Family of 6

[Moomduck1]

We will be a multi-generational family traveling to WDW hopefully in 2026. One of the families going will be 2 parents with 4 kids, ages will be 2 thru 8. Art of Animation suites seem good, but are so expensive. Considered connecting rooms at an All Stars, but they aren't guaranteed, right? If we rented DVC points, would a 2 bedroom place hold 4 adults and 4 kids? Does anyone have any other suggestions? I'm not sure why, but we aren't interested in the Caribbean Beach hotel.

 

[CarolynFH]

Yes, a DVC 2BR sleeps 8 or 9, depending on which resort. Study floor plans and ask questions here and on the DVC Resorts forum about specific resorts, because there are differences in how many beds, what size beds, how many bathrooms, etc. that might be important to them. But with kids those ages, the full kitchen (for breakfast and snacks even if nothing else) and in-room laundry (pack half as many clothes!) can come in handy.

 

[Moomduck1]

Yes, a DVC 2BR sleeps 8 or 9, depending on which resort. Study floor plans and ask questions here and on the DVC Resorts forum about specific resorts, because there are differences in how many beds, what size beds, how many bathrooms, etc. that might be important to them. But with kids those ages, the full kitchen (for breakfast and snacks even if nothing else) and in-room laundry (pack half as many clothes!) can come in handy.

Thank you, I will do that!

 

[Babsy]

What sort of budget are you looking at? The All Star Music suites sleep 6 with one queen bed and two queen pull down wall beds. It also has two bathrooms. Preferred regular rooms can be nearby. I think that all the suites (520 sq ft) are in either Jazz Inn or Calypso buildings, which are all close to the food court and buses. That is the lowest price value resort option, I believe. You would need a preferred room (260 sq ft) and a family suite. Link the reservations and put a request to have the rooms near each other. random nights in Nov show rates of $389 for the suite and $211 for the room. So, about $600 per night. Bus transportation only.

The DVC Old Key west has very large two bedroom villas that sleep 9, with 2 queen beds in one room, a queen pull out sofa and pull out chair in the living room and a king size bed in the other bedroom. It also has 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and laundry. Renting points will usually bring the cost down substantially, but it is difficult to change a reservation booked on rented points. This keeps everyone together in one location while also providing lots of room to spread out. A random night in Jan shows a rate of $845 for the 2 bedroom villa. Hopefully with rental you may be able to get it for less. Bus transportation only. (1333 sq ft)


Either of these options could work. The value resort reservation has the possibility to be changed or cancelled with 30 days notice (package booking) or 8 days notice (room only booking. The same cancellation policy would work if you booked OKW as a cash booking from WDW. But renting points is more restrictive. I'm not sure how much that would matter to you.

If you want a hotel, booking deluxe, the least expensive choice would be the AKL. I would suggest booking 2 pool view rooms, each with 2 queen beds. Again link the reservations and request connecting rooms. Pool view rooms are more closely placed, so you wouldn't have as much possibility of being placed at opposite ends of the resort. Wilderness Lodge is the next lowest in price for deluxe and has the advantage of a boat ride to the Magic Kingdom. Either of these options could be expensive, however.

Finally, The Swan may be a good choice. Two rooms would again give 4 queen beds. (Again request connecting rooms.) There is also an option, I believe, where you can book an alcove suite, plus another room that connects to it. You would probably have to call and ask about this option. It has been a while since I considered doing this. Things may have changed over the intervening years (more than 10 years now). IIRC, it was less expensive than booking two reg rooms at the time. However, that may have been special pricing. Anyway something worth checking into. If it works for you, it would put you in the Epcot resort area with boat or walking and skyline access. Worth a toll free call. Don't forget to check on discounts, the Swan offers quite a few. senior, AAA, AP, military and others. 1-888-828-8850 or 1-407-934-4000 used to be the numbers to call.

Good luck!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Considered connecting rooms at an All Stars, but they aren't guaranteed, right?

The family of six can book a multiroom reservation which has the best chance of giving them connecting rooms. You have to call to book a multiroom reservation. It gives you one reservation number for the two rooms. The two rooms should be connecting, and both room doors will open with the same key card.

 

[3gr8boys]

In 2022, we stayed at ASMu- a family suite for us (the layout and furnishings were great) and a preferred room ( the suites are in preferred buildings) for the rest of our travel party. We didn't request adjoining rooms, just to be near each other. We were just a few doors away from each other. If you look up pictures/reviews of the ASMu family suites, keep in mind that they were VERY different before the last renovation

 

[allaboutthemouse]

Family of 6 here, although mine are all older and require their own sleeping surface. If they were that young, i would consider the new DVC cabins at the fort. One set of bunks and queen in one room, and a pull down queen in the family area. But factor in cost of a golf cart, too. So many things to do at the fort, we used to take our camper there.

 

[mcallije.lsu]

I would pay attention to the bathroom count with that many people. Two bathrooms is doable but three is really nice. There are a few two-bedroom setups that have 3 full bathrooms, including BLT and Kidani.