Just need to vent a bit...

[grimley1968]

Fire code-shmire code. If the fire code is so important why do they allow a fifth person under two in a crib or pack n play? It takes up nearly as much room as a roll away.

Good point. I've never been able to get a pack and play. We've always gotten the massive, wooden rollaway cribs, which really do take up almost the same space as a rollaway bed, if you think in cubic terms. In a fire, that crib, if you're not able to keep it away from your little hallway next to your bathroom, would be every bit as hard to get around, and past, as a rollaway bed. At least you could step over a rollaway bed. Try doing that with one of those cribs, and you'll be hobbling past the flames with a sprained or broken ankle! I agree that Disney is inconsistent on this policy of cribs vs. rollaways. For fire escape purposes, you'd be hard pressed to convince me a crib is any better than a rollaway.

Yep, it's the money. Kids under 3 are free in the parks, so Disney doesn't have to worry about matching a room card for that toddler with admission to the parks, so why not let them fill up the room with those fire escape-blocking cribs? But once one is old enough to be charged for park entry - then they are magically a fire hazard.

 

[Sammie]

There's really no reason to turn this into a debate over the rights/wants of people that have more than four in their family. Bottomline, Disney is losing a whole bunch of money from guests that are forced to stay offsite due to the restrictions involving 5+ in a room. They have obviously seen the light due to the AllStars Family Suites currently in the works. I say "kudos" to them for finally addressing an issue that has been a problem for a very long time.

Unless the price is less than a room at PORiverside, which I doubt it will be or less than 2 rooms at a value, will people be satisfied? Probably not.

 

[dtuleya]

I don't think I do.

Glad I wasn't the only one.

There's really no reason to turn this into a debate over the rights/wants of people that have more than four in their family. Bottomline, Disney is losing a whole bunch of money from guests that are forced to stay offsite due to the restrictions involving 5+ in a room. They have obviously seen the light due to the AllStars Family Suites currently in the works. I say "kudos" to them for finally addressing an issue that has been a problem for a very long time.

Well said! Disney is losing money everytime a larger family decides to stay offsite, IMHO. We're a family of four, but (DS 12 & 17 who are both tall), but it's not an option for us to stay in a small room with two of the guys over 6'2", and my baby at 5'3", there's not enough elbow room in a moderate for us and the Values do nothing for me at all (or I'd be booking 2 rooms there).
Our 12 day stay this summer is breaking the bank as it is...can't image if I had to thinking of booking two rooms or a "deluxe" room.

 

[DebIreland]

Why do they not allow 5 in a studio or one-bedroom, but five are more than welcome at the deluxes which are pretty much the same size?

I sympathise with your situation. I have heard that OKW now allow 5 in a one-bedroom so it might be worth looking into that. The Disney website still says 4 + 1 infant but I read somewhere that DVC member services will now accept 5 on the reservation with the 5th person looking after their own bedding i.e. bring an air-mattress and sheets. We have vague notions of maybe buying into DVC in the future and honestly, I think the 2 bedroom will always be out of our price range (whether it's points or cash) but if they allow 5 in the 1 bdr we'll be much more inclined to buy into DVC.

Our youngest is only going on 2 now so we were able to get the BWV studio but if/when we go back in the future we could face the same dillemma as you.

The suites being planned at the value resort could be very suitable for your family and mine when they're done.

One thing - don't forget when factoring in the cost of 5 in a Disney resort compared to the offsite cost, a car is not essential when staying on property but it is (pretty much) when staying offsite so factor in that cost, plus gas, plus parking to the offsite price too. That said, I do sympathise though.

 

[ScarletFire]

Sorry ducklite, I don't agree. 5 will always spend more. I still think you are being nasty on this thread.

I must defend Anne. She is not nasty in stating an opinion from her perspective. The only nasty comment was the hurtful one made by you. I don't agree with all the opinions on this thread but I would not classify them as nasty. I enjoy reading the debate; very interesting.

 

[DznyLvr2005]

Asking for a room that can accomodate five at no additional cost is the same as asking for a car that can accomodate five at no additional cost, it's just an illogical complaint.

Anne

That's exactly what I was going to say... More kids = more money with everything you do.

 

[disneysnob]

. I have heard that OKW now allow 5 in a one-bedroom so it might be worth looking into that. The Disney website still says 4 + 1 infant but I read somewhere that DVC member services will now accept 5 on the reservation with the 5th person looking after their own bedding i.e. bring an air-mattress and sheets.

Thank you...I knew I had read that somewhere, too, but I couldn't remember where I saw it.

 

[DznyLvr2005]

I have something else to add...

Last time we were in DW, we sat next to these poeple at the Biergarten and they had 3 kids (so 5 total) She told us that they bought points off of e-bay for people that weren't using their vacation club that year.... So maybe think about that,... It will be cheaper and you'll accomidate everyone and also have more space in the room.

 

[robinb]

Big party in RobinB's room (that probably endlessly bothers the adjoining rooms), no problemo since you're a DVC member!!!!!!

Oh yeah. My parents (in their late 60's) and my in-laws (in their late 70's) are real party animals! Not to mention my husband's aunts and uncles (also in their 70's). A little hint to all the other partiers out there ... get the studio *above* the 2BR also so you can bring your beer bong!

 

[LeesyUD]

I do not have any kids myself but I understand the OP's point of view. However I also understand the hotel room setups from a business point of view. Anywhere you go you will see hotel rooms are not meant for more than 4 people usually. Some places they will let you put in a cot (doesnt Disney let you do that? or is it against the fire code). The way I see it is that a general 4 person room is something that has been established at almost all hotels. With most people having an average of 2 kids it probably is based on the presumption that most people will have four people in their party or less. I understand wanting to be able to put 5 people in one room, but 6 is streching it. To me that would feel more like a camp cabin than a hotel room.
In my senior year of high school I went with 4 other friends to Disney and stayed at a value. We wished we could have stayed all in one room because it would be cheaper. But we were also realistic about it. Trying to have 5 people use one shower/bathroom on vacation? It would have taken several hours just for everyone to get ready to go to the parks. We got adjoining rooms....they have those for a reason. If Disney made additional rooms for 5 or 6 people...there would be a furious debate on who should get those rooms. Also if they made all rooms for 5 or 6 people they would be wasting ALOT of space. My last two trips to Disney it was me and one other person. I would be very upset if I had to pay for a room that was designed for 6 people when there was just 2 of us(and we all know those rooms would cost more.) Disney would need to stick parties of 2 or 3 in those big rooms which take up more room in the hotel, leaveing less rooms to rent out. Also like I said before those rooms for 5 or 6(if they just did some that way) would probably cause alot more problems with guests. If all those rooms got booked up I am sure most people subsequently would not pay for 2 rooms...causing Disney to lose more business. One further note, If Disney were to cater specifically to family's of 5 or 6...then it would just be another issue of "why don't they cater to our party of 7/8" I don't also have an option of getting a king bed at Disney...and when I do now I have have to pay MORE for two people just to get one bigger bed. (we are pooh-sized and a double is just too small) I wish I didn't but thats the way it is.

 

[DznyLvr2005]

Just to add more fuel to the fire.....why do Florida residents get discounts? On top of the nice weather, they have less milage to travel and more oppourtunities to go.(Disney could make big $$$ off them) Us Massachusettes residents don't get discounts to go to Fanuiel Hall or the Freedom Trail???? Just something to think about....

If they didn't offer discounts to FLA residents, FLA residents would say "well I might as well drive to DW every day and stay home" They make it cheaper because then FLA residents DO stay there, still making more money on rooms then if they didn't stay there at all.

 

[rileyroosmom]

Having visited WDW with my sister and BIL and their at the time three kids, and both familes have the same income, we still spent more overall. So I am comparing apples to apples.

I know this for a fact because everything was charged to our DVC unit and I split it all up based on key numbers when we got home and BIL mailed me a check.

I have to believe that this is a typical experience.

I'm not being nasty, just realistic. There's a big difference. It's a shame that some people think anyone who doesn't agree with them is being nasty.

Anne

I think that is not typical of families, that is your experience. Maybe your brother in law didn't want to spend extra money on cruises and things, not that he didn't have the money to do so. Even people with money don't necessarily spend it in large chunks on vacation. Maybe somone with one childs feels more comfortable overindulging???? We are vacationing in May at Disney with my bil's family (2 adults, 1 child, 1 infant) His family is doing more things then we are, not because we can't afford to, just choose not to. At this point I think we should agree to disagree.

They way you make your points are very condesending, a little holier than thou, IMO. Don't call children lifestyle choices, just sounds very nasty.

 

[bhoffman]

Anne[/QUOTE]
"Frankly I don't think larger families spend any more at WDW--in fact possibly less because I would imagine that overall they have less disposable income to begin with, are less likely to dine at the expensive full service "signature" restaurants, less likely to spend money on the high markup "extras". So that arguement doesn't hold water."

Response to Quote:
My family of 5 are going to be enjoying Disney next month and we will be spending plenty. We have a character breakfast/lunch or dinner each day. We will be staying at the boardwalk villas, and are currently playing a game at home with good deeds for souvenir money with the kids 7,6, and 3. The game helps to make the time go by.

Anne[/QUOTE]
"When you made the decision to have three (or more) children you made the desicion to have everything in lfe cost more. Asking for a room that can accomodate five at no additional cost is the same as asking for a car that can accomodate five at no additional cost, it's just an illogical complaint."

Response to Quote:
Most cars can accomodate five. Just have one with no window seat. But can work. You wouldn't buy a second car for the fifth would you? Here is the problem with a getting an extra room for one person. The per person cost is what gets frustrating. If I go to McDonalds and buy the "third" valuemeal I know it will cost the same amount that each of the "first two" cost, but with Disney rooms (most hotels outside of Disney not the same, they are more than happy to put roll away squeezed in), just to get the extra bed you have to rent a second door and sink and tv and so on. If you divide the cost for one room by four people, and then have to pay the same amount for one person to stay in the second room, I think you can see it isn't just that you have to pay "more" it's that you have to pay four times the amount for the "fifth" to be there.

The great thing is is when the day is done who said life is far? As the OP suggested sometimes people just want to vent. The way I look at it is I'll pay the extra and laugh all the way to bank with my "extra" smiles and goodtimes that I get to have with my "enlarged" family!!

 

[2infinity&B-ond]

"The average family in the US has two children. They would be wasting money outfitting rooms to accomodate more than the average. The industry standard in hotels is two beds which each hold two people.

Frankly I don't think larger families spend any more at WDW--in fact possibly less because I would imagine that overall they have less disposable income to begin with, are less likely to dine at the expensive full service "signature" restaurants, less likely to spend money on the high markup "extras". So that arguement doesn't hold water.

When you made the decision to have three (or more) children you made the desicion to have everything in lfe cost more. Asking for a room that can accomodate five at no additional cost is the same as asking for a car that can accomodate five at no additional cost, it's just an illogical complaint.

Anne"

I am not sure how to properly quote you, so I hope this works...but just wanted to respond to some things you said. When we travel, especially to Disney, the magic takes over and we DO plan "extras". We also go to the more expensive restaurants, our kids enjoy eating out as much as we do, and they are only 6, 7, and 5. They know how to behave, and are never a problem...they come with us almost everywhere. If we didn't have the "disposal income" we would do less, but on a Disney trip, we never skimp.

Also, I would NEVER change the fact that I have 3 beautiful children, however, 2 of the 3 were surprises...and by that I mean one was concieved while on birth control (that I took religiously and NEVER skipped) and another was concieved with an IUD (supposedly great protection for many years)....every form of birth control has a certain percentage for those who it will not work...that happened to be me. God obviously had different plans for me and my family. I love my children, and love being a mother. I also enjoy trips to Disney World with my family. I do not feel that I should have to stay in two rooms in a value, which I feel are less convienient and loud etc, just because I have more than the average number of children. Since Disney is a family oriented place, I feel they should have more options for families of 5. Right now, they don't, and I still go...

My 2 cents, but before you make sweeping generalizations, you should realize that each family has its own cirucmstances... I am not looking for something for nothing...I just would like more options. In fact, if I were able to get a discounted second room, I would be more likely to stay LONGER and spend MORE MONEY!!!

 

[ducklite]

I think that is not typical of families, that is your experience. Maybe your brother in law didn't want to spend extra money on cruises and things, not that he didn't have the money to do so. Even people with money don't necessarily spend it in large chunks on vacation. Maybe somone with one childs feels more comfortable overindulging???? We are vacationing in May at Disney with my bil's family (2 adults, 1 child, 1 infant) His family is doing more things then we are, not because we can't afford to, just choose not to. At this point I think we should agree to disagree.

While my sisters family would have loved to have spent more, it wasn't in their budge, because simply put, their overall overhead is higher. More kids=more costs, apart from vacation. There's nothing to disagree on, that is plin and simple a fact. (And cruises are not overindulgences if you can afford them and still pay your bills and plan for the future.

They way you make your points are very condesending, a little holier than thou, IMO. Don't call children lifestyle choices, just sounds very nasty.

I am matter of fact, not holier than thou. And having children IS a lifestyle choice as much as remaining childless, not getting married at all, living on a boat, or joining a commune. It's not nasty, it's a fact. I think you need to stop being over sensitive.

Anne

 

[Sammie]

Can anyone explain to me why Disney, who caters to families and magical gatherings....., does not offer value or even moderates (with the exception of POR) for families of five or more?

Everyone has presented some interesting opinions on why this is and I do agree that regardless of the situation as to why some families have 1 child or 3 children, having more is more expensive in everything you do.

I think the argument is that some feel Disney is doing something wrong by not offering value and moderates for families of 5 or more.

Disney feels they offer families of this size options, with POR and 2 rooms at a value and the cabins and even deluxe resorts. Many guests do not feel what they offer is unreasonable and the new suites at All Star, until the cost is announced, may not please some either. They may be as expensive as 2 rooms.

So basically they do offer choices for families of 5, just not in the price range you might wish to pay. Kinda like I wish I could find a new BMW at the price of a Ford Focus, but it ain't going to happen.

Disney is in the business to make money. Yes it is a somewhat family oriented business; but then some families have no problems with the cost.

I think the main thing to remember is even Disney does not have to please everyone and every family, just enough to be profitable.

 

[ducklite]

"The average family in the US has two children. They would be wasting money outfitting rooms to accomodate more than the average. The industry standard in hotels is two beds which each hold two people.

Frankly I don't think larger families spend any more at WDW--in fact possibly less because I would imagine that overall they have less disposable income to begin with, are less likely to dine at the expensive full service "signature" restaurants, less likely to spend money on the high markup "extras". So that arguement doesn't hold water.

When you made the decision to have three (or more) children you made the desicion to have everything in lfe cost more. Asking for a room that can accomodate five at no additional cost is the same as asking for a car that can accomodate five at no additional cost, it's just an illogical complaint.

Anne"

I am not sure how to properly quote you, so I hope this works...but just wanted to respond to some things you said. When we travel, especially to Disney, the magic takes over and we DO plan "extras". We also go to the more expensive restaurants, our kids enjoy eating out as much as we do, and they are only 6, 7, and 5. They know how to behave, and are never a problem...they come with us almost everywhere. If we didn't have the "disposal income" we would do less, but on a Disney trip, we never skimp.

Also, I would NEVER change the fact that I have 3 beautiful children, however, 2 of the 3 were surprises...and by that I mean one was concieved while on birth control (that I took religiously and NEVER skipped) and another was concieved with an IUD (supposedly great protection for many years)....every form of birth control has a certain percentage for those who it will not work...that happened to be me. God obviously had different plans for me and my family. I love my children, and love being a mother. I also enjoy trips to Disney World with my family. I do not feel that I should have to stay in two rooms in a value, which I feel are less convienient and loud etc, just because I have more than the average number of children. Since Disney is a family oriented place, I feel they should have more options for families of 5. Right now, they don't, and I still go...

My 2 cents, but before you make sweeping generalizations, you should realize that each family has its own cirucmstances... I am not looking for something for nothing...I just would like more options. In fact, if I were able to get a discounted second room, I would be more likely to stay LONGER and spend MORE MONEY!!!

While I'm very happy that you are enjoying motherhood, it was still a choice, unles your kids were born prior to January 22, 1973. I'll leave that at that, because going further is opening a whole different can of worms.

Ok, so if WDW started offering rooms for five, then people with four kids would complain. Then people with four kids and gramma, then those with three kids, two cousins, gramma and uncle Joe, where does it end?

Disney isn't a charity, they are a corporation that is responsible to their shareholders to earn a profit. The resorts have been full, so as I've said before, they aren't losing sleep over guests who are staying off site, others are taking their place.

Anne

 

[srfrgrl07]

I must defend Anne. She is not nasty in stating an opinion from her perspective. The only nasty comment was the hurtful one made by you. I don't agree with all the opinions on this thread but I would not classify them as nasty. I enjoy reading the debate; very interesting.

I second this. I think Anne brings up some great points and she and I share the same logic here.

I also see what the OP is saying, and the others with larger families. At this point, though, I have to ask: where would these new value priced accommodations for familes of 5 or 6 be built? What kind of ideas do you have about room sizes, locations, and reasonable costs? Disney has seen the increased demand for larger accommodations, hence the Saratoga Springs expansion and the rumored value suites. Would you suggest a remodel of some of the existing resorts? (not meant to be sarcastic...really curious as to what ideas you all might have.)

I think adding trundle beds to the existing moderate resorts seems to be a great start. Not sure why they haven't/can't do that but I'll see if I can maybe find out.

Maybe it's a cost/return on investment issue. I know it seems that there are a lot of families with 5 here on this board, but maybe they don't account for a large percentage of visiting guests. Or maybe since those families are choosing to stay offsite, Disney is not aware that the need is so great? It seems as though the DVC resorts are expanding mostly in accordance with the Grand Gatherings reservations as they have noticed a trend with extended families and friends vacationing together. Just my interpretations, though.

Overall, we all know that a Disney vacation is "expensive." As some have pointed out, that is a somewhat relative term, though. Everyone (from solo travelers to familes of 8) wants to feel that they got the best deal and value for their money, and obviously the theme parks are a large part of that since it is such a great family friendly destination. Otherwise, families of 5 wouldn't be interested in traveling there.
So the entertainment value is there, the service (I know some will tak exception to that, but not me) is there, and the lodging options are there. Just not always at a price that everyone is willing to pay, no matter how large their group is.

To me, it is still a great value and something that I look forward to. I sacrifice other things sometimes to finance it, but the experiences are worth the sacrifice in my opinion.

 

[fitzperry]

My 2 cents, but before you make sweeping generalizations, you should realize that each family has its own cirucmstances... I am not looking for something for nothing...I just would like more options. In fact, if I were able to get a discounted second room, I would be more likely to stay LONGER and spend MORE MONEY!!!

Business decisions like these aren't based on individual circumstances. They're based on statistical data. Evidently, Disney believes its current lodging offerings result in higher profits than a different selection would. Otherwise, you'd see a different menu of lodging options. That being said, I do think that the limited availability of reasonably priced lodging for larger families drives many of said families off-site. But Disney is in a better position than I am to judge the effect of these decisions.

 

[disneysnob]

Oh yeah. My parents (in their late 60's) and my in-laws (in their late 70's) are real party animals! Not to mention my husband's aunts and uncles (also in their 70's). A little hint to all the other partiers out there ... get the studio *above* the 2BR also so you can bring your beer bong!

Hey Eyeore RuleZ.....
Just what I need, a bunch of senior citizens blocking the fire exits as I'm trying to get my family of five out of the fire!!!!!!