Trying to decide where to stay, HELP!

[Stitch76]

Hi everybody, I'm new to the DIS.
My name is Tonya, and I am a Disneyaholic.

I'm hoping someone out there can help me with my latest snag in planning my family's next Disney trip.
We are going to go to WDW in mid-June 2010, for 2 weeks, and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to stay onsite.

Me, my DH, and 2 DD, went last year and stayed in the All Star Movies Resort, and we absolutely loved it. My girls couldn't stop talking about the pool and giant statues. However when we go next year, we will also be bringing my DS who will be 3.

He skipped this last trip, because he was so small we thought he would have more fun at Nana's than spending 14 hours a day being dragged around by his sisters. Next year though I think he will be ready. He can give them a run for their money now, they are training him well. He will be the one dragging them next year.

Back to my problem, because there will be 5 of us this time, we can not stay at the All Star Movies, which is a real bummer.
We can get the All Star Music family suite, which is a little more expensive than what we would like to spend, or POFQ which doesn't look very kid oriented by what I can see online, or our last option is camping at FW, (we have a 32' 5th wheel). I really don't know about camping for 2 weeks with 3 kids, I may need a vacation from my vacation.

If anyone out there has any tips for me, like how kid friendly is POFQ, or if the campground is the best option (best sites, ect.) please let me know. I would really appreciate it.

I spent 6 months planning a 5 day trip the last time, So I thought I better get to work, since I only have around 18 months to plan for a 2 week trip this time. Planning is half the fun.

 

[JimR24]

Ever thought about renting DVC points. That what we plan on doing for our next trip. We stayed at the WL this past September and loved it but we are looking for something different.

 

[buffettgirl]

are you military? SOG has HUGE rooms that will accomodate 5.

 

[Stitch76]

We're not a military family, and I really don't know anything about the DVC or points systems, I'd rather not get into that if I can help it. thanks though, keep those tips coming. I appreciate it.

 

[jakenjess]

I think it's actually Port Orleans Riverside that has the trundle to accomodate five. Check out the threads on the resorts board, families seem to really love it there. The pool has a slide, which I'm sure your kids would love, and there's a nice food court. That's probably your best bet. Good luck!

 

[dsneygirl]

Camping for sure! FW is beautiful and there are so many great activites for the kids. Bring your bikes if you can too. There are several playgrounds, volleyball courts etc. Rumour has it they are doing a pool rehab as well.

You can also have some meals/snacks in the trailer. The comfort station are first rate and they have laundry in most loops. Plus the boat ride to MK can't be beat.

 

[bankgirl05]

I have to say that it was always my dream to stay at the Polynesian, but this past October I went to Orlando to visit my Mom and Sis as a "postpartum retreat" for a few days. While I was there, I researched for my next vacation, and I was less than impressed by the Polynesian. It seemed run down, a little dirty, the pool was small and the view of the Castle, which was part of my dream, was so miniscule I had to laugh... So I chose to stay at Wilderness Lodge instead... just mho.

 

[Jennia]

The All Star resorts also have family suites which sleep 5. Some of the travel booking sites and I believe the official site show layouts.

 

[mejkjj97]

Is it a must that you stay on Disney Property? I stayed at the Shearaton Vistana Villages. We payed $150 a night for a 2 bedroom resort- I think I got that rate via this site.
It was awesome. It had a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, living room etc. It was 1 mile from Disney Property (about 10 min ride to MK). The pool was unbelievable. Just a thought.

 

[Perditamarie]

We are a family of 5 stayed in a trundle room at Port Orlean Riverside in Sept.
The resort is beautiful and there is a lot of fun stuff to do...especially for kids! The kids loved the pool and taking the boat to POFQ to try that pool. The grounds were great...plenty of lizards to look for...and there were carriage rides, arcade, fishing hole, marina, boat to DTD. We did not care for the food court...not too many choices and hardly any fresh grab and go items.

The room was fine, but w/5 people your "stuff" starts to take over...suitcases, laundry, bags, pajamas and wet bathing suits, stroller...we were there for 3 or 4 days and the "stuff" every where was making me crazy - we were organized, but there is only so many places to put things! I was glad to move to our DVC digs!

Consider the Fort Wilderness cabins -- they sleep 6. You are in the campground w/o any of the work of camping! There is a bedroom w/bunks and bed and a murphy bed in the living room. It also has a full kitchen...considering 2 wks of fast food, eating breakfast in, and making a few lunches and dinners may end up being a great treat, as well as a cost saver.

Renting DVC points for a villa could give you a lot of accomodation for your $$$...you can read up on it on the DVC boards if you decide to investigate further.

Happy planning!

 

[SmallWorld71]

As a family of 5, I can tell you that your most economical on-site choice would be Port Orleans Riverside. Your next cheapest route would be 2 rooms at a value resort (either one of the All-Stars or Pop Century) or a suite at Music. We enjoyed our stay at POR just fine a couple years ago but we did feel a bit cramped with 5 in there. As PP mentioned, the "stuff" begins to take over. Personally, if I was going for 2 weeks, I would look into 2 rooms or a family suite at music.
The cabins are nice, but more expensive. Personally, If I was going to up my budget to more than a moderate, I would go all out and stay somewhere like the Poly.
HTH

 

[Stitch76]

Thanks for the help. I really don't see paying the money for the family suite, or upgrading to a fancier resort. We probably won't be in the room a lot anyway, but I definately wanted to stay onsite, we take advantage of extra magic hours, disney transportation, and disney dining, so staying off site is not really an option for us.
I didn't know that Port Orleans Riverside had so much to offer for kids (they would especially like the boats and lizard hunting), we are definately either going with them, or the camping choice, depending on the finances. Thanks again.

 

[drinkme]

We stayed at POR for our last trip in Nov 2008. The kids really liked it. The only thing we didn't like was the buses. However, we thought the buses were better at POR than at POP.

If you could spend a bit more money, I highly recommend the cabins at Ft Wilderness. There is so much for the kids to do at Ft. Wilderness.

Then, if you could spend even more money, stay at CR. Nothing beats the quick monorail ride over to MK.

With the 3 kids, make sure you get the DDP. The kids eat for only $10 a day. You just can't beat that.

Also, figure something out for a stroller for your 3 year old. Renting a stroller at WDW is just too expensive now. Maybe get into the stroller swap.

HTH

 

[ADisneyQueen]

I would spend at least one of the weeks at Windsor Hills condos. There is info on the orlando attractions and hotels board. I don't think I'd want to spend 2 weeks in a hotel room with 3 children.

 

[tami82]

Have you thought of staying offsite in a character themed condo in Windsor Hills?? I have just booked thorugh themagicrental.com, they have 3 and a gorgeous 5 bedroom home all character themed with pool, much cheaper than Disney and you would all have you space. I was originally booked onsite but quickly changed my mind when i came across this rental company, much much cheaper and we would be able to stay in orlando longer.