What to do...Family of 5

[LeahA]

Last year we stayed in a Courtyard view room at the WL and really enjoyed it. However with 2 adults and 3 kids we were pretty cramped. I am worried that for our next trip it is just going to be too small. What is the best value for the money? I would prefer a deluxe only if I can eventually get a discount code. Which never seems to be a problem, you just have to wait and see. Let me know what works out there for everyone else. 1st time on site was at the WL. I don't know if I'm spoiled or not!

 

[Bob P]

Hi Leah,

Have you considered two adjoining rooms at All-Star or Pop? It will probably be cheaper than one deluxe room, plus you'll get an extra bathroom!

Bob

 

[Laura22]

If I had a family of 5 I'd probably stay off site. Have you considered that?

Last year we stayed half a week at Pop Century and then the other half of the week at Holiday Inn Family Suites (now Nick Hotel). Nick Hotel is practically just outside the gates to Disney - you just pull out of the parking lot and go over a hill and you're in Disney - so it's extremely convenient. The hotel is themed really well and has a giant waterpark for a pool, plus a breakfast buffet (which I believe was free!). The rooms have a couple bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. The kid's room has bunk beds and a mural painted on the wall. The place was really awesome. It was not too expensive either!

 

[sista]

We have stayed at FW cabins many, many times. We also have a family of 5 and you just can't beat the space and atmosphere. It is great to have that kitchen and deck with a grill. The rates are pretty reasonable also. There are some drawbacks - the pools aren't spectacular and it can be hard to get around if you don't rent a golf cart. You can't beat the boat ride to MK though! And Trails End Restaraunt has the best buffet on property, IMO. We have also stayed in a 2 bedroom at BCV and it was fabulous, but way too much $$$$. You could rent points though for a better rate. Everytime we go I want to try different places, but we are so spoiled by the cabins because of the space, I cant' imagine being stuck in a hotel-style room with 3 of our kids!

 

[ruttie]

Port orleans riverside - Alligator Bayouy side may be a nice altenative you can still have 1 room (they have trundle beds so 5 fit great) hotel has a great pool area with slide (thatyou do not get at value resorts) if you choose you can get 2 adjoing for extra room (we liked that idea kids in 1 us in teh other with door between.. I thought it was a good comprimise when we did that since we are spoiled at WL also.. you could try contemporary (not my fav at all) or poly they have day beds.... good luck...

 

[soccer mom]

If you prefer deluxe, the Polynesian and Contemporary have some of the largest rooms on property. My family of five (teens & adults) thought the Poly was extremely accomodating. Both have two queen beds and a twin size day bed with lots of walk around space. The only thing we didn't like was having just one bathroom, so we have gone back to two connecting rooms at either a moderate or a deluxe...whatever the budget allows that year. I think the WL and AKL have the smallest rooms in the deluxe category. The FW cabins are a great option also. We stayed there a couple of times when my four kids were younger.

 

[ElizabethB]

Contemporary Rooms rooms are very large and comfortable. We were a family of four -- and easily could have been five comfortably. The garden wing rooms are often available at a pretty good value.

We loved our North Wing room in the Contemporary.

 

[bonnielynn]

If you dont want to stay onsite you can rent a condo/house through
VRBO , the sheraton vistana villages has a 2br condo in Lake Buena Vista like 1 mile from the downtown disney...
There are so many options...

 

[CharmedLife]

I'd suggest three options:

1. PO-Riverside, Alligator Bayou rooms. Have a trundle bed so they sleep 5.
2. Fort Wilderness "cabins". Officially accommodate 6, my family stayed there many times growing up with 8 and we fit fine, plus had the kitchen for cooking.
3. Rent points from a DVC member and get a 1- or 2-bedroom at a DVC resort. Again, you'll have the kitchen, and the family can split into separate rooms when you need your space!

 

[golfgal]

We stayed at the AKL and the room was fine for the 5 of us especially since we made good use of the balcony to watch the animals. The bathroom space was roomy and the beds sit higher off the floor then most so your suitcases and stuff can easily be stored under there (we had a room that could have been an adjoining room with the room next door and that doorway made a good spot for luggage, too).