No crazy discounts for a family of 6?

[Shonte Durrett]

If you would consider offsite, I would highly recommend Bonnet Creek Resort. It is literally next door to CBR...just not Disney owned. You cam rent a two or three bedroom villa for like $125 a night...including all taxes. That could allow you a longer stay or save you money that could be put towards things like a character meal, etc. that you wanted to do.

We are a family of five and love Bonnet Creek. We rent a car because we would hate using Disney transportation. We eat breakfast in our pj's and can be at the parks when they open. Since it is practically onsite it can be faster getting to the parks driving yoursleves than staying at a Disney owned resort and using their buses.

The nice part of a villa is you have a full kitchen if you want to cook or just pick up some fast items for breakfast or snacks or quick dinners. You also have washer and dryer which means you can bring less stuff. You have two bathrooms to get ready in and multiple bedrooms allow everyone a little extra space and mom and dad some privacy too.

The downside is no EMH. But in May I think you would be fine with arriving around rope drop anyway.

Just thought I would throw out another option to consider.

Have fun planning and a great time wherever you stay!

Thank you!! I am definitely going to check that out!

I LOVE THIS SITE!!

 

[kristenrice]

That's awesome!!!! Thank you! It's a little scary though to send my money to someone else to use their points... Like a ticket scout! LOL... I'm sure most can be trusted but some.... IDK Have you done this?

Yes...and so have thousands of others

Renting has become so popular that there are now "brokers" who match owners looking to rent out their points with renters looking for reservations. It's a win-win for all involved....the owners get cash for points that they aren't using that year and renters get a nice discount off of a DVC villa without the long-term commitment of owning.

 

[a742246]

http://tug2.com/MarketplaceClassifiedResults.aspx?For Rent - Florida - Gulf Coast / Orlando&ResortArea=4&ForRent=True

The site above is from tugbbs.com this is one site that you can rent other people timeshares.
This will give you an idea of what people are asking.

 

[wendow]

We are also a family of 6. We have done the connecting value rooms and it is the least expensive way to go for a large family (onsite). And I would be ok with this option *if* the beds were better. My dh & I both have sleep problems and those were some of the worst, and loudest, and lumpiest beds I've been on in awhile. And small, unless you are used to a double.

We have also rented DVC points. I could *kind of* stomach the price when my youngest was under 3 and we could do a 1-bed but now that he is old enough to count in the occupancy, we need a 2-bedroom and the cost is just too high. But I did love the full kitchen & space to spread out.

Our plan for our next WDW trip is Bonnet Creek. I am nervous to stay offsite and we do enjoy the Disney bubble but our wallet just cannot take those prices anymore. So, offsite we go. The only 'perk' I am nervous about missing is being able to book FP+ at 60 days out.

 

[ldo]

DVC AKV is awesome! But, just realize that usually the DVC points rental are final transactions, no cancellations. If you book any WDw hotel with a room only rate, you can canx 6 days out for a full refund. I think a package with DDP is 45 days out. But, with 6 persons, I would not get DDP, as teens are all adult prices and that would be $$$$.
I agree with others about Bonnet Creek. It's the next best and closest thing to DVC. All that space, great pools, and even a shuttle to WDW ($5 or so fee, but great if some of your teens want to stay out later at WDW and come back on the shuttle).
In your situation, I would either get 2 value rooms or stay in a 2BR at BC--and I would stay at BC with the full kitchen, etc. and bring a crock pot. Pop a few simple meals in the crockpot. Eat breakfast in the room, take some snacks/drinks with you in a soft cooler bag, then eat a good lunch at WDW and come back for a simple dinner, quick swim,etc., then go back into the parks for evening/late night. This is what we usually do (even if we are staying at DVC). Eating a simple dinner in the room and taking a break for a couple of hrs before heading back makes the trip better, b/c everyone gets a little recharge before the park night and it saves A LOT of $$$ on food. Sometimes DH grills instead of crockpot.
So, even at AKV, you could do the same and shave off a lot of food $. The grills at Kidani are by the tennis and sports courts, shuffle board so everyone could go over there and hang while Dad grilled. There are also picnic table there. I also would not get park hoppers--you can always add them later, if you need them. Another option is FtW cabins, but I would rather stay at BC with 4 older/big teens. If teens are younger, then FtW would be good.