Overwhelmed and Aggravated

[GabAlexJake]

I have just started researching our family's first trip to Disney. I have 5-year-old triplets (will be almost 6 when we go in May) and we've been planning this trip since they were born. I booked our flights today, and we'd earned enough frequent flyer miles on our credit card that we're all flying free, so that's nice, but finding accommodations is both overwhelming and, today at least, quite aggravating. As I said, I have 3 young children. My daughter is a tiny little thing...finally hit the 30-pound mark at her 5-year physical this year. All the "Home Away From Home" villas at Disney require that because we have 5 people, we must have a 2-bedroom villa, even though the 1-bedroom villa is plenty big for us. Apparently my teeny, tiny little daughter equates to about $250 more per night. The reservationists rattled off a bunch of regular old hotel rooms (TOO SMALL!) that would accommodate us, even though they're half the size of the villa, but they just wouldn't let us book a one-bedroom villa.

So, I called back and spoke to another agent and basically said "look, between you and me, who's to know if I book the suite and just say there are 4 of us staying" and she said "nobody". She was pretty cool about it. BUT, we also found a room that "legally" accommodates 6 people and it's almost as large as the villas...no stove, washer/dryer, etc., but equivalent living space and more beds. It's the Wilderness Lodge. So I'm happy as a clam thinking I found potential accommodations and lo and behold, I find a message on another message board referring to the Wilderness Lodge as a "nightmare resort". PLEASE HELP. I'd like a nice Villa or Suite, not to exceed $400/night (the room at WL was $435, and that's pushing it).

Any information would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

 

[DisFam95]

I have no idea what that person said about the 'nightmare resort'. We are DVC owners at the Lodge and we love it. I GUARANTEE you you can find some bad review or experience for each and every resort on and off the property. Some CM evryday in THE WORLD has a bad day or Mousekeeping does not do a good job at some point everywhere. I would take the room that you can afford and I feel confident in saying that you will love the hotel. It may not be perfection to one point or another but you will be happy with your budget and you will have a 'perfect' vacation with your family!!

 

[kweaver]

A couple of things to consider...

Anyone can have a bad trip at any resort and write a horrible review of it. I've read plenty of fabulous reviews about WL and VWL (and a review with a few problems listed once in a while). I've never stayed there, but I wouldn't hesitate to.

QUOTE: "So, I called back and spoke to another agent and basically said "look, between you and me, who's to know if I book the suite and just say there are 4 of us staying" and she said "nobody". She was pretty cool about it."

This happens all the time, and some people also book 5 into the one bedrooms without a problem. Our DVC (Disney Vacation Club) guide told us that while the Villas officially hold 4 people, unofficially they don't have a problem with us bringing 3 small kids while they are little.

Another thought is to rent points from someone who owns DVC. At $10 per point and depending on the season you want to go and the resort you want to stay in, it's generally around 200 points for 5 or 6 nights in a 2br...(always cheaper Sun-Thurs nights vs. the weekends). You might really enjoy that extra space in a 2BR. Check out the DVC boards for more information.

FWIW, we own DVC - but haven't stayed in one of the villas yet. We also have 3 small kids, and I'm just now realizing how expensive vacations will be with three!

 

[mbb]

nd 5 nights in a 2 bdr.(check inSunday, May2, check out Friday May7) at Wildernes Lodge Villas would "cost" 170 points...if you consider renting points - which lots of people do, please read the FAQ's thoroughly and post some questions on the DVC Board...people are very friendly and definitely helpful!! interesting tip - no tax on renting points...

Godd luck with your decision...Wilderness Lodge Villas or Hotel- is fantastic...enjoy your vacation!!

 

[debster812]

Not sure when you are going, but there is also the option of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. We are staying there in January, and although this is just DH, DS and myself, they will sleep 6 people. Queen bed and Bunkbeds in the bedroom, and a Murphy bed in the living room. Might be something else to look at...

 

[jaysue]

Welcome to the DIS!

WL and VWL is a beautiful property and the vast majority of people are hapy and rooms are in good or better shape

As for the 5 in the room thing, another option that might work for you is to book into Port Orleans Riverside and get a room with a trundle bed - these rooms are designed for 5 - now they are not big at about 320 square feet but they are well within your budget

Another option (if you would consider being just outside of the main grounds would be Vistana Villages (timeshare that has rentals) or the Caribe Royale which is beautiful

I cannot see any issues with 3 small kids with 2 adults in a 1BR - one of the great things with a DVC rental (and a family) at OKW/BCV/BWV/VWL is that you get full laundry facilities

Good luck and let us all know if you need more help

Cheers
jaysue

 

[NotUrsula]

The Swan and Dolphin also have jr. suites that are often available for less than that, or even just a regular room at the Swan comfortably will house 5 with a rollaway (or even without one; the queen beds at the Swan can snuggle in 3 little ones easily.) Not to mention that the S/D have the most comfy beds anywhere on property, which the grownups will appreciate most of all.

The S/D are usually the best deal in the Boardwalk area, and the convenience of staying in that area should never be underrated. You can actually walk to 2 parks from there.

IME, the only drawback to WL is that the transportation can be somewhat problematic at times. If you will have wheels of your own, it's really not a serious issue. The rooms there and at AKL are a smidge smaller than at the other deluxes.

 

[DisneyKidds]

If there is something in the WL that suits your needs and is a price you are willing to pay then go for it. The WL is an incredible resort and one of the best themed on property. So one person had a bad experience - that can happen anywhere and is the exception rather than the rule. We just got back form the VWL last week and had a wonderful stay.

As for room rates, make sure you take advantage of any available codes or packages. For dates from 1/1 - 2/11 there is currently a code that is good for 1 br villas for $312. You could see what a 2 br is going for. If you are travelling later you can always make a reservation now and change it when/if a code becomes available. You might also consider booking an Annual Passholder rate and getting an Annual Pass if those rates are offered for your dates.

Don't get frustrated. It takes a bit of work to get things set up with the best rates but it is worth it. Be patient.

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

Another thought is to rent points from someone who owns DVC. At $10 per point and depending on the season you want to go and the resort you want to stay in, it's generally around 200 points for 5 or 6 nights in a 2br...(always cheaper Sun-Thurs nights vs. the weekends). You might really enjoy that extra space in a 2BR. Check out the DVC boards for more information.


I highly recomment this, we are staying at boardwalk villas in January and could never have afforded it had it not been for DVC points:0)

 

[Memaw2Wm]

I second the cabins at Fort Wilderness ... sleep 6, plus there's a full kitchen, laundry facilities in the comfort stations, the Chip'n Dale Campfire program, petting zoo ... my grandkids (7&8) love the campground.

The only *negative* is that the pools aren't themed, but my g'kids don't care.

 

[riggins]

I second renting DVC points. We stayed in a 2-bedroom at OKW last November and our stay averaged out to be only $220/night. You get 1300 square feet, full size washer/dryer, full kitchen, and a hot tub.

In May, Sun-Thurs nights are 27 points for a 2Bdrm at OKW and Fri/Sat are 64 points. The going rate for points is $10, so you could get Sun-Thur for $270/night. Even if you pay the $640 for Friday/Saturday, you'd average $375/night for a full week . . . much less than you'd pay elsewhere. If you can skip Friday or Saturday you can save even more.

Check out the DVC Rent/Trade Board FAQ for details on how it all works. We rented points twice and saved a ton of money. Be careful though . . . after staying in such a great place, you may be tempted to join (we bought in shortly after our last trip).

-Leslie

 

[blanq]

You have been given some great advice! Renting points is a super idea, one we are doing ourselves for our trip next month. You failed to indicate how long you will be staying, but my bet is you will be there for a week. When you move to renting points for the weekend nights, it will greatly increase your cost, as more points are charged for Fri/Sat stays, as was pointed out in a previous response.

I will throw out another option, which is booking two connecting rooms at a moderate or value resort. You will be able to do this for well under $400/night, even if you are paying rack rates (which you should not have to in May! There were discounts available in early/mid May during our May '03 trip, and I believe that rooms at moderates were available for under $100/night. We paid $129/night for a standard room a AKL during this period). You can put the triplets in one room, and have the other room for you and DH. You would have plenty of space, and even maybe enjoy a little "alone time" with your DH after the kids fall to sleep.

BTW, your kids are at a perfect age for their first trip to WDW. Our DS was just 6 when he went on his first trip and it was a magical experience for all of us!

Enjoy!

 

[2d_star_to_the_right]

We stayed at the WL on our first trip with young children and the only thing that I didn't like about the resort was that the walk from the parking lot to our room was LONG- and our children were in a double strollar (which might be something for your 5 year old just reaching 30 lb). and that push up the hill to the hotel at the end of a long, hot day was really hard. Our room was very nice and overlooked the pool but I found it to be cramped with 3 adults and 2 children (one in crib).

You might consider the Polynesian- there you have 2 queen beds and a day bed and the rooms are quite large although you don't have the amenities of the villas. THe tahiti longhouse puts you near the parking lot if you are driving and the monorail stop at the TTC which gives you EPCOT and MK transportation.

We really enjoy Port Orleans Riverside- we stayed there with 6 (one in crib) and found it to be of good size. Our children liked swapping nights on the trundle bed. The parking lot was close to our room (we have one child with CP) and the pool and eatery were ideal for kids.

 

[marcyinPA]

Ok, I have to "third" staying in a FW cabin. They are FANTASTIC! Not only do you have a double bed and bunkbeds in one room and a murphy bed in the living room, but you get a kitchen with FULL SIZED appliances and the awesome atmosphere at FW!!

We stayed there 2 years ago and absolutely loved it. We are going again in May and staying at POR this time and my boys are sorely disappointed. Unfortunately, we needed to save a few $$ this time around, but I know that we will do the cabins again in the future!

Have fun~

 

[sha_lyn]

personally I'd suggest getting 2 ajoining rooms at Pop Century or one of the all stars. Depending on the rate when you go it would be anywhere from 55-129 per room per night.

 

[tmfranlk]

I agree with the 2 Pop Century or All-Stars rooms. You can't beat the price, plus you get two rooms so that the kids can sleep while the parents are awake if you desire. Also, since you do have young kids, they will guarantee connecting rooms. Plus, the kids will love the themeing.

 

[Muffy]

I think you would love the location of the Swan or Dolphin. We have a Jr. Suite booked for our second stay there. It is basicly two connecting rooms, with 2 bathrooms, 2 TV's, 1 king and 2 queen beds.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

I think that your will LOVE WL. WE just got back last night and it was awsome. WE used the transportaiton everywhere with not real problems. The kids will love the boat ride. There is a fast food place to get quick food as well as other options. Have fun planning.


Jordans mom