Family of 6

[gobosox00]

Have you looked into Shades of Green? It is a military only on-site option, which I believe is reasonably priced.

 

[kam1011]

This is where we stayed when we were a family of
5 and the kids were 6,6 &5. We were in a Lion King Suite but it was cramped then. lol with them being 9,9, 8 & 2.5 I just
Couldn't imagine that being any kind of comfortable anymore.

I agree 100%. We stayed there last January and it was tight. Even the beds are small. It's a super cute resort, but not my idea of a relaxing Disney resort. We usually stay in the 2br villas of various DVC resorts. Compare the prices for renting (not booking thru Disney- you'll save thousands) and see if you think it's worth the money. I like to have the kitchen (just for breakfast) and some of the villas even have 3 bathrooms (all have at least 2). We actually said if we ever go back to AoA we'd want two family suites.

 

[MrInfinity]

Any tips for doing Disney World on a Budget for a family of 6? Last time we went we were 5, and the kids were little enough that we all shared one Family Suite and they shared a bed. Now we can't do that (unless I lie about the # of occupants and they sleep on the floor) so I need some ideas for keeping costs as low as possible! We are a military family so I know we can get discounts that way as far as tickets and some hotels.
Also, at what age do kids have to pay for a ticket? The baby will be 2.5 when we travel.
Thanks!

Family of 6 with a 2.5, I would stay in a Deluxe. This is your last opportunity to do so, since they sleep 5 + one under 3. Two in each bed, one in a pullout, and use your travel sleeper for the 2.5, or request one in the room. When I compared, the prices for a Deluxe were no more than family suites at the AoA.

 

[MamaJ3Peas]

Any tips for doing Disney World on a Budget for a family of 6? Last time we went we were 5, and the kids were little enough that we all shared one Family Suite and they shared a bed. Now we can't do that (unless I lie about the # of occupants and they sleep on the floor) so I need some ideas for keeping costs as low as possible! We are a military family so I know we can get discounts that way as far as tickets and some hotels.
Also, at what age do kids have to pay for a ticket? The baby will be 2.5 when we travel.
Thanks!

Check the room descriptions - with a 2.5 year old it's possible some of the 5 guest rooms (the ones with two queens, and a fold out twin) might allow a child, under three, in a crib in addition. . . but why be cramped like that? Maybe I missed it, but I'm surprised no one mentioned The Cabins at FT Wilderness. If you book with a reputable broker, and not with Disney, you are looking at 250-350/ night (depending on season) far enough space - PLUS kitchen - for all 6 of you. Also - being military - you get a bigger discount than that. We have three kids and have always stayed at the cabins due to the value for the price being the absolute best - you can even order groceries (also, don't go through Disney for groceries- too expensive, plenty of other options elsewhere, many of which are listed here in the forums). I have used these forums to plan Disney but never posted before . . . but I just had to speak up on this one! The Hoop-dee-doo is at this resort and you can rent a golf cart if you don't think you can handle one more mile or so of walking around the resort each day (I assume walking is on your agenda anyway . . . it is Disney!). Some people actually rent RVs locally and then park them at Ft Wilderness campgrounds - I can't speak to this myself though. BTW . . . off site golf cart rentals are also available and cheaper than Disney . . . be careful who you book with though. Read reviews everywhere and carefully. Good luck!

 

[amcc]

Check the room descriptions - with a 2.5 year old it's possible some of the 5 guest rooms (the ones with two queens, and a fold out twin) might allow a child, under three, in a crib in addition. . . but why be cramped like that? Maybe I missed it, but I'm surprised no one mentioned The Cabins at FT Wilderness. If you book with a reputable broker, and not with Disney, you are looking at 250-350/ night (depending on season) far enough space - PLUS kitchen - for all 6 of you. Also - being military - you get a bigger discount than that. We have three kids and have always stayed at the cabins due to the value for the price being the absolute best - you can even order groceries (also, don't go through Disney for groceries- too expensive, plenty of other options elsewhere, many of which are listed here in the forums). I have used these forums to plan Disney but never posted before . . . but I just had to speak up on this one! The Hoop-dee-doo is at this resort and you can rent a golf cart if you don't think you can handle one more mile or so of walking around the resort each day (I assume walking is on your agenda anyway . . . it is Disney!). Some people actually rent RVs locally and then park them at Ft Wilderness campgrounds - I can't speak to this myself though. BTW . . . off site golf cart rentals are also available and cheaper than Disney . . . be careful who you book with though. Read reviews everywhere and carefully. Good luck!

What do you mean to reserve through a broker? Like a travel site? We camp there often and my sister and parents might like to come at the same time and stay at a cabin.

 

[roseaster]

We are a family of 7, soon to be 8, god help me. We have stayed on site in 2 rooms, a value suite, and rented DVC points, and by far the most economical and comfortable stay was off site in a rented house.

We were able to rent a 4bed/4bath home with a private pool for $1500 for 2 weeks off www.vrbo.com.

We were also able to save quite a bit of money on food by cooking some meals in the house.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

I agree 100%. We stayed there last January and it was tight. Even the beds are small. It's a super cute resort, but not my idea of a relaxing Disney resort. We usually stay in the 2br villas of various DVC resorts. Compare the prices for renting (not booking thru Disney- you'll save thousands) and see if you think it's worth the money. I like to have the kitchen (just for breakfast) and some of the villas even have 3 bathrooms (all have at least 2). We actually said if we ever go back to AoA we'd want two family suites.

This is what concerned me when we were considering staying in an AOA family suite. This would be our last year to be able to stay there as a family of seven because our youngest is 2; but where our toddler would sleep doesn't concern me as much as what the level of comfort would be for my four other children. My oldest two are 13 (soon to be 14) years old twins and sharing a full size pull out type bed with anyone may be an issue because they are tall (DD13 is 5"7 and taller than me ). My 6"3 DH likes that there is a queen size bed in the bedroom which is why we stayed in the AS Music family suite on our first trip five years ago; but our kids were a lot smaller then so the pull out beds were just fine for them at that time. Renting points for a 2 bdrm DVC villa is out of our price range so on our last trip we decided to give offsite a try and got a 3 bdrm condo at Windsor Hills and had a wonderful trip. We are considering getting two value rooms for this trip upcoming trip (have planned it as an onsite 2 value rooms/offsite condo split stay); but the full size beds are a concern for my DH.

 

[MamaJ3Peas]

What do you mean to reserve through a broker? Like a travel site? We camp there often and my sister and parents might like to come at the same time and stay at a cabin.

There are a number of ticket/room brokers that are cheaper than disney - we use under cover tourist, but there is another one, I can't think of the name right now . . .

 

[Runnergal]

We are a family of six. Next month we are staying at the Waldorf. We have never stayed offsite, and usually stay deluxe, but even with the youngest being 2.5 we really can't comfortably fit into one room anymore. For a one bedroom suite during presidents week, it averages out to $374 a night for a one bedroom suite, even with resort fees. I know it is not a true "bargain", but I just thought I would throw it out there since some people mentioned deluxe resorts. Every deluxe during the same period was well over $500. And we are getting over 900sf of space at a luxury resort. They do charge for parking as well, but we are not renting a car.

 

[texasroni75]

Two standard rooms at a value are more budget friendly than one Family Suite onsite. I did the math for my upcoming June trip, and, with a room-only discount, it's 308.55/night (2158.30) for an All-Stars Music Family Suite for 7 nights but 270.55/night for two rooms (1893.35) at the same resort for the same stay.

So, I'd go with either TWO VALUE ROOMS, or if you already own camping gear, I'd be camping at Ft. Wilderness - which is what we decided to do for this coming summer.

 

[maxiesmom]

Two standard rooms at a value are more budget friendly than one Family Suite onsite. I did the math for my upcoming June trip, and, with a room-only discount, it's 308.55/night (2158.30) for an All-Stars Music Family Suite for 7 nights but 270.55/night for two rooms (1893.35) at the same resort for the same stay.

So, I'd go with either TWO VALUE ROOMS, or if you already own camping gear, I'd be camping at Ft. Wilderness - which is what we decided to do for this coming summer.

Part of that is that the suites are all in the preferred location. That is an upgrade over standard rooms. Also, if you have a family suite you do get a kitchenette. It is very easy to do simple meals in the room, and save money that way. Another bonus is the adults would get a queen bed instead of a double sized bed.

Keep in mind that if you book 2 rooms, there is no way to guarantee they will connect (have the inside door between them) or even that they will be close to each other. Disney will do what they can, but they don't assign rooms as they are booked. That is only done a few days prior to your stay.

 

[bluezy]

How do you manage to not be cramped? Space isn't even do much of a priority, but not tripping over suitcases is. Even with emptying out the suitcases and using the provided dressers, we were STILL tripping over empty suitcases that
Couldn't be placed in closets. I couldn't imagine adding a crib and a stroller to that space.

We've stayed in a LK twice with 6 people -- 3 adults, 2 older teens, and a tween. We use an air mattress and even with all of our luggage, we still have plenty of space. We all use soft-sided luggage. Everything gets emptied into the dresser drawers when we get there. I take a hanging sweater storage thing to hang in the closet for additional "shelf/drawer" space. All empty suitcases get stacked behind the door in the master bedroom. Two pop-up hampers for dirty clothing. Bathroom/toiletry bags go on the shelf under the sink in each bathroom. Food, snacks, and water go on the shelf above the kitchenette. A crib/pack and play would easily fit in the master bedroom between the bed and the bathroom or in the main living space just outside of the master bedroom. Stroller would fit right along the wall as you walk in to the suite. I actually thought that the AoA suites had a lot of little nooks in the room that were great for storing luggage, hampers, etc. We've stopped booking two rooms at a value and only do a suite at AoA now because they offer more storage and open space. And the kitchenette is very handy for breakfast, snacks, and leftovers. If a suite was too small for your family, you definitely need to be looking at a multi-bedroom villa or an offsite option.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

There is no doubt, if I were in your situation I'd be staying a Bonnet Creek!!! #space#relaxation#deluxe level#gorgeousresort

 

[tzolkin]

Family of 6 with a 2.5, I would stay in a Deluxe. This is your last opportunity to do so, since they sleep 5 + one under 3. Two in each bed, one in a pullout, and use your travel sleeper for the 2.5, or request one in the room. When I compared, the prices for a Deluxe were no more than family suites at the AoA.

This is my recommendation as well.

We are a family of 5, so we tried to make the most of they years when our youngest was a "baby" and do all of the 4 person max rooms while we had the chance. Now if we wanted to stay at any of those resorts we would have to pay for two rooms.

Poly gets you to MK and EPCOT without a bus, but how do you get to DHS and AK?

You have to take a bus or drive to DHS and AK. I'm thinking the OP meant avoiding the bus for some of the trip by staying at the Poly, not that they can avoid buses completely (unless they only plan to go to MK & EP).

 

[Sgt Mickey]

We are a family of 6 and one of our favorite are the Wilderness cabins.

 

[rideswithchrist]

I just make sure everything is super organized (if it's not I'm very stressed). We empty the suitcases completely: kids use dresser drawers, DH and I use closet. Suitcases are stacked (some fit inside the others) and put up on the top shelf of the closet (you can stack at least 4 high) so there is nothing on the floor. I use a collapsible hamper in the closet for the dirty clothes. Use one of these ( http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0195FD0G6?psc=1 ) to hold clothes in the closet. I pack everything with ease of keeping it organized in mind (like each person has a gallon ziplock for their clean socks and underwear so they're easy to keep together, swim gear is in a pool bag, sunglasses in a zippered bag so they stay together, etc).

My kids are older now, but there were a few trips where we used a crib and had two strollers. We moved some of the furniture to fit the crib in most efficiently and the strollers were parked in a corner near the door.

It takes a few extra minutes to evaluate the space and set everything up most efficiently when you arrive, but then it makes the rest of the trip much easier.

I can see where more space would be nice (we usually stay in rental homes when we travel), but for us onsite is worth the trade-off at Disney. Walking to parks and around the resorts is an important part of the vacation for us. Some families prefer staying offsite to have more space and their focus at Disney is the parks. It's just a personal preference.

i also put the kids clothing in zioplocks by day..so they pulled out their set for that day and then it went right into the dirty clothing hamper at night. it made it easier to fit three kids worth of clothing in the drawers.

we live in a 1200 square ft house though so maybe we are just ok being cramped a bit at Disney. Fo the 2 hours total we would spend in a room (not counting sleep) the space didnt matter much

 

[Junebugwv]

Another vote for the cabins at Fort Wilderness. We use the 35% off military discount there which makes it affordable. Down side is only 1 bathroom. I've been there 4 times with kids ranging from age 4-16 and they all love being outdoors in that area. The full kitchen is a plus for me and having a car parked by the deck is wonderful. We use Garden Grocer to deliver groceries. We put suitcases inside each other and placed them against the hallway wall. Still had plenty of walking space. I placed some collapsible and plastic baskets on the suitcases and each person placed their park items (sunglasses, Magic bands, wallets/bags) in their basket. For our upcoming trip with my daughter and 3 grands, we will stay at cabins for 4 nights and then in a 2 br at SSR for 6 nights. Rented points last-minute at a great price.

Shades of Green is a roomy option as well. The rooms are larger than Disney Resort deluxe and have 2 queens and a very comfy twin size sofa (not a lumpy pull-out).

 

[mrsabbott]

We are a family of six, with kids ranging from 11-4. The most economical choice would be to rent off site. Even with renting a car and paying for parking at the parks, you will come out ahead! Parents can have their own bedroom, kids their own beds, plus a full kitchen, more than one bathroom, and a washer and dryer! (Imagine being able to wash clothes while you are sleeping.. No more wasted time and money at laundromats! And going home with clean clothes instead of a suitcase full of dirty ones.. Priceless!) Some condos have plenty of pools and activities there, some have their own private pools! And I have seen many that are decorated beautifully to give you that themed "magic" feel!

My Hubs is medically retired, so we are still eligible for the Military Salute tickets. What a great deal! Personally, I would get the Waterpark and More option over the hoppers. Not only do you get 4 days in the parks but you also get 4 passes to the waterparks, mini golf, ect.. You will get more bang for your buck that way!

I would plan on breakfast at the condo, maybe pack a few snacks since you will have a stroller anyways, and spend some of the money you save by staying off site on a nice character meal or something.

 

[maxiesmom]

We are a family of six, with kids ranging from 11-4. The most economical choice would be to rent off site. Even with renting a car and paying for parking at the parks, you will come out ahead!

I have to disagree. I travel a lot as part of a group of 6 and typically when I run the number for off site vs on the cost is about even. Renting a van is easily double the cost of a car. And then you have to factor in paying for parking and gas. But I am also very picky about what area the off site resort is in. We will only stay near Disney Springs. There are many nice resorts in that area, and good restaurants too. But lately the cost has been very close to what we would pay staying on site.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

I have to disagree. I travel a lot as part of a group of 6 and typically when I run the number for off site vs on the cost is about even. Renting a van is easily double the cost of a car. And then you have to factor in paying for parking and gas. But I am also very picky about what area the off site resort is in. We will only stay near Disney Springs. There are many nice resorts in that area, and good restaurants too. But lately the cost has been very close to what we would pay staying on site.

We've never had an issue finding nice, close resorts that are waaayyyy less than staying on site.