Help, help, help

[eljojo]

Which resorts hold a family of five? I've heard there are some rooms at Animal Kingdom that will - how about Wilderness Lodge? Also, we've always gone to Disney in May, but it's too hard to get kids out of school when they're older. Is it too unbearably hot to go in the summer? How miserable are the crowds? Thank, thanks, thanks!

 

[Momto8]

Most deluxe resorts holds families of five-YC/BC, CR GF, Poly. They have 2 queen beds and a daybed. The BWI has 2 queen beds, but I believe the daybed is smaller in their rooms. At least it seemed like it was when we stayed there. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. The WL and AKL only hold 5 in their deluxe rooms. The Dolphin holds 5 but you have to pay $25 more per night for a rollaway. There are also the cabins at Ft. Wilderness. They sleep 6 and have a kitchen. The only moderate that holds 5 is POR. It has 2 doubles and a small trundle bed.

Yes, it can be extremely hot and humid in the summer. It rains most every day in the afternoon, but it usually doesn't last long. However, I' ve been there when it has started raining in the afternoon and kept up all evening. Then I've been there when there's been a drought and not rained at all during our stay.

There are crowds in the summer, but it is manageable if you know what you are doing. Go early in the morning and then head back to your resort in the early afternoon for a rest or swim when it gets hot. Then go back in the evening when it is not as hot. I would advise you to get a good guide book with a good touring plan. Even if you're not a park commando and don't want to use the touring plans, there are a lot of good tips in these books about managing the crowds and lines.

We have the same problem with our kids. They are teenagers now and can't take them out of school as they end up missing too much work. We go every year in the summer and also go at Christmas time too. The week after Christmas is much worse than in the summer, though. Even then, we have been able to manage the crowds. We know what rides to avoid at certain times and when is the best time to come back to ride them. We also expect it to be crowded and plan accordingly. We take our time, enjoy the decorations and just being at WDW makes it worthwhile.

Good luck with your planning!

 

[Lewisc]

FL students go back to school early. The last 2 weeks in August are not that crowded.

It will be hot, humid and will rain most afternoons.

 

[MELSMICE]

We've never been there in the summer so I can't help with that question, although I've heard it's very hot, humid & rains as the above poster said.

As far as resorts for a family of 5, there are quite a few options. It all depends on how much you want to spend:

--Moderate - Port Orleans sleeps 5. They either have a trundle or a cot - I can't remember which.

--Deluxes - Contemporary, Beach or Yacht Club, Poly & I think the Grand Floridian

--The Fort Wilderness cabins sleep 6 & are outstanding. You'll get a full kitchen. Some people see this as a plus (I do) others don't They have an outdoor deck & grill also. A lot of stuff to do in FW.

--Renting points from a DVC owner is another option. Their 2 bedroom units sleep 8 - 1 bedroom units only sleep 4 comfortably. The 2BR units also have 2 large baths, 3 TV's, full kitchen, washer/dryer units & outdoor patio. Renting points is easy. Check the Rent/Trade Board.

Like I said, it all depends on how much money you want to spend & what type of accommodations you want. We prefer something larger with the kitchen & another room so our DD's can veg out while we relax.

Good luck planning!