First trip for family of 5, where to stay? How to book?

[Meghoya]

Hi All, I'm a veteran WDW guest, but I'm totally overwhelmed by the DLP website and planning! I'm tempted to give up!

My first planning hurdle is--where to stay and how to book. We're a family of five (kids ages 4, 7, 9). So, I know that limits us. We want to stay on site for sure. And we want a pool at the hotel. We're traveling May 2016 for just 2-3 nights.

1.) Where should we stay (looks like Disneyland Hotel and Newport both have rooms that sleep 5).

2.) If we book 2 rooms will they guarantee they are connecting?

3.) Can we really book on another country's site? Is this officially legal? Or is it possible they will reign this in and we will find ourselves without a room by the time our trip comes around? (I checked and it's much cheaper on the Irish site because of the exchange rate from the US).

Any other suggestions for an overwhelmed newbie?

Thanks so much!

Megan

 

[micksn]

1) Yes only Newport Bay or Disneyland Hotel, but 2 rooms at santa Fe or Cheyenne will be cheaper. Santa Fe does have some family suites, I think you would need to phone for a price. The Explorers hotel sleeps 5 and is pretty near, but not Disney or the Davy Crockett, but you would need a car for that.

2) They won't guarantee connecting, but I have never been disappointed when requested this and I think you could stand your ground. Make sure you ring the hotel direct a few days before you go and email them.

3) Yes you can book under another countries website, we booked with the French website and had no problems.

If you want a pool then 2 connecting rooms at Sequoia lodge would be the most reasonable option or phone and ask for prices for a family room at Newport Bay.
Good luck with your planning

 

[bibbidibobbidibecky]

We booked through the UK site while they were running a special and then even called to adjust it and everything was fine! We stayed in two rooms at the Sequoia Lodge and they were connecting, which we had requested, so you shouldn't have an issue. My kids loved the pool here, the slide especially, and I loved how easy it was to get to the parks! The breakfast was nice, too. HTH!