Where to stay -family of 5-Take a look at my choices

[the kabuki]

I know this has been asked often enough, but I just wanted to get some opinions from other DIS'ers

Trying to decide for our surprise Jan 06 trip. It's DH, myself, and 3 kids ages 12, 8, and 4 at time of trip. We've only stayed at values' and would really like to look into something different this time around. I know DH would appreciate a nicer resort.
Doing 4 nights at parks, then 4 nights on the Wonder.



Here's what I've narrowed it down to:
Polynesian-
Pro's: Have always dreamed of staying here.
Monorail, MK is right outside your door.
We can stay in one room
Con's: The PRICE

CBR-2 connecting rooms
Pro's: The price is decent & the theming looks nice
We'll have 2 bathrooms, kids will have their "own" room
Cons: Distance from parks. Our time is short this trip, but we will have rental car, so bus is not an issue.
Resort looks to be huge. Not sure if I'd like walking so much after a long day at WDW

Not interested in POR due to the room size, don't care for the trundle bed idea or the pedestal sinks ( we really take advantage of the sink counter)

Renting DVC: This is something I'm just starting to learn. Been lurking over at the DVC Boards. Think I'm starting to get the idea? Leaning towards BWV or BCV because of their distance to Epcot and MGM.

Really love the idea of the kitchen, we've eaten breakfast in our rooms at POP every morning. Plus the washer & dryer in the room would be terrific. Going on the cruise directly after parks, I could just wash everything, and pack half as much. 8 days for 5 people is going to be a ton of luggage. Yes I know there's laundromats at the other resorts, but I don't picture having the energy to go down and use them after being at the parks all day. In the room washers would be heaven.

Wanted to ask about the 5 in a 1 bedroom unit, but after seeing some of the heated debate, was afraid to

 

[3lilprincesses]

i would pick Poly or DVC Villa. i agree that it would be nice to have the extra space, as well as the kitchen. the epcot area would be great too! BUT if you really have always dreamed of staying at Poly, why not go for it. it is a short trip, so even if it isn't as spacious as the villa, i'm sure you'd still be fine. we are a family of 5 and are very comfortable at GF, and the rooms at Poly are even bigger. there is always the balcony for the kids to hang out on, or you to sit on with DH after the kids are asleep. i would try it now before the kids are much older and don't want to share a room with you anymore!! LOL! i think the monorail will make up for the fact that you can't walk to Epcot. plus, january is a really slow time, especially if you avoid MLK weekend, and you are bound to get some kind of discount on the room.

i'm sure you'd love either, but if it is your dream to stay at poly, go for it!! Have a great time, whatever you decide!!

 

[scotthart]

I would say go for the DVC unit. You will be amazed at how much more comfortable you and your family will be with the additional room. And- hold on I am zipping up my nomex suit, there is plenty of room for five. This past spring break my fiance and I and our SIX kids stayed in a one bedroom (we brought an inflatable mattress) and although it was crowded, it really was not to bad. We would have gotten a larger room, or second room, but nothing was available.

 

[lisareniff]

3lilprincess has some good points. I have a desire to stay at the poly too, so I understand. I think this would be my first choice.

As far as renting DVC points... This is also a good idea. The one bedroom is listed as sleeping 4 but Disney will allow 5 BUT you must provide your own bedding for the 5th. No roll-aways provided. You could bring an Aero bed but if you are flying from MI then cruising this might not be practical. A one bedroom would have a king in the master and a queen sleeper in the living room. Would this bedding work for your family? The points rent for around $10 each. A one bedroom in January would be 22pt on Sun-Thurs nights and 45 for Fri and Sat. Now you would really love the 2 bedroom. You could really spread out and the kids would have enough sleeping space, 2 bathrooms. The points are 30pt on Sun-Thurs nights and 60 for Fri and Sat. The $300/nt for Sun-Thurs isn't too bad (there would be no tax). The 2005 rack rate for the Poly is ~$340 including tax. So even with a $75 off with an AP there isn't that much difference to have much better room (assuming sun-thurs).

 

[luvthatdisney]

Hi,

I know that you did not list CR as one of your choices, but that is where we will be staying in August with our family of 5. I did not want to get 2 rooms and no one will have to sleep on the floor (due to the day bed). It is on the monorail line and is a deluxe. We stayed there about 10 years ago - so we know what it is like.

Just another suggestion!!!

 

[lisareniff]

Giving this a bump up

... and wondering if you have made any decisions?

 

[goodferry]

I posted almost this exact same post a year and a half ago, but we were not going on the Wonder. We chose the Poly and LOVED it! The monorail is awesome, and there is just something about sitting on the beach looking at the castle, watching the fireworks from the pool, it is truly a magical resort!

 

[the kabuki]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
I go back and forth about this constantly, as I'm sure most of you have done also when trying to decide upon a resort.

LUVTHATDISNEY- I didn't mention CR because I've always wanted to stay at the Poly, figure if I'm going to spend the money to be at a monorail resort, Poly would be the one.

Glad to hear that you can fit 5 people in a 1 bedroom villa.
I plan on stopping at Wal-mart's to pick up essentials, so I'm thinking I could pick up a blow-up mattress there instead of hauling it down in the luggage. Would I need to pack our own sheets/blankets though? Or can you request them when you arrive?

I think I'm at least narrowed down to Poly or BWV-now all I need to do is start saving some $$$! Leaning towards Poly, but that washer/dryer at BWV is really calling to me LOL

 

[lisareniff]

Glad to hear that you can fit 5 people in a 1 bedroom villa.
I plan on stopping at Wal-mart's to pick up essentials, so I'm thinking I could pick up a blow-up mattress there instead of hauling it down in the luggage. Would I need to pack our own sheets/blankets though? Or can you request them when you arrive?

I think I'm at least narrowed down to Poly or BWV-now all I need to do is start saving some $$$! Leaning towards Poly, but that washer/dryer at BWV is really calling to me LOL

I really don't know about the bedding. I've only been following the occupancy threads from a far, since we are a standard family of 4! Do a search over on the DVC forums and you should find both the offical answer and what is practiced. It IS a tough decision. Isn't a sad day when you are drooling over the idea of having a washer!?! ...on vacation no less! Seriously it is great, you can pack half the clothes and let the kids be kids (which leads to dirty clothes!). Even though we don't do any cooking while on vacation it is very nice to have a normal breakfast and fed the kids when they wake-up, as well has have snacks an easy lunches available.
Two rooms - so any sleepyheads can get their rest. Also if you go and look at the pics the bathroom is configured with two doors. A sink and tub in one and the sink, shower and toilet in the other. This is a help in the morning.

Again I'm not trying to sell you on DVC. Just pointing out some advantages. If in you situation I might choose the Poly too! (In fact I might next year!)

 

[heaven2dc]

We stayed at BWV in 97 and absolutely loved it - the rooms are beautiful, the W&D are sooo convenient and you'll love how the bedroom & bathrooms are situated with the added convenience of a tub w/jets and a separate bathroom w/shower. We overlooked the quiet pool & TOT and loved sitting out on the boardwalk in the evenings people watching. It's a short walk to Epcot, the boat is convenient for MGM and bus to MK. We went to the Polynesian for the luau and it was absolutely beautiful but if I'm not mistaken most of the rooms are ground level. I love having a balcony so BWV is my fav. Keep us informed as to your choice and a follow up trip report in 06.

P.S. There were 4 of us to a room (12 of us travelled & we had 3 1-bedroom villas but my niece joined us in our room halfway thru the trip and it was not crowded at all).

 

[Tinks]

I'd choose the Poly. If it is indeed a shorter stay, you might not have need of the washer/dryer this trip.

I had the opportunity to visit my friends staying at a 2 bdrm BCV this May. We had drinks and snacks prior to our dinner reservation. Go ahead and flame me people---it was small! We had 6 adults in the living room/kitchen and it seemed crowded. I was surprised at how much smaller the place is in person.

I do think it would be fine for a family. Just don't picture the expanded space you see in the ads. I really felt strangely claustrophobic in the cut up space of the villas.

 

[Rob418]

I think the wilderness cabins sleep 5, and the prices probably will be less than 2 rooms. Hope this helps.....good luck

Rob

 

[mommykds]

Since your going on the cruise right after WDW, I'd go for the washer dryer at the BWV no doubt. I also have 3 kids & the convenience of a washer/dryer beats the convenience of the monorial for us.

 

[4theloveofdisney]

If staying at the Poly is your hearts desire, then I would go for it. Being on the monorail line has got to be one of the best perks. However, if money is an issue, I would rent DVC without a second thought. We just did this on our last trip and loved it! As you pointed out, you will be in close proximity to Epcot and MGM. WIth a larger family, you can't beat the space or the kitchen! HTH!

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Just remember if you decide on DVC villas, and you want BW area, book it between 7-11 months out so you can make sure you get exactly what you want.

 

[the kabuki]

Thank you everyone for all the advice.
This is to be a surprise trip for DH and the kids' , it's soooo hard keeping my mouth shut and you're the only ones I can discuss it with!!!

Decisions, decisions......

 

[grumpyandbashful]

Go for the Poly if you can afford it. We used to stay there when kids were younger and monorail/MK was a priority. We just visited there and ate at Kona Cafe on our recent trip. Grounds are SO beautiful, lobby is gorgeous! Pool area is nice (altho in January this may not matter), beach area beautiful. There's a fast food place (Captain Cook's?), so you can get some convenient, less expensive food (plus a pizza place).
Do you have AAA? You can get a discount with that. Maybe some other special discounts - watch mousesavers.com.
2 rooms at CBR would give you more room and 2 bathrooms, but for just 4 nights, I would go for the Poly. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck!

 

[Brina]

I would go with a beach club villa. your kids are at an age where they will love sab and you will probably spend as much time at epcot and mgm as mk.

 

[the kabuki]

I would go with a beach club villa. your kids are at an age where they will love sab and you will probably spend as much time at epcot and mgm as mk.

what's "sab"?

 

[lisareniff]

SAB = Storm-along Bay, the name of the pool at the YC/BC/BCV

It is a great pool with some cool water features; lazy river, shallow sandy play area, slide, whirlpool, 2 hot tubs, sand bottom.
look at tagrel.com for a good slide show of the pool.