If you have booked a Walt Disney World vacation with a family of 5 or more, you may have noticed limited options when it comes to resort accommodations. Due to capacity restrains, families of 5 or more are typically limited to either choosing a larger room or booking two rooms. We are breaking down those options at all price levels; value, moderate, and deluxe. Here are the best resort room options for larger families.
Value Options
The first option when booking a resort room for a larger group at a value resort is to book two separate but connecting rooms. For this option you would have up to 4 queen beds, and two bathrooms, sleeping up to 8. Most resorts have connecting rooms; however, we are including this in the value category because you are going to get the best value booking multiple rooms at one of the value resorts. Higher level resorts cost more, and when booking double the rooms, that means double the cost. Disney’s Pop Century Resort has connecting rooms, is located on the Skyliner route, and is considered a value resort. This would be a great option if you are looking to book two rooms. You can request connecting rooms when booking online but be sure to call the resort prior to your arrival to confirm your request.
There are two resorts at the value level that offer family suites. The first resort is Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. These suites are newly renovated and offer one queen bed in its own room, and a second sleeping area with Murphy style queen beds. There are also two bathrooms and a kitchenette with a sink, microwave, and full-sized refrigerator with a freezer. These family suites are less expensive than the other suite options. The downside to staying at All-Star Music is that there is only one mode of transportation offered: buses.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the second resort that offers family suites. These suites are offered in three themes: Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo. Due to prime location near the largest pool, transportation, and dining hall, the Finding Nemo suites are more expensive than the other two options. All the family suites at Art of Animations feature two bathrooms and a kitchenette with microwave, sink, and mini fridge. The layout includes a queen bed in its own room, and a Murphy style queen bed and sleeper sofa in the common area. While the suites at Art of Animation will be more expensive than All-Star Music, they are on the Skyliner route.
Moderate Options
At the moderate level there are a few options to choose from when booking rooms with a larger group. First, of course, you can book standard, connecting rooms at most moderate resorts. Next, you can choose to book a cabin at Fort Wilderness. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are private cabins. They include a queen bed, sleeper sofa, and bunk bed. They have a small kitchen, but only have one bathroom. You can choose from bus or boat transportation from Fort Wilderness Resort.
The last option at the moderate level is a Casitas suite at Disney’s Coronado Springs. There is the Casitas-1 Bedroom Suite with two queen beds, a sleeper sofa and one bathroom or the Casitas Executive Suite with a king bed, two queen beds, and a sleeper sofa. However, while the executive suite will offer two bathrooms, two bedrooms, and a large common area, it will probably include more of a deluxe price tag and has very limited availability. There is only bus transportation offered from Coronado Springs.
Deluxe Options
The most expensive option for those booking for a larger group would be the suites and villas at many of the deluxe resorts. Nearly all the deluxe resorts offer either villa or 1-3 bedroom suite options. However, they are typically going to cost upwards of $1,000 or more per night. Though many of resorts like Disney’s Yacht Club Resort or Disney’s Polyneisian Village Resort are close enough to the theme parks that guests can walk if they choose. There are more dining options available at deluxe resorts, and the pool at Disney’s Beach Club resort is greatly considered to be the best on property. Beach Club and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge do offer deluxe rooms that are slightly less expensive than the villas or suites, however they offer less square footage than the value family suites, and only have one bathroom. If you are looking to stay at a deluxe resort but worry about the price tag, you may want to look into renting Disney Vacation Club points.
Honorable Mention
The final option for larger families is not going to be for everyone. If you love camping or have your own RV, you may choose to stay at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. These are exactly as described: camp sites. You can choose from tent/pop-up campsites or full hook-up sites for an RV or Camper. Each site includes a cold water tap, electrical outlets, and wifi. Disney even offers a list of recommended companies that you can rent an RV from if you do not have your own. The Campsites at Fort Wildness also include comfort stations where you can use the bathroom, shower, or do laundry.
It is always best to weigh the pros and cons of each resort and room type to decide which is best for your family. Let us know if you have any top tips of the best places to stay when booking for a larger family by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
