Where to begin?

[mimi0884]

Where do I begin when selecting a resort to stay at? We've always stayed off property so I don't know anything about the resorts. We are a family of 5 and are very used to everyone getting their own room at the rentals so the idea of staying in one room at a resort makes me very nervous! How do I even start my search? Are there affordable options for a family of 5 to not feel like you're right on top of each other?

 

[ChasingLeslie]

I'd start by looking at the prices and photos of the family suites (AoA and All Star Music) and FW cabins to see if those might work for you.

 

[Trinity88]

We found it hard to find affordable options for 5. There are definitely options, but they will cost more. The cheapest I've seen is 2 rooms at a value resort (ie POP). But they can't guarantee connecting rooms so that was a deal breaker for us. In the end, we splurged and rented DVC points and are staying at a deluxe resort in a 1-bedroom suite. But you will find cheaper options at the value resorts.

 

[morgy827]

We enjoyed staying in the fort wilderness cabin as a family of five but it doenst work for everybody. The next tie we go as a larger group we are going to get 2 rooms at AoA little mermaid section. Im sure we wont beable to get connecting but as long as we are in the same general area we will be happy. We also looked at the suites at AoA but we were able to get 2 rooms for the same price

 

[mouselovenfamily]

If it's budget over space, we've stayed at POR in a room for 5. We were not in our room long enough that we felt like the price was worth the close quarters

 

[mimi0884]

Thanks everyone for their tips!

 

[Aliceacc]

To the best of my knowledge, here are the options in order of increasing price:
- Two (hopefully connecting) rooms at a value
- Room with a Murphy bed at Port Orleans Riverside
- Family suite at All Star Music
- Suite at Art of Animation
- Cabin at Fort Wilderness
- Deluxe room that sleeps 5: Cheapest is usually in the wing at the Contemporary, followed by Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk, then Poly and Grand Floridian. (AKL and WL don't have non-suites that sleep 5.)

For us the Deluxes work best. My son is almost 6 feet tall and a Murphy Bed simply isn't going to do it for him. The coziness of one room isn't an issue-- we get back from the parks and fall into bed. Then in the morning, everyone else is content to wait in bed for the shower as we prepare to get out for rope drop.

If it applies, take a look at the discounts for teachers, nurses, and government personnel at the Swan and Dolphin. The Dolphin has a Deluxe Alcove room that sleeps 6... you have to call for the pricing.

Also: we've ALWAYS gotten a discount!!! As teachers, we go over the summer, and have yet to have a trip where we didn't get 30% off our room. If it would be easier, work with a travel agent whose job it is to track down those discounts... I can recommend the one we love if it helps.

 

[mimi0884]

Thank you! That's helpful. I'm chatting with a travel agent so she'll find the best option I'm sure. I'm just nervous about all of us sharing 1 room! And now we are thinking about inviting my inlaws... that changes things!

 

[Tigger's ally]

To the best of my knowledge, here are the options in order of increasing price:
- Two (hopefully connecting) rooms at a value
- Room with a Murphy bed at Port Orleans Riverside
- Family suite at All Star Music
- Suite at Art of Animation
- Cabin at Fort Wilderness
- Deluxe room that sleeps 5: Cheapest is usually in the wing at the Contemporary, followed by Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk, then Poly and Grand Floridian. (AKL and WL don't have non-suites that sleep 5.)

For us the Deluxes work best. My son is almost 6 feet tall and a Murphy Bed simply isn't going to do it for him. The coziness of one room isn't an issue-- we get back from the parks and fall into bed. Then in the morning, everyone else is content to wait in bed for the shower as we prepare to get out for rope drop.

If it applies, take a look at the discounts for teachers, nurses, and government personnel at the Swan and Dolphin. The Dolphin has a Deluxe Alcove room that sleeps 6... you have to call for the pricing.

Also: we've ALWAYS gotten a discount!!! As teachers, we go over the summer, and have yet to have a trip where we didn't get 30% off our room. If it would be easier, work with a travel agent whose job it is to track down those discounts... I can recommend the one we love if it helps.

There is also renting points and staying in a DVC villa.

 

[Aliceacc]

You're right; I completely forgot that.

In my experience, that has been a far more expensive option for a family of 5, at least during the summer when we go. I keep trying to make it work, since the extra space would be nice. We always get a discount that makes the Deluxes more affordable.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

To the best of my knowledge, here are the options in order of increasing price:
- Two (hopefully connecting) rooms at a value
- Room with a Murphy bed at Port Orleans Riverside
- Family suite at All Star Music
- Suite at Art of Animation
- Cabin at Fort Wilderness
- Deluxe room that sleeps 5: Cheapest is usually in the wing at the Contemporary, followed by Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk, then Poly and Grand Floridian. (AKL and WL don't have non-suites that sleep 5.)

For us the Deluxes work best. My son is almost 6 feet tall and a Murphy Bed simply isn't going to do it for him. The coziness of one room isn't an issue-- we get back from the parks and fall into bed. Then in the morning, everyone else is content to wait in bed for the shower as we prepare to get out for rope drop.

If it applies, take a look at the discounts for teachers, nurses, and government personnel at the Swan and Dolphin. The Dolphin has a Deluxe Alcove room that sleeps 6... you have to call for the pricing.

Also: we've ALWAYS gotten a discount!!! As teachers, we go over the summer, and have yet to have a trip where we didn't get 30% off our room. If it would be easier, work with a travel agent whose job it is to track down those discounts... I can recommend the one we love if it helps.

Great advice -- Some of the rooms at CBR also have the murphy bed option as well now.

Tom

 

[mimi0884]

Our kids are little (7, 7, and 4) so bed size isn't an issue I'm looking into renting DVC points too, but just started trying to gather info. We are looking at Dec 2016 so we have some time! Our travel agent gave us quotes for POR, CBR, and AOA

 

[BobC]

Also, request the Disney Vacation DVD for free from the Disney website. They walk you thru each resort and give you an overview of what each resort has to offer.

Of course, if some pique your interest on Disney's website; do a YouTube search for those resorts and there are quite a few fan-made walk thrus on there.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Kids 7,7 and 4 would fit comfortably in an AB POR room.

 

[Pop Goes the Weasel]

I'd recommend AoA suites. You get two bathrooms, and it almost feels like three rooms. With kids that age, it's a fun resort.

Another option is renting a larger travel trailer at Fort Wilderness. Trailer rental is third party. Search on youtube for some video walk through examples.