Overwhelmed- haven't planned a trip since 2008

[frechettegirl]

Hi Everyone,
I'm considering another trip to Disney with my family. (My kids will be 11,8,5)
Can you tell me which resorts sleep 5.
Also, which month/weeks are the least busiest & cheapest between October and November.
Since I've been of the Disney planning loop for so long i feel like i need to read every single post and its to much to focus on. Planning in 08 was much easier, I only had 2 kids now I have 5 and the minute I sit down someone needs something!
If you could give me a few must read threads that would be great.
Also, if i book a resort within the next month and free dining becomes available will they refund the difference? What is equivalent to what you get with free dining? I just want to make sure i select the correct program.
Thank you for your time.

 

[jhoannam]

I got all my information for our last trip (October 2014) from http://www.easywdw.com/

You will find resort info, reviews and crowd calendars on there.
I'm using the 2015 calendars to plan our 2016 trip.

 

[monica9]

The first week in November is Jersey week and tends to be crowded. We've gone 2nd and 3rd week in November and it's perfect!! Prices are good and crowds are good. You also get the decorations for Christmas and weather is ok (I prefer the really hot weather but most will say Mid November is best weather).
Barely rains and very low humidity.
You will definitely have some sort of promotion in November before Thanksgiving. It will probably end a few days before Thanksgiving though.
30% off deluxes, 20% off moderates are common room discounts. But you will benefit most with the free dining since you have a large family. Free Dining tends to come out that time too. Here is a link of past promotions: http://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/
I don't know much about large rooms since it's just 3 of us in our family but you can look into the tree houses at Saratoga Springs, cabins in fort wilderness, renting 2 bedroom suites from someone with a disney vacation club (won't get free dining though).

 

[soar2014]

I'll tackle a part of your question....for your best option for a family of five saving the most money is AllStar Music. Get the family suite with the kitchenette. If you want to go up a notch I would suggest going to Old Key West and getting a one bedroom villa with a full kitchen, saving more money eating in the room. Or you could go way up the chain and get a One bed villa at AKLodge with a full kitchen to save dining money.
As far as time to go, you have chosen the best time IMO to go. end of October beginning of November is my fav time because of crowds.

 

[eastendlights]

I agree about the beginning of November-great weather, no crowds. In 2012 we timed it so that we got to go to the Halloween Party (MNSSHP) the first night and the Christmas Party (MVMCP) the second week-it was great to experience both holidays. By the time we left, every park had their Christmas trees up except for MK and the Osborne lights were up as well in HS.

 

[Jess4WDW]

I have also been the second and third week of November and loved both weeks. Port Orleans have rooms to accommodate 5 as well as the Caribbean Beach resort.