Resorts for 2 families, 8 people

[Ambassador]

What resort(s) would be recommended for two families travelling together with four adults and four kids ages 1-5? We will be there over one of the school holidays 2004. We would consider all Disney resorts, and also Downtown Disney hotels. We visit each year, but our friends have never been before. Price may be an issue for them. Thank you.

 

[mbb]

renting points from a DVC member...you could do a 2bdr at a DVC resort...Old Key West, Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk...better yet, a grand villa at OKW or BWV...if cost and staying together is a consideration, you can't beat them for affordability...plus the amenities...full kitchen, washer/dryer, master suites, and the list goes on and on...post over on the DVC Board and someone will get back to you with particulars!

Enjoy!

 

[jdads2]

I love my sister and my friends and my parents and in-laws...PLEASE GOD don't make me spend every moment of my vacation with them!

Personally, I would get 2 rooms at the value resorts. Since you aren't sure if $$ is going to be a problem check on the possiblity of getting a moderate.

You may very well save money renting DVC points. Especially if you are planning on going during a more popular time of year.

Another option if they are cash strapped may be a cabin at fort Wilderness. You could save a bundle making your own meals.

I hope this helps

 

[BethC1952]

We're three families with 9 people (6 adults, three kids) heading for "The World" in December. We're doing it this way...two nights at PO Riverside in two rooms (Alligator Bayou rooms hold 5 people), then three nights in three rooms at PO Riverside, then a DCL cruise on "Wonder" in three Category 11 rooms, then three more nights at PO Riverside in two rooms, and then two in three rooms at Pop Century.

During that time, we (the couple with no kids) will be taking our DGD for one night at WDW and one night on the cruise so that son and daughter-in-law will have some time alone, and then taking nephew while son and daughter-in-law take niece so that sister-in-law and her husband can have some time alone. DH and I live alone to start with, so having the kids around will be fun for us!

If we aren't totally confused by the end of this trip, we're planning a similar one for next year!

Beth

 

[jade1]

DVC 2BR without a doubt.

 

[ellie&mattys mom]

We are 2 families and are staying 3 nights at POR with 2 trundles and 2 nights at Hard Rock...

let me know if you have any questions this was the best deal and we used AAA discount!

 

[susy]

I would not go over a school break, unless one of the adults is a teacher. With kids that small, I would just opt for 2 rooms at All Star Movies. You cannot beat the theming here. The little ones (as well as old) will love it. If you want your friends to love WDW, try to keep the cost down for them. The pool area, playground, food court, arcade, gift shop, pool bar is just perfect for families with small children. The bus service is GREAT at the All Stars and the food court is the best we've seen yet. see faq's, photos, menus etc at wdwig.com.

Just make sure to bring lightweight, easy to fold up strollers. We used umbrella strollers for our son and they were great. Make sure to take mid-day breaks so the kids can swim and nap.

A good moderate for kids would be CBR, since the rooms have so much storage.

 

[CamColt]

We just did this, only our 4 kids(well, only 2 were mine, LOL!) were 3-6. We stayed at ASMO.
With young kids the food court, the great bus service, the Disney theming was all perfect! Not to mention the price.

 

[Ambassador]

Thanks to all for your suggestions. We have always stayed in Moderates. Do you think we may be disappointed in the Budget All-Stars? Our friends would probably appreciate the Disney magic.

 

[BethC1952]

We stayed at All Star Music last December, and were very pleased. It was plenty "magical" for us (we were just three adults on that trip). The only reason we're not staying there this time is that it's cheaper with my AP rate for us to take one room at PO Riverside for five of us. We plan on taking some time to visit the All Star Resorts, though, so the little ones in our group can enjoy some of that magic.

Beth

 

[CamColt]

Originally posted by Ambassador
Thanks to all for your suggestions. We have always stayed in Moderates. Do you think we may be disappointed in the Budget All-Stars? Our friends would probably appreciate the Disney magic.

We stayed at DXL/POR twice before going to ASMO. We really liked DXL, no real complaints(except the size), but when we went to ASMO, we were WOWED! Its so Disney! I would have a hard time going back to a moderate now.

 

[ducklite]

I wouldn't very strongly caution you to have a candid discussion with the other family NOW, rather than later. Discuss vacation styles, budgets, expectations. You need to make some really ig decisions pretty quick, and the above will factor heavily into your plans.

Here are some potential "Hot Spot Issues" to discuss:

One of the families likes to sleep in and gradually start their day, and the other family are early birds.

One of the families likes to tour commando style with a set schedule, and the other likes to meander along and smell the roses.

One of the families is happy with fast food at all meals, the other is looking forward to full service the majority of the time.

One of the families expects to spend the entire vacation together, while the other family wants some "family time" alone with their kids a few times during the week.

One of the families is on a tight budget while the other one has no problem shelling out cash for souveniers, snacks, etc. whenever the kids ask. (This can really cause a problem between the kids, too!)

An open and candid discussion can alleviate these problems before they start.

Anne

 

[CamColt]

Good points ducklite!
Like I said we just did a tirp with another family and the first 2 of your points described us. Luckily since we are vets and the other family was newbies they wanted to do whatever we did. We had a couple days where we split up for a while because they wanted to sleep in, stuff like that, but all in all it worked well...but they knew I was a Disney psycho before leaving, LOL! If they had no idea what I was like and I started dragging them around with times for this and that they probably would have hated me.

 

[Ambassador]

We hadn't thought of these important pre-nuptual considerations. Thank you. Once again the DIS boards help feed my obsession.