If you were me, where would you stay?

[TwinkieMama]

Hi!
We haven't been to the World in 5 years (and 3 Children!) and we are planning a Jan of 2006 trip including me, DH, DS (almost 12), twin DDs (almost 4) and DS (6 months) at the time of the trip. My sister and parents will join us for part of the trip. Our current options include two rooms at SOG or POR or offsite at a hotel or offsite in a large condo (like 4 or 5 bdrm). So considering the ages of my children and the time of year what would you do?
Thanks!

Useful Info
1. Not sure exactly where the condo is in relation to WDW or how nice it is (5 bdrm, 3 bath) but it would be roughly the same price as SOG- we would gain room and bathroom but lose on site advantages and I imagine that of the choices it would be the least close to the parks.
2. Bathrooms are important to my parents.
3. I imagine that the almost 4s will not need naps by that time and that the baby will nap on the go however we will be lugging all the gear that goes with an infant and 2 preschoolers.
4. We have never stayed at SOG or POR, we may not be eligible at SOG much longer.

 

[vanyel]

I'm an on-site person so my first choice would be 2 rooms at SOG or POR.

But, given that bathrooms are important to your parents, I might suggest renting a condo. The bathrooms are small at POR, don't know about SOG. If you rent a condo, you'll want to rent a car, though I want a car even when I stay onsite.

Have your parents looked at the pictures of POR, SOG & the condo? Would they be willing to give up a big bath for a beautiful site onsite?

How about the kids? Do you want space to put them to bed while the adults sit up and talk, etc? Remember if you're at POR/SOG, you just have two bedrooms.

 

[KittyKitty]

I vote to stay on site. Your younger children on going to need a rest during the day. Or if you plan to be there all day, you will probably need strollers for the 4 yr olds. There is a lot of walking to do.

Staying onsite means not having to stay together unless there is more than 1 auto.

Your children will love the value resorts, and the size of your family, not including your sister and parents, will want 2 rooms. January is usually one of the cheapest times for lodging.

Have a great time no matter what you choose.

 

[Lisa P.]

I would select either three rooms (two connecting for your family plus one for your parents) at a value hotel onsite or a nice large pool home offsite. My preference would be for the home offsite, hands down! Here's why:

In January, there's no traffic. You'll have shorter hours so will be less likely to return to your room midday. It may be too cool for little ones to swim, especially in the evenings, so a heated indoor pool would be wonderful for the 12 year old and adults in the evening, after your little ones are in bed. And after all the stimulation of the parks, they're likely to fall asleep after an early supper. Strollers and buses are no fun together - they must be folded up when you board. If you'll have strollers for 3 children, that's a lot to juggle at the bus stop with the diaper bag and bag for sweatshirts or jackets. If you don't have strollers, you'll be carrying 3 sleepy children on those buses and on the walk back to your room. With cars, it's easier IMHO. The kitchen is great for picky eaters, easier breakfasts in PJs and snacks/drinks, even if you don't cook. A washer/dryer in the room is handy for larger families so you wouldn't have to pack as much in clothing, just run a load at night. Little children and babies run through clothes like crazy. Lastly, if anyone needs a nap, doesn't feel well or is over-tired and cranky, the extra bedrooms are wonderful. Otherwise, everyone tends to get as irritable as the most irritable person in the crowd. Many people need a little decompression time with privacy after long days at the parks, for a good night's sleep.

Squeezing 3 generations with 8 people into 2 small hotel rooms with just 2 bathrooms for bathing and changing clothes may push the limits of your relationships. That's why getting 3 of the cheapest rooms onsite would be the only recommendation I could make if you are sold on staying onsite. If you ask this quesiton on the Orlando Hotels forum, you're likely to get very different responses than you will here, where so many people have such as strong onsite preference.

Anyway, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip, wherever you stay!

 

[Palendat]

With the shorter hours in Jan, I would try to stay on site, so that you can have access to EMHs. Even is only some of your party would benefit, it would probably be great for the flexibility.

 

[elsapoverde]

If you have your own transportation, then SOG is ok, but Port Orleans, FQ is great. Have you looked to see if any DVC members might be wanting to sell points? Old Key West would be great with all the kids. A 2BR would do well, you can easily sleep 8 and they are big rooms with good amenities, pools, etc

 

[byoung]

The cost of SOG should be lower. Saving could be use elsewhere, food etc.

 

[Epcotgal]

I would always choose onsite. Especially with a 6 month old. Have fun!

 

[ducklite]

SOG--No question about it! You can book a second room for your parents under your eligibility for the days they will be there. The SOG rooms have two queens and a sleeper sofa, so your kids don't even need to sleep together. They are the largest rooms on property, very comfortable.

Anne

 

[BCV23]

Oh, I would absolutely choose SOG as well.

 

[ccw]

With young children PLUS other adults , I think you would really be wise to stay onsite. Transportation to the parks is so easy...also gives you more flexibility. People can opt for different activities without having to inconvenience anyone else in the group. I assume SOG has bus service comparable to other WDW resorts. I have friends who stay there every year and just love it!

 

[murcor]

With young children PLUS other adults , I think you would really be wise to stay onsite. Transportation to the parks is so easy...also gives you more flexibility. People can opt for different activities without having to inconvenience anyone else in the group.

This is what I was going to say

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I vote to stay on site. Your younger children on going to need a rest during the day. Or if you plan to be there all day, you will probably need strollers for the 4 yr olds. There is a lot of walking to do.

Staying onsite means not having to stay together unless there is more than 1 auto.

Your children will love the value resorts, and the size of your family, not including your sister and parents, will want 2 rooms. January is usually one of the cheapest times for lodging.

Have a great time no matter what you choose.

ita this is very good advice

 

[gigi1313]

definitely SOG...

 

[Nik's Mom]

Hi! Well, traveling with a 4 year old and 6 month old means you will probably need to take an afternoon break, so I'd say stay on-site. I've never stayed at SOG, but I can tell you POR is great. Either way, as long as you are on site, you will love it!
I just wanted to add that you should use the baby care stations. They are great places to change the baby and feed him/her! If you are nursing, they even have a nice quiet area to nurse. It's so important to have those quiet moments!

 

[TwinkieMama]

of online research the winner is SoG!

We were lured by the luverly rental villas but ultimately thought that the ease of transportation outweighed the space. We are trying not to rent a car but that may change. I did appreciate everyone's thoughtful and timely comments.

Again, thanks

 

[PA DISNEYLOVER]

I don't think you will be disappointed. We stayed there the last 3 times and have loved it. Did you look into one of the suites?