New here w/ a question

[pinkstar]

We are planning our first trip for the end of February 08. We are new with everything!
I've been reading that the Disney resorts (the Pop ones) will only allow four per room. Since we are a family of five, does that mean we have to find a hotel that will allow five or get a suite? I would really hate to spend all that money on a suite.
Also, our kids will be 9, 6 and 4 when we go. The two youngest are VERY small for their age.

Thanks!

 

[traviesojmt]

Unless children are under 3, they do count towards the room total. The value resorts only allow 4 per room unless you choose to get the suite. Your options are the suites at the value resorts or the Port Orleans Riverside (a moderate) allows 5 people in rooms with the trundle bed. Sorry, I am sure that is not what you were hoping to hear, but those are your options.

 

[bradk]

or just book 2 rooms. 2 standard rooms at a value are less expensive than a suites. although they lack the amenities.

 

[mill4023]

You'll get a lot more information on the resorts forum:
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=12

But you are correct that you cannot stay in 1 room in a value resort (All-Stars, Pop Century) or at any moderate resort except Port Orleans Riverside.
Your least expensive options if you want to stay at a Disney resort are to get two rooms at a value resort or 1 room at Port Orleans Riverside.

We're a family of 2 adults and 4 kids, so I certainly understand where you're coming from. On all our previous trips, our youngest was under 3, so we were really a family of 5 as far as Disney hotel occupancy is concerned. We've been to WDW 3 times and stayed at POR for at least part of our stay each time. We've also stayed at All Star Movies (2 rooms with my mom and sister joining us) for 6 nights.

We thought All Star was ok, but we absolutely love POR. It's a beautiful resort. They have 2 double beds and a pull out trundle bed that is very comfy for kids. Even our big 11 yr old slept on the trundle and it was fine for him.
2 rooms at a value resort gives you the advantage of having more space and having 2 bathrooms, but 1 room at POR is less expensive and we like the resort more. Our youngest is now 3, so we no longer have the option of 1 room at POR. So for our September trip, we're trying 2 rooms at Pop Century.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me. Or post on the resort board and you'll get plenty of help.

 

[Hopefully]

Welcome to the DIS!!!!
Yes, the Value Resorts (POP) only allow 4 per room based on their room size and Florida Fire Codes. The All Star resorts have Family Suites which sleep 6. These are basically 2 rooms together and you get 2 bathrooms and a kitchenette.
The Port Orleans Riverside (Moderate) has rooms for 5 that include a trundel bed.
The Fort Wilderness Cabins will sleep 6 in a Wilderness Cabin and the Deluxe Resorts sleep 5 in at least some of their rooms.
The requirements are not based on the SIZE of your children, but rather the size of the room and relevant fire codes. So the answer to your question is that you will not be able to book one room at POP for your size family.

 

[pinkstar]

Thanks!

I must have put this in the wrong forum!!

We were expecting to just pay for a suite or a room at POR....we just wanted to make sure before booking anything.

I will have to check out POR...sounds like a great hotel!