Too many adults!

[epukane]

I found a good way to help us save money on our trip: get a rich relative to join us. Now I need some advice on where to stay.

On our last trip, my parents took me and my kids but Dear Husband wasn't able to take time off work to join us. We had a 2 BR at villa at DI and that was fine, although I'd like to have a bit more theming (like any!) this time around. If we had to pay for it ourselves, it would have to be some budget joint off-property, but if we share a place with my folks we can afford quite a bit more. DH only gets a week's vacation this year, so we'd have to fly and that's $1100 for the four of us at the cheapest; but if my folks go, we'll drive down and just DH will fly.

Our party will be Grandma, Grandpa, me, hubby, son (15) and daughter (9). Son is considered an adult, right? So all the rooms that say 4 adults plus a kid are one short for us, yet the two bedroom places sleep like 8! adults and that seems like overkill. I'm thinking maybe a BW Villa studio and a regular room at BW, but it would be nice if we could all stay in the same room.

Advice?

Oh, and we're going through Shades of Green since both hubby and daddy are retired military. I know this may cramp our options a little, but I'd like to have some idea before calling them of possibilities.

 

[Kermit]

Actually, you will need a room that sleeps 6. You're kids are considered kids as far as price is concerned on Disney property, meaning you won't pay an extra charge for them being in the room, but anyone over 3 is considered a full person and needs a spot in the hotel room.

The only possibilities on-site that I can think of (except for maybe some of the bigger suites at the deluxes) would be to get 2 rooms or a 2 room suite at BWV, WLV, or OKW. Remember that if you get a studio and a regular room at BW, your rooms won't be very close since the villas and the rooms are on different sides of the resort.

 

[horseshowmom]

I know you probably get much better rates through SOG, but you might check on renting DVC points on these boards just to see what they'd cost you. Since I don't know anything about SOG (other than the fact that it is military), this may not be of any help at all. If so, just ignore! LOL

 

[Dreamin of Disney]

Just back from WDW and went through SOG with an overflow rate at FW cabins. We loved it. They sleep six very easy and sooooo much more room than the moderate hotels, plus they only sleep five. We loved the fully stocked kitchen and huge bathroom. My mom (70) was with us and she loved the peaceful surroundings of FW. Hope you all have a great time, no matter where you stay!

 

[epukane]

Kermit, the not being close to my parents part may be a benefit.

Dreamin, after giving it some thought, we figured the FW Cabins would be a good idea too. Frankly, we figured that even if they slept 5, we'd let the Grandparents take the kids and hubby and I would pitch a tent at the Campground, and clean up and eat with the others. I was pleasantly surprised to see they slept 6 -- I had forgotten that. Alas, SoG only has an overflow rate ($139) for 2 of the days we were considering going anyway. They did have a $199 rate for the DI Villas 2BR (we stayed there on our last trip.) We're deciding now whether to keep trying for that time period or maybe push back into January. Overflow rates for then won't be released until late November, I was told yesterday.

 

[Gillian]

I don't know when you are going, but there have been specials for ft. wilderness cabins (& campsites!) listed on Mouseavers.com. Maybe you could book at 2 different rates?

 

[Sleepy]

This is just my opinion, but if you could possibly get rooms at SOG or get put on the waitlist (depending on when you are going), I would think SOG would be a better decision. The hotel is smaller and quieter. Transportation is dependable and comfortable. Location is great. You could get 2 rooms for the price of one of the other rooms you mentioned and that would give you an extra bathroom, which I would think is needed for that many people. Hope you find what you need wherever you decide to stay.

 

[epukane]

Thanks, Sleepy.

My folks are real big on the idea of having a kitchen, so I have to keep that in mind. For my end of the family, 4 walls, 2 beds and a bathroom is good enough. The bathroom is a must, though. The kitchen would be convenient and enable us to save a bit on food, but my kids and I would rather just stay in the parks open-to-close.

And the planning continues...