POR lovers - is there really enough room for 5?

[JJ&JSMOM]

In your opinion is there really room enough for a family of 5? We've stayed there prior to having kids and DH says "no way is there enough room" and I say "well we could get by". Curious as to what others think. We do spend a lot of time at the resort - swimming & exploring. DD2 need her nap so we'd have to spend a couple hours there in the afternoon. Thanks for any opinions.

 

[Princessbaby]

Definitely! We were there in August with our 3 children ages 8,6 and 3. My DD is the youngest and used the trundle bed. We pulled it out every night and pushed it back under the double bed everyday. Mousekeeping I noticed pulled it out and made it everyday while we were gone and then they put it back. The showers were all spread out because it was hot so someone was always taking a shower at different times. We had no problem moving around the room. You'll enjoy it!!

 

[5fordisney]

I think everything is relative. Someone who is used to staying at a Deluxe or DVC might find it cramped and someone else who is used to camping on vacations might find it heaven, you know what I mean? I have 3 children and we stayed there last summer. We thought it was completely fine for us (of course, we just got back from camping in a cabin the size of a closet so POR seemed like a suite!). A little tight, yes, but in our price range, absolutely liveable for a week. We didn't want to spend the money on 2 values or split up our family and we couldn't afford deluxe or DVC so our only really options left were POR or Music suites. POR was cheaper so we thought we'd try it. We really enjoyed the accomodations and will probably stay here again until the kids are older. Then we will eventually start doing 2 rooms at value. If you can afford more, then you may want to expand your options. A deluxe would be bigger and that 5th sleeping area off the floor. That would be a perk. DVC rental would give you a kitchen and much more room. There are the cabins at fort wilderness that sleep 6. It's all personal preference I guess! No matter where you stay, it's all disney and magical! Have a great time wherever you end up!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Definitely! We were there in August with our 3 children ages 8,6 and 3. My DD is the youngest and used the trundle bed. We pulled it out every night and pushed it back under the double bed everyday. Mousekeeping I noticed pulled it out and made it everyday while we were gone and then they put it back. The showers were all spread out because it was hot so someone was always taking a shower at different times. We had no problem moving around the room. You'll enjoy it!!

Thanks for the quick reply. We probably won't be able to go for a while (2 years) but I'm just doing a little research. DH and I really loved POR (then it was Dixie Landings) when we stayed there. No complaints at all. We didn't try the themed pool but we always enjoyed the quiet pool. Thanks again.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I think everything is relative. Someone who is used to staying at a Deluxe or DVC might find it cramped and someone else who is used to camping on vacations might find it heaven, you know what I mean? I have 3 children and we stayed there last summer. We thought it was completely fine for us (of course, we just got back from camping in a cabin the size of a closet so POR seemed like a suite!). A little tight, yes, but in our price range, absolutely liveable for a week. We didn't want to spend the money on 2 values or split up our family and we couldn't afford deluxe or DVC so our only really options left were POR or Music suites. POR was cheaper so we thought we'd try it. We really enjoyed the accomodations and will probably stay here again until the kids are older. Then we will eventually start doing 2 rooms at value. If you can afford more, then you may want to expand your options. A deluxe would be bigger and that 5th sleeping area off the floor. That would be a perk. DVC rental would give you a kitchen and much more room. There are the cabins at fort wilderness that sleep 6. It's all personal preference I guess! No matter where you stay, it's all disney and magical! Have a great time wherever you end up!

Thanks for the info. We just stayed at the Poly and absolutely loved it. But to be realistic I don't think we can afford to stay there everytime we go. I'm also researching DVC rentals & we may go that route as well but I'm a little nervous about a 3rd party having control of our vacation but I'll definitely research it more. Love to stay at BC but those 2 bedroom units go really quick I bet! Can't hurt to try I guess. Thanks again.

 

[PolyAddict]

Our POR experience was not a good one with 5.

It was tainted by the fact that the previous trip was Poly Con.

We felt very cramped in that room, our DD's were 4, 11 and 13 at the time.

They made me swear we would never go back to WDW if we were not staying at the Poly.

Sorry for the downer, it was just not for us and we will never do it again.

I have 2 rooms at POP booked for May 2008 and I figured while it's not a deluxe, at the very least we have more space than at POR. DH swears he is not staying anywhere but the Poly , so I told hime to come up with the extra $1200 and I will book it.

 

[lexmelinda]

We stayed at POR Sept. 06 and Sept. 07 and we thought it was plenty of room. Our kids are 17, 14, and 7. Although we'd have more room and 2 bathrooms (my teens are both girls!) in connecting value rooms, I just can't give up the beautiful surroundings and amenities at POR. We love it there! Glad we didn't stay at the Poly first!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Our POR experience was not a good one with 5.

It was tainted by the fact that the previous trip was Poly Con.

We felt very cramped in that room, our DD's were 4, 11 and 13 at the time.

They made me swear we would never go back to WDW if we were not staying at the Poly.

Sorry for the downer, it was just not for us and we will never do it again.

I have 2 rooms at POP booked for May 2008 and I figured while it's not a deluxe, at the very least we have more space than at POR. DH swears he is not staying anywhere but the Poly , so I told hime to come up with the extra $1200 and I will book it.

Not a downer at all. We need to read both sides. Thats what I'm afraid of that no other resort will come close to the Poly. This past trip was our kids first trip to Disney so its even more etched in their minds. Poly = Disney; Disney=Poly! Yikes! I'm going to start saving and I guess we'll see where we're at when it comes time to book. I do know DH and I loved POR when we went years ago - we'll just have to see what everyone wants to do. I do think POR has plenty to offer our family - I'm just concerned w/size of the room. I wish Disney would come up w/some more options besides breaking the bank w/a deluxe. ASM Suites don't appeal to DH and the FW cabins look fun but concerned w/the size of the resort & transportation, etc. So POR, connecting rooms, DVC resorts ($$$), or Deluxe I guess.

Thanks for all the opinions.

 

[KYTink]

I have a family of 5 (DS-13, DS-9, DD-8) and have stayed several times at POR because it would accomodate us. This year we stayed at POP. We were able to get 2 connecting rooms and spread out a little for actually less than one room at POR. I don't think we could have tolerated each other any other way. I too, am a huge fan of POR because my first trip there was when it was DL, but it is just not feasible for us anymore. I have never stayed in a delux, but I have stayed at FW in the cabins. If you want room and a little privacy for a nap, this is the place to stay. If you want conveniece in transportation and dining, do not stay here. That is my major complaint with the cabins. It takes a little longer to get where you want to go and there is only one main restaurant (no food court). However, if you think you may make some of your own meals, then this is a good option. But who wants to cook when your on vacation?!!!

 

[lexmelinda]

This year we stayed at POP. We were able to get 2 connecting rooms and spread out a little for actually less than one room at POR.

Hi there! Another KY DISer here!

In September I always figured that two rooms at the POP (90ish x 2) were a little more than 1 room at POR (150ish). Did you use a code? Free dining and one room at POR was a no-brainer for us.

 

[drag n' fly]

Yes it fits five but after ten days we were ready to kill each other. That is why we are buying DVC in 2 and a half weeks!

 

[trspohr]

Our first family trip was in Feb of this year. We stayed at the Poly. We, (family of 6) myself, DH, DD10, DD7, DD6 and DD2, had a wonderful time. We are returning this Dec for our first ever X-mas trip. We are trying the POR this time around. Thank goodness DD2 still doesn't count as a child otherwise we probably couldn't have afforded the X-mas Poly rates. I am hoping for a great POR expereince!!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Yes it fits five but after ten days we were ready to kill each other. That is why we are buying DVC in 2 and a half weeks!

Thats what I'm thinking too. We love being together but everyone needs a little space now and then especially DS8 w/2 little sisters who adore him. I'm looking into renting DVC points and maybe someday buying DVC. Not sure where to start w/that investment.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Our first family trip was in Feb of this year. We stayed at the Poly. We, (family of 6) myself, DH, DD10, DD7, DD6 and DD2, had a wonderful time. We are returning this Dec for our first ever X-mas trip. We are trying the POR this time around. Thank goodness DD2 still doesn't count as a child otherwise we probably couldn't have afforded the X-mas Poly rates. I am hoping for a great POR expereince!!

I know the holiday prices are outrageous!

 

[Tiffany]

In your opinion is there really room enough for a family of 5? We've stayed there prior to having kids and DH says "no way is there enough room" and I say "well we could get by". Curious as to what others think. We do spend a lot of time at the resort - swimming & exploring. DD2 need her nap so we'd have to spend a couple hours there in the afternoon. Thanks for any opinions.

We stayed at POR in Nov of 2005 with friends of our that have three kids and there room was very crowded. Luggage everywhere as there is not enough drawer speace for five people for a week.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

We stayed at POR in Nov of 2005 with friends of our that have three kids and there room was very crowded. Luggage everywhere as there is not enough drawer speace for five people for a week.

Thanks - I was wondering about the drawer space. I guess we'll just have to stick w/deluxes or connecting rooms. We do come w/a lot of stuff.

 

[trspohr]

We stayed at POR in Nov of 2005 with friends of our that have three kids and there room was very crowded. Luggage everywhere as there is not enough drawer speace for five people for a week.

I have heard this before. We have a family of 6, and were wondering how this would affect us. Although, we normally don't unpack we just leave everything in our suitcases. Does anyone know if there is room under the beds to store things?

 

[G8RFAN]

We stayed there last week. While we are just a family of three, our friends were in the room next door and they have 3 kids. The biggest thing is the lack of drawer space, however, the closet area next to the sinks has a ton of space to hang clothes and a shelf stack stuff on top.

 

[lexmelinda]

The biggest thing is the lack of drawer space, however, the closet area next to the sinks has a ton of space to hang clothes and a shelf stack stuff on top.

There are 4 drawers and some open storage space in the armoire which was plenty of room for all five of us. (2 adults, 2 teen DDs, and DS7) As mentioned above there is also ample room in the sink area where there is a shelf that spans the area, plenty of hanging space, and room for 4/5 suitcases and a laundry basket. Believe me...we drove and we had a LOT of stuff.

Seriously, if I were locked up in that room with my family for the entire week (remember: 2 teenagers!) and we were not allowed to leave, it would be too small. No offense to the other posters but as much time as we spend at the parks, pool, restaurants, etc....who couldn't put up with five people there for one week?

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks again for all who replied. POR is still a possiblity but if we can swing a deluxe (or connecting rooms at a moderate) we'll probably do that. We'll just have to wait & see. DH doesn't want to go back until DD2 is 5 - - For me its when she's 4. Thanks again!