GM, GP, Mom, Dad & 7 kids under 5!

[kimkatmom]

A very dear friend just called to ask for my help in planning their upcoming WDW trip. They include Grandma, Grandpa (very active and in their early 60's), mom and dad, and SEVEN children under 5! Believe it or not -- 1 set of triplets (age 5), two sets of twins (age 3 and 1).

They are talking about taking a land/sea exclusion.

I have been to WDW five times and on 2 Disney Cruises, but I don't have a clue about where to begin planning for seven children!

Any suggestions?

 

[lmhall2000]

You may want to call one of the Disney vacation planners around here...several are sponsors of this site....but in lieu of that here are some suggestions.

1. For children that age and only spending 3-4 days (cruise combo) at the parks I would highly suggest a monorail resort...I think the GM, GD would really like the Poly and it has a nice pool with zero entry for the little ones, and a slide the 5 year olds would enjoy. You would need 3 rooms at the Poly....which can be pricey...and would need two adjoining for the parents and children...think that's doable.

2. Second option, would be a 2-BR Villa Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas, Wilderness Lodge Villas should work..they might need a separate 1 BR for the grandparents...but they could squeeze and be okay...the triplets in the King size bed, the grandparents in one double, the parents in the other, the pair of 3 year old twins on the couch that makes into a bed and the baby twins in porta cribs.

3. Now for the cruise....gotta ask someone...I'm sure it can be done....and hopefully the grandparents are willing to have 2-3 children in their room.. Enjoy planning this and let us know how it turns out!

Tara

 

[jordanyosh]

I guess the first question I would ask is when are they planning on going? I hope they are avoiding any summer/early fall month as travelling with that many small children would be crazy.

I would also suggest either renting an off property home or staying in one of the villas at one of the "home away from home" resorts like the Boardwalk. That way they would have access to full kitchens and laundry facilities.

Have them look into rental car companies that have super stretch vans or i guess if they are planning on 2 vans.

Just a jumping off point......

 

[swilphil]

Definitely use a TA. I would suggest Dreams Unlimited, but they might even want to find one in their hometown that specializes in Disney because of the unique situation. They could stay in 2 FW cabins or get a couple of suites somewhere. I would definitely stay on site, preferrably with that many kids, but it could be pricey. They could do 2 rooms at the Poly or Contemporary since kids under 3 don't technically "count." Those resorts have pretty big rooms.

You might check out the cruise board for more specifics. I know that kids have to be potty trained to use the kids club, but I don't know if the cut off age is 3 or 4. You have to pay extra to put infants and toddlers who aren't potty trained in the nursery there.

 

[kathmzh]

God Bless them! I have twins, and I have a good friend with two sets of twins, but I can't imagine triplets on top of that! I second the suggestion of the monorail resort -- there's probably going to be a lot of splitting up ( mom taking the babies back for a nap, etc.) and that would be the easiest. I think the Poly would be great, too -- pool, beach are great for little ones.

 

[my3kids]

To do the Land & Sea package for the cruise, they would need at least 3 rooms, which would equal 3 rooms at the resort. The rooms which would allow staying at the monorail resorts would be categories 7-4. It could probably be done more cheaply not as a package deal, but with that many young children, I would go for the ease and convenience and book the Land/Sea!

I would call Disney Cruise Line and book with them. They can get 3 rooms in a row(only 2 would connect.)

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Personally, although I went to WDW when my youngest was 1yo and don't have a problem bringing babies, I would suggest that they wait at least a couple years!!!

Yikes, I can't even imagine.

They could fit in a room at a monorail resort since 5 people plus one under 3yo is allowed in the room. Maybe connecting rooms at CR since it is within walking distance of the MK. But if they end up with 3 rooms due to the land/sea package I don't know how expensive the CR would be.

I'm still in shock just thinking about having that many young children, not to mention them bringing them to WDW. Wow, more power to them!

T&B

 

[sharonk]

I actually think the cruise is a great idea....and the 5 year olds can go to the free kids program some days, giving mon and dad and grandma and grandpa more time/energy for the 4 younger kids.

While at WDW, I think 2 rooms at the Contemporary would be the best bet, considering the costs and everything else. Each room would hold 5 people, so even if Disney "counted" the one-year olds, you would still be fine on the room occupancy.

Sharon

 

[Deb & Bill]

Originally posted by lmhall2000
...2. Second option, would be a 2-BR Villa Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas, Wilderness Lodge Villas should work..they might need a separate 1 BR for the grandparents...but they could squeeze and be okay...the triplets in the King size bed, the grandparents in one double, the parents in the other, the pair of 3 year old twins on the couch that makes into a bed and the baby twins in porta cribs...

With eleven, they could not all fit into a two bedroom. The limits to a two bedroom is 8 plus ONE under the age of three. They would need to get an additional one bedroom or studio for the grandparents.