Party of 6+...any thoughts

[2tinks2pirates]

We are going late Jan. 2009 with my family (6), my MIL, and my parents. We could stay at SOG because MIL is DoD civilian, but wouldn't really save $$$ since we would need the suite. Other choices are 2 rooms at Pop or Family Suite at ASM. Concerns/questions:

- can you find "down time" to relax at Pop or is always "on"?
-can I book a family suite now (room only) since they go quickly?
-will pampered parents feel like values are too Motel 6?
-do the kids still feel that Disney Magic at SOG?

I'm so confused with all the options. In the past we could all fit into the WL which we loved, but now we have grown and the lodging gets trickier. I wouldn't mind the cabins at FWL, but then the grandparents are stuck in a cabin together (a little awkward perhaps).

TIA!
Just realized my siggie needs updating - we are now all 1 year older and going in Jan. '09

 

[thatgirl23]

I'm sorry I can't help you with most of your questions, but if you're booking room only then you definitely can book now. You can book 499 days in advance by calling.

As for pampered parents at a value... I haven't stayed at Pop, but I've stayed at two of the All Stars. I don't think they're Motel 6-ish at all. If you're used to staying at 5 star places, then yes values won't be as nice, but they're not bad by any means.

 

[CherylMomOf3]

I have a family of 5 and always get 2 rooms. With that many people we like having the room and mostly we like it for the second bathroom. We have guaranteed connecting roooms reserved at Yacht Club in March. It's suppose to have the best pool. So your kids would love that.

 

[happymommy]

You wouldn't need the suite at SOG - the sponsor can reserve up to 3 rooms (I think). That should give you enough room to spread out, and it definitely would be a cheaper route. They will guarantee connecting rooms for 2 of them, as they and the Hale Koa do guarantee connecting rooms for families. So for the 9 of you, in 3 rooms, you could figure who sleeps where.

Although I dislike this option personally, due to the driving issue, you could rent a house. But you'd need 2 rental cars to go back and forth (although it's doubtful everyone would do everything together anyway, so you could split up accordingly). Then you'd have your own pool to relax in with privacy in the evenings, to visit without crowds, plus fix you own snacks, do carry out, or cook meals. Plus a washer and dryer (with kids that is nice). I also dislike this personally, since I like to be able to walk to Epcot in the evenings on a whim, or do something on the Boardwalk or whatever. You'd be a day visitor - heavens!

Even the suites at the SOG are cheaper than the options right across the street. You can walk to the poly or GF and catch the monorail - I'd do that option with your size. Maybe the suite plus an additional room? I'd look into booking that.

 

[2tinks2pirates]

happymommy- thanks for the idea on the 3 rooms at SOG. I need to talk with my parents about SOG again as they felt uncomfortable about not being military and "taking a room" from military members. I have to say although my MIL is DoD civilian and works very hard, I feel a little awkward about staying there also.

 

[happymommy]

I wouldn't worry - it's one of their benefits too!

Plus, since SOG doubled in size, it's much easier to get a room there. It used to be sold out months in advance, now it's pretty easy as long as you don't wait until the last minute (or further out in busy times).

The rooms are big (I stayed there once; DH was in the Marines). The beds are queen size, and it was decent. Much better than a moderate or value resort, as you'll get interior corridors and much larger rooms. The room we had had two queen beds, plus a small separated area with a table and chairs for 4 I think.

No Mickey soap, but for about $100 a night across the street from the other 2 wonderful resorts, it's a great deal! I enjoyed going across the street and eating at Gasparilla Grill (the counter service at the GF) as DH was in a conference all day while we were there. I don't recommend the food there; it was just okay bar food at Evergreens and I've heard their other dining options are not great.

 

[ntsammy5]

happymommy- thanks for the idea on the 3 rooms at SOG. I need to talk with my parents about SOG again as they felt uncomfortable about not being military and "taking a room" from military members. I have to say although my MIL is DoD civilian and works very hard, I feel a little awkward about staying there also.

Don't concern yourself about that. Look at the end of this thread (post #117) and you'll see how people feel about DoD civilians staying at SoG. It's not a problem at all. Beside, January/February don't fill up, so they're always looking for ways to get more people to come during that period.

There are also comments on the thread about the perceived lack of magic at SoG. Most people believe it's even more magical there. Have a good trip.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1678104&page=8

 

[CandleontheWater]

Another option would be to rent points (or book outright) a 2 bedroom and two studios at a DVC resort. If you are cozy with your MIL, you could even have her stay in the 2 bedroom with you and drop one of the studios. In the two bedroom you'd have a king bed, a double bed and two fold out couches, which would totally accomodate your family. I love the DVC resorts, they are all really nice, and you would have a kitchen too, which is always nice with a large family. I'm partial to SSR, because of its proximity to DTD, but OKW and wilderness lodge villas are great also.

 

[AndyMcV]

Hi

I'm not sure what a "DoD civilian" is but if it has to do with the millitary then you could get a millitary discount at the Swan and Dolphin resorts. They are really nice right beside the YC and BC and the Disney Boardwalk.

A

 

[wdwscout]

Hi

I'm not sure what a "DoD civilian" is but if it has to do with the military then you could get a military discount at the Swan and Dolphin resorts. They are really nice right beside the YC and BC and the Disney Boardwalk.

A

DoD Civilian means a non-military person who works for the Department of Defense.
The Swan and Dolphin do have a discount for any US government worker- so this would apply. I am not sure though how many rooms one ID card could rent. I think you would need 3 or 4 for your whole group.

I would investigate renting DVC points. I think the 2 bedroom plus one studio idea is great. If you really want to stay on property- I think this is your best option.

And lastly, I would go with renting a house off-site. Check out site sponsor Dreams Villas. All 9 of you could comfortably fit in a 4 bedroom home for a VERY reasonable price.

 

[2tinks2pirates]

I like the villa ideas and will check out the point rental boards. Anyone have any favorites (I'm sure you do).

 

[ntsammy5]

And lastly, I would go with renting a house off-site. Check out site sponsor

I never thought about that. Try AFVC http://www.afvclub.com/vacationrr_spacea.asp

The cost for a time share is $329/week and DoD civilians are eligible. There are quite a few in Kissimee. They are world wode if you're interested.

 

[southtexasmom]

We are a family of 6 and stayed in a 2 bedroom villa at SSR. It was wonderful, I loved having a kitchen, 2 bathrooms and the washer & dryer.