Lodging with Family of Six

[nicolewi]

We absolutely loved our Disney trip in March, 2019. I thought we'd maybe go back in 2021...the world changed and that didn't pan out. I'm starting to think about planning a trip for March, 2023...but just realized I'd actually have to get moving on this soon if I am serious.

Stayed at Art of Animation in family suite and it was perfect for us (kids LOVED it), but then my kids were just-turned 4, 6, 8 and 10. Next March, they would be just-turned 8, 10, 12, and 14 (slow down, time!!!). I think we COULD still make AoA work for us if it's just overall the best option, but the bigger kids sleeping on the pull-out double beds wouldn't work as well at this stage. 

I loved staying on-property and "in the bubble" and not renting a car. I'd lean towards doing that again but am open to other options if it's just too hard (or expensive) to find on-property lodging. If we went off, was going to look at Wyndham Bonnet Creek...our friends love staying there.

What Disney lodging options would you recommend I explore for four kids? Has anyone done regular adjoining rooms? The suites or whatever at the Polynesian cost an absolute fortune, is that right? is cramming into the AoA family suite still the best bet?

If you talk about renting through DVC, I have never understood that, so please explain how that works in a nutshell if that's an option.

Thanks.

[dcrunnergirl52]

We're a family of six and last time we went, we stayed at this AirBnB, and we LOVED it. Close to the parks, our own pool, inexpensive, cute theming, etc. We almost definitely would stay there again (or another AirBnB) when we go again.

www.airbnb.com/rooms/31467368?source_impression_id=p3_1645053839_tdQa6ka9K%2BJmfkrr

[callmekd]

We are a family of 5 and often rent DVC points to stay at Bay Lake in a 2 bedroom. I love being able to walk to MK and being in the monorail.

[ssmjlm]

I would look into either OKW or renting DVC for a 2 bedroom at BLT or another property.

[nicolewi]

Also, seriously, why doesn't Disney have better options for larger families??? It's pretty much jam yourselves into AoA or pay $5K/night for a bungalow (and I will explore the whole DVC thing to better understand the rest). I can easily get a "suite" style hotel room just about anywhere else for a higher-than-regular-room but not exorbitant price, but it seems like a huge deal at Disney....which caters to families with kids!!

[mrsslocombe]

The last time I looked, renting DVC points for a suite at OKW or Saratoga was cheaper than the AOA suites. The only downside is you have to buy separate cancellation insurance when you rent points. I would contact them NOW to get pricing info because DVC books up fast and you usually can start booking 11 months out.

[zarapipe]

We are staying at the home2suites by Hilton at flamingo crossings. I’ll report back but all of the reviews are positive. We are saying in a one bedroom suite with three kids but they also have two bedroom suites. Per night ours is $150-199 per night. I couldn’t beat the price. Free breakfast too

[krystee]

Feb 17, 2022 9:52:34 GMT -5 nicolewi said:

Also, seriously, why doesn't Disney have better options for larger families??? It's pretty much jam yourselves into AoA or pay $5K/night for a bungalow (and I will explore the whole DVC thing to better understand the rest). I can easily get a "suite" style hotel room just about anywhere else for a higher-than-regular-room but not exorbitant price, but it seems like a huge deal at Disney....which caters to families with kids!!

This is one thing I definitely do not understand about Disney. And the prices have gone up so much since we were last there in 2020, plus so many of the benefits of staying onsite are gone. We are staying on property for one night in April, but the next time we’re back for a week, I think we’ll go offsite. There are entire houses to stay in for $150/night!

[nicolewi]

krystee, I have thought about this, too, in debating staying off-site. When we stayed on property last time, there were a lot of benefits that were worth it to me. So much has changed.

Also, if we DID rent a car, then maybe we would do the Harry Potter stuff at Universal, too.

Lots to consider.

[Doggy Mommy]

I don't have a ton of experience staying at Disney resorts, but I've stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek 3 times and loved it! We definitely didn't have any regrets about staying there. The drive to the parks each day was pretty easy.

[sent]

I think there are rooms that are suites at the Dolphin that allow for 6 people. It's on-site in the Epcot area but not owned/managed by Disney. It's a Marriott property. I've stayed at the sister property, the Swan, twice and the location is great to walk to Epcot and HS. These trips were pre-COVID so at that time, the Swan/Dolphin got the same benefits as the true Disney hotels like the buses from the hotels to the parks, extra magic hours, etc. I haven't researched that post-COVID.

[redheadk]

The Cabins at Ft Wilderness might work if you are interested in those but they are on the pricey side. We are staying there for Thanksgiving break; we are going with friends and DH has always been interested. I personally prefer Beach Club but we are only going because our friends are so I'm letting him have this one!

The cabins have a queen bed and bunk beds in the bedroom plus a double sleeper sofa in the living room. If 2 of your kids are willing to sleep together, it would work.

[katb]

We stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek in December 2018 - it was fantastic. I have four kids - grown and teens. Plus my BFF and neice showed up for 3 days - we were there for total of 10. We got a presidential 3 BR/2 BA that was HUGE - King beds, and the other room had 2 queen beds, sofa bed - kitchen, dining room and living room. You can see the fireworks from our balcony. All the kids loved the pool, the property is really clean and nice to walk around, eat at the restuarant etc. We had our truck there but my adult daughter and niece ubered to the parks regularly - less than 10 minutes. We would beat my Sister in Law's family to the park and home many times as she was at Fort Wilderness. PLUS - I paid $1k for the place. I used vacation strategy.

[curbsideprophet]

We have used DVC Rental Store in the past and my parents now own DVC points, so I can try and answer DVC questions.

dvcrentalstore.com/guests/how-it-works/


I think a 2 bedroom would be a good option for a family of 6. If you want 3 full bathrooms consider Bay Lake Tower or Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village. A dedicated two bedroom would have three beds plus pullouts at those resorts.

A 2 BD would have a full kitchen and washer/dryer in the unit.