Just need to vent a bit...

[disneysnob]

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? They pretty much say that if you have that third child-and they're over 3 yrs-you either split up and get 2 value rooms, or you must take out a second mortgage and stay at a deluxe-or even worst yet, a TWO-bedroom at a DVC. 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? As it is for our upcoming trip in June, we are staying at OKW studio and to do that, I could only list two of my kids on the reservation. (though I'm not losing sleep over it) Why can't they offer a value resort with queen beds and a daybed??? It doesn't have to be on the monorail loop, but anywhere in Disney. It's expensive enought for 5 park tickets, you would think that they could give us a deal on a comfortable 'deluxe-style' room. Even when they have 'specials' they list a 'value price 'for a typical family of 4 (2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child). Then you call on it and add that 2nd junior and "look-out!!!" big $$$$$!! I think that the more kids you have, the bigger the discount should be-since everythiong Disney is so family-oriented! Last year we had even looked into the Disney cruise and, lo and behol, it came to over $11,000 for a 7 night cruise because we HAD to get the 'family cabin' on the verandah deck.
Anyway, it never stops us from going there, we just try to find other ways around it.
Thanks for listening-Have a 'Disney' Day!

 

[DisneyDotty]

Hmm--I imagine you're going to take some heat for this.
Is your heart set on staying on property? If not, you'll find many more reasonable options.
Have you checked the Swan/Dolphin? They have lots of great deals going, and may be able to better accommodate you.
What about the homes at Ft. Wilderness? I hear they're spacious, cheaper than Deluxe, and in a great location.
Rent a motorhome and stay at the Ft. Wilderness campground?

And, why does Disney do this? Because it can. And many on the boards will argue that it should limit the number of people in its resort rooms for safety, crowding, wear and tear, etc.

Good luck!

 

[scanne]

Not all deluxes sleep 5. The WL has some rooms that do, but they're really $$$.

DH and I love staying deluxe - we usually go with the WL or the Polynesian. We work hard and save our $$$ to afford the nicer hotels. I do understand your level of frusturation, though, but like the previous poster said,

And, why does Disney do this? Because it can.

Plain and simple.

I think the All Stars are being outfitted with mini-suites, but I don't know if they'll sleep 4 or 6. Also, getting 2 rooms at the values still may be cheaper than a room at the YC/BC or GF. It's if you have 3 kids and want to stay at the WL that it becomes costly, in my opinion. We have 2 kids right now and may have a 3rd. Then we'd have to do the 2 rooms at the mods or values or stay at the more $$$ deluxes or a 2 bedroom at a HAFH.

I know it's frusturating, but it is what it is.

 

[ADisneygirl]

I'm sorry ~~ it must be very frustrating. We only have two kids, so we haven't had to face this problem personally. But, I think it is best explained as DisneyDotty said: Why? ...because they CAN. They do it to make more $$ by getting more guests into the deluxes, paying for two rooms or getting guests to rent/buy into DVC.

 

[disneysnob]

"Is your heart set on staying on property? If not, you'll find many more reasonable options."

Actually, the past few times we've gone, we do 2 or three nights at disney and then a week outside the park. We've stayed at the Vistana and the Sabal Palms (both highly recommended). That is what we are doing in June also-5 nights OKW then a week at the vistana. This way we get out 'Disney' fix for a few days, then we can 'spread out' for the rest of the vacation.

 

[Fionasmommy]

Honestly, I can't imagine having to budget a Disney vacation is I had 2 more kids! It's wonderful that many people can do it, I just don't think I would be able to - the airfare alone must be outrageous!

I highly recommend checking out the AB section of POR is you have a family of 5. You will be more cramped there than in a deluxe or in 2 Value rooms, but I don't think Disney would put you in a situation where you will feel like a sardine. It *is* Disney , and they want you to have a good time and come back! If you're trying to maximize your money, POR is probably the least expensive option. Or, check out the DVC boards. Renting points may be a better deal than you think.

And go with AAA if no codes are out. We saved almost $300 on our POFQ room!

 

[2infinity&B-ond]

Not to argue with Fionasmommy, but having stayed at POR with my DH and 3 kids, I DID feel like we were packed in...and we didn't have a ton of luggage...only 3 bags for 5 of us. POR just wasn't for us. DH is a resort snob, and "wants to feel like he is on vacation" Whatever that means...but refuses to stay at values, and will do moderates if he has too...but I agree that families of 5 seem to get penalized for having that 3rd child. Disney definitely makes ALOT of money off of us...3 kids to feed, 3 kids who want everything they see...giving us more options would be nice... I think they should offer a discount on the second room for those that have 3 kids... that would make me feel better about having to get one...also I think I read that they are working on suites in the values, similar to those at Nick hotel....not sure..
(feels good to rant about it!)

 

[MouseWorshipin]

If you need a lot of room and don't want to pay a fortune for it, go off property. There are lots of places with tons of room for much less money.

I think Disney gets away with charging the prices it does, so I don't fault them for it, but I understand being disappointed with them.

 

[bellebud]

i only have 2 kids, but i understand and agree w/ your frustration. i guess they make the value rooms so small they can't fit a daybed to accomodate a family of 5? i think you'd be guaranteed a connecting room at a value (i could be wrong) because you have more kids than adults in your party. that gives you 2 full bathrooms, which is nice! maybe that's the best way to go for you? and you'd have 2 tv's, 2 table/chair sets, etc, a decent amount of space. and if you rented one fridge, you'd be set for breakfasts at least.

feel free to vent here... you have a valid point!

 

[imallset]

Well dont worry about taking the "heat" for your post. We are also a family of 5 who go around and around trying to make reservations to accomodate all of us. This year we are going POR for the first time, every other time we have done deluxe (AKL and BC). 4 nights is over $2700 with the tix. Our last trip 2 years ago was over $7000 for AKL with tix, etc. Then we have to feed the 5, so I can agree wholeheartedly with you. Disney is not alone in this though, we took a trip to Atlantis in the Bahamas and had to book our 12 year old in with another family traveling with us, although he slept in our room. This year in planning, I looked all over for reasonable trips other than Disney. Its quite outrageous to think that a family of 5 would have to spend about $10,000 for a week to fly, stay and eat somewhere! I find it amazing that they would consider a 13 year old to be an adult! Booking adjoining rooms is "not guaranteed" and on and on.
Well anyway, it all worked out for this year. I had enough mileage to get 4 free tickets to fly, then we are doing POR for 4 nights/5 days and then moving to Universal using the "family free for all" for 3 nights/ 4 days. But it still is going to be over $7000 when all is said and done and meals are paid for. Its too bad that you have to work and save that much for your family to enjoy a week away from home!
I agree a family oriented place should be FAMILY priced but I understand fire codes and so on, so I am sure it will remain this way for some time.
Oh well it wont dampen my trip, I figure the heck with it, we can do it this time, so we will enjoy it!

 

[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

 

[MouseWorshipin]

Frankly I don't think larger families spend any more at WDW--in fact possibly less...

When you made the decision to have three (or more) children you made the desicion to have everything in lfe cost more....

...it's just an illogical complaint.
Anne

Huh? So does it cost more or doesn't it?

 

[reesa roo]

We too are a family of 5 and planning a trip this summer. Last trip in 2000 we stayed at the Vistana because of the high cost of staying on-site. This time we really want to stay on site but Disney makes it almost impossible for a middle-class family of 5!! Yes, we can get 2 rooms at the values, but then our family is split up for our "family" vacation. We'd really like to stay together. Also, then I feel like I am paying deluxe prices for value accomodations. We tried to get the trundle bed at POR, but they will not allow us to stay there because our youngest is 11 yrs old and the youngest child must be under 10 to stay there. That leaves us with all options well over $200 per night.
We ended up getting the special price at the Dolphin for $129. Hooray! They will add a roll out bed for our third child. It is normally $25 per night but the reservationist offered to waive the fee. I would try the Swan or Dolphin.
IMO... like others have said....Disney doesn't offer cheaper options for families of 5 because they can get away with it. In our case though, we will end up giving our money to Westin/Sheraton instead since they welcome families of 5!
PS: We travel all over the country(road trips visiting family) and never have a problem with 5 in a room. Most all hotels will bring in a roll-out bed.

 

[krismom]

This is going to go the way of the stay at home or working moms debate....
I don't think that you should be penalized for having 3 or more children. There should be just as many opportunities available (hotel accomodations) as those with 2.1 kids. Obviosly stuff is going to cost more- you have more people using the services! But, it should be on the same sliding scale as everone else. It is MUCH more expensive to upgrade to a room that sleeps 5 or 2 rooms than itshould be. Of course, having 4 kids, we deal with it all the time... yes, I chose to have more kids than the average person- but that shouldn't be phrased as a put-down.

 

[ducklite]

Huh? So does it cost more or doesn't it?

Let me explain better.

Family of five needs larger house, more groceries, bigger college tuition fund, etc. So they likely have a smaller amount of disposable income to spend on a WDW trip.

It's not just the cost of the room and tickets, it's also the meals, souveniers, and add-on's like foreworks cruises and parasailing--these items have a far higher profit margin. A larger family is probably eating more counter service and not utilizing the "extras", because they overall have a smaller amount of money to spend to begin with.

Anne

 

[MouseWorshipin]

Let me explain better.

Family of five needs larger house, more groceries, bigger college tuition fund, etc. So they likely have a smaller amount of disposable income to spend on a WDW trip.

It's not just the cost of the room and tickets, it's also the meals, souveniers, and add-on's like foreworks cruises and parasailing--these items have a far higher profit margin. A larger family is probably eating more counter service and not utilizing the "extras", because they overall have a smaller amount of money to spend to begin with.

Anne

So, a family with 2 kids would be having TS meals and parasailing and buying lots of stuff, but adding an extra kid puts an end to that. Is that what you're saying?

 

[ducklite]

This is going to go the way of the stay at home or working moms debate....
I don't think that you should be penalized for having 3 or more children. There should be just as many opportunities available (hotel accomodations) as those with 2.1 kids. Obviosly stuff is going to cost more- you have more people using the services! But, it should be on the same sliding scale as everone else. It is MUCH more expensive to upgrade to a room that sleeps 5 or 2 rooms than itshould be. Of course, having 4 kids, we deal with it all the time... yes, I chose to have more kids than the average person- but that shouldn't be phrased as a put-down.

Using that logic, solo travelers, couples, and families with one child should pay less for their room.

I would never put-down anyone for having a family, as long as they are able to provide for them financially and emotionally. But when a choice is made, there are good and bad consequences that will come with it.

Families of five have the option of staying at POR at what is still a reasonable nightly rate. Family suites which will sleep six are being built at one of the All Stars, the rate hasn't been announced yet, but most agree it will be between 175% and 200% of the nightly rate of two value rooms. Anything more than that can just get two value rooms.

No corporation including Disney should ever be expected to subsidize a lifestyle choice.

Anne

 

[allaboard]

I think most of us with 5 family members would agree with each other ... that all we are asking for is another option that is not highly priced deluxed. We all understand that motel/hotel rooms are generally 2 beds, 4 people, etc. We are faced with it at restaurants as well. There are not many tables made for 5 + ... mostly for 2 or 4 !
I, for one, would love to see another moderately priced resort built for those who have 4 - 7 family members that enjoy sharing space. (I hope the Values go forward with the family suite idea they are thinking of doing!) The reason we don't want two rooms at this stage, is that our children are STILL all under age 11. I don't really want them to have another room with a door that goes outside (not even to a hallway) ... because values go OUTSIDE. If we got two value rooms, I would feel like my husband and I should split up and have each one of us in each room. (not a vacation then!!)
Anyway, I also think that most of us with 5 or more in our families agree that we want to follow fire safety codes.
We are just asking for more options at decent prices. Luckily for us, this summer we still fit into POR ... and we're staying there for half of our summer trip to be able to afford a lengthier stay. Our youngest is going to turn 7 this year and will be in that trundle. When our youngest is too big for that trundle, then we won't be staying at POR anymore I guess. Maybe we'll look into the Swan or Dolphin next time!!

 

[ducklite]

So, a family with 2 kids would be having TS meals and parasailing and buying lots of stuff, but adding an extra kid puts an end to that. Is that what you're saying?

Not always. But it stands to reason that the larger a family is, the less disposable income they have, and the less "extras" they will be spending money on while on vacation.

Let's say that I have two kids, and I have $100 a week left after paying my bills, saving for college, etc. I have a third child. My water bill, electric bill, gas bill, clothing bill, food bill, medical costs, and college savings just went up. Now I have $50 a week left for disposable income. So when I had two kids I conceivably had $5200 a year for my WDW trip. Now that I've added a third I have $2600. It's very generalized, but I think you can see my point.

Anne

 

[JennyMominRI]

We have an unusual situation.There are 7 of us..2 are a father and his daughter..The mother is gone and the Father is Actve duty Navy We are her guardians when he is gone..With 4 kids and 3 adults we have yet to all got to WDW at the same time..It's just too expensive..We divide them up..4 of us are going in April and the other 4 will go in October.. I get to go on BOTH trips..Hahahaha
I could do 5 in POR and we would be fine.