First Timer Resort Advice for Five: 3 Adults / 2 Kids

[Steph1673]

We will be headed to Disney for our first trip March 2019 for Spring Break. We will have five in our group: Me, Mom, Mother-in-law, 7 year old daughter (turning 8 while there) and 3.5 year old son.

I am really torn on where to stay. We are not typical "Disney People" per say, so I don't see us traveling here annually, more like two or three times total in our kids lives, so I'm ok splurging a little on this.

Due to needing space for 5, with three of them being adults, I'm looking for: Space (ideally three separate bed options), convenience to parks (will likely be an even split among parks: 2MK, and 1 each at Epcot, HS and AK.), a great pool area for kids and extras (like allowing us to see fireworks from our hotel, or a walkable/monorail option to a park.).

Based on this criteria, I am considering these options from what I have learned here and would love feedback:

• Finding Nemo Family Suite at AoA (Pros: Price, Theming, Pool, Space of Suite. Con: Location/Long Bus Rides, only one food option)
• Polynesian (Pro: Location for MK, Monorail, Boats, Pool, Beach, Restaurants, Beauty. Con: Price! Can be crowded with off resorts visitors)
• Beach Club or Yacht Club (Pro: Walkable location for Epcot/HS, boats, Pool!, food options. Con: Potentially Price. Further from MK. Would want a full balcony for sure).
• Wilderness Lodge (Pro: Location for MK, boat to MK, Pool, food options, beauty, less crowded. Con: Potentially Price, but like that its the cheapest deluxe. Rooms are smaller/no separate third sleep area...I think.).
• Animal Kingdom Lodge (Pro: Theming/Animals! Kids would love the view/unique savannah experience, Beauty, Pool. Con: Far from every park except AK.)

 

[FSU Girl]

I think one of the magic kingdom or Epcot resorts would be great for easy transportation. I love the Epcot resorts since you can walk to two parks. Beach club you could end up in a room without a balcony. The second floor of Polynesian also doesn’t have balconies. I think yacht club does have full balconies on most rooms.

Wilderness and animal kingdom lodge will have the smallest rooms and I’m not sure they have rooms that can accomadate 5. I haven’t gone with 5 so I’m not sure which ones do and don’t, hopefully someone else can chime in about that.

If you pick a monorail resort you’ll have easy transportation to both magic kingdom and Epcot.

Have you thought about a DVC villa? I usually stay on cash but renting points could make it cheaper. It would give you more space with your party.

The finding Nemo suites will be your cheapest option for the space, but you won’t be close to any parks and I feel like that hotel feels like a value for more expensive prices.

 

[sjrec]

They are all great options, but the Beach Club is walking distance to two parks and the pool is really special. If you’re going mostly to the Magic Kingdom then the Polynesian would be a better choice-but we loved the boat ride to the MK from the Wilderness Lodge as well. Also, something to remember, the balconies will be small and really only comfortable for two people. Are you thinking one room? That might seem a little cramped with three adults.
As FSU Girl suggested, renting a 2br DVC villa would give you a king bed, two queens and additional beds in living area. And two, or possibly three bathrooms. Although it might seem more expensive, eating breakfast in the villa at least some of the mornings saves time and money.
I’m sorry I am not more helpful, but they are all good choices and I ‘m sure you would enjoy any of them!

 

[Maxie86]

From what you say you want, the Poly would be the best choice if you can fit it in the budget, YC/BC or BWI would also be good choices, you can see the high fireworks from Illuminations from the resorts, and with a short walk down the boardwalk can see the HS fireworks. Some of the longhouses at the Poly don't have a balcony on the 2nd floor but the DVC longhouses do. Consider booking a DVC room either with cash from Disney or renting points from an owner or 3rd party rental agency to save some money. The Poly has the largest regular rooms, and also has the best view from outside the parks of the fireworks and water pageant.

AKL and WL wouldn't work for five, unless you booked a deluxe or DVC room. I don't know anything about the Nemo suites, but as FSU girl stated they are far from the parks.

Don't underestimate the size of WDW, it can take an hour or more to get from one place to another using Disney transportation, faster if you drive or take an uber, lyft or minivan though.

 

[sixcats]

I would also price out renting DVC points for a two bedroom. More space and at least two bathrooms!

 

[sbd78]

You may also want to check out the cabins at Ft. Wilderness. There you will get a queen and bunks in the bedroom, plus a full kitchen and living room with pull out couch.

 

[happymommy]

As a mom of two almost adults, I wouldn't be comfortable sharing a room with that many. I'd need my own space at night, and like my own bathroom as well (not sharing with another mom my age, plus adult daughter and the grandkids). That being said, I would also look into a 2 bedroom villa, or 3 separate rooms, even at a value resort, maybe the Swan or Dolphin, or some sort of suite.

If you went with any of the deluxe resorts you mention, you're asking both grandparents to share a bed with someone. That wouldn't fly with me.

 

[TyphoonLegume]

Let's address the biggest issue... sleeping arrangements for 3 adults/2 kids....

- With 3 adults in ONE room, you'll be paying an extra $35/night for a Deluxe resort stay or $15/night for an AoA Family Suite
- As a party size of 5... the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are NOT options for your travel party when considering 1 room

If you're travel party is comfortable sharing 2 queen beds, a day bed, and 1 bathroom... than I vote for the Polynesian. Ideal location/amenities and a fantastic pool area for the kids... just keep in mind that you'll be paying an extra $35/night on top of your rate. If I was going to splurge... this is where I would end up.

That being said... space/privacy/comfort will be sacrificed in a single Deluxe room.

A Family Suite at Art of Animation would allow for a bit more space (and an additional bathroom)... and if you can figure out 'sleeping arrangements' that work for your party (with the pullout couch and murphy bed) ... it's certainly not a bad option. Don't forget you're in walking distance to Pop Century which would allow another food court/bus option as well! There may also be a chance, a slim one, that the new Gondola System they're installing will be open during your travel dates... providing another mode of transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Spring Break/March is busy... it will be overwhelming... and I think you have the right mindset with wanting a resort close by to escape to. But... truly consider how much time you'll spend there... and what you may sacrifice to cram 5 of you into one room at Deluxe resort.

3 rooms at Pop Century would roughly run you $550 - $600/night*
2 rooms at Caribbean Beach would roughly run you $500 - $525/night*
1 room at Polynesian would roughly run you $680 - $705/night (plus the $35/night)*

*Based off 2018 Rack Rates

Just keep in mind this is meant to be a 'vacation'... and it's so, so easy to get 'sucked' down the Resort rabbit hole! You can have just as good of a time staying at Pop Century and using the difference in budget for a water park afternoon, extra dinning options, more souvenirs, and an evening escape with a bottle of wine to the 'adults' room as the kids sleep... as you can staying at the Polynesian with the monorail and fancy pool.

 

[OneinThree]

If it were me, I'd seriously consider 2 rooms at a value over 1 room elsewhere, if nothing but for the access to two bathrooms.

That aside, here's what I know about some of your options based on personal experience:

Poly -The most beautiful place on property, IMO. Has it all. Great location: Nothing like being able to take the boat to MK, and you've got monorail access as well. Large rooms, very good dining options, and a really nice pool area. Spirit of Aloha is a wonderful show if you get to go. Negative here IMO is the premium -Poly might just be the most generally desirable resort of them all, and the price reflects that.

Yacht and Beach -I've only stayed at YC, but the resort lacks some of the "magic" of the MK area resorts, IMO. BC may be different. It's great to be able to walk to Epcot if you plan on spending a lot of time there (especially during festivals), but HS right now is sort of half of a park. Pool is great but can get crowded. Dining options are limited (particularly QS) considering the size of the resort.

Wilderness Lodge- We just stayed last month and love WL. The rooms are quaint and comfortable, but too small for your party. Dining options are excellent with Roaring Fork, Whispering Canyon, Geyser Point, and Artist Point. Boat to Mk of course, and a really nice pool for the kids. Yes, it's beautiful inside and out, IMO.

 

[Vern60]

Not sure how your sleeping arrangements would be, but it wouldn't necessarily have to be what happymommy pointed out. I mean if you slept in one queen with both kids, then grandmom's could be left to fight over the other queen or pull down, (maybe alternate?)
Personally, I would go with the Polynesian. When most people think Disney, they imagine the big castle which can be seen across the lake from the Poly. Plus in the evening you can walk out to the beach or boat dock to watch the fireworks and boat parade. Also, the pool is very nice, and it has a wonderful play pool for the little one.
As much as I do love the Yacht or Beach Club, you don't really have a good view of a park from the resorts, and have to walk a tad to see evening fireworks for the most part. It is super convenient to both Epcot and HS but if you're thinking 2 days at MK ....
As far as the storm a long bay, I'm one of those who thinks it's almost too large to enjoy with small kids, it's just so spread out. Also, think about your eating options. I have always missed having a good quick service at the Beach or Yacht club. You have Capt cooks at the Poly which is really nice for breakfast I think, or a late night snack plus an easy monorail ride to many other good options. Yes, with BC and YC you are close to Epcot food but it's a bit more walking.

 

[KrazeeK120]

How are you looking to set up sleeping arrangements? No matter where you go, if you get a standard room, at least one of the grandmas is going to end up sharing a bed with someone. Are they ok with that?

Personally, what I would do is get 2 rooms at a value. Grandmas get their own room and you get a room with the kids. That way, you have 2 bathrooms and more sleeping space for everyone.

I’m not planning on being a grandma for a very long time, but I think if I ever go on a vacation with my son and his future family, I’d appreciate my own bed.

Just my thoughts...good luck planning!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We will be headed to Disney for our first trip March 2019 for Spring Break. We will have five in our group: Me, Mom, Mother-in-law, 7 year old daughter (turning 8 while there) and 3.5 year old son.

I am really torn on where to stay. We are not typical "Disney People" per say, so I don't see us traveling here annually, more like two or three times total in our kids lives, so I'm ok splurging a little on this.

Due to needing space for 5, with three of them being adults, I'm looking for: Space (ideally three separate bed options), convenience to parks (will likely be an even split among parks: 2MK, and 1 each at Epcot, HS and AK.), a great pool area for kids and extras (like allowing us to see fireworks from our hotel, or a walkable/monorail option to a park.).

Based on this criteria, I am considering these options from what I have learned here and would love feedback:

• Finding Nemo Family Suite at AoA (Pros: Price, Theming, Pool, Space of Suite. Con: Location/Long Bus Rides, only one food option)
• Polynesian (Pro: Location for MK, Monorail, Boats, Pool, Beach, Restaurants, Beauty. Con: Price! Can be crowded with off resorts visitors)
• Beach Club or Yacht Club (Pro: Walkable location for Epcot/HS, boats, Pool!, food options. Con: Potentially Price. Further from MK. Would want a full balcony for sure).
• Wilderness Lodge (Pro: Location for MK, boat to MK, Pool, food options, beauty, less crowded. Con: Potentially Price, but like that its the cheapest deluxe. Rooms are smaller/no separate third sleep area...I think.).
• Animal Kingdom Lodge (Pro: Theming/Animals! Kids would love the view/unique savannah experience, Beauty, Pool. Con: Far from every park except AK.)

If you are willing to splurge, I would highly recommend looking into a 2-bedroom villa at CCV, BRV (both at WL), BCV or BWV. CCV and BRV will give you the space you are looking for, close proximity to MK (boat or bus), a nice pool for the kids, great theming and some great restaurants. BCV and BWV put you within boat or walking distance to EP and DHS, balconies, nice pools, the space you are looking for and tons of food options.

Just some feedback on the options you've listed:

AoA - yes, you'll have the space you are looking for, but that's really it in terms of what you listed as criteria for your resort.

Poly - you will all be in one room together. If this doesn't bother you, it's a lovely resort.

BC/YC - again, you will all be in one room together. YC will assure you a balcony.

WL - the only room on the resort side you will all fit in is a Deluxe - CL room. These are GREAT rooms and will give you a bit of a separate area (though the two queen beds are still in one area, so really no privacy for MIL)

AKL - you won't fit in a standard room there. You could definitely look into a 2-bedroom here, but CCV, BRV, BCV and BWV will get you closer to the parks you are visiting most.

 

[Vern60]

No wonder these boards are so big and popular, ha ha, so many opinions and most of them all valid
Certainly not a bad dilemma to have though ....
I would agree with those that say (more or less), first decide on your desired sleeping arrangements. If everyone is okay with one room, the Poly is really hard to beat. Especially if you're not going to do Disney very often and you kind of want to make it a really memorable vacation. In fact I would argue if you don't stay there and visit, you might wish you had.
But, it is really hard to overlook the hassle of only having one bathroom, or not having much privacy. It can get really tiring walking around the parks all day, and if anyone tends to get grum ... er I mean prefers to be left alone from time to time 2 rooms or a larger DVC could be invaluable.

 

[Steph1673]

Thank you all so far! So, both grandmas as very laidback and thrilled to be invited; do not mind bed sharing with their grandkids if need be, or being on a pullout alone and swapping (or I could even bed share a queen with my own mom, giving my MIL her own and the kids on a pullout, etc.) so while sharing one room and one bathroom is not ideal, if it gets us in the best and most convenient location we certainly will do it. If the pricing of a villa or two adjoining rooms in a moderate would be comparably priced to say, one room at the Poly, that is definitely something to consider. I have contacted a disney planner who a friend uses so I'm sure she can get me some of those answers, but she said rates for 2019 won't be out until summer so I don't have any idea what pricing I'm looking at for that sort of things yet. I appreciate the advice so far. Keep it coming!

 

[Steph1673]

Also, do disney planners still plan and book the DVC villas for you, or is that something you have to do on your own? I'm new to all of this.

 

[Hopefully]

Thank you all so far! So, both grandmas as very laidback and thrilled to be invited; do not mind bed sharing with their grandkids if need be, or being on a pullout alone and swapping (or I could even bed share a queen with my own mom, giving my MIL her own and the kids on a pullout, etc.) so while sharing one room and one bathroom is not ideal, if it gets us in the best and most convenient location we certainly will do it. If the pricing of a villa or two adjoining rooms in a moderate would be comparably priced to say, one room at the Poly, that is definitely something to consider. I have contacted a disney planner who a friend uses so I'm sure she can get me some of those answers, but she said rates for 2019 won't be out until summer so I don't have any idea what pricing I'm looking at for that sort of things yet. I appreciate the advice so far. Keep it coming!

The “Pullout” at the Poly is a Daybed, not a sleep sofa size. It is about the size of a twin bed. So it might be small for both kids. I think in one 2Queen bed room you need to plan 2 bodies in each bed and one on the daybed
The pricing of a 2 BR DVC Villa will Never be equal to a Poly room when booked through Disney. Even renting points, which you have to do yourself, will likely be more.
Personally I believe one resort room for the makeup of your party is too small. I traveled to the Poly with my son and his 2 children and we shared 2 rooms. My son and his wife had one room and the kids and I shared the second room.
As the Grandmom I can say definitely I would want more space b

Also, do disney planners still plan and book the DVC villas for you, or is that something you have to do on your own? I'm new to all of this.

You need to do lots more research if you are even considering renting DVC points. There are differences and risks involved. For one thing you will most likely not be able to cancel for a refund. You will not get daily Mousekeeping etc etc etc. DVC is a timeshare not a hotel.
Good Luck

 

[happymommy]

I could NEVER share one queen bed with my two kids. One, yes, but two, no.

So now if you do one room, you have the mom and one kid, then the grandmothers have to share a bed?

No way is that happening. If I went with one of my kids and their children, I'd get my own room. It is a vacation. I'm not spending it sleeping in bed with another adult, or my grandchild.

Most comfortable way is to have 3 rooms, maybe at Pop. One for mom and kids, and one for each of the grandmothers. I'd show them the respect they deserve to have their own rooms.

I've stayed at many Disney resorts (and off site), and Pop had the best bus service, best food court, and quietest rooms overall. We also enjoyed ordering the "room service" after getting back in the evening a few times. It was WAY cheaper than room service at BWI, and good to get some pasta and salad while getting ready for bed if we were out late.

I would opt for space over location, because the bus still takes you to the same place. Worst bus service we have had was at the AKL and BWI, every time. I mean awful sometimes.

 

[sbd78]

I've never personally rented points, but I know a lot of people here recommend this site if you decide to go that route. As others said, you can't cancel and you won't get daily housekeeping, but prices are usually quite a bit lower than renting through Disney. You may want to look into it if the trade offs are worth it to you:
https://www.dvcrequest.com/

 

[Hoorayforcookies!]

Also, do disney planners still plan and book the DVC villas for you, or is that something you have to do on your own? I'm new to all of this.

Vacation planners can plan and book a DVC villa. You don’t have to own or rent points to book them. You (or your vacation planner) can book them as you would a regular hotel room on property. It’s called a “cash reservation” on these boards if you do it that way. You can look at the 2018 prices on the Disney world website. If you book vs rent points, you still can cancel up to 30 days before checkin, get daily housekeeping, etc.

Points rental is just a lot cheaper. A lot. So that’s why people do it.

 

[Steph1673]

I think some people may be misunderstanding the sleeping arrangement, or I just don't mind my mom and in law as much as others

I have travelled with my mom in the past on bachelorette or girls trips for my sisters and shared a Queen bed with her, no problem. My kids regularly spend the might with both grandparents for overnights and often end up sharing a queen bed like a slumber party. So while I am looking for (and appreciate!) all the tips on room size and sleeping spaces at each place, I certainly don't think that either grandparent will be disrespected sharing a bed with one child (never said two kids, bc one will be on the pullout or daybed) or their own daughter while on an all expense paid vacation. Or mother in law gets the pullout/daybed while my two kids share a bed and I share with my mom if the kids get annoying?

I recently had friends who stayed in the Poly with five and had the couple in the Queen, one person in a queen alone (although they intended to share), one in the daybed and one in the "big chair" as they put it bc their older son preferred the chair to sharing and said they felt like they had plenty of space bc the rooms are biggest there. So I guess I'm just a little surprised that people are saying I'd need 2-3 rooms for five people... I may need to revaluate the trip!