Options for family of 6

[jvz82]

I just want to make sure I am aware of all the options. We plan to take a trip in 2018 and at that point my kids will be 3, 5, 7, and 9. From what I understand, we have AoA suite, All Star Music suite, and cabins at Fort Wilderness. For on-site choices anyway. Is this correct or are there more options I'm missing?

Out of these 3 choices, what would people recommend?

We will be driving to Florida, so honestly I have also considered staying off-site and just driving to the parks. It'd be cheaper. Btu I just love staying on-site, and we do plan to have more resort time so we want to stay somewhere that we will enjoy spending time at. I'm not sure which of those 3 resort options will be the most fun for young kids.

I'm open to hearing any experiences or feedback that people have!

 

[coolbrook]

You could also get two connecting rooms at one of the other Disney resorts or a two bedroom DVC suite perhaps with rented points. That would still be pretty expensive. We have had connecting rooms at All-Star Sports and Port Orleans French Quarter before. We love staying on-site now too, but honestly when the kids (5) were younger we enjoyed staying at Embassy Suites.

 

[Babsy]

There are also deluxe rooms like at the WL and BWI, or some suites at the deluxe resorts.

 

[roller99]

With those ages I would do aoa. My kids loved it! I have four kids also, one under three still so we will squeeze into a 5 person room at cbr for our next trip, but after that we will be in your position. For offsite I've heard good things about Windsor hills.

 

[AngiTN]

For the kids, AoA suite. - it's fun for the kids but personally I think it's a bit "loud" (not in noise, visually loud)
For the adults, 2 rooms at a PO resort. So much more comfortable for us. Feels more tranquil and relaxing

 

[DG25]

If you want the cheapest options you have the three. You could rent points for a two bedroom, or even book like hotel thru Disney at like SS but that would cost more either way, or you can get a deluxe room at BC, WL and a few others, again expensive, but then again they come with club level access which would be great with that many kids.

As for which would be best, we did AoA one night we did not like it, but that is us kids older, and wanted less in your face theming and more exciting pools. AoA is very kid friendly and probably a good choice for young kids. You have three separate sleeping areas, and you and spouse will have separate room. You will have two bathrooms, and many say you can eat breakfast in room. The pools are just plain no slides and such, but for your younger ones there is a splash pad and wading pool. It is noisy and crowded since it is value, like a motel 6 outdoor corridors and such.

All star music, I have never stayed, personally i don't think it will be as fun for the kids, but maybe. You would have a separate room from the kids, but they would all be together. The bedding is different, ottoman bed, pull out chair and pull out couch. so depending on girls and boys, it may be a better lay out for you, or it may not matter to you. The pools and such would be about the same, although not sure they have a splash pad.

Buses on in both these places I hear is awfully crowded and takes time.

Cabins, you sleep with two kids, oh here is another difference, I know the cabins have a queen bed, the others I think only have full beds. The queen bed is in room with bunk beds, so you would probably need to put youngest on bottom and oldest on top and the other two in the other room on a pull out sofa. You will have a kitchen but no longer has a stove, but a micro. You have a deck and a picnic table so you could eat breakfast and lunch at cabin.

Pros and things to do at cabin, pony rides, carriage rides, wagon rides, archery, horsebackriding. Pool with slide, movies, camp songs with chip and dale, more food options, boat to MK, pole fishing, boating and lots more. Cons, buses, you need to take inservice bus to outservice bus, but you did say you were driving so you have a car.

A deluxe would give you two queen beds and a queen sleeper sofa. It would be in deluxe, balcony, food service , club level.

Is your 3 yo actually three before you go, if not you could have lots of other options, of 5 in a room and one under three in a play and pack. You could do most moderates, I would say POR would be a great one, all moderates have better pools. With that you also could do most deluxe also, not AKL or WL but all others have two queens and a daybed and a play and pack. You also could do many of the DVC studios.

Anyway those are your options, hope that helps. Have a great time.

 

[Lupeix]

Last time we did a split stay between AoA suite and 2 connecting rooms at the Swan. I think the AoA suites are overrated. I will not return to AoA. The suites feel much smaller than they look in the pictures. My 5 yo loved it (7 and 9 yo, not sure). The buses took way too long and I hated the bus at the end of the night getting back. Honestly our Swan stay was much better. The ability to walk/boat to Epcot and DHS is priceless. Two rooms at the Swan is about the same price as a suite in AoA but it is a deluxe hotel. The renovated rooms at the Swan are wonderful. I will consider it. Almost all of the onsite perks and they guarantee connecting rooms. No Disney theming though. But that was a relief to me after AoA, which feels like Disney threw up all over.
Since you brought up maybe staying offsite since you are driving, take a look at Bonnet Creek, it is on property and the resort is amazing (it has 7 pools, including 2 lazy rivers). We have stayed in a 2 bedroom presidential suite and they are great. We could see Epcot and DHS fireworks from our balcony. Only 2 bedroom villas and above can compare. It takes no time to drive to the parks, and given how much money you save you can splurge on valet at the contemporary to go to MK. Based on my experience, I will prefer Bonnet Creek to any Disney Resort that has bus only transportation to all parks. But I will put all resorts in the Boardwalk and MK area above Bonnet Creek. I rather not drive, but I cannot tolerate the buses on a daily basis. That's just me (and DH who hates lines)

 

[jaceraden]

You could also get two connecting rooms at one of the other Disney resorts.

Connecting rooms is NEVER a guarantee. I wouldn't book this option unless I was okay with my family being split up, potentially not even in the same building.

 

[goofyintoronto]

AS Music is the only resort i didnt like out of all the values. I didnt like the theme at all or the layout. AoA is a great fit for your family considering the ages of your kids. They would LOVE that resort! The pool is amazing....and the suite itself is great because the parents get a separate room with a door that closes! The little kitchenette is a nice perk too. Only draw back is the price. Those suites arent cheap. If price is an issue, i'd consider FW cabins OR renting DVC points.

 

[uccats97]

From pp: "It is noisy and crowded since it is value, like a motel 6 outdoor corridors and such."

The family suites at AoA have interior hallways. Only the standard Little Mermaid rooms are outdoor corridors.

 

[KrazeeK120]

One thing to consider with the cabins is you only get 1 bathroom and with the suite options, you get 2 bathrooms. The extra bathroom would probably be helpful with 6 people.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Buses on in both these places I hear is awfully crowded and takes time.

Cabins, you sleep with two kids, oh here is another difference, I know the cabins have a queen bed, the others I think only have full beds.

OP can drive rather than using buses.

The bed in the bedroom st AIA USA queen. Not sure about All-Star Music.

 

[Hopefully]

Just a clarification on the Cabins. @DG25 statement about the Cabin kitchen is not completely accurate. In the recent refurb they did remove the stove. But they added a cook top as well as a convenction microwave. Dave of Your First Visit posted a review where he successfully baked a few common dishes. So while there isn't a stove, there is the ability to cook whatever you like.
We love the Cabins and think you would too, especially since you will have a car. With the refurbed there is now a Queen bed and a bunk bed in the bedroom and a Queen sleeper sofa in the living room. There is a full kitchen with a full size fridge, there is a dining area and a living area. I would put all 4 kiddos in the bedroom in the evening and Mom and Dad have a place to relax and unwind before they go to bed in the Queen sleeper. The one downsize is there is only 1 BR.
Enjoy

 

[mousefan73]

With that many kids, i would almost want the ability to cook or make small meals. Even just doing cereal is a PIA in hotel rooms without any type of kitchenette. Unless you have budgeted eating out for all meals. Also unless you already have a one bath home and are used to it, I would look into only options that give you 2 baths.. For disney this is expensive.. Cheapest options is AoA and ASM.. though CSR did have junior suites but those are limited.

We liked AoA and would stay there again.

One option but only 1 bathroom is the embassy suites.. there are two ( the one on Palm ) is the better one and you get free breakfast.

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

Connecting rooms is NEVER a guarantee. I wouldn't book this option unless I was okay with my family being split up, potentially not even in the same building.

This is not true. If you have two adults with four children, you can call and have two connecting rooms guaranteed under one reservation number and one deposit.

I have been helping my cousin plan an April trip; she has five kiddos ages nine and under. They have booked two guaranteed connecting rooms at Pop Century.

OP, if you want guaranteed connecting rooms, you just need to call (or have your TA do so.)

 

[KrazeeK120]

This is not true. If you have two adults with four children, you can call and have two connecting rooms guaranteed under one reservation number and one deposit.

I have been helping my cousin plan an April trip; she has five kiddos ages nine and under. They have booked two guaranteed connecting rooms at Pop Century.

OP, if you want guaranteed connecting rooms, you just need to call (or have your TA do so.)

No, it actually isn't ever guaranteed, despite what anyone on the phone says. Rooms are not blocked as they're booked, so there is no way to guarantee that connecting rooms will be available at the time rooms are assigned.

Technically, one adult could stay in a room with 2 kids and the other could stay with the other 2, so there is not an "absolute need" for connecting rooms.

 

[Hopefully]

NOT TRUE. Guaranteed rooms are Never guaranteed. There are several who post here who have not gotten these guarantees. I would warn those you are helping to plan. Phone CM's often say this & it simply isn't true.

 

[jaceraden]

This is not true. If you have two adults with four children, you can call and have two connecting rooms guaranteed under one reservation number and one deposit.

I have been helping my cousin plan an April trip; she has five kiddos ages nine and under. They have booked two guaranteed connecting rooms at Pop Century.

OP, if you want guaranteed connecting rooms, you just need to call (or have your TA do so.)

I'm afraid you are mistaken. Disney will try to make it work but it's not a guarantee. Nope. DISboards has several families that have lived this fact. Search for it and you will see.

 

[Lvsdisney]

I know you don't want to stay off-property, but a friend of mine stayed at Bonnet Creek and loved it. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, beautiful resort. You'd still be close to everything, and since you're driving, you wouldn't have to worry about buses.

 

[HopperFan]

I know you don't want to stay off-property, but a friend of mine stayed at Bonnet Creek and loved it. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, beautiful resort. You'd still be close to everything, and since you're driving, you wouldn't have to worry about buses.

This is a great option. While technically not on property you have to drive on to property to get to/from so you feel like you are on. The suites are nice, the laundry is awesome, while I don't cook much I love the kitchen for a full fridge, breakfast. Love the big balcony to sit on. The resort has lots of activities, great pools and some have fireworks views. Since you have a car, I wouldn't hesitate to consider this.

AoA would also be a great fit and uber-Disney in design. I love all the icons, decor, pools and even the landscape is designed to fit into the theme. Your kids will love it.