Need Tips on Planning for a Family of 5

[Disney_Rookie]

I am really hoping to bank on a lot of your experiences. My wife and I are taking our (3) children (6, 4 and 2) to WDW for the 1st time. I have a few questions:
1) Where is the best place to stay without spending a fortune? I heard POR is the only place in the moderate range that will accomodate a family of 5. Is this it, or do we have other choices?

2) Is the MYW dining plan worth it? The Disney Rep said that it costs adults $34.99/each a day, children 3-9 $9.99/each a day. What about my 2 year old, is he free at all places? Looking at other threads, it looks like he is free at buffets but not the sit down or counter services

3) My 2 year old will have a stroller, is it better to rent or bring the umbrella stroller?

4) I understand there is a nice secret called the ride switch program where 1 adult rides a ride with a child, then after that ride is done, mom or dad (whoever is waiting with the younger children) gets to ride next without having to stand in line again. Is this true or did I misunderstand?

5) Any other tips for a family of 5 will be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[zakatak]

Hi.

1) You can stay anywhere with 4 people and a baby under 3. So, you are technically NOT a family of 5 yet!

2) Not sure, since I haven't tried the dining plan yet.

3) I would bring your umbrella and possibly rent a double for the older two. I know that long days and tired feet make for a long walk back to the busses while carrying children. I would rent a double on the days that you know you will be in a park both morning And evening, since all you do is show your receipt at night and you get another stroller!

4) Yes, it's called Baby Swapping. You just have to let the Cast Member at the ride entrance know you are interested in doing it and they will explain how.

5) Take breaks during the day if possible. Include down time, just hanging at the pool. Expect messes, meltdowns and moodswings. Bring with you ALWAYS (on your person): Children's motrin/tylenol, Exedrin, bandaids. Relax and let your kids be kids (to a point... lol).

Have fun!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

First of all relax. We're a family of five and we go to Disney without any problems. SInce your youngest is under 3 you can stay anywhere. Pop Century and All Stars are the least expensive and smallest. Kids seem to love the theming though. Moderates are larger rooms, have sit down restaurants and neater pools. If you watch for codes on this board and mousesavers you can usually get a moderate for the same price as rack rate for a value.

I think the dining plan is worthwhile for kids your age but you can only get that if you're doing a package. If you book room only with a code you can't qualify.

Strollers - it depends how long you're staying whether you should rent or bring your own. I would either rent a double and bring a single, or bring both a single and a double umbrella stroller. Just make sure they have canopies and a place to store your junk.

THis can't be said enough - with young kids the best way to survive is to get to the parks at opening and in the afternoon do a swim/nap break. THat way you can head back to the parks, have dinner and enjoy the night time activities like parades and fireworks.

WIll there be melt downs - of course, but you can avoid a lot of them if you take a cue from your kids and don't try to do everything. Take time to stop and smell the roses. You know what overstimulation can do to kids. We always felt that the character meals were worth it for our kids (and your 2 year old will eat free) because then we weren't spending our time chasing characters all over the place.

Baby swap is a wonderul thing. We use it all the time. My ds isn't 40 inches yet so one of us waits with him while the other takes our girls on some of the bigger rides and then we swap.

There is a place in MK (I forget the name) where you can take your smaller children while one of you is on the rides with the older ones. It's great they have coloring books and crayons, games, tv and a changing and nursing room.

Here's something we do for our kids that they love. Before coming I hit the dollar stores and disney store sales and stock up on small toys and candy and at night Tinkerbelle leaves a gift for each of the children. We don't have problems waking them up early because they couldn't wait to see what Tinkerbelle left them. ALso buy disposable ponchos at the dollar store so you can just throw them away and not carry around soaking wet heavy ponchos.

I know this is long but travelling with three kids takes some preparation. We do it and have a ball!

 

[Disney_Rookie]

WOW - Thank You both for the great advise!!

It is interesting that you both mention that we can stay anywhere. When talking to 407.W.Disney, I told the rep the ages of my kids and she still mentioned that "technically" we cannot stay at the other resorts without being split into 2 rooms. Is this rep uninformed?

Zakatak and DisneyMomx7, do either of you know what strollers costs to rent for the day?

Any advise on booking Character breakfasts? My daughter loves the Princeses and my son loves Buzz Lightyear.

Also DisneyMomx7 you mentioned booking rooms with codes from this web site. Can you please elaborate more, I am new to this site and do not know what that means. Thanks

 

[DisneyMomx7]

The last time we went we bought a double umbrella because I believe it was $15 a day to rent the double and we were staying 12 days. It was cheaper to buy the new stroller (about $100) plus we would have it for more trips.

Princess breakfasts - CRT - you must call 90 days out, exactly at 7. In fact you have to start dialing before 7 as they sell out within 10 minutes. Somewhere on the restaurant boards there are detailed instructions (believe it or not) There is also a princess breakfast in Norway called Princess Storybook Breakfast - very good and not quite so hard to get, still call early on your 90 days out mark. Soon they will be doing a princess lunch and dinner there, but I'm not sure when that starts. There is also a Princess dinner at 1900 Park Fare at the GF. It is a buffet and we thought it was one of the best. Food was very good and character interaction was great. Cinderella, Prince Charming, 2 Mice and Fairy Godmother.

Unfortunately no Buzz meal. We keep hoping too. Ds (4) loves Buzz! Ds likes Chef Mickeys (they have breakfast and dinner), Crystal Palace (Pooh characters - b, l and d) and Liberty Tree Tavern in MK (assorted DIsney characters). If you daughter is 4 or older there is a really cute Wonderland Tea Party at the Grand Floridian a few afternoons a week. Tea Party is with Alice and the Mad Hatter. Actually ds loves the Mad Hatter so we let him to this time and there were several little boys there. Also there is a Pirate Cruise held a few mornings a week from the GF for kids 4 and up that's a lot of fun. The cost for both of these is around $30 a child.

Call back and talk to a new CM - children under 3 definitely do not count as an extra person in any resort. If possible I would try for the mods though as values are pretty tight quarters with a pack and play (but are doable).

The codes are discount codes. They are usually for room only. THere are different types of codes. Some are for annual passholders and some are for the general public. SOmetimes there are ones for just DIsney Visa holders. They are a hot topic here on the boards. When are you planning on going? Right now everyone here is waiting for the codes that I believe start on April 17 and will probably run till July 4. Then we start all over waiting for the next batch which would start on the 5th. They usually offer pretty substantial discounts (especially at the moderates).

You are correct that the 2 year old would eat for free at the buffets but not other restaurants. We usually didn't even order counter services for our ds when he was two. The meals (even the children's) are usually big and we could split them. We would usually just order a side dish , like a fruit cup and split the meals. Even now we typically order two chldrens meals and a side dish because they are two much for even the 7 and 5 year old to eat.

Anything else you want to know feel free to ask. BTW I would book your room now and then you can apply the codes (should you get them) to your res later.

 

[lmhall2000]

We have travelled with children at these ages...

Disneyworld (3 year old and 11 month old)
Disneyland (4 year old 23 month old and 11 month old)
Disneyworld (6 year old, 4 year old and 3 year old)
Disneyworld (8 year old 6 year old and 5 year old)

Here's what I would do if I were you....

Wilderness Lodge...try and get a room with a bunk bed....gives you more space to walk around and put the crib for the 2 year old. With code rates on value season you could get around $129 a night....the reason I would choose WL is the location and convenience to MK...with your children's ages they are going to love MK more than anything. It's a short boat ride over.

Codes are for Annual Pass holders and general codes open to the public...check out www.mousesavers.com or www.allearsnet.com to inform yourself to nausea on codes. It actually works out cheaper for us for one of us to buy an annual code $420 (some buy a children's annual pass and try to book the room using their code..but I don't see that as being par) and use an AP code....for instance if we booked the Magic Your Way plan...we'd have to pay full rack rate on rooms...let's say WL is $239 a night (don't know) well if you stay 7 nights then a rate that brings it down to $129 would be a huge savings...if you book the MYW plan you can't use those rates...you can use the dining option...but the savings won't outweigh a good discount code on your room...

So we get one annual pass so we can use the code...then the other 4 members of our family buy the park passes under the new plan. We also qualify to buy a Disney Dining Experience card ($50) which gives you 20% off most meals at Disney restaurants....if you're staying 4 nights or more it pays off.

Now for the restaurants...with kids your ages...the must character meals would be

Cinderella's Royal Table Princess breakfast (hard to get but many tips with it's own thread on the Restaurants forum...) if you can't get this one Epcot's Norway is great, too! Lots of princesses there. No Buzz meal...but my son loved Donalds' Breakfastsaurus in Animal Kingdom...and we all love Liberty Tree Tavern's dinner in MK...we've been to Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace that has Pooh and all but we weren't bowled over by these...good to do once but the first three we do almost every trip.

Hope that helps!!!
Enjoy!
Tara

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We also get the annual pass - for us even if we used it for one trip it pays for itself with the resort discount and now the DDE (20% off all sit down and buffet meals, and drinks). WL is a great resort if you can get a good code. We also stay at a MK resort because it's so much easier with kids. Have fun planning - it will make you become disney obsessed like the rest of us.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Going in Value season would maximize your enjoyment with lower crowds and better prices. Take advantage of that while your kids are still young and taking them out of school isn't a big issue.

If your budget is tight one of the value resorts would be a good choice. Admittedly the rooms are small but they're so nice in many other ways and kids really like them. We just stayed at PC and loved it.

A garden wing room at the Contemporary would also be a good choice if you have a little more to spend. A quick monorail ride and you're back at your resort for a little R&R mid day. The rooms are the largest of the deluxes.

MYW dining would also be a good choice if you have big appetites and/or want to try a variety of restaurants. Your 2 yo can eat off your plates, it's in the brochure. Here's a review of our dining experience, there is a link to the brochure. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=725618&referrerid=70088

When our twins were small we always brought two umbrella strollers. Your situation is different but I'd still bring one; they're cheap enough. Or, you could just rent a double stroller and let all three kids share since even for a 4 and 6 yr old it's a lot of walking and they can relax a bit in the stoller (when they're not pummeling eachother, that is, LOL).

Have fun planning!!

 

[ioneblair]

wondering with my family of 7 would doing what's suggested be worth the saving (bying an AP and using the discount code) for staying on Disney property in a room or suite big enough for us all...got 5 kids aged 7-19.....

 

[MELSMICE]

We are a family of 5 also & have stayed at many of the Disney resorts. You may want to look into renting points from a DVC owner for either a studio or a 1BR unit.

The studio will give you a small kitchenette - fridge, microwave, toaster, sink & the 1BR will give you a full size kitchen.

You may pay a little more for the room but you will save on purchasing food at restaurants. Also, there is no room tax when you rent points from a DVC owner.

 

[Disney_Rookie]

Thank You for all the advise everyone. Melsmice, you mention DVC codes. Any suggestions on who to talk to so I may look into this?

Also, another question do I book in December 05 now or wait? Do I order all the extras like meal plans tickets, etc? Or wait on those?

Is it best to book through a travel agent or directly with Disney?

Thanks

 

[MELSMICE]

Melsmice, you mention DVC codes. Any suggestions on who to talk to so I may look into this?

Also, another question do I book in December 05 now or wait? Do I order all the extras like meal plans tickets, etc? Or wait on those?

Is it best to book through a travel agent or directly with Disney?
Thanks

As far as DVC codes - they aren't any codes, but you can rent points from someone that owns DVC. Take a look at the Rent/Trade Board of this site. Ask a ton of questions. When we rented the average cost was $10/point. Therefore, if a night in a studio is 12 points at OKW the cost would be $120 for one night. Depending on when you go & what type of accommodations you get the # of points needed can vary. That's why checking out the DVC Rent/Trade Board is a good idea. You can ask how many points are needed for the accommodations you would need & for the time you are planning to go. We rented before & didn't have a problem - we made sure we checked references of the person we were renting from.

As far as meal plans - we don't get any. We find it easier to just have our own breakfast or go out to breakfast (FW has an awesome buffet breakfast for a very reasonable price - I always say it's the best value in all of WDW). If we have eaten a large breakfast we usually don't do a big lunch, but will do a big dinner. If we have a big lunch, we sometimes just snack for dinner, so for us it's better not to do a meal plan, however, many others like them.

We have always booked everything ourselves, however, now that Disney is offering better packages you may want to check into some of these. I can't tell you what would be a better deal so if it was me I would get prices al-a-carte yourself & also prices from a travel agent. Many people have mentioned Dreams Unlimited on the DIS. We have never used them but others seem to have been pleased with them.

There is no reason you can't book your trip now, or at least start to book things, especially if you are going the al-a-carte route.

Good luck planning. As many, many, many questions. I thought I was a Disney veteran & know everything there was to know. ..........until I found these boards. Boy was I wrong!!!

 

[moopdog]

I'm only going to comment on the accomodations part though... since I have not actually gone yet (our trip is in Sept) I don't know have the rest of the answers yet myself! My kids will be "almost" 3, 4 and 13. Yes, you were mis-informed, your 2 year old will not count against your room total. You could fit in a room at POR, you're right about that. But the even though they'll be a space for everyone to sleep - that doesn't mean they'll be room to move around, get showers, dressed, etc. It will probably still be crowded, although not as much as at an All stars.

We went to the rent/trade DVC board on this website, and found someone to rent 80 points ($800) at Old Key West, that is how many we'll need to stay in a one-bedroom villa from a Sunday to Thursday. We are arriving on a Friday, so we're going to squeeze into a room at the All Star movies for our 1st 2 nights and then all we do on Sunday morning is pack up our stuff and leave it in room, check out on our way to the park for the day. After our day at the park, we'll get a bus going to the new place - Old Key West, and thanks to Disney, our bags will be in our room waiting for us there! If we can survive for the day and a half at All stars (which we can), then we can splurge and spread out in our villa - it has a king size bed in the bedroom where our 3 will fit in comfortably and a fold out queen size sleeper in the living room area. That is where we'll sleep (OR we'll put the two older ones in the fold out and have the little one with us in the king). There is a huge bathroom with a huge whirlpool tub, a full size kitchen, a balcony, an awesome pool and playground and other very nice ammenities. For us, it will be like Heaven! I think our little ones will really enjoy being at ASM the first two days too because of the theme, so it won't really actully be a sacrifice. If you do something similiar to what we're doing, you'll spending almost exactly what you'd spend for a week in POR (that's where we almost stayed). Good luck, and don't be intimidated by the whole renting points thing. My DH was nervous, but we finally got past that, and now we're very excited at the thought of staying in a deluxe style resort for the same amount of money. Have FUN!!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you decide to look at renting points from a DVC member, make sure you read the FAQS at the top of the board. This is a transaction between you and an individual. You might not be able to cancel or change the reservation. If you did, you might lose what you paid. Dec is a very popular month with DVC members, so if you are looking at that, you really must get moving right now. If you wait too long, you won't have a chance.

Disney will not step into any argument you have with the owner. This is a private transaction.

It could be very good for you, but be aware of all the possibilities.

A one bedroom or studio will only sleep four plus one under the age of three in the pack and play. You will only get linens and bedding for four.

Finally, if you rent a reservation from a DVC member (you don't really rent the points, you can't do anything with points if you are not a member), you cannot add on a meal plan. You can get your tickets at the front desk when you check in.

 

[Disney_Rookie]

Now that I have an idea on hotel options (THANK ALL OF YOU , )can anyone help with a few other questions:

1) What is the best option for tickets. We are looking to stay 7 days (travel day on day 1 and travel day on day 7). Is it worth it to get a 5 or 7 day package (I think the total savings is $6 a ticket). Overall it would equate to a good meal in savings.

2) Are park hoppers worth it? I see may comments on boards for and against this.

3) How do Character Meals work? I know I need to call 90 days in advance (7am). However can I use a meal plan voucher for this meal? Are their any additional costs beyond this I need to plan for?

Thank You

 

[DisneyMomx7]

For the $6 difference I'd go with the 7 days. You have more flexibility in case you get a late flight out - you can go to the parks that last day, and if you get an early flight in you can go to the parks on the 1st day.

Yes, get the park hoppers they are worth it. WIth three small children you want to have as much flexibility as possible.

I haven't used the meal vouchers but from what I understand they are just part of your ticket and you just have to give the server your ticket. Character meals are definitely included. When you make your 90 day reservation the CM will ask you if you are on a meal plan so you just let her know and they mark it on the PS.

Okay - have you narrowed down your hotel choices - where are you thinking of staying. When are you planning on going?

 

[rileyroosmom]

I would say get the 7 day ticket, the cost is not that great and lets you go to a park (even for an hour or two) on your travel days.

I'm still deciding myself about the hopper option. It is nice to go to a park in the am, go to hotel to swim/rest and visit a different park at night. My dh doesn't want the hopper option this trip, we are still deciding. It's almost like travel insurance if you get the hopper, you have it just in case. I am leaning towards getting them. Many people on these boards have been talking about the crowd levels and leaving one park to go to another to avoid the crowds. Tourisim seem to really be high.

I think for the ages of your kids, I would not get the dinning option. As others have mentioned, meals are very big and you can split them. My 7 and 3 year olds shared a hot dog and fries (the hd was very long).

We stayed at WL which worked out great. The boys each had a bed in the bunk and my dd who turned 3 on the trip, either slept in the queen bed with us or slept on the lower bunk with a brother. There was even enough room to keep the stroller opened in the room. The boat to the MK was really nice and also went the the Contemporary for Chef Mickey's.

I'd book now, so you can get what you want and be on the lookout for codes which can be applied if and when they come out. I always book separate. Ticketmania also offers discounts on park tickets and they have free shipping to your home.

I always purchase from illuminationz.com, a tube of glow bracelets. (You get 100 and they can be put together to form necklaces) It costs about $12 including shipping. The kids like them and it helps identifies them at night in crowds - we even give them out to others during fireworks and parades. Also, buy t-shirts and things from home. Walmart carries a selection and the Disney store runs good sales from time to time. Much cheaper than buying in the park. You can also get Brita bottles to carry water, cuts out the bad taste of Florida water. If you are going during a hot time of year, purchase the spray bottle w/fan from Walmart or Target. Again, much cheaper than buying in the park. If you have enough time before your trip, give out Disney Dollars (from Disney store) for Easter, birthdays, lost teeth, etc. for kids to get souveniers. Establish up front, 1 day for souvenier shopping. This cuts out the I wants all day every day (remember, most rides dump you into a shop at the end of the ride!)

Bring juice and water from home (or the grocery stop through towncar services) The moderates and deluxe hotels supply a free (dorm size) fridge. Bring breakfast stuff to eat in room, helps save a few $$.

Depending on when you are going, look into the Ice Cream Social (at the Land in Epcot, which is closed for rehab now, opening later in the year, I think) You get a large ice cream for $6.99 pp and Mickey, Chip Dale and 1 other character are there. Real cheap character meal. The breakfast meals are cheaper than lunch/dinner. Chef Mickey and Crystal Palace are 2 good ones.

Lastly, I think you should bring 2 strollers from home for the 2 & 4 year old. $15 a day adds up and having your own stroller with you eliminates carrying a sleeping child to the bus stop (which can be far).

Sorry so much info - just trying to help. Ask away if you have anymore questions Have Fun!!!!

 

[Disney_Rookie]

Thank You for the tips. We are looking to go early December. We are looking at PC, POR and Buena Vista Suites (off-site option). The off site option is attactive price wise with the size of room you get and free breakfast, but I am not sure about their transportation and how that works (they have scheduled shuttles to the parks). Any advise? I know we would lose some of the "Disney" experience not being on site, but it is just a place to sleep.

I did find (though advise on this board) that kids can share meals with the plan. If I buy one, it can feed 2. There is some savings.

The 7 day ticket option sounds good given the point that you can go upon arrival and upon departure. Good advise. I am still torn on the park hoppers. $140 is a lot for convenience. Will the kids get board at 1 park all day? I would think that there are things to do at all parks which would take all day to see if we took our time (which is the plan, we are on vacation).

Thank You
Pat

 

[MELSMICE]

JMO - but staying on-site is much more convenient than off-site, even if they do have shuttles, especially with young children.

If you stay at a moderate you will get a dorm size fridge in your room at no additional charge. You can keep breakfast & snack items in there. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Family Suites once. They had a free breakfast also, which was great, but it doesn't save time in the morning if you want to get to the parks early because "everyone is there for free breakfast". It was a lot of waiting in lines (went went early December also right after 9/11).

If you won't have a car & will be at the mercy of the hotel shuttles then I would definitely stay on-site. Once you get back to that off-site property, without a car you won't be able to get anywhere else unless you take a cab. On Disney property you can get anywhere via a bus, boat or monorail.

Again, this is just my opinion. Many people stay off-site without vehicles & don't have a problem. I prefer the convenience of on-site even if it does cost a little extra.

Also, as far as hopper options on the tickets. This is all a personal preference. We have always park hopped. Gone to a park in the morning, back to hotel & then a different park at night, but that doesn't mean you couldn't do the same thing & just return to the same park.

I think you'll find with small children that you may need a break during the day even if you do "take your time".

Good luck planning & have fun doing it. I can be overwhelming.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I agree - stay on-site no matter what. Believe me it's more than just a room. The buses run constantly not just a set shuttle time like most off site hotels. That is so convenient when you have a child who's had enough.
The park hopping option is something we enjoy - however you could do without it if you had too. Just remember that AK closes earlier so you'd have to do something else that night, not in the parks. You could always head to downtown disney, have dinner at one of the other resorts, or just hang around your hotel and swim. You can do without the park hopping if it makes a difference in your budget. Please listen to the vets though - staying on-site is the most important of all your decisions. I know it's hard to believe but there really is magic staying on-site. Have a wonderful time. What time of the year are you looking to go?