Value Resort for larger families?

[the kabuki]

Rather than codes which discriminate based on family makeup, I think they'd be better off with a Frequent Guest program. For every dollar you spend at WDW, you accumulate "points" which can be used for payment of anything from food to tickets to rooms to souvies.

Very similar to the Disney Visa program, but you only accrue points at WDW, and it doesn't matter how you pay.

That way EVERYONE can benefit.

Anne

Oooohhh, I like that idea!!!

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

I can't see WDW building any more new resorts in the near future. It is overbuilt as it is, that is one of the many reasons that the 9-11 travel slump hit WDW so hard.

Larger families have the options listed, Ft. Wilderness Cabins, POR, 2 value rooms, DVC properties, etc. These are the choices and I don't see that changing in the near future. This is why the rental home close to WDW are doing a lot of business.

I am personally extremely happy to go, and would continue visiting even if we choose to enlarge our family by a kid or two. We would stay wherever we can and have great trips!!

 

[tar heel]

Disneyfanfamily -- Have you stayed at the values and at POR? Do you have any idea how much NICER POR is than the values? There is actual landscaping and green space, like at the deluxes. The theming at the values is cute when you first see it, but you don't even notice it after a day or two. POR is a totally different feel than the value resorts. Your older children are going to be so much happier with the pool there, and you and your dh might enjoy some relaxation in the jacuzzi, too. I understand that you would like to stay at the value because of the $ (been there myself), but POR is a much nicer resort.

 

[pjtjm]

you automatically have to go to a moderate (POR) or a deluxe resort. Or you have to purchase 2 rooms at the value.


I have a family of 5 and was bothered that POR was the *only* mod to accomodate us. Not just POR, but AB only. Now I understand the arguements of the value rooms being smaller, but from my understanding all the moderates have the same room size, so what doesn't make sense is why only AB??? I just don't care for the "rustic" look, and was very disappointed to not have more options.

I finally decided to book 2 rooms at POP, which was a few more $, but at least I felt I had a choice.

I think the "kid suites" at the POP would be perfect!!

 

[markh]

I think they would do really well with a value/moderate "Family Suites" resort (similiar to the new Nick Hotel which was the Holiday Inn Family Suites).

I believe the new HI has rates around $199/night, so that's not really a 'value' option for some. Since occupancy isn't a problem for disney, don't look for them to change their model anytime soon.

 

[Pinnie]

Ok, so now if large families get a deal, can someone traveling alone get a room at half price? That person uses only one towel, one washcloth, one bed, take up less space in the pool, etc........

It is just opening a huge can of worms. Disney is business to make money for the shareholders, nothing else. When they stop making money, they will be out of business.

When you make choices in life, you have to deal with the consequences of those choices. Disney already offers FW cabins, DVC resorts, etc. for larger families. You want to use the facilities, you need to pay the price.

pinnie

 

[wide awake]

Sorry, I don't see why large families should get a deal. You chose to have these children, I assume you figured how much it would cost, not mine or Disney's issue. We have one child who is autistic. Because of this unexpected medical problem we need two rooms...he takes lots of baths. We have tons of non reimbursed med expenses. We are military so we could go SOG but since DS would love the theming at POP that is where we'll be...two rooms for the three of us...or the FW cabins so I can cook for his gfcf diet. We planned on having more children, but when we realized the future expenses of our one we scaled down...This is not meant to be a bitter post, but it drives me crazy when people have made a choice, then expect to be treated in a special manner. I would give anything in the world not to be a "special" family.

 

[wright1baby]

ok...now for my two cents! I am on the fence on this one. We are a family of five and I have wanted to go to WDW for about two years, but due to our "abnormally" large family--LOL--we just didn't think it was affordable becasue we didn't think we could be accomodated in anything except a deluxe resort. Does it make incredibly difficult to plan an affordable vacation?? ABSOLUTELY!! Was I tickled to death to find out POR could accomodate 5?? I can't tell you how excited I was! We booked within 24 hours!

 

[Mykelogan]

Ok, so now if large families get a deal, can someone traveling alone get a room at half price? That person uses only one towel, one washcloth, one bed, take up less space in the pool, etc........

You read my mind! As a recent and soon to repeat solo traveler I do WISH that I could get a reduced rate on my room as I am paying the same as a family of 4 would, but I do UNDERSTAND why it is the way it is. Luckily the idea of being in WDW lessened the blow when I made my payments. hehe Besides I know as a solo traveller there are other ways I reap benefits.

I love the idea of a frequent visitor benefit, I know I would go more! (Is Mickey listening??)

Mike

p.s. 43 Days, 9 hours til I am on my way back! hehe

 

[Syndrome]

Hey,
My vote goes to 2 rooms, connecting at a value resort! Thats what we decided, and here is why...........
We are also a family of 5, and disney does not make it easy or accomodating for more than a family of 4. As you said, only one moderate can accomodate a family of 5, POR. I believe its in the alligator bayou section and it can only sleep 5 because of a 5' long trundle bed set-up. That makes for some pretty tight sleeping/living arrangements! Not to mention the fact that you have to pay extra for the trundle to the tune of $15 per night ( if my memory serves me right). Add $15 per night to the rate of a moderate and it brings you VERY close to two rooms connecting at a value resort.
Disney WILL guarantee connecting rooms for familys with young children and you can also request a King room connecting to a standard doubles room. 2 connecting rooms at a value resort will give you plenty of space to stretch out, relax and sleep. It will also give the parents some extra privacy at night, when the youngins have to keep to a sleeping schedule. You will also get double of everything like t.v.'s,dressers,etc. The biggest plus is having 2 bathrooms. Just think about trying to get ready in the early am, with three kids before going to a park in a 2 bathroom "suite", -VS.- trying to get ready in a standard room, with a trundle thrown in there, and only 1 bathroom. Believe it or not, they are VERY close in price range!
I have gone over and over this, before we made our ressies and I think its your best option for both money, and a familys SANITY during a special trip like WDW! Sometimes its more than just a couple of dollars a night that may make the difference between a great vacation and one that you cant wait untill its over! Add the difference between the moderate +$15 per night for a trundle and 2 rooms at a value for the length of your stay and you may be suprised! It will be worth every penny!
We are also staying at some deluxe resorts during our stay, but to tell you the truth, I think we may be MORE comfortable in the 2 connecting rooms at ASM during the first half of our stay!
Good luck..........Syndrome

 

[TDC Nala]

I'd like a discount, too, and I'm just one person.

At least they don't add a single supplement like cruise ships or double occupancy resorts do.

 

[ladyelle]

Who said anything about a discount?

People with large families are stating they would like more affordable options to stay onsite at Disney. Disney determines how many people can stay in a room. If you choose to go alone , with children or without children then that is your choice. We are discussing other options for lodging onsite with families larger than four.

I also don't think it is necessary for some people to be rude about the fact that some people have more than 4 people in their family and to deal with the conquesnses. I can't believe I am reading this on the disboards.

 

[kajohn]

It would be nice if they sent codes to those people who have been to WDW in the past, with more than 2 kids in their party, for a discount on 2 value resort rooms. Or even a discount on a deluxe for an acceptable amount. I personally would love the Poly, but will probably never be able to afford it. We can barely afford POR!

QUOTE]


The idea did come up about giving codes and discounts to people with large families, that is why people are answering the way they have.

 

[disneyfanfamily]

Okaaaaayyyyy.......Maybe the code thing was not the best idea, since I am being lashed out at. But better options for people with more than 4 in their family would be nice. I tried the other mods, and they do not accomodate more than 4 in a room. I would love to be able to have 2 room at a value, and well, we just can't spend the extra $500.00 this year on lodging. (We are in POR for $140 a night for 8 nights). This is a surprise trip for my kids (they will not know about it until they get on the plane). But me and my DH were very disappointed not to be able to stay in the fun theming of a value. We wanted ASMo. My DD (4) is a 101 Dalmation fanatic. It would have tickled her senseless to see all of the large statues. However, we are still very greatful about going to WDW. But kid suites at the values would have been wonderful.

I am new to the DisBoards. This is my 1st thread. Probably will not post a new thread again. I think it is fine to disagree with me. I am not stating that I am right, but it is my opinion. But please do not accuse me of not planning my family right by having 3 kids which several of the posts implied. Disney is just a wonderful place to be. That is why we are all here, reading. And for some of us, the money is more of an issue than others. That is why I started this thread. No matter where we stay, we will have the time of our lives - we will be at Disney! At least that is something that we can all agree on.

 

[TLinden16]

Welcome to the DIS, DisneyFanFamily! :wave I'm sorry you feel attacked. I don't think that the other posters were attacking you. I think they were just looking at this a different way than you. Please continue to post, and don't be afraid of starting threads. I'm sure everyone wants to hear what you have to say as you plan your trip

Disney is in the business of making money, and they have a great marketing department. They know where they can make money, and they know where they are losing money. If they thought there was a big enough market to have kidsuites, they would make them. Disney wants people to stay onsite--they want you staying in their hotels because you'll most likely be spending more of your dollars onsite than if you were staying offsite.

I am the youngest of six kids, and growing up, we never took huge vacations. It was always someplace where my folks could drive. My folks never would have been able to afford to take a trip to Disney World with the six of us.

I think we should also remember that Disney didn't always have value and moderate resorts. The only options were the campground or the deluxe resorts prior to the early 90's. So, I think we should be grateful that there are now more affordable options on Disney property.

Karen

 

[DawnCt1]

Rather than codes which discriminate based on family makeup, I think they'd be better off with a Frequent Guest program. For every dollar you spend at WDW, you accumulate "points" which can be used for payment of anything from food to tickets to rooms to souvies.

Very similar to the Disney Visa program, but you only accrue points at WDW, and it doesn't matter how you pay.

That way EVERYONE can benefit.

Anne

I agree with you Anne. With the money we have spent over the last 25 years and I won't say how many trips, it would have been nice to have a benefit from that besides "welcome back". We have had the same issue with having a larger family. I will prepare for the flame throwers, but we haven't always been legal in the deluxe rooms. Management always knew and looked the other way.

 

[Syndrome]

Disneyfamilyfan, If you really have your heart set on staying at All Star Movies.........for the kids, please go on the disney site and double check your math on the resort rates. I am not sure where you came up with a $500. dollar difference between POR and 2 rooms at ASM??? What season you are going.........value,regular etc. ? I checked the value season pricing.......and the difference in price was shocking!

Value season ...........
POR......$134. + $15 per night for a trundle = $149. Per night
ASM.....$79. + $79. per night for 2nd room = $158. per night
Thats a total of $9 dollars per night more to stay at ASM with 2 room connecting! For an 8 night stay thats adds up to $72 !!!!!!!!!!

I just thought It would be interesting for you to see the difference in price. Is it really worth it to stay at POR and be cramped in, or stay at ASM in two rooms for only $72. more. If your kids would really love staying at ASM Dalmations, Toystory etc., would you really stay at POR to save $72.? Granted, at other seasons the price difference is a little greater, but still not close to a $500. difference!
Believe me, I have debated this choice for months before I booked our Resorts and I could not really come up with any reason to stay at POR. Maybe our family just doesnt care for the theming of the moderates, but even if you are just looking at the bottom line........MONEY..........it just didnt make sense for US, to stay at POR when we could have 2 rooms at ASM for only a small difference in price. Our kids Love ASM, and they are happy.......+ the extra room, extra bathroom, extra beds and the extra PRIVACY at night is WELL worth it to us.
By the way, we also checked out the Nick. family suites in Orlando.....we booked 4 nights, but cancelled it. It just wasnt worth it, to US, to stay off site. Its isn't any cheaper.......about $199. per night. We felt like we would have more room in 2 rooms at ASM for the same price + stay on site!
Dont let a few sour apples keep you from posting your opinions here on The DIS.......we all have our own opinions, and thats whats great about DIS. I was also a little shocked by some of the replys you got........about your HUGE family !!! LOL ........ Maybe some of us should remember that WDW is a Family vacation destination..........FAMILY !!!!!!! Even for abnormally large familys like 2 adults and 3 kids. Familys spend a LOT of money at WDW!
If your disapointed in WDW resorts catering to familys of 4. Try checking the rates on the disney cruise ships for a family of 5 ........holy cow! It makes a stay at WDW resorts seem like a bargain!
If you decide to get connecting rooms at ASM, you will have to CALL for ressies........cant reserve connecting rooms online yet. The CM's seem up to speed on the connecting room ressies. Guaranteed connecting if its a family with kids.
Good luck in your decision.............Syndrome

 

[winniedapooh]

This is incredible.....I posted an innocent comment, I try to stay as far away from the flames on this board as possible.....I can't believe this. It was an innocent comment about a large family that I made a choice to have. This is why I only post fluff or about stupid stuff because I guess I am naive and stupid to think that others would not throw something at me. I have now been hit by the flames----do you guys that feel good that you hurt someone? I know I don't.....the DIS is supposed to be my fun outlet. I guess the old saying is true if you can't stand the heat then stay out of the fire.....well I'm seared and overdone at this point.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Okaaaaayyyyy.......Maybe the code thing was not the best idea, since I am being lashed out at. But better options for people with more than 4 in their family would be nice. I tried the other mods, and they do not accomodate more than 4 in a room. I would love to be able to have 2 room at a value, and well, we just can't spend the extra $500.00 this year on lodging. (We are in POR for $140 a night for 8 nights). This is a surprise trip for my kids (they will not know about it until they get on the plane). But me and my DH were very disappointed not to be able to stay in the fun theming of a value. We wanted ASMo. My DD (4) is a 101 Dalmation fanatic. It would have tickled her senseless to see all of the large statues. However, we are still very greatful about going to WDW. But kid suites at the values would have been wonderful.

I am new to the DisBoards. This is my 1st thread. Probably will not post a new thread again. I think it is fine to disagree with me. I am not stating that I am right, but it is my opinion. But please do not accuse me of not planning my family right by having 3 kids which several of the posts implied. Disney is just a wonderful place to be. That is why we are all here, reading. And for some of us, the money is more of an issue than others. That is why I started this thread. No matter where we stay, we will have the time of our lives - we will be at Disney! At least that is something that we can all agree on.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised by POR. The pool is better, they have a sit down restaurant, a boat to DTD and best of all Bob Jackson at the RIver Roost lounge. I also think you will find it much more relaxing to come back to POR after a day in the parks.

 

[aidansmom]

disneyfanfamily, I'm sorry you feel attacked. I find that there is so much valuable information to be found on these boards, but I too at times have been taken aback by what I felt to be very strong opinions. I have realized, though, that I don't think anyone is trying to be hurtful, so I wouldn't let this stop you from posting in the future.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I think you will be VERY pleasantly surprised by POR. I'm sure that once you stay there you won't have the desire to go back to the values. I really think you should give it a chance, I don't think you'll regret it. It is truly beautiful, imo one of Disney's nicest resorts, and certainly the best deal for the money.

Good luck! As a mom who plans (gasp) on having three or four kids, I can understand your frustration. We're expecting our second now and trying to go annually because I am so nervous about how difficult it's going to be once we have a larger family!