Wishful thinkin'

[Aliceacc]

Amy, I don't think it's as much a question of fitting the beds as it is the fire codes and room occupancy. The hallways have to be wide enough to accomodate the numbers, assuming that every room available was at maximum capacity. And there has to be sufficient clearance around each building to accomodate the evacuated guests and still leave room for emergency vehicles and personnel...

Again, Disney knows that some of the "larger" families are opting for off site, and what they have is still the option that maximizes their profits. As much as we would love to think otherwise, their first priority is to their stockholders, not to my family of 5.

 

[Mkrop]

That actually could be fun... renting an RV and driving down to Fla... and "camping" (I'm not a tent and campfire type of girl...) But we did go to Hershey campground with friends once in their RV, and it was a lot of fun for a few days!. I can only imagine that Fort Wilderness is 10x better. that might be great. I wonder how much it cost to rent one / and a site / plus gas to drive one from PA to FLA? Can you bring pets? and I suppose you could cook... (if you wanted to) (if you rented a campsite / and bought park hoppers.. does that qualify you for the dining plan?)

This isnt new in the hotel industry. Most places have more rooms to accomdate only 4. Hershey Lodge is one of those places, you cant get a room there for more than 4.

I think other places people may "sneak" people into a room (although I am NOT advocating this) but with Disney so much is tied to your occupancy, EMH hours, Dining plan, etc.

What do you do when you vacation elsewhere?

 

[maxiesmom]

We are also a family of 5! I have driven my DH CRAZY with all the different options we have had to try and figure out! ASMu suites may sound like a great option for families, but I hate the idea of ALL of my kids having to sleep on a fold out couch or chair for 10 days! Not to mention that the "trundle" beds at PO are TINY! So we have to get 2 rooms just for ONE extra child!? Right now we are wrestling between renting points for a DVC or staying off property. Off leproperty leaves us un-eligible for DDP, though. UGH! SOOO much of a headache trying to find the best option for the best price. Surely they could put single or even double murphy beds in some of the moderates...I thought Disney was supposed to be a reasonably priced vacation for "families" but only if you are a family of 4?? I feel your pain!!

What do you have against the idea of your kids sleeping on a fold out? I am 42 yrs old, and I slept just fine on one. And I think kids are much more easy going when it comes to bedding choices. My sister's kids love to camp out on their living room floor, so a fold out for a few nights was more than alright with them! Given the choice between 2 rooms and the Family Suite, they all stated they would rather do the Family Suite again.

The trundle beds at POR were originally meant for kids ages 9 and under. But somewhere along the line people started using them for everyone, and Disney kind of went with it. They were not intended to be used for adults or large childen. Your 4 yr old should fit on trundle bed without a problem.

 

[Aliceacc]

The trundle beds at POR were originally meant for kids ages 9 and under. But somewhere along the line people started using them for everyone, and Disney kind of went with it. They were not intended to be used for adults or large childen. Your 4 yr old should fit on trundle bed without a problem.

I think the problem is that she has 2 girls and only 1 boy, and the boy is 11-- the same problem we faced when looking at POR. My 11 year old, at least, is at the stage where he would rather sleep on the floor than with his siter, but he's too big for the trundle. So POR wasn't an option for us.

 

[disney_family_1247]

The POR has five person rooms; we have one booked for this fall. Two queens and a trundle bed. We are trying to adopt #4, so once that happens and he or she is three, we're out of luck!

 

[daisyyy]

I think the problem is that she has 2 girls and only 1 boy, and the boy is 11-- the same problem we faced when looking at POR. My 11 year old, at least, is at the stage where he would rather sleep on the floor than with his siter, but he's too big for the trundle. So POR wasn't an option for us.

We're actually a family of 6... 2 boys & 2 girls... but the youngest is still under 3, so we can technically fit in POR... although I'm positive we will feel a little tight.. (good thing we try not to spend much time in the room).
I just wish there were more options. And yes.. my son would not want to share a bed with his sister.. (that sounds creepy).. I'm just trying to see what other people do when they hit the limit... It looks like the campground might be a good option or renting points... which I haven't the slightest clue how to do that.. or split up , and not take the whole family at once.. (which could be ok.. girls only trip / boys& mommy trip/mommy& daddy trip)

I guess you could be correct on the fire codes and stuff.. but POR / FQ don't really have hallways... the rooms open to the outside.

 

[maxiesmom]

I think the problem is that she has 2 girls and only 1 boy, and the boy is 11-- the same problem we faced when looking at POR. My 11 year old, at least, is at the stage where he would rather sleep on the floor than with his siter, but he's too big for the trundle. So POR wasn't an option for us.

Well, 2 boys could sleep together and 2 girls could sleep together, and whoever is left could take the trundle. After all, it is not like any hanky panky will be going on anyways. I know it is not ideal, but it is workable.

 

[jodifla]

three kids is not a larger family. It's average, and as it is, you need to get a deluxe room if you all want to be in one room. I don't think that's right. why can't they have the 2 queens and a day bed in moderate or values? It's just a big $$ thing of course.

actually, fertility rates are still under 2, so I wouldn't call 3 average.

 

[Madzac]

I totally hear what you are saying. I understand that "larger" families arent the so called norm, but there are a lot of them. Or families who bring Grandma along who need a little more space and maybe dont want two rooms.

We are a family of 5 which is very common. We wil likely have one more at some point. Its a very tough call. I have always loved the magic of being onsite. But for me, I am not crazy about the buses at the values with strollers and such. When the kids get bigger, I think two value rooms or a suite at ASMu would work great. For now, we would prefer a moderate also... even one room at a deluxe unless there is a good deal is just more than I can spend a night! But two rooms at a mod are a lot, and the poly will never be an option for use i am afraid. I cant imagine squeezing 5 or 6 in one room too happily for our family either for more than a couple days.

i priced out going two value rooms, free dining, no car vs staying offsite in a 3bdr/3bath TH in Windsor Hills with rental car, no free food and they were VERY close(within 50 dollars with a generous food budget). The TH would have a washer dryer and allow us to bring less clothes. Plus the freedom of a car. Its really pulling me. I think we might try this next trip and see how it works. Once the kids are bigger, two value rooms would be more doable, since we would be in the parks most of the time, no strollers, etc.

I realize that i chose to have more children and dont expect that I will be able to do disney for the same price as a family of four, but it would sure be nice to have more options! I really think an all suite moderate type resort would do very very well, like I said if not for just "larger" familes, but for those who bring along a friend or grandparent, etc, that need that extra space.

 

[NotUrsula]

I really think an all suite moderate type resort would do very very well, like I said if not for just "larger" familes, but for those who bring along a friend or grandparent, etc, that need that extra space.

But you *do* realize, do you not, that such a room would be priced about the same as the current deluxe resort rooms? (Witness the Value family suites, which cost about the same or a bit more as an average moderate room.)

Right now WDW is pushing the Treehouse option for this segment of the market.

S/D are also good for slightly larger families, as they have very nice special offers or you can stay on points if you have them. Also, the beds are hands down THE most comfy on property. (S/D don't participate in the Dining Plan and ME, but you can't have everything.)

 

[Madzac]

But you *do* realize, do you not, that such a room would be priced about the same as the current deluxe resort rooms? (Witness the Value family suites, which cost about the same or a bit more as an average moderate room.)


Of course, but it would allow more options and more people. Right now you cant do more than 5 in a deluxe, and only 4 in a moderate unless you use a trundle at POR. What I am saying is it would be nice to have more options that arent two separate rooms with risk of not being next to each other.

 

[daisyyy]

[QUOTE. (S/D don't participate in the Dining Plan and ME, but you can't have everything.)[/QUOTE]


I know... but we still want everything!,,, Or at least the basics... a slide and a fridge that you can get in a mod... but not the values...

 

[Ericandus]

You guys are exactly right!! DS (11) doesn't want to sleep with DD(6). DH and I need a bed, so PO rooms are pretty much out. Not to mention that 1 bathroom might not work for us either. For some reason we are all on a very similar "schedule" in that area! After reading lots about the fold out couch and chair at the ASM Family Suite we have decided that was the way to go!! I just hated thinking they would be sleeping on the typical super thin, uncomfortable, bar in your back, fold out beds. I read nothing but great comments about them though! We are going in early January and booked our package today, so now just crossing fingers for free dining!

 

[Schmeck]

A PP mentioned that POR has queen beds? When did they get queen sized (thought they were double) and how did they get them to fit in those small rooms?

 

[jodifla]

But you *do* realize, do you not, that such a room would be priced about the same as the current deluxe resort rooms? (Witness the Value family suites, which cost about the same or a bit more as an average moderate room.)


Of course, but it would allow more options and more people. Right now you cant do more than 5 in a deluxe, and only 4 in a moderate unless you use a trundle at POR. What I am saying is it would be nice to have more options that arent two separate rooms with risk of not being next to each other.

Once you get past 5 people, you need more than one room, so that puts you in the "home away from home properties" or DVC.

And there are LOTS of DVC properties now...OKW, SSR, BWV, BLT, VWL, BCV. So really, there are PLENTY of options for larger familes.

 

[HerdOHuds]

We have 4 adults and 4 children in our party and we request adjoining rooms for our group then bring along blow-up beds. For us the key is 2 bathrooms. 8 people and sharing 2 bathrooms is tough. If it was just DH and I and the kids, no way would one bathroom cut it. It isn't like the 4/5 year olds have much control and can wait for the bathroom to open up.

I agree that a suite type of hotel would be ideal. Maybe someday!

 

[pookybean]

So, you might try going to a local RV dealer and checking out some of the really cool RVs. If your family seems interested, there are several places that will bring an RV to FW, set it up and you can rent it and the site for about or less than two rooms at a value.

does anyone know what specific dealer that does this? or is it something i would have to ask for specificly. i have always wanted to stay here, but i would be terrified to drive a rv and then have to hook everything up. this would be great.

 

[pookybean]

anyone? i tired a google search and looked through some sites but didnt find anything...

 

[Sgt Mickey]

I totally agree we are a family of six I wish we had more options that were not so pricey.
Although we did stay at the cabins and they sleep 6 and loved it. The kids loved the entire area.