Help! 1st timer needs assistance

[brownraven]

This will be our first trip to Disney and Florida. I thought I had things all ready but then I walked in AAA and found out we could get a POR room for about what I was going to pay for an off site condo (Parc Corniche). I am concerned with space in the POR so I thought the condo was the way to go. But then I talked to several people who say stay on site you will love the magic. I have 3 kids (17yrs, 12yrs, 10yrs) and hubby will be be cramped. Should I go for the condo? PLEASE HELP ME OUR TRIP IS MAR.7-MAR 14.

CONFUSED!

 

[spiceycat]

staying onsite is very, very nice...that say could you and your family be happy in 2 double beds (full not queen size) with a trundle bed for your 5th (this was designed for a 9 yr old )

 

[Tegra89]

I would definitely stay on site. To me, it cuts down on stress of trying to get there and finding a parking place and driving back to the condo when you're dog tired because after a day at the park you more than likely will be dog tired.

 

[LaurieG]

is for staying on site. I have done both and will never stay off site again! The time, energy and fustration I save is well worth the extra cost. I don't think that you will be dissapointed.

 

[mama4]

I have to agree. We live two hours from Orlando and even if we go for the weekend, we stay on site. It is as if you get to be a part of the magic day and night throughout your stay. We even use the transportation even though we have a car- beats paying to park. We are a family of 5- kids are 14, 3 1/2 and 2 and I'm expecting in July. For now, we've been able to stay in a 4 person standard room with a crib for my toddler but we'll have to change that soon (maybe 2 rooms at a value or we may occasionaly be able to get a suite or cabin at FW) Does anyone know if you can do 5 people AND a crib at POR in the 5 person occupancy rooms? Or would that be pushing it?
Another option for more space is the DoubleTree all suite hotel in DD. It is owned but not operated by Disney, has it's own shuttle service that runs all day (like Disney's) and you'd still be "at Disney". Could probably get a good deal through AAA or a Disney website. I'd be interested to know if this is a nice place to stay.

 

[indigoxtreme]

Stay on site POR is nice, another option to check out is Fort Wilderness Cabins, they have a kitchen and will sleep 6, Bedroom has double bed and 2 bunk beds, living room has Murphy Bed (double), you will have kitchen and a grill as well as dining room. Look at the site, we liked it here. There is an internal bus system as well as the boat to MK and buses to other parks, Free movies and campfire at night.

 

[byoung]

Welcome to the DIS. The cabins at FW could be a good choice.

 

[laura001]

Staying onsite would be my choice. Last year we went and stayed at POR...kids were DD20, DS17, and DD13 at the time. The room has two double beds and a trundle. My DD13 is quite petite so had no problem fitting on the trundle, however she did not want to sleep there everynight, so they all took turns including DS17 who is 6'2" (i would assume he was curled up..lol). Not once did they ever complain about who's turn it was etc., they were just so happy to be there.

The area with the sinks has a curtain that pulls across so privacy was never an issue when dressing etc. We had a lot of stuff with us including breakfast and snack food and I would say that were not exactly cramped. When we arrived I made sure I took the time to organize everything well and made sure that everyone picked up after themselves. I utilized the space under the beds to put shoes etc. so that we would not feel cramped. It worked out great and I would do it again, the luxury of staying onsite cannot be compared to staying elsewhere, and remember, just how much time do you spend in your room? It was late everyday that we got back to our room, we were all so tired by that point that I don't think any of us ever cared about being cramped.....oooooh, and the beds are heavenly....

Have a great trip!

 

[kdtwiss]

go POR! The place is great - 2 great pools, boat to DTD! We were so tired at the end of the day we barely noticed it was cramped! You will not regret staying on - site, but you may regret not trying it! With kids those ages, I doubt very much time will be spent in the room!

 

[my3princes]

We've stayed both on and off site and loved both. That being said we just bought DVC so it will be on site for us from now on. If you stay onsite you can add the dining plan which may or maynot be a good choice for your family. Just another thing to consider.

Deb

 

[brownraven]

Thank you for all the info. We went to AAA today and booked 2 value rooms at Pop Century with Dinner plan. I think this will work out great. Who can argue with two bathrooms! Anyway I am sooo happy right now. I can not wait I am going to the countdown board now. Later

P.S. Anyone visiting the week of Mar 7 - Mar 14?

 

[Tegra89]

Yea!!! We're going to be there after you. 17-23.