The problem with being a family of 5

[southernfarmgal]

I've only been at this a couple of weeks (the researching part), and I'm so frustrated with the lack of *affordable*, on-site choices for us. The most reasonable is the POR, but being from south Mississippi, how much are we going to enjoy a resort that is themed after *home*....KWIM? It does look beautiful...but I like to "escape" on vacation, and for me (us), that resort would not fit that bill. For just over $400 more, we can do a standard view room at the Contemporary. Not much bigger than the POR room, and also not our "theme". We're not much for art-deco and such. What *really* appeals to my boys (3 of them....will be 12, 10 and 6 when we go in May, 2004) is the Wilderness Lodge, but it costs an arm and a leg to get a room there that would hold us. <sigh> Which leads me to the HI Family Suites and the Doubletree Family Suites....both off-site, but both *much* roomier than the cost-comparible on-site hotels. So many (including a few friends and family) push so hard for the on-site stay, but if you're cramped in a small room with no view or room to stretch out those last couple of hours before bed.....I don't know, I just envision us all being ill-tempered by mid-trip because we can't get out from under one another unless we're outside our room! And I know that we *will* be *most* of the time. I guess I just want the best of both worlds....the room and affordability of off-site with the....whatever it must be that is so wonderful about being on-site. Let me say that I have been to DW before, but only once, in 1980, when I was 10 yrs old. We stayed in what was the TravelLodge in Lake Buena Vista (it appears some other company bought it out and changed it's name since it's not listed as a LBV hotel anymore). I can't imagine having had a better time.....the shuttle schedules were never a problem. But, I *was* only 10, and I may feel differently as the parent with 3 kids 24 yrs later. As you can see, I'm going in circles over this issue. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
~Memrie

 

[RescueRanger]

I mentioned this in another thread where there were 6 people who needed a room. Why not look into a cabin at Fort wilderness. It sleeps six, has a kitchen and a living room, and is only a short boat ride away form MK. There are quite a few activities at FW that your children would probably enjoy. FW is one of my two DD's favorite resorts. The cabins are rusticand not the typical hotel experience but you can't beat the extra space and the kitchen.

 

[FreshTressa]

I would have no qualms about staying off site. If I were you, I would book a place with kitchen and an AWESOME pool. You can get some great places at hotelkingdom.com for a reasonable price. I agree, I would rather stay offsite with my own bedroom for me and DH than crowd 5 large kids into one disney room. We barely fit our family of four in POR. The hotels in disney are kind of far from the parks anyway, so it really is no big deal to drive offsite.

Being On site isn't for everyone! Don't feel like you aren't getting a great vacation, cuz you are!

 

[PTarbay]

Have you considered 2 rooms at an All Star Resort?That would give you plenty of room and kids love them.

 

[cleo]

If you're traveling during/after December, Pop Century will also be available, and it's slightly less than the All Stars (another good choice). Disney will guarantee connecting rooms, since you are a family (2 parents and children, no other adult).

You may be able to get Yacht/Beach Club if your youngest can fit on a daybed.

 

[Daisie]

As a family of 5 myself.....we choose to get 2 rooms at the value or moderate resorts. Although others can accommodate 5, the problem is there is still only one bathroom!!!! Two rooms works the best for our family when we all travel together.

 

[phorsenuf]

How old are your children? I know for me we prefer to stay on-site because if the older children want to go off on their own, I know they will get back to the room because they have Disney's bus service. I know it's each to its own, but we personally didn't care for the cabins at Fort Wilderness. To us it didn't have that Disney feeling and to go anywhere on their property you have to take a bus to do so (something to consider if you have small children) We have stayed at POR and loved it, but can understand that it is like home. We've also done ASSMU and loved it! The theming was great, everything was walking distance (pool, arcade, food, busses, etc). In Feb. we are doing 2 rooms at PC and can't wait!!!
We are now a family of five (one is grown and gone) so I can sympathize with you about how hard it is to travel with a larger family. Sometimes I almost feel penalized because I have more children than "the norm" (Please no flaming...I think you all know what I mean). It just seems that everything is set up for 2 adults, 2 kids. Good luck in your decision. I know whatever you decide you will still have a magical time!!

 

[CanesFan30]

I, too, would recommend getting 2 rooms at Pop Century. See the Pop Century is Far Out! Thread for more detailed info on this site. I originally planned to spend my feb vacation at Pop Century but later decided to splurge on a Fort Wilderness Cabin due to the great kids activities they have available there (campfire sing-along, petting zoo, etc.).

But don't feel as if you absolutely have to stay on-site. I hear the HIFS is very nice.

 

[Lewski709]

Southernfarmgal,

I completely understand your concerns and issue. We don't think we have had all our Disney kids (2 now) and I think about "How will we do it, once the baby passes to age 3?"

The only affordable answer I have found is Off Site or 2 rooms at the Values. With three boys, you may be better off at HIFS. You will have more room and the kitchen will definately help with food expenses.

You'll have a GREAT time wherever you are!!!

 

[rngclick]

I understand your point, but have no fear. When I made ressies for our first trip (1996) the only mod available was POR/FQ. Living only 40 miles from the real New Orleans I was not all that enthused because I too wanted to "escape". Boy did I !!! It was wonderful, it was beautiful. Yes, it reminded me of the "picture postcard New Orleans" but it was definintely an escape. We are going to the "Riverside" in February (for Mardi Gras) and I can't wait. The other suggestions of getting two rooms at PC are great and if that works for you then definitely do it. But, I would not trade on-site POR for off-site for any amount of money or any theme. Your kids will love Ol' Man Island and you'll have a wonderful time.

Robin

 

[Kimberle]

Welcome, Memrie!

This is such a wonderful site to get good ideas!!

I too, would suggest looking into the FW cabins. FW is such a pretty site & there are lots of activities for kids. Each cabin has a grill, so if you didn't feel like eating out, you could just throw some burgers, dogs or steaks on.

Another idea, you might look into renting the Vacation Club points. There are villas right next door to WL. You'd have full use of the pools, etc.

We stayed at WL last Sept. It's so pretty & relaxing! Your boys have good taste!!

PS if you do stay at FW, there is a boat that does nothing but "circle" between FW/WL/CR. So it's very easy to visit.

 

[missypie]

I've said it before and I'll say it again...some travel agent could do well by specializing in accomodations for people who need more than 2 beds. And it's not just families of 5 and up. What about the family with a teenaged boy and a teenaged girl? Are they expected to sleep together, or is the teenaged boy expected to sleep with Dad? My friend is a widow with a teenaged boy and a teenaged girl...the kids sure won't sleep together, and they don't want to sleep with her ... so the three of them need 3 beds.

When I have called TAs they ASSUME we will have to book two rooms because there are 5 of us... I have to do the research and tell THEM that a room at a particular hotel will sleep 5 or 6.

 

[twinmomplus2]

Some of the deluxe rooms at AKL sleep 5 people. There would be one queen, 1 set of bunk beds, and a twin size day bed. Of course it all depends on the ages of your children. If you had teens, I would go for 2 connecting rooms at the moderates or All Stars. But, If they are little I would not put them in a connecting room as I would not like them to have an outside door. You could also try to rent points from a DVC member on the rent and trade board. Good Luck!

 

[ellie&mattys mom]

We just returned from POR and loved it!! It had so much too offer...the trundle beds are small but enough for your little one...

Do you a AAA card they give discounts...but then again ask what the difference is for 2 rooms at a value vs one at POR!!

 

[jk1]

Your first wish is for Wilderness Lodge, right? Check out renting DVC points for a 2 bedroom villa. The Wilderness Lodge also offers a deluxe room that sleeps 6. It consists of 2 queen beds and a queen sofa bed.

Wallet-wise, your best bet would be 2 rooms at either of the value properties, the All-Stars or Pop Century. The value resorts also offer wonderful, expansive food courts, where everybody can find something they like.

 

[HaleyB]

Well I have no real advice that is not already on here, but I am in the same boat. We spend about 10 minutes in our room in the morning and about 30 going to bed so I hate to pay for space I do not need. But I do need another bed... and I use the Magic Hour or early entry so I like to be onsite for that. So far it looks like it will cost almost the same to have 2 rooms at Pop Century as one at POR... so I think two bathrooms might be the way to go for us (we have a 16 year old...). I have also thought a lot about spliting 5 days onsite and 3 more off at one of the family suites places. It will actually cost more to go off site than the 2 cheapest rooms, but I am not sure how long I want to be locked up with my little darlings.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We are a family of 5 and always have this problem. We have stayed off site and now only stay on site. Off site we have stayed at the Sheraton Safari located right by the crossroads. On site we always stay at a deluxe and only in value season with the cheapest room. My dh is tall and big and refuses to sleep in anything but a queen bed. We did the FTP at the Poly this aug. but we stayed longer and I priced 2 all star preferred location rooms (a little more expensive) versus the govt. rate at the swan with a roll away (25 extra per night). You could get away with an air matress at this place. Our ds are 15,13 and 11. I know its strange but I like them all in one room so I can make sure they are not watching tv late when I want everyone up for early entry etc. Also with the one bathroom we know we have to be up and at em (as mickey would say). You know you kids and what works best for your family. Just make sure you see what the season is when pricing the disney room (value, regular etc.). We have also done 5 at the animal kingdom lodge which is probably the cheapest of the deluxes and have done yacht club, beach club and contemporary wing. Good luck and let us know. I do agree with the other poster if you want to break up the group if you are on site you can rely on the disney transportation etc. We let our ds go to disney quest and the mk by themselves following our strict instructions and guidlines this time. Also our one ds has asthma so if he is not feeling well I really like the idea of getting back to the room and resting asap etc.

 

[bryantslovedisney]

LUVMARYPOPPINS...I know what you're going thru!!

I never thought it would be so hard finding room for 5
at DisneyWorld! This is our 3rd time in 2 years to have to
fight this battle! About 12 years ago when we had 2 kids
and a lot less money, we lived close to WDW for about
3 months. Believe it or not we CAMPED off site...LOL! (But
we went to WDW every weekend! ) I bet you've never
seen any posts of people camping offsite! But anyway
to make a long story short... when we went back to
WDW for the first time with 3 kids, DH wanted to try
ON-SITE Hotels(We felt like we were majorly UPTOWN...LOL)
We chose POR and I was worried that it wouldn't be
much different for us because we're from the South too!
But we absolutely LOVED it! After that trip, we only stay
ON-SITE...You really get the true feel of Disney! The next
time we got a cabin at Fort Wilderness...WE absolutely
Loved it as well(We did rent a car however) We got an
excellent rate(AP) of $169 a nite(June 03). It was really
nice to be on Disney property, there's tons of stuff to do
there...actually much more than most resorts!Plus, it was
really nice to sit out on the deck and have a drink while the
kids played kickball out front! So here we go again at Xmas...this time I was able to get an excellent AP rate at AKL concierge(4 nites)$277 w/tax and 4 nites at Poly Lagoon concierge($317 w/tax). I know it's higher than we usually spend but my
boys(8,12,14) are getting bigger and I'm hoping we can
save on some meals(since they are snackers) at the
concierge lounge(Free Food). So anyway, to sum up
for my family of 5, I try to get the best possible deal(which
is sometimes hard) and just know that no matter what
we'll have a memorable time...that's why we keep going back
time after time! Good Luck!!!

Jill

 

[glennsgirl762]

I too have the same problem. We're a family of 5 also. Two are teenagers my oldest DD, is 17,my middle child DS is 15 and my yougest DS is 11. So we always stay off site either at the Vistana Resort or Tropical Palms. There is always plenty of room and all the comforts of home. Next year we are staying at the Carribean Beach resort with 2 rooms. Our first time on Disney property, so we are real excited. We are paying $320 per night for 2 rooms and that's with a AAA discount. I really wish they would accomodate larger families at affordable prices.

 

[glennsgirl762]

I too have the same problem. We're a family of 5 also. Two are teenagers my oldest DD, is 17,my middle child DS is 15 and my yougest DS is 11. So we always stay off site either at the Vistana Resort or Tropical Palms. There is always plenty of room and all the comforts of home. Next year we are staying at the Carribean Beach resort with 2 rooms. Our first time on Disney property, so we are real excited. We are paying $320 per night for 2 rooms and that's with a AAA discount. I really wish they would accomodate larger families at affordable prices.



sorry for posting twice!