Which to pick: each our own room or a 2 bedroom with family?

[Alexsandra]

Hi Guys!
I am trying to plan a trip to WDW with my sister and her family in March 2022. My sister is on a tight budget so we are trying to help her out as much as possible without compromising our own vacation.
We would be a group of 8 (maybe 9). My husband, my two kids (11, 15 y.o.) and myself as well as my sister, her two kids (4,8 y.o.) and her husband.
My mom still hasn't decided if we wants to join us.

At first, the plan was to all stay on property, each in our own room. After seeing the room rates, my sister is finding the prices too high for her budget.
So she is considering staying off-property and is looking at maybe renting a timeshare at Bonnet Creek with my mom. It definitely is a better value since they can get a 2 or 3 bedroom for the price of a single room at Disney. The only negative is that they won't have a car so they will have to rely on Bonnet Creek's shuttle bus or take Uber to the parks each day.
My husband doesn't want to be bothered staying off property since he likes the freedom that the Disney transportation gives us and the early park admission. So if my sister stays off property, we would still book a Disney Resort for us. Since we usually stay at a deluxe, this would give us the freedom to stay in a studio at Poly (our favourite resort). The problem is that my mom is still undecided so we are all waiting on her to make a decision and God knows if that is ever going to happen. She is a very spontaneous person and doesn't like to plan ahead which make planning a WDW vacation a nightmare. LOL.

So now, I am considering renting a 2 bedroom at AKL for all of us to stay in. I would pay 65% of it and only charge my sister 35% so she could afford to stay there with us. We would have to get a standard room so I could afford it. This would give us access to a full kitchen and all the amenities that a deluxe resort offers. The only thing that is stopping me from offering it to my sister, is the fact that we will have to share the space with her kids. My nephew is quite rowdy and often misbehaves and my niece is only four so she can get quite loud. Don't get me wrong, I love them like crazy but I know that it won't be a very relaxing trip if we share a room with them. We like our space, especially at night after a long day at the park.

My husband just thinks we should book our own room but is willing to share the space if he needs to.
What do you all think?

 

[snikki]

I would book my own room and meet up at the parks. I would make ADRs together and plan on the kids riding some rides together. This way you all still like each other at the end of the week.

 

[Malfie Cent]

I would rent my own room for my own immediate family and let my sister and mom rent their own.
I love my family, I love going on vacation with them but there is no way I would share a "living" space with them for the week (or however long). That is just too much togetherness for me.

Have you looked at the Swan or Dolphin for them? Their prices are very reasonable compared to WDW resorts and they are in a great location and they wouldn't have to rely on renting a car or using Uber.

 

[HopperFan]

We've traveled often with others and my rule of thumb is everyone stays where they want within their own budgets. We all need to be able to return to our "space" to relax, chill and sleep well. I've been in the same Disney resort as some and we've been in different Disney resorts and we've had some on & some off property, we've had all off property ...... and it always works out fine.

We arrange to meet at the parks mid-morning so if someone sleeps in or has a rough start they don't hold everyone else up. Usually at 10-10:30 am. We do lunch together. Some dinners are TS booked and some are freestyle so if some want to do different things they can, depends on the park. MK is a good freestyle park with different ages.

Given the large age gap between your kids and theirs, I think your stamina levels will be different and possibly some park attractions etc may be of different interest. When you stay at different places there is no pressure to leave together to go back.

We've had nothing but success with the groups that stayed in different places. More success than the few times we shared a location. Sharing the actual lodging would be a whole new level of stress, and your kids are not like ages so probably better for the kids as well.

 

[Leight19]

I’m not sure how it would go over but middle ground could be to book a 2 bedroom lock off and use it as a lock off. This is how we traveled with my extended family I brought on trip with us; had the adjoining door open during day so both sets could use common area (especially laundry/kitchen) but once got late or kids got rowdy we closed off and had essentially 1bedroom for us and studio for them. This worked out great for us and actually would match you paying 2/3 and sister 1/3 based on relative cost of rooms.

 

[Micca]

I would book my own room and meet up at the parks. I would make ADRs together and plan on the kids riding some rides together.

I like this arrangement. It's' difficult to get everyone on the same page for activities even with a smaller group, by agreeing to just a few attractions and meals then people can go their own way. Also you'll be dealing with throngs of people all day long, when you get back to the resort, you need to have some calm, that's tough with a blend of families going on.

 

[DizKids2]

I agree with other posters that you are probably better off getting your own room. While the 2 bedroom idea is very well intentioned, that may become too much together time, and possibly leave your sister feeling guilty about paying less.

 

[Ariel620]

I’m not sure how it would go over but middle ground could be to book a 2 bedroom lock off and use it as a lock off. This is how we traveled with my extended family I brought on trip with us; had the adjoining door open during day so both sets could use common area (especially laundry/kitchen) but once got late or kids got rowdy we closed off and had essentially 1bedroom for us and studio for them. This worked out great for us and actually would match you paying 2/3 and sister 1/3 based on relative cost of rooms.

This is exactly what I was going to suggest. I have never done it before, but I have it booked this way for next trip. We have done two studios with my sisters family before, and we asked to be close by rooms, but they weren't close enough for what we were hoping. I really look forward to be able to put the kids to bed and have a drink on our balcony together next trip. But our kids stay up later than hers, and our kids are easier at bedtime because they are older. So we will close the lock off at bedtime and have our separate space to get ready for bed etc. and hers also wake up earlier than ours, so they can get up earlier and not wake us if we leave the lock off closed. (there is even a coffeepot and a small fridge in the studio side, so they can even have breakfast, etc before opening the lockout later when my kids get up).

And monetarily it works out too, charge yourself for the one bedroom and charge sister for the studio, tell her her room is the studio, yours is the one bedroom, but you will share laundry with her etc.

Best of both worlds.

 

[sponica]

I think if you're having second thoughts about sharing space...don't share the space.

Book where you want to book, she can book where she wants to book, it's not the end of the world. I wouldn't book anything where you're subsidizing her...if she's having problems with cost, how do you know she won't cancel closer to the trip date? I've found in my planning, people are really enthusiastic, until the money has to leave their account. Then they find a reason to not go. I wouldn't want you to be stuck with something out of your price range that you have to cancel and then end up booking someplace you'd rather not stay...

 

[DVCjj]

Many times I travel with (adult) DD without my husband. She and I used to share a studio.

NOW, I spend the points to get her a studio for herself and one for me. I ask to be close by. We get along great but sharing a room can be challenging as she uses up the entire counter and doesn't want the TV noise past a certain hour, etc. etc. etc.

The past 5 trips (we go several times a year) have been absolutely WONDERFUL: with our own rooms. Points well spent. Fabulous time with our own rooms and made the trips even more special. She thanks me all the time and I feel the same way.

I'm DVC and if I had to choose between GF in one room and OKW in two rooms and had limited points left, it would definitely be OKW and I don't even like the layout of OKW studios.
STILL would separate.

So my advice: SEPARATE ROOMS

 

[Alexsandra]

We've traveled often with others and my rule of thumb is everyone stays where they want within their own budgets. We all need to be able to return to our "space" to relax, chill and sleep well. I've been in the same Disney resort as some and we've been in different Disney resorts and we've had some on & some off property, we've had all off property ...... and it always works out fine.

We arrange to meet at the parks mid-morning so if someone sleeps in or has a rough start they don't hold everyone else up. Usually at 10-10:30 am. We do lunch together. Some dinners are TS booked and some are freestyle so if some want to do different things they can, depends on the park. MK is a good freestyle park with different ages.

Given the large age gap between your kids and theirs, I think your stamina levels will be different and possibly some park attractions etc may be of different interest. When you stay at different places there is no pressure to leave together to go back.

We've had nothing but success with the groups that stayed in different places. More success than the few times we shared a location. Sharing the actual lodging would be a whole new level of stress, and your kids are not like ages so probably better for the kids as well.

You are right. I think it would remove a lot of the stress and we would all enjoy our trip better this way. Thanks for the advise

 

[Alexsandra]

I’m not sure how it would go over but middle ground could be to book a 2 bedroom lock off and use it as a lock off. This is how we traveled with my extended family I brought on trip with us; had the adjoining door open during day so both sets could use common area (especially laundry/kitchen) but once got late or kids got rowdy we closed off and had essentially 1bedroom for us and studio for them. This worked out great for us and actually would match you paying 2/3 and sister 1/3 based on relative cost of rooms.

I didn't even think of this. I will look into it. Thanks

 

[Alexsandra]

I think if you're having second thoughts about sharing space...don't share the space.

Book where you want to book, she can book where she wants to book, it's not the end of the world. I wouldn't book anything where you're subsidizing her...if she's having problems with cost, how do you know she won't cancel closer to the trip date? I've found in my planning, people are really enthusiastic, until the money has to leave their account. Then they find a reason to not go. I wouldn't want you to be stuck with something out of your price range that you have to cancel and then end up booking someplace you'd rather not stay...

Yes that is true! This happened to me before when my sister told me she would join us on a trip and then ended up canceling on us. We ended up going without them but I don't think I would be too happy if I paid for a two bedroom and then she cancels on me again. I think I am going to grab my own room and they can either join us or not. That way no pressure on them or myself.
Thanks for your help.

 

[HopperFan]

You are right. I think it would remove a lot of the stress and we would all enjoy our trip better this way. Thanks for advise

Disney is hard work and can be stressful without added components. Do everything you can to eliminate any stress and it is much easier to have a wonderful trip!

Lodging is the first level of stress from picking, paying, sleeping, hours, noise etc.

 

[Alexsandra]

Disney is hard work and can be stressful without added components. Do everything you can to eliminate any stress and it is much easier to have a wonderful trip!

Lodging is the first level of stress from picking, paying, sleeping, hours, noise etc.

For sure! Thanks so much

 

[Uncle Coaster]

I opened the thread expecting to answer 2 bedroom because I enjoy staying with other family when traveling but based on the specifics about the younger kids I would also suggest two different rooms. May put less stress on you and less pressure on your sister to think she has to keep up with everyone else.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Not sure what their budget is, but have you looked at the some of the less expensive resorts on property? We love Pop Century and Coronado, both of which would be a big savings over a deluxe. (Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach are great also) Don't forget about sites like Expedia as well. I just got a room at Coronado last minute for $187 for a quick one night stay in a couple weeks.
Also, when looking at off property places, make sure they are taking note of any fees. Most places have a resort fee which will reduce the savings. Not to mention, time is $. If they won't have a car, I wouldn't recommend off property. Sounds like their children are already high maintenance without having to deal with that extra hassle.

 

[cutigerlady]

When we were in this situation, we ended up booking 2 suites at AOA and we got them across the hall from each other. My sister’s family was helping us out by watching our kids during the Princess Half Marathon. It was more affordable and her family paid the amount in their budget towards their room. My sister had 3 kids, so we had limited options to give them some space. We also gave my niece/nephews Disney gift cards to help pay for their tickets for birthdays/Christmas (and they are FL residents so tickets were cheaper for them anyway).

When we have traveled with family, I always recommend separate spaces because it’s a lot of together time! Everyone needs a little space from each other!

 

[sponica]

Yes that is true! This happened to me before when my sister told me she would join us on a trip and then ended up canceling on us. We ended up going without them but I don't think I would be too happy if I paid for a two bedroom and then she cancels on me again. I think I am going to grab my own room and they can either join us or not. That way no pressure on them or myself.
Thanks for your help.

Yeah if she's already got that track record, don't do that to yourself! I think a lot of people really truly love the idea of going, but the money is HARD to part with.

 

[Minnie_49]

We just got back in June from a week long stay in a 2 bedroom lock off at AKL Jambo. Originally when I booked it was supposed to be 9 of us but a few months ahead of the trip my oldest son and his fiancée decided to book a studio for themselves for 6 of the 8 nights. It was a really good thing that they did because it felt super cramped with 9 on the 2 nights we were all together. Our kids are older - youngest on the trip was 15 so we didn’t have younger more energetic kids to deal with. Just really came away feeling like 7 was the max for us to make the two bedroom comfortable. On the plus side we loved Jambo House and had an awesome view of the Savanna in our standard 2 bedroom.