Where to stay with a family of 6?

[DeLynn]

Hi there!

We are thinking of taking a spur of the moment trip to WDW the end of October or beginning of November. We last were at Disney 2 years ago and stayed at the Poly, but didn't have our toddler with us. Now we need sleeping arrangements for 6 (children ages 13, 11, 8, and 3), and are wondering where to stay. DH was thinking about the All-Stars because of cost (we could get two adjoining rooms), but we are open for suggestions. We probably will fly, so staying on-site seems to be the best idea.

I am eager for any suggestions you experts have!

Thank you!

 

[cindywwilliams]

I think a Fort Wilderness cabin would suit your needs. The price is probably about the same as 2 rooms in All-Stars. There is a murphy bed in the living area and a bed and bunk beds in the bedroom. I have stayed there before and thought it was a great set-up for a large family (I also have 4 children). Although we mostly eat in the parks, it was great to have a kitchen for juice, pop-tarts, and an occasional frozen pizza. I believe there is a store on the property (if you won't have a car). We also enjoyed the boat taxi to MK. There are golf carts for rent, a sandy beach area, pony rides, and that is the location of Mickey's Backyard BBQ. I have stayed in all the All-Stars and really think a cabin is a better option. Have fun!

 

[drusba]

The FW cabins sleep 6 but it is a tight fit; about 500 sg ft (the bedroom is small and has a full and two bunks and when you pull down the double in the living room the living room essentially disappears). They do give you a small kitchen, large porch, and the ability to park right at your unit. However, you get only 1 bathroom. The Poly room you had was about 400 sg ft.

Two connecting rooms at All-Stars would give you about the same amount of space as one cabin; price is likely to be similar, and you get two bathrooms.

You could also go with two connecting rooms at any moderate or deluxe (higher price than above).

There are also some suites (sometimes called deluxe rooms) at the deluxe resorts and I believe at Coronado Springs (a moderate) that sleep six (suites like that usually cost somewhat less than getting two rooms at the the same resort).

At a price usually less than two connecting rooms at a deluxe, you can get a 2BR villa at Old Key West, Boardwalk, Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge (those are about 3 times the size of a Poly room-- even larger at OKW-- and have full kitchens and w/d). Those are Disney Vacation Club resorts that can be rented through Disney or through a DVC member (see DVC rent/trade board on this site).

 

[OhMickey]

We have stayed with our 4 kids in both hotels. I think your family will enjoy either one.

We have stayed at all three AS and they are all similar. They have a nice food court with a variety of selections that will satisfy anyone. However, the prices were not any less than in the parks.
The AS are usually crowded with other families and the kids met families from around the world. The busses run frequently but are usually over crowded during opening and closing park hours. The rooms were smaller than the average Holiday Inn but with adjoining rooms, we didn't feel cramped. It was nice to have two bathrooms - especially in the morning when everyone is anxious to get to the parks.

When we stayed at FW we had a rental car. I think (and I know there are many people who disagree) that a car is necessary here. It was a luxury to be able to drive to your front door. We took the bus a couple of times to Pioneer Hall and once to MK (combined with boat ride). It did take a while to get to our destination. The cabin itself was wonderful. We loved it. The decor was to our liking and the kitchen facilities came in handy. The area was quiet and offered a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

Good luck in your selection. I think either choice is a winner!

 

[erikthewise]

If you are willing to stay in a non-Disney hotel, you might consider staying at the Doubletree Suites near Downtown Disney. Their rooms are all suites and sleep six. I'm currently booked there Oct 31-Nov 3 on a business trip (not that it will be ALL business ) at a very nice rate. Suggest you check out rates at www.wdwinfo.com (sponsors of this board) and at www.mousesavers.com.

 

[heidihiden]

Just a thought, If you have that many people and four children a great resort is the Boardwalk villas. Many vacation club owners sell their points, and some sell them for seven or eight dollars a point. To stay seven nights in a two bedroom resort at the Boardwalk would take 282 points. It would cost you about 2200 dollars for the week, or about 320 dollars per night. Now that is more expensive than two all star rooms but you cannot even compare the music resorts to the boardwalk. Some great features would be a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, a jacuzzi, and plenty of room for everyone... These rooms retail for well over 500 dollars per night for non members. It would be a great convience for your family transportation wise because two of the four major theme parks are by the Boardwalk.. You take a short boat ride to MGM and Epcot. You can even walk to epcot... Now that 282 points is for a preffered view. You can try and get a two bedroom standard view and that would only be 236 points for seven days. Helping to bring the cost down. But it would be worth your while if you could do it. These rooms are great and very spacious.. Have a great trip!!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Right now, with a projected late Oct/ early Nov vacation, renting points is a poor option. Most all the DVC units are already booked and to suggest a standard view 2 bedroom is not reasonable. If you want to rent points, you need to do it well in advance unless you plan to go at a time when DVC owners don't go. Most points go for about $10 a point unless an owner needs to get rid of them. So 282 points would cost you about $2,820. Probably cash in advance unless the DVC owner will use one of the internet payment services.

If you want to rent points, you need to give an owner at least 11 months notice during popular times since those get reserved early by the owners.

 

[disneywith6kids]

We have 6 kids and we're going for 17 days. We're doing 10 days at Holiday inn Family suites(2 rooms) 116.00 a night includes all breakfasts and dinners. Then 4 nights at the Dolphin club level-thanks to starwood points(2 rooms) and government rate 129 then 3 nights at the Poly concierge(2 rooms) with AP rate 229 a night. I think you would be very happy with HIFS or the Dolphin

 

[DeLynn]

First of all, I really appreciate all your replies. I remembered this week how overwhelming planning a WDW trip can be for those of us who are not Disney experts! Your help is invaluable.

After reading all of the replies, I think that Erik's suggestion of the Doubletree Suites probably makes the most sense for our family this trip.

My one concern is if we will be frustrated with transportation. What do you think? We were planning to do without a car. I know that there are buses in Downtown Disney--will it take us forever, though, to really get anywhere? We have stayed at the Contemporary and the Poly the last two visits--and certainly the monorail is very and quick.

Thanks again. I am sure that I will be back with more questions.

DeLynn

 

[floridalover]

As we come fro the UK, we have booked a 3 week flydrive. We have booked two rooms at onsite resorts, ASMO and POR. The theming of these makes it worthwhile paying a few extra dollars. We have stayed offsite in a villa and although the extra room was v nice, it didnt compare to onsite magic....

 

[4greatboys]

Be sure to check rates on Expedia. When we booked our Sept trip they did have rates on there for OKW 2 bdrm. We got our YC room for about 40% off rack rates so I would guess OKW rates were about the same. Yes it is more expensive than 2 AS room you get many more benefits (much more space, Kitchen, Washer & Dryer). If you dont want to stay there they can can still get you a disc on 2 rooms at the other resorts too. We are a family of 6 as well--just started a dvc resale contract--so we can go more often!

 

[cindy_k]

We took our family of 6 a few years ago.

We got two connecting rooms at All Star Sports. Your on site, have two bathrooms and two TV. It was great!

Hope this helps!
Cindy in NY