Need Help w/ family (5 kids)

[PamCo88]

I have friends who want to take there 3 kids and 2 foster kids (all boys) to Disney for their first time. Kids are 5,8,11,12,14.

What would be the best way to stay onsite? Cheaper is better.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Ricola]

I think the cheapest would be to get 2 (or 3 depending on how willing the kids are to share beds, which I know can be an issue with boys) rooms at the all-stars. Connecting rooms (in sets of two, but not three, aa far as I know) are available. Each room would have two double beds. This option would likely cost 77-115/night per room (depending on the time of year they are traveling, assuming no discounts, and standard room location).

A slightly more comfortable option would be to stay at Port Orleans Riverside, a Moderate resort, in the Alligator Bayou section, in connecting rooms. With this option, you would get a nicer resort, a little bit bigger rooms, and the rooms have two double beds and a trundle bed. So depending on sleeping arrangements, the 5 boys could have one room and mom & dad the other, or the boys could each have their own bed annd mom & dad could share. These rooms could cost (at full price) 133-194 per night, per room, standard view.

As far as buying park tickets, with that size crew, joining the Disney Club I think would be well worth it. With the Disney club, you can get a discount on park tickets, and potentially a 15-20% discount on the rooms.

Also, it may be worth buying one annual pass for someone in the group, if there is an annual pass discount available; currently these discounts are around 30% off the room cost.

Personally, I would really try to swing the moderate if at all possible. With the right discount, it could end up costing around 200/night for the two rooms, and in my opinion, would be worth it.

I also know there are larger room options available, including 2-bedroom Villas at Boardwalk, Wilderness, Old Key West, and soon, the Beach Club (Which will all sleep up to 8), or a cabin at Ft Wilderness (I'm not sure how many these sleep). All of these options are (I believe) more costly for the room, but have kitchen facilities so they could save quite a bit on meals if they are inclined to cook their own.

I also know there are many offsite villas that may be less expensive, but personally, I think the Disney resorts are worth the money.

Happy planning!

 

[PamCo88]

Thanks Ricola

Any other comments?

 

[sharoncity]

The only option for 7 people would be 2 connecting rooms (other than a grand villa which is very expensive). The current code that is out has the moderates for $89 per night. That would be $197.58 for 2 rooms with tax per night. The All Stars are $59 per night with the code. That works out to $130.98 per night with tax. If saving money is very important, they would need to be able to travel during the value seasons. This code is valid 8/25 - 10/2/02 just to give you some ball park numbers.

 

[susy]

I would try to travel in value season or at least when that great code kicks in travel dates 8/25-10/3. Must book by 7/8.

I would stay at AS or CBR!!!! If they can swing the mod with the code, I think they will LOVE CBR! The rooms are as big as some of the deluxes(340 sq ft) and were just refurbished in bright, tropical colors. There is much more storage space here also. The bus stops are also covered. We had connecting rooms in Trinidad North. I would recommend requesting Martinique, which is closest to the main pool and food court.

How long will they be staying???
What kind of tickets would they need to purchase?

 

[zurgswife]

The only option for 7 people would be 2 connecting rooms (other than a grand villa which is very expensive).

a 2 bdroom at the BWV is set up for 8 guests...depending on the time of year renting points from a DVC member might be a cost effecent option....You also get a full kitchen... and washer dryer in the unit as well as two bathrooms....

 

[Deb8821]

I also would recommend renting points and staying the the 2 bedroom at BWV or WLV. It would give you alot more space to spread out plus the kitchen which would be a big cost savings even if you only ate breakfast - especially with boys!!!! check the DVC rental board here. some one will be able to tell you the points needed - the average price per point is usually about $10 per points. Good luck!

 

[VickiVM]

I rented from a DVC'er for this fall at $8/per point (banked points were expiring this November). We got a 2 bedroom at BCV for $249/night. We get a full kitchen with all amenities and a washer/dryer. There will be 6 of us. I have already begun putting together quick meal menus to keep our meal budget down. If you rent Sunday night through Thursday night, the cost per night is much lower than Friday and Saturday nights.