of the above.

We are now DVC members, but before we were we tried different options. DVC is wonderful and right now a two-bedroom villa is a perfect fit for us.


I hate the insinuation that large families are poor or looking for hand outs. I have five children and fully pay for everything for them.

 

[laceemouse]

666$, creepy! I could never include that exact sum in my budget! Have fun planning! You are right, you have a lot more money to spend than most folks. I say stay at the WL, it is gorgeous!!! You are never gonna find something EXACTLY to what you have budgeted. Spend the extra on whatever!

 

[Belle's Mom Tink]

Such as- our Children's Church pastor ( also a Disney NUT) told us that the Value that he stayed in had a shower with no edge- Nothing to hold the water back from the rest of the restroom except for the shower curtain.

The showers are like that in the handicap accessible rooms so that people in wheelchairs, walkers, etc. can get in and out of the shower with less difficulty, there is also a seat in the shower. We stayed in a room like this at POP and I thought the shower seemed larger so it was better for just me and DBF. I understand that it probably would not work if you have kids!