Need outside opinions-family can't agree...

[tink_n_pooh]

I would go with a 2 bedroom at any DVC resort before AoA or connecting rooms. The full kitchen, large living area, and laundry in the room are big benefits

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I would stick with your plan of a suite at a value. Perhaps the beds might not be the most comfy....but once I heard about accommodations for my 6'3 DS and his buddies on (college) Spring Break, I don't worry so much about teens and beds anymore!

I'd make sure your daughter got the single or an inflatable and let your sons work out the rest. I'd have to think that having 2 bathrooms would be worth it.

If your budget can cover a regular room in addition to the suite that would be ideal.

 

[EvilQueenT]

we did a trip with myself, ds 28, dgd 7, dd 22, dd's fiance 24, sister 42, and neice 19. we did a treehouse at ssr. it gave us a master bedroom which i had since i paid for the room, daughter and fiance in queen bedroom, sister and my neice in the room with bunk beds, and my son and his daughter took the queen pull out and the single pull out in the living room. it had a full kitchen as well as a grill. there was a pool nearby and a bus going to/from main pool/shopping area. it kept everybody together but gave us a little breathing room away from each other.

 

[Tink-aholic]

I would stick with your plan of a suite at a value. Perhaps the beds might not be the most comfy....but once I heard about accommodations for my 6'3 DS and his buddies on (college) Spring Break, I don't worry so much about teens and beds anymore!

I'd make sure your daughter got the single or an inflatable and let your sons work out the rest. I'd have to think that having 2 bathrooms would be worth it.

If your budget can cover a regular room in addition to the suite that would be ideal.

Just so you know, all of the 2BR villa options mentioned have 2 or 3 bathrooms, in addition to full kitchens (and sometimes a second kitchenette in the case of a lockoff), a dining area, a living room, three televisions, full washer and dryer, and usually a balcony.

 

[megrod74]

I don't understand why the OP doesn't think she can have DDP with the SSR reservation?
I also agree that DOUBLE beds for men 6'3" is really a bit small. I say keep the SSR room.

 

[delmar411]

There is no way I'd have 6 adults in a value room/suite. That would suck.

I would either do a 2bedroom villa at OKW (largest rooms on property a 2bedroom is like 1200 sq ft) or AKV Kidani (3 full bathrooms).

 

[sara mom]

I'd go with SSR or OKW as well. You should be able to get the DDP while staying there even if staying on DVC points. We stayed at BCV last year and used the DDP Good luck choosing!

You are able to have DDP while staying on a DVC reservation! It can be added to the reservation and has to be paid in full when you add it. For more info on it...check out the DVC boards.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I would go with SSR -

It is such a great resort. THe 2br would be great for your family. I know it costs more but I think it will be worth it. SSR has a very nice theme and great pools. The two main pools (Springs and Paddock) Have very good slides which your teens will enjoy. SSR also has great quickservice and the gift shop is wonderful.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[elfbo]

Is the OP trying to get Free Dining with the room? Im wondering if that is why she thinks that the plan isnt available with DVC. DVC rooms (when paid for with points), dont qualify for any free dining promotions. But if shes planning to pay, I vote SSR myself. The proximity to downtown disney would very much please DD. Although the boat ride from OKW is nice and easy to get to downtown Disney also.

 

[Mineu]

Still undecided-thanks for the additional thoughts. I'd love to have SSR and the dining plan-but we have a cruise planned in February and I'm trying to stay within a budget and keep everyone happy. I think I read somewhere that restaurant prices increase during the holidays-that's another reason I'd like the dining plan-prepaid meals

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

Still undecided-thanks for the additional thoughts. I'd love to have SSR and the dining plan-but we have a cruise planned in February and I'm trying to stay within a budget and keep everyone happy. I think I read somewhere that restaurant prices increase during the holidays-that's another reason I'd like the dining plan-prepaid meals

Are you driving? If so, you can stock up at a grocery store on your way to the resort. The DVC units are heavenly--the kitchen, the washer/dryer, the extra bathrooms, the living room, and the huge balconies. You will feel so much more relaxed than you ever would at a value resort.

I love the values, but if I had a large party with grown children, I would DEFINITELY research the DVC resorts.

We stayed in a one-bedroom at Kidani last August, and it made our vacation so special. We did not fix any big meals in the kitchen, although we could have. But we did use it for sandwich fixin's, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, fruit, pastries, etc. It was really nice and made our restaurant meals that much more special.

 

[disnut8]

We are a family of six (2 A, DS19,18,16, and DD14) planning a trip 12/30-1/3.
I had us booked at AoA. Husband and sons do not think this will work as some of the boys are over 6 feet tall and they do not want to share small beds. They voted for Sarasota Springs 2 bedrooms. I like that idea-but then we can't have the dining plan-and keep in mind large boys like to eat a lot! I then suggested the cabins-more beds and a couch! DD does not like this idea as she wants to be close to a main building with a store and quick service area. I then suggested two rooms at POR-no one likes that idea either-DD does not like the outside door and DH wants a living room area for them to watch tv at night together. So, what do I do-make them happy and keep Sarasota and cancel some of our dining-or just book one of the other options and if so-which one will they like the best?

If I'm not mistaken, I believe Art of Animation has indoor hallways. Why not do two rooms at Art of Animation? Make one of the rooms the "living room" to watch TV in and the other the "bedroom".

When we travel with my in-laws, we always get two rooms and when we are watching TV at night, we just go to my mother-in-law's room. We are all together and in one place.

The only thing would be not being able to guarantee connecting rooms but your kids are old enough to walk between rooms even if you aren't right next to each other if the best Disney can do is adjoining rooms. But I have never gone to Disney and not gotten connecting rooms if I've make both reservations at the same time via a phone call. So I think I'm five for five with the family trips.

 

[disnut8]

A totally unrelated thing - just saw the OP's name. We named our cat Mineu!

 

[Mineu]

Well-two rooms at Saratoga might not even be enough! Five of us just stayed at a Staybridge Suites with two queens and a sofa bed and my 18 year old paid the 14 year old to sleep on the floor back to the drawing board when I get home!

 

[Mineu]

A totally unrelated thing - just saw the OP's name. We named our cat Mineu!

I had a wonderful Siamese cat named Mineu-still miss her! Her name fits better than my other cats-Squeaky and Wee-the kids named them!

 

[danceintherain]

Well-two rooms at Saratoga might not even be enough! Five of us just stayed at a Staybridge Suites with two queens and a sofa bed and my 18 year old paid the 14 year old to sleep on the floor back to the drawing board when I get home!

Sounds like my brothers!
Your kids seem resourceful, I'm sure they'd be fine with anything. I would probably go with as much space as possible.

 

[Tara]

If you are seriously considering a 2br villa, then I would urge you to consider BLT or AKV Kidani. They both have 3 full baths, which might be very helpful for your group.

 

[evnted]

No outside doors? Alright, as soon as she pays. You lay down the money, you choose where you go. No one is obligated to go.

 

[delmar411]

Well-two rooms at Saratoga might not even be enough! Five of us just stayed at a Staybridge Suites with two queens and a sofa bed and my 18 year old paid the 14 year old to sleep on the floor back to the drawing board when I get home!

Well a 2 bedroom has:

1 king
1 sleeper sofa
2 queens

That's 4 beds plus some of the 2bedrooms (not at SSR) have a sleeper chair as well.

 

[megrod74]

I was just going to say the same thing about the number of beds.

I think Mineu is getting overwhelmed with the choices

AoA suite : 1 queen
1 murphy bed
1 pull out couch
2 bathrooms
living area & kitchen
565 sq. ft

SSR 2 bedroom: 1 king
2 queens or 1 queen + 1 pullout couch
1 pullout couch
2 bathrooms
living area & kitchen
1057 sq. ft.

2 standard rooms: 4 queens / doubles
2 bathrooms
moderate is 628 sq. ft for BOTH rooms