Options for 5?

[jimmiej]

For our next trip(see below), we may have five. Two adults, 18yo, 12yo, & 8yo. What are my options for a Disney resort? I don't have an endless supply of $$$ either. Help!!!

 

[soccer mom]

Options for 5:

CABIN AT FW - one bedroom with bunks and double bed, pull down murphy bed in living room, full kitchen, one bath, maid service.

DELUXES WITH TWO QUEENS AND A DAY BED - BC, YC, BW, CR, Poly, GF, WL deluxe room, AKL Deluxe room.

POR - two double beds and a small trundle that pulls out from under the bed. Should work if 8 yr old is small enough.

TWO ROOMS A MODERATE OR VALUE - Only problem here is they won't guarantee connecting because technically you have THREE adults and two children.

Wherever you stay you will pay an extra $10.00(value)/$15.00(moderate)/$25.00(deluxe) for an extra adult in the room.

I will make a suggestion, but I will probably get flamed for it....tell them your 18 yo is 17 yo and you can be guaranteed two connecting rooms. I did this two years ago when my 18 year old (still in high school) went with us. Not to avoid paying the $25.00, I would have gladly paid that and more to be guaranteed two connecting rooms because it was a family trip and I didn't want the family split up. It is the one thing I wish Disney would consider for those of us with college age kids that still want to come with mom and dad. We prefer two connecting rooms to get the extra bathroom.

Phew! I finally admitted it! I have been holding that in for two years! I feel lighter now! Okay flame away, I deserve it!

 

[GeekChic]

POR - two double beds and a small trundle that pulls out from under the bed. Should work if 8 yr old is small enough.

I would caution against that option. My daughter was six last year when we stayed there, and she hated the bed, it's more like a little foam mat on a board, only inches from the floor. She was very relieved when we ended up changing resorts for another reason (she didn't tell me till we got to the CR that she hated the 'trundle') She exclaimed "Oh, thank you mom, a real bed!" when she saw the day bed in our new room...

 

[Cmbar]

the DOLPHIN: The Dolphin will fit five with a rollaway. I just checked your dates with this site and the Dolphin would be 204p night with the Entertainment rate. See www.mousesavers.com about how to get the entertainment books - from $20-40 but worth the $$ to get the Dolphin I hear. You could get less if you are a teacher/nurse or government worker of some type $129 p night. You might want to check out www.swandolphin.com and look at the qualifications for those discounts. I think it is under the reservation section on their website.

OR

PORT ORLEANS which is a real nice moderate resort at Disney. Great Bus service and is everything Disney. It fits five with a trundle bed. I think for your dates it comes up 159 per night on the Disney site. I know this because I am trying to book a trip for a friend with five.

Either of these choices will make you happy!! But the Dolphin is in a bette location and is considered a Deluxe, so If you can get a discount you might want to look into it!

Happy next trip!

 

[jimmiej]

WOW!!! Thanks for the good suggestions. We stayed at the Swan (4 of us) in '02 on the teacher rate, so I'm familiar with the S/D & the location advantage. We'd like to try a resort we've never tried before (see below), although returning to the S/D would be fine. You given me some options to investigate. Isn't planning half the fun?!? Thanks.

 

[Tigger Fans!]

You might want to check out the DVC rent/trade boards. Renting DVC points from a member would be a great way to get a larger room.

TTFN!

 

[Saphire]

Hey jimmiej!
Our family of five has always stayed in a deluxe for the day-bed, but the last trip we stayed in concierge, and I can't believe how much money it saved with teens! Breakfast alone would cost $40 in a restaurant. In addition there are snacks, drinks, evening offerings and desserts. This really helped the budget, and if you can find a good rate, it is well worth it. Have fun!

 

[safetymom]

My teenagers had no problem with the trundle bed at PO. PO is a great resort.

 

[SYDNCLAIRESMOM]

We did this for our upcoming trip and it saved us more than $1200
on a 2 bedroom villa for 6 of us at the Boardwalk. NO TAX!! and you will not have to pay the extra $$ for the extra person.
I think, but Im not sure, that the studios and the 1 bedrooms only accomodate 4 so you would have to get a 2 BR or 2 studios. Check the DVC points calulator plug in your dates and mulitply by $10 (thats what the points usually go for) that will be your total. Old Key West is usually a good deal and from what I understand is ideal for teenagers. (They have a basketball court etc...)
We also tried the Cabins and really liked them as well although that resort is geared more towards younger kids. Good luck!!

 

[EiLuvCinderella]

........The Swan/Dolphin.

Glad you are already aware of the great teachers' rates (totally wonderful for our profession)! You could easily fit into a Swan or Dolphin room. Personally, we travel with our three kids. We get the King bedroom with the queen pull-out. All three kids fit comfortably in the king bed and then we "grown-ups" get the queen pull-out.

Or, you could elect to get the regular room with 2 double beds (Dolphin) or 2 queen beds (Swan) and then add a roll-away.

JMHO
Either way...have a magical stay!

 

[jimmiej]

Originally posted by EiLuvCinderella
........The Swan/Dolphin.

Glad you are already aware of the great teachers' rates (totally wonderful for our profession)! You could easily fit into a Swan or Dolphin room. Personally, we travel with our three kids. We get the King bedroom with the queen pull-out. All three kids fit comfortably in the king bed and then we "grown-ups" get the queen pull-out.

Or, you could elect to get the regular room with 2 double beds (Dolphin) or 2 queen beds (Swan) and then add a roll-away.

JMHO
Either way...have a magical stay!

I took your advice & booked the Dolphin at the teacher rate of $129! I'm excited!

However, I will anxiously await any possible AP rates that might come up for our visit.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[undertheradar]

What could possibly beat the rate of $129.00 per night.

It is funny how many will flame someone for "bending a Disney rule," but have no problem doing trhis with other companies> An 18 yo is an adult and should pay as such.