Family trip planning advice wanted

[Oceana]

We plan to go to disney next year for our family vacation. Last year we stayed at POP and did the free dining and it was a million dollar vacation without the price tag.

This year we hope to snag a free dining vacation but we also plan to take Grandma with us as 2 little ones are a little overwhelming with just DH and I... Regardless if free dining is offered or not, we plan to travel in September October ish and will get the meal plan.

I am trying to decide about resorts... any of the value resorts are just fine, we would get 2 rooms. BUT we would save money if we stayed at POrt Oleanes Riverside and got 1 room with a trundle... I dont mind being close quarters with my mom and every penny not spent on a room will go towards bringing stuff home but would 2 rooms be better for space ya know?

sugegstions experiances? ideas?

thanks
julie

 

[wdwdancerwannabe]

I don't know if the rooms w/ a trundle are any bigger ---

but we stayed at POR with just me, DH and DD(4) and were VERY cozy. I can't even imagine where they would have put a trundle bed if we wanted one.

If I had to choose again between POR or POFQ, I would want to try FQ. The landscaping is more appealing to me.

POR has the overgrown themeing...I thought FQ was prettier.

If you don't plan on spending a lot of time in your room, get 2 rooms at POP...that's what I would do. Especially if you have little ones. The theming at the POP resorts are more attractive to little ones than either of the PO resorts.

 

[Zoemakes5]

If at all possible, I'd see about renting points and staying at Board Walk or Beach. The ability to stay so close to EPCOT and MGM while also having the amenities of kitchen and separate room(s) is so worth it. Breakfast in the room, and maybe lunch before nap or pool time.....I think it would "pay" for itself with the difference. I like Beach better for the little kids, from everything I've seen.

I would try not to stay in one room unless you stay at the Ft. Wilderness "villas". Honestly, the sleeping patterns alone would be alot in those close quarters, even at POFQ.

 

[Cinderella2004]

I'm not sure of the price difference, but have you checked into the family suites at All-Star Music?

That might be worth looking into.

Have a great trip. We LOVE having Grammy when she can come along!

 

[Harvestmooner]

We stayed at POFQ with 2 adults and 2 kids and it was cozy enough-would not want a trundle in the way!!!
Good luck!!

 

[laceemouse]

Well, the trundle pulls out from under one of the beds. It is right next to the door, so after you pull it out it would be difficult to go in and out, not a problem if everyone is going to sleep anyway. I personally would pick two rooms or the family suite to get two bathrooms. DVC is great but pricey, not worth it to me if you will not be spending too much time in the room. Also, I think it is hard for the adults to stay up at all if the kids crash early in the one-room scenario.

 

[Oceana]

I guess I should give more information

My then 4 year old doesnt nap and my will be 2 year old can sleep outside in the rain durring a volcano erruption and not be phased even uncovered... so napping is not a major concern... The naptime is for mommy and grandma and daddy!

We typically take a mid day break to rest or swim or something even before kids

The PORiverside rooms come with a trundle bed built under the other bed so it takes up no space unless someone is using it.

I priced out the suites at allstar and we just dont need a livingroom or kitchen, even when we try we seldom eat cereal for breakfast even when I go through all the effort to have it. I need a fridge for in case of emergency stuff and a half gallon of milk/juice

trading points? I really dont get that can someone explain it like you are talking to a 5 year old?

I am leaning toward 2 rooms at a value... but truth I would like to try out some otyher resorts it is just hard to justify a second room with Grandma on my tab...

so many choices

 

[lmjacobs]

pop century is is a pretty good place and off site hotels and FW camping grounds (and off site tropical palms RV camping) are great places if you have a camper or like to stay in cabins.

 

[laceemouse]

Go to the DVC forum here on the DIS and there is an explanation about renting points from a DVC member. Basically, if someone owns points they can't use (you have a certain timeframe to use them in) they can book a room for you and you just pay them. It involves a level of trust, you are making an important transaction with someone you don't know. You can book a DVC unit through Disney, but it will cost more than taking points off the hands of a DVC member who can't use them. I would say if you don't want a kitchen you should not pay for a DVC unit anyway. Also, the smaller units are not much different than a family suite (just at nicer resorts I guess), and the larger units are hundreds of $$$ per night.
If you can stand one bathroom go for the trundle bed room. If not, get two rooms at whatever is in your budget.

 

[laceemouse]

Also, the cabins at Fort Wilderness are an option. They sleep 6. We will be staying in one in a few weeks. It is only one bathroom, but there is more space than hotel rooms, a kitchen, and the Fort is FUN!!! The price is more than the family suites or two rooms at a value, $250 per night at the cheap times. So, look at your budget.