Meeting spots for families in multiple rooms?

[MICKIMINI]

When we had groups, we always had at least a 1 BR for ourselves (our preference anyway) or a 2 BR so that we can:

*cook a quick breakfast for a group
*have bottled water, assorted other drinks and snacks (PB crackers, apples, etc) for "grab and go"
*laundry facilities for our guests when "visiting"
*a private place to relax and unwind

IMO it is worth every penny! Only you know your budget, so go with your own ideas about how to make everyone comfortable and have a good time!

Enjoy!

 

[cruising spud]

We are doing a family Disney vacation in January. I spent about a month deciding where to book the rooms we needed for eight people: groups of 2/2/4. Originally, I looked at two-bedroom studios, but worried that by the end of the day, we might all need some alone time. Then, I looked at Port Orleans French Quarters and Wilderness Lodge. We stayed at Port Orleans French Quarters in the past and liked it. I finally decided on three rooms at the Wilderness Lodge-liked the boat to Magic Kingdom and thought the grandkids would love the theme of the lodge.
Let me say-our grandchildren live overseas, and we don't see them that often, so I went with the splurge. Iif they lived close by, and we did a lot with them, I might very well have gone with the French Quarters.
Also, French Quarters is getting refurbished right now. It should be a great place to stay.

 

[Mle8308]

Hello fellow forumers!

I'm currently organizing a "once in lifetime" multi-generational family trip to Disney. It will be our last family trip due to aging parents, so the goal is to make it a good one; we're not overly concerned with budget so I've been a bit trigger happy when booking accommodation.

Reality is starting to set in as I've been looking at the overall costs. We're currently booked in a 2 bedroom + separate studio at BCV, and it's expensive! We can save a couple of grand by giving up the 2 bedroom and moving into 3 studios in total.

My concern and question: where do families catch up to plan/discuss their day/hang out when they are spread across multiple rooms? I'm worried that we won't have a communal gathering space if I give up the 2 bedroom, but at the same time also not sure if the space is worth the extra $$$.

If we go with individual rooms, we're also considering potentially changing to POFQ as we like the idea of the theme and it results in even more money saved to put towards other parts of the trip.

Our family consists of elderly parents (one will be using an ECV), two couples in their forties and a 7 year old, so 7 of us in total. We're traveling in January.

Is it easy to hang out with other people at the resorts outside of the room?

You didn't mention exact dates. This may not apply if going in January 2026, but just in case, the main pool at the YC/BC will be closed for rehab from January 2025 through June 2025. It can be chilly in January so you may not want to swim so this wouldn't even matter (pools are heated to about 82 degrees, so they are basically open even if cold), but the kids might!

 

[brockash]

Hello fellow forumers!

I'm currently organizing a "once in lifetime" multi-generational family trip to Disney. It will be our last family trip due to aging parents, so the goal is to make it a good one; we're not overly concerned with budget so I've been a bit trigger happy when booking accommodation.

Reality is starting to set in as I've been looking at the overall costs. We're currently booked in a 2 bedroom + separate studio at BCV, and it's expensive! We can save a couple of grand by giving up the 2 bedroom and moving into 3 studios in total.

My concern and question: where do families catch up to plan/discuss their day/hang out when they are spread across multiple rooms? I'm worried that we won't have a communal gathering space if I give up the 2 bedroom, but at the same time also not sure if the space is worth the extra $$$.

If we go with individual rooms, we're also considering potentially changing to POFQ as we like the idea of the theme and it results in even more money saved to put towards other parts of the trip.

Our family consists of elderly parents (one will be using an ECV), two couples in their forties and a 7 year old, so 7 of us in total. We're traveling in January.

Is it easy to hang out with other people at the resorts outside of the room?

We really rnt in our rooms a ton. We do an extended family trip each yr with 4 rooms. We also ask and have always been granted (certainly not a guarantee) our rooms close together with 2 of them connecting. When at the resort, we're usually at the pool together or the food court and then we also tour together.

 

[kwdw]

Hello fellow forumers!

I'm currently organizing a "once in lifetime" multi-generational family trip to Disney. It will be our last family trip due to aging parents, so the goal is to make it a good one; we're not overly concerned with budget so I've been a bit trigger happy when booking accommodation.

Reality is starting to set in as I've been looking at the overall costs. We're currently booked in a 2 bedroom + separate studio at BCV, and it's expensive! We can save a couple of grand by giving up the 2 bedroom and moving into 3 studios in total.

My concern and question: where do families catch up to plan/discuss their day/hang out when they are spread across multiple rooms? I'm worried that we won't have a communal gathering space if I give up the 2 bedroom, but at the same time also not sure if the space is worth the extra $$$.

If we go with individual rooms, we're also considering potentially changing to POFQ as we like the idea of the theme and it results in even more money saved to put towards other parts of the trip.

Our family consists of elderly parents (one will be using an ECV), two couples in their forties and a 7 year old, so 7 of us in total. We're traveling in January.

Is it easy to hang out with other people at the resorts outside of the room?

You said something important here - once in a lifetime - and likely the last trip with aging parents. I really, really love the gathering space and kitchen that a 2bd villa gives you. So, to be honest, I think you have the perfect mix without springing for a very hard to get grand villa (that is even more). Now, BC is a typically a bit higher - so you might check other DVC resorts? I do a family trip every few years - and having the shared kitchen share/dining space is what really brings us together. And its away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the resort - so more relaxing.

 

[sonome]

OP here - thank you so much for all of your responses! I'm so, so grateful for all of the information you've given and experiences shared; it gives me lots to think about.

A bit more info for those who had asked questions (I didn't want to turn my first post into a novel). We are Disney newbies. My mom, myself and then 6 year old had a short, very unplanned last minute trip to Disney World last year (visiting 3 parks) and were blown away by how much we enjoyed it. We stayed at Pop!, and fell in love with the Skyliners and Boardwalk area. When we left we said we'd return again for longer. The rest of the family haven't been to Disney since the early 90's (if at all). It makes resort planning difficult as I have no idea what the resorts are actually like other than brief glimpses from afar (BC) or the info I read online (POFQ). We are looking at an 8 day stay this time around, and are committed to staying within the Disney bubble.

I find it interesting that so many of you have said that you appreciate having your own separate space to get away from the family at the end of the day. In my mind, this trip is primarily a family get together, as we usually only see each other once a year and health issues earlier in the year have made us conscious of the limited time remaining with our parents. Disney is just icing on the cake for the visit, so I've been very focused on having lots of family "together" time. That said, we do all like our space/privacy, so I can definitely see nerves starting to fray at the end of the day.... I'll take this into consideration!

I thought I'd already researched everything I could, but I have learned so much from your responses. I particularly want to call out the info around public places at the resorts (the Beach Club solarium looks beautiful, and I had no idea it existed!). I also love the suggestion someone made to hang out at the public places at other resorts (eg. Poly beach with a Dole whip) - this thought had never crossed my mind, and I love it!

Again, thanks so much!

Editing to add: There's a good chance that one of my parents will spend more time at the resort than the parks, depending on energy levels. As I think about it, this might answer the question itself as they'd likely be more comfortable with a home-like atmosphere (villa) vs. being stuck in a hotel room/resort lobby.

 

[sponica]

I find it interesting that so many of you have said that you appreciate having your own separate space to get away from the family at the end of the day. In my mind, this trip is primarily a family get together, as we usually only see each other once a year and health issues earlier in the year have made us conscious of the limited time remaining with our parents. Disney is just icing on the cake for the visit, so I've been very focused on having lots of family "together" time. That said, we do all like our space/privacy, so I can definitely see nerves starting to fray at the end of the day.... I'll take this into consideration!

I will say the 2 BR did give us that separation we needed from my inlaws, more so than a separate hotel room did on a previous trip. I also think because of the 2 BR and the living space, I didn't feel like I had to entertain my MIL when my husband and FIL were playing golf, I could leave her behind and take the kids to the parks by myself.

But we live 15 minutes away in the real world.

The 2 BR was nice, but not nice enough for me to cost justify it outside of a celebration.

The key is to make sure EVERYONE is on board that this is a family trip at Disney, not a Disney trip with family. Those are two very very different things and if your sibling thinks its a disney trip but you think it's a family trip, someone is disappointed and that tension isn't fun.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

As much as saving money is tempting, having an aging parent that may spend a lot of time at the resort takes precedence in my mind. I would want to make sure that parent had a balcony to enjoy the atmosphere and people watch while the rest of the family is in the parks.

If EP/DHS area is your preference, I would probably just stay where you are at BCV. Your parent will have a balcony, kitchen, and living room to relax. I love POFQ, but in your case, I think your parent might feel isolated sitting in a hotel room without a balcony/living room or kitchen all day.

If you need to save money, I would look for a less expensive DVC option like SSR or OKW

 

[jo-jo]

We took our DD , DIL and 6 grandkids . Got a 2 bedroom for them and we got a studio. We wanted a spot of our own to go to bed when we wanted without the noise from kids. We had a card so we could get into the 2 bedroom when we wanted too.

With the two bedroom, we cooked most meals in the room. Spent roughly $1100 for for for the week. Few QS, few snacks, rest of meals in the room or packed to bring into park. We had a scooter and stroller. No one was carrying 10 waters and lunches in a back pack.

 

[starry_solo]

I would say stay with the 2 bedroom + studio, especially that it looks like your parents are going to be in the resort more than the parks.

 

[Mle8308]

OP here - thank you so much for all of your responses! I'm so, so grateful for all of the information you've given and experiences shared; it gives me lots to think about.

A bit more info for those who had asked questions (I didn't want to turn my first post into a novel). We are Disney newbies. My mom, myself and then 6 year old had a short, very unplanned last minute trip to Disney World last year (visiting 3 parks) and were blown away by how much we enjoyed it. We stayed at Pop!, and fell in love with the Skyliners and Boardwalk area. When we left we said we'd return again for longer. The rest of the family haven't been to Disney since the early 90's (if at all). It makes resort planning difficult as I have no idea what the resorts are actually like other than brief glimpses from afar (BC) or the info I read online (POFQ). We are looking at an 8 day stay this time around, and are committed to staying within the Disney bubble.

I find it interesting that so many of you have said that you appreciate having your own separate space to get away from the family at the end of the day. In my mind, this trip is primarily a family get together, as we usually only see each other once a year and health issues earlier in the year have made us conscious of the limited time remaining with our parents. Disney is just icing on the cake for the visit, so I've been very focused on having lots of family "together" time. That said, we do all like our space/privacy, so I can definitely see nerves starting to fray at the end of the day.... I'll take this into consideration!

I thought I'd already researched everything I could, but I have learned so much from your responses. I particularly want to call out the info around public places at the resorts (the Beach Club solarium looks beautiful, and I had no idea it existed!). I also love the suggestion someone made to hang out at the public places at other resorts (eg. Poly beach with a Dole whip) - this thought had never crossed my mind, and I love it!

Again, thanks so much!

Editing to add: There's a good chance that one of my parents will spend more time at the resort than the parks, depending on energy levels. As I think about it, this might answer the question itself as they'd likely be more comfortable with a home-like atmosphere (villa) vs. being stuck in a hotel room/resort lobby.

I think the BC will be nice as long as you are okay with the pool being closed. That would be a big part of my decision making if travelling with kids. There are quiet pools to use, but they are not Stormalong Bay.

 

[Anthony1971]

With parents AKL always went over well. There is plenty to do at the resort and more so plenty of places to sit and relax with a drink or not to watch the Animals. There is plenty of room in the main the lobby and a few side rooms to meet as well. The QS is deiverse enough to eat multiple meals at. Most important as people age they NEED to eat at certain times to not be grumpy so keep this in mind. Fed parents are happy parents. We never had an issue with groups and doing things together from 7-15 was the norm years ago. With a side note we own DVC which made this possible with no concerns. You can fit 7 in a 2BR for this while I prefer Jambo described above Kidani has 3 bathrooms also a sleeper chair. Kidani has a areas to gather as well but far less then Jambo. They do have dedicated 2 BR that will have 1 King Bed 2 queen beds 1 Pull out coach (may convert to murphy bed after remodel) and 1 twin Pull out chair. If someone is ok with pullout there should be no issue or if some are ok with sleeping in the same room... we never found the pullouts to be uncomfortable. 3 bathrooms at Kidani 2 at Jambo. Jambo will also not have dedicated 2 BR so you will replace 1 real queen with a pull out. 3 Studios are also fine here but I think a group of 7 will do fine in a 2BR.
As far as doing everything together being there is a 7 YO the grand parents will likely get tired faster..... The main reason for AKL they will never feel bad about going back to the resort..... One could also make them reservations for places they may like for some down time in the parks while the rest continue on.
As mentioned above the Mod resorts are fine as they have a big QS eating area that you can find space in as well also a great option for QS food as they are more diverse then a deluxe.

 

[jeankeri]

Hello fellow forumers!

I'm currently organizing a "once in lifetime" multi-generational family trip to Disney. It will be our last family trip due to aging parents, so the goal is to make it a good one; we're not overly concerned with budget so I've been a bit trigger happy when booking accommodation.

Reality is starting to set in as I've been looking at the overall costs. We're currently booked in a 2 bedroom + separate studio at BCV, and it's expensive! We can save a couple of grand by giving up the 2 bedroom and moving into 3 studios in total.

My concern and question: where do families catch up to plan/discuss their day/hang out when they are spread across multiple rooms? I'm worried that we won't have a communal gathering space if I give up the 2 bedroom, but at the same time also not sure if the space is worth the extra $$$.

If we go with individual rooms, we're also considering potentially changing to POFQ as we like the idea of the theme and it results in even more money saved to put towards other parts of the trip.

Our family consists of elderly parents (one will be using an ECV), two couples in their forties and a 7 year old, so 7 of us in total. We're traveling in January.

Is it easy to hang out with other people at the resorts outside of the room?

Keep in mind the DVC studios do not have laundry or full kitchens, so switching to those will take some of the magic out of your stay. Also- just keeping the 2 bedroom without the studio should be an option you consider pricewise if you are willing to use the livingroom pullout as another sleeping space, or have couples bunking together in the second bedroom (I am just assuming you are giving the MBR to parents). The BC location is great for walking to Epcot/Studios, or just having a connected resort area to enjoy. Disappointing thea Stormalong Bay is being refurbished in January, but it is also hit or miss temperature wise using the pool that time of year. So my vote- cancel studio, stay in BCV, utilize the pullout couch. The location is superior to other DVCs and I know your parents will love it.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

we usually only see each other once a year and health issues earlier in the year have made us conscious of the limited time remaining with our parents.

This to me points out the need to separate, everyone is used to 'living separate', privacy and lifestyle might be hindered by sharing. Every group has those moments "in the world" that necessitates a reset.

 

[_19disnA]

^^ I agree, visiting with relatives for couple of hours at home is a LOT different from being on vacation together and expecting everyone to always want to do the same things and have similar schedules. What time does everyone get up in the morning, how late they stay up at night, etc. will likely vary for each person.

 

[jo-jo]

Not my money, but I'd still go with 2 bedroom/studio even if 7 could fit in the 2 bedroom alone. It's just nice for everyone to have a bedroom with a door.

 

[jimmymc]

Beach club has several seating areas around the DVC and hotel parts of the resort. There is also the main lobby and beach area. Unless you really wanted to cook or spend a lot of time in the room, I think you'll be fine.

 

[Karebear]

When we have done group trips, we have done club level so we all have a place to gather and obviously the food options are a plus too! Maybe do a lesser price point resort like AKL and do the club level access. Just a thought.

 

[minidis]

Consider Club Level. That is one place that you all can meet and eat?

 

[jo-jo]

When we have done group trips, we have done club level so we all have a place to gather and obviously the food options are a plus too! Maybe do a lesser price point resort like AKL and do the club level access. Just a thought.

Interesting view. I wonder cost wise, three club lever resort rooms, vs 2 bedroom/studio plus food.

Never had club level....pardon me while I cry , had a AKL club but then 2020 happened.......so anyway, are they ever so crowded you can't find seats?