If you have a large family it can be a bit more stressful to plan a great vacation. You’ll wonder how many beds you’ll need, if you’ll need multiple rooms, how you’ll fit in cars or shuttles, and even if you’ll be able to find a restaurant with a table to fit everyone. And of course, there’s the budget to think of too. Maybe you only have two kids but you’re traveling with Grandma, Grandpa, and your brother’s family too. Thankfully, Disney Resorts provide a variety of options for families of all sizes. Here are my tips on the best places to stay at Disney World with a family of 5 or more.
Things to Consider
There are a few factors to consider when you decide which Disney Resort is right for you:
- Maximum Occupancy – This is the maximum number of people allowed in each room. If you’re traveling with a small child, know that room occupancy allows for one extra child under three in a crib. This means if a room accommodates four adults it will really accommodate four adults and one child under age three.
- Space – No one wants to feel like a pack of sardines on vacation. Choose a room option that will let you spread out and relax after a long day in the parks.
- Bed Configurations – Depending on your family dynamic you may prefer to have separate sleeping areas or types of beds. Kids don’t mind sleeping in bunk beds or pull-down bunks, but if you’re sharing with your sister and her husband they may prefer a queen bed to themselves.
- Bathrooms – Getting ready in the morning can be rough when six people share one bathroom. If you anticipate a lot of morning prep you may prefer a room that offers multiple bathrooms.
- Transportation – Finding room for everyone on a monorail or ferry is easier than finding seats for everyone on a bus. Different resorts offer different transportation options, so consider how you’ll go between the parks and your hotel.
- Room Features – Certain Disney Resort hotels offer kitchens or laundry services right in the room. If you’re staying for a week or more these may save you money and hassle in the long run.
- Budget – Disney Resort hotels are available for different prices ranges and can accommodate most budgets. Choosing the perfect room (or rooms) for your family will give you the most value.
Here are a few things you should note about Disney Resort hotels:
- Each room is allotted for two adults. There is an extra charge of $10-$25 per night per “extra adult” in standard rooms. There is no extra charge per adult for family suites, cabins, or villas.
- Know the difference between connecting rooms and adjoining rooms. Connecting rooms are “connected” by an inner door between them. Adjoining rooms are located next to one another, but do not have a connecting inner door. Note that while you can request connecting or adjoining rooms, Disney will not guarantee them under most circumstances.
- Staying at a Disney Resort can save you money on a rental car, especially for families with six or more people. If you’re flying into Orlando Int’l Airport you can take Disney’s Magical Express shuttle straight to your hotel. You can then use complimentary Walt Disney World Resort transportation to get anywhere you need to go on the resort.
The best way to decide which Disney Resort is best is to work with an experienced vacation planner who specializes in Disney Destinations. I can help you find the perfect fit for your family’s needs and plan a vacation you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Disney Resort Accommodations
Disney provides room options for larger families at all levels of its resorts: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas. Here are the types of rooms you should consider.
A Single Standard Room
Sleeps: 5-6
If your family only has five people (or six with an infant) you can actually stay in a standard room at many Disney Resort hotels. These typically provide two queen beds and a pull-down bunk (some are child-sized and some are twin-sized). The list includes Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and any of the Deluxe Resorts except Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is the most budget-friendly option, but also gives you the least amount of space.
Multiple Standard Rooms, Suites, or Villas
Sleeps: 8+
If you don’t mind being split up you can book several standard rooms at any resort to accommodate your family. Two advantages are extra space and extra bathrooms. Keep in mind that Disney will not guarantee connecting or adjoining rooms, so if you’d prefer to stay together you may want to look at another option.
A Family Suite
Sleeps: 6-7
Family suites are located at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. These provide one queen bed, one double sleeper sofa, and either a double-sized table bed or a twin-sized sleeper chair and ottoman. They sleep six plus an infant in a crib. Both of these options include a kitchenette with a mini-fridge, microwave, and sink that is handy for preparing quick breakfasts before a day in the parks. In addition, the suites at Art of Animation are themed to Cars, The Lion King, or Finding Nemo.
A Suite
Sleeps: 4-10
You can find suites at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort or at any of the Deluxe Resorts. These typically sleep 4-9 people (plus an infant). There are only a limited number of suites at each hotel, so be sure to book early if you want one of these rooms. Many offer club-level service including a private lounge, complimentary snacks and drinks, continental breakfast, and turndown service.
A Cabin or Campsite
Sleeps: 6-10
If you’re looking for a quieter experience, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort may be perfect for you. These cabins sleep 6 (plus an infant), provide fully-equipped kitchens and grills, and offer woodland views from their private patios. Note that the sleeping arrangements include a bedroom with one queen bed and a set of bunk beds, plus a double sleeper sofa. If you’re the camping type, you can fit up to 10 people per campsite at Fort Wilderness. They offer options for tents, campers, and RV’s.
A Deluxe Villa
Sleeps: 4-13
Disney’s Deluxe Villas are designed to accommodate large families who want to spend their vacation together. They include Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and villas located at several of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. You can choose from a studio, a villa with separate bedrooms, or even a bungalow at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Deluxe Studios
Each Deluxe Villa offers the option of a Deluxe Studio that sleeps 4-6 (including an infant). They include a queen bed, a double sleeper sofa, and in some rooms at twin pull down bunk. These are like large suites and do not have separate bedrooms. They do provide kitchenettes with a microwave, toaster, and coffee maker.
1-Bedroom Villas
These villas sleep 4-6 (including an infant) and provide a separate bedroom with a queen bed, plus a double sleeper sofa and an option for a twin pull down bunk. They have fully-equipped kitchens plus an in-room washer/dryer.
2-Bedroom Villas
These villas sleep 8-10 (including an infant) and provide separate bedrooms with one king bed, two queen beds, and a queen or double sleeper sofa. They have fully-equipped kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and an in-room washer/dryer.
3-Bedroom (Grand) Villas
These villas sleep 12-13 (including an infant) and provide separate bedrooms with multiple sleeping arrangements. They have fully-equipped kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and an in-room washer/dryer. There are only a limited number of Grand Villas, so if this is the room for you I highly recommend booking as soon as they are available.
Choosing the Best Resort for Your Family
As you can see, there are a variety of rooms available to you when you choose to stay at a Disney Resort hotel. Choosing the best resort depends on your family size and what your needs are for your hotel. Here are some of my picks:
Best Value for Families of 5-6
For a family of 5-6, I’d recommend the family suites at Art of Animation. They offer a kitchenette (great for quick breakfasts before hitting the parks) and have two bathrooms. Another great option would be the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, which offers a full kitchen and a patio.
For a family of 5 on a tight budget, I’d recommend a standard room at either Port Orleans Resort – Riverside or one of the Deluxe Resorts. These would give enough space for 5 people without having to pay for two rooms or a suite. Deluxe Resorts, such as the Beach Club, Yacht Club, or BoardWalk Inn, offer more space and larger pull down beds.
Best Amenities for Larger Families
1-Bedroom Villas offer plenty of space for a family of 5. They have a separate bedroom and living area, plus a full kitchen. They also have a washer and dryer, so they are great for longer stays. Look at Beach Club Villas, Bay Lake Tower, Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, Old Key West, the Villas at the Grand Floridian, and Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Likewise, 2-Bedroom and Grand Villas are the way to go if you have a larger family looking to stay together.
Best Options for Large Groups
If your travel party has more than 12 people, you’ll need to reserve multiple rooms. These can be at any Disney Resort. You can request rooms in close proximity, but keep in mind that connecting or adjoining rooms cannot be guaranteed. Multiple rooms will give families room to spread out, adding multiple bathrooms to the mix too. They also give everyone their own quiet space at the end of the night.
If you’ll need more than 10 rooms, you qualify for a group rate. Contact a knowledgeable travel agent or Disney Group Getaways for assistance in planning your trip.
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World with a large family is definitely doable for most budgets. The key is to do your homework and work with an experienced planner who can advise you on how to get the best value in your resort. With these options I’m sure you can find the perfect Disney Resort for your family and ensure your vacation is stress-free!
Where is your favorite place to stay with a large family?
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