which resort?

[gigi1313]

our family is considering a wdw gathering to celebrate my parent's 60th wedding anniversary... the anniversary is at the end of october ('05) and the group would be very varied... the players are mom/dad in their 80's w/dad having limited mobility... oldest bro almost 60 w/kids all in their 20s and a 4yo granddaughter... next bro and wife in 50s w/kids in teens and twenties... me w/what will then be 8 and 10 yo and my sis w/5 and 7 yo... pus some assorted cousins all w/in the same age ranges...

so, the big question is "where to stay?" we like the price of a value (specifically pop century) because it will fit everyone's family's budget... but i'm not sure if there is "enough" to do on non-park days... would a moderate provide more? i realize a deluxe would probably be best in terms of atmosphere and "something for everyone" as well as convenience (plus, i can just see my dad hanging in the lobby of the grand floridian, watching the world go by) but i don't see us all being able to afford it...

we're thinking probably 4 to 7 days (depending on the family) in late oct/nov of '05 (probably nov to avoid MNSSHP)

any ideas?

 

[TWOOD]

I vote for POFQ - it's the most compact moderate & you have DD close by with so many dining & entertainment options for all ages, like Disney Quest for the teens, & Pleasure Island for the young adults. We really enjoyed POP, but you are exactly right - there's not much to do at the resort - a small arcade & pools with no slides. POFQ has a great pool with an awesome slide for younger ones & the older ones can hop the boat to its sister resort, POR, for a bigger, better slide. Then there's those great hot tubs to soak in after a long day @ the parks... - not available at a value. POFQ just renovated the rooms & added privacy curtains. There's only 1 bus stop. The courtyards are lovely. You can rent boats from the marina. The beignets are yummy. Have I convinced you?

 

[gigi1313]

funny you should mention POFQ... that was one of my first considerations...

does anyone know if grand or magical or whatever the gatherings are called get a discount?

 

[TWOOD]

I think if you search back, there was a thread about some folks planning magical gatherings, and it had the steps you need to do, some really helpful CM's, & I think it may have mentioned discounts, but I'm not sure.

 

[TWOOD]

Also, there's info in the free vacation planning kit - maybe that's where I saw it??? There IS a thread though, because some people have had a really good CM & others not so helpful ones.

 

[gigi1313]

thanks i will have to check for that thread!

any other suggestions on resorts for a multi-generational family gathering?

 

[Gomez Gang]

I would go to a moderate. More scenery and bigger rooms. The prices are pretty good and everyone does have a year to save! My favorite moderate is Coronado Springs and the pool there and sand dig are great for kids. Port Orleans Riverside was beautiful but geared more towards adults in my opinion. Have fun planning!