A room for 6 - asking for a friend

[disneygirl76]

Hi all,
I have a friend who is thinking about going to WDW in January. She is the mom of 4 kiddos - newborn, 2, 3, and 5. She was thinking of a suite at the new Art of Animation. Is that her best bet? She will only have to pay for the 5 year old and herself and her husband. She is trying to keep the prices down. When she books, I plan on sending her a gift box for the girls - all with tshirts, autograph books, pens, etc to help cut the costs.

Any chance for free dining in Jan?

Any other room suggestions for her family?

Thanks!

 

[Weather_Lady]

A suite at All Star Music (or 2 adjoining standard rooms at any Value) would be less expensive for her. Check out http://www.mousesavers.com/historicalwdwdiscounts.html to see about discounts in January: a "room only" discount looks likely, but not free dining. For this reason, she may want to book room only and buy tickets on Undercover Tourist, instead of booking a package.

 

[NYwdwfan]

It depends on the sleeping arrangements - she could stay in Port Orleans with the trundle bed and get a crib for the newborn, one bed for her and her husband, a second bed for the 2 & 3 year olds and the trundle for the 5 year old for FAR less than AoA.

 

[Witchy Chick]

I'm not entirely sure, but I think your friend will have to pay for the 3-year-old also. Disney considers "child" age 3-10. I know this as we are visiting mere weeks before my chunky boy turns 3. So he's "free" (for that trip at least -- haha).

I'm not sure of the suite layouts in AoA, but would she need two pack-and-plays (one for the newborn, and one for the 2-year-old)? Would two pack-and-plays fit in that suite?

As for free dining in January -- I am keeping my eyes open as well. If I see anything, I will let you know.


Witchy

 

[disneygirl76]

I'm not entirely sure, but I think your friend will have to pay for the 3-year-old also. Disney considers "child" age 3-10. I know this as we are visiting mere weeks before my chunky boy turns 3. So he's "free" (for that trip at least -- haha).

I'm not sure of the suite layouts in AoA, but would she need two pack-and-plays (one for the newborn, and one for the 2-year-old)? Would two pack-and-plays fit in that suite?

As for free dining in January -- I am keeping my eyes open as well. If I see anything, I will let you know.


Witchy

I rounded up - she is nearly 2 and nearly 3. Her 2nd child was 6 weeks old when she got pregnant again with her 3rd. And she is due in 3 weeks with the 4th. She will only have to pay for the 5 year old.

Thanks for letting me know about free dining - I know that will help them a lot. And I will do the same.

I have no idea about the suite layouts. The 5 year old could sleep in a bed along with the 3 year old (most likely one adult and one child per bed, a trundle and then a crib. I don't have kids adn have never traveled with them nor do I know the suite layouts. I have no idea what would best for her. She actually stumped me on something Disney!

 

[Witchy Chick]

I rounded up - she is nearly 2 and nearly 3. Her 2nd child was 6 weeks old when she got pregnant again with her 3rd. And she is due in 3 weeks with the 4th. She will only have to pay for the 5 year old.

Thanks for letting me know about free dining - I know that will help them a lot. And I will do the same.

I have no idea about the suite layouts. The 5 year old could sleep in a bed along with the 3 year old (most likely one adult and one child per bed, a trundle and then a crib. I don't have kids adn have never traveled with them nor do I know the suite layouts. I have no idea what would best for her. She actually stumped me on something Disney!

Totally understand the "rounding up." When we booked, I had a hard time not referring to my little guy as being "age 3" since he will still be ~ 2 weeks shy of age 3 on the trip. haha

If free dining opens up for January, it might behoove her to upgrade for the Deluxe Plan (with all of those little mouths to feed). For our trip, I plan on splitting some of DD4's meals with DS2, but I doubt that amount food will be enough for both of them. (And your friend might be potentially be looking to split one kid meal between the 5, almost-3, and almost-2 year-olds.) In our case (if we can get free DP + upgrade to Deluxe), I will likely be ordering some appetizer thing that my kiddos might share also (i.e. salad, chicken fingers, shrimp cocktail).

If they are trying to keep costs low, they could also forgo any dining plan and order groceries in from Garden Grocer. Orders of $200 or more has free delivery charge. Diapers, wipes, bottled water, snacks for the kids, cereal, etc -- it adds up pretty quickly.


Witchy

 

[Weather_Lady]

I have no idea about the suite layouts. The 5 year old could sleep in a bed along with the 3 year old (most likely one adult and one child per bed, a trundle and then a crib. I don't have kids adn have never traveled with them nor do I know the suite layouts. I have no idea what would best for her. She actually stumped me on something Disney!

FYI, All Star Music family suite layouts are 2 rooms w/2 full baths and a kitchenette. Queen-sized bed in the bedroom (with room for a pack-n-play) and in the family room, a couch that folds into a double bed, a chair that folds into a single bed, and an ottoman that folds into a toddler-sized bed. They're more expensive than two standard rooms, but if your friend will be using the kitchenette to make meals, they'll likely save enough on food to eclipse the added cost.

http://www.mousesavers.com/family-suites-at-disneys-all-star-music-resort/

 

[Master Yoda]

She could technically get into PORS and that would be her least expensive option, but that would be incredibly cramp. Like most have said, I would look at the value suites.

 

[crispy]

If the kids are 2 and under, she may be able to stay in a standard room at a value or a moderate. One of the alligator bayou rooms at POR may be their best option since it has the little murphy bed. They may want a suite for the space though, but I was just mentioning this since it sounds like they are trying to save money.

I disagree that upgrading to a deluxe plan would be cost effective if they are trying to save money although if they end up at a value resort, it would probably be cost effective to upgrade from the quick service plan to the regular dining plan especially if they are planning character meals . When only my oldest was on the dining plan, my girls could easily split a kids meal so for most sitdown restaurants. Two kid's meals split between 3 kids should be plenty (assuming the newborn doesn't need a meal) and would only cost them about $10 per meal vs. the extra $35 per day per adult for the deluxe plan. Plus, if they eat at buffets kids under 3 eat free (they also usually provide a drink at no cost).

 

[Witchy Chick]

I disagree that upgrading to a deluxe plan would be cost effective if they are trying to save money although if they end up at a value resort, it would probably be cost effective to upgrade from the quick service plan to the regular dining plan especially if they are planning character meals . When only my oldest was on the dining plan, my girls could easily split a kids meal so for most sitdown restaurants. Two kid's meals split between 3 kids should be plenty (assuming the newborn doesn't need a meal) and would only cost them about $10 per meal vs. the extra $35 per day per adult for the deluxe plan. Plus, if they eat at buffets kids under 3 eat free (they also usually provide a drink at no cost).

The OP's friend will be potentially looking at DDP for two adults and one child (the 5-year-old) to feed two adults and three children (a 5-year-old, an (almost) 3-year-old, and an (almost) 2-year-old). I'm not sure the child's portions are enough to split between three small children -- which is why I suggested the DP upgrade. At least some of the (adult) appetizers could be used to help feed the children who are too young for the dining plan.

Good point on the buffets, though. Children under 3 are able to "eat for free" at buffets.

Somewhat off-topic, does anyone know if the "kids under 3 eat free" also applies to family style? We have a dinner ADR at Garden Grill and now I'm wondering if my DS2 is able to eat for free? That would be equivalent to eating off my plate at a TS?


Witchy

 

[docdebbi]

you might consider a cabin at fort wilderness. separate rooms, lots more room, and a full kitchen. the ability to prepare your own meals really can cut down on costs. plus you can have your own snacks and sodas available very cheaply.
one reason we REALLY like the cabins with our little kiddos, is that we invest in a car and can drive right to your door. no long walk with sleeping babies when coming home at naptime or night. you can get a car pretty cheaply on some of the booking sites (priceline,etc) and airlines ship your car seats free- don't pay to rent one.

 

[ParentsOf4]

For us, the least expensive WDW option by far was 2 connecting rooms at the All Stars. Since we only had 2 adults with our 4 children, we were told by WDW that they had to guarantee our rooms would be connected. We did this several times and never had a problem getting connecting rooms. Last time I checked prices, this was less expensive than a suite at the All Star Music.

As NYwdwfan posted above, it might be possible to squeeze 6 into a single room at POR since the youngest would be in a crib. This is probably less expensive than 2 connecting rooms but, boy, it's going to be tight having 2 adults and 4 young children in one room. (And I know what I'm talking about on that one. Too many overnight trips with DW and I with our 4 very young children jammed into one room!)

 

[crispy]

The OP's friend will be potentially looking at DDP for two adults and one child (the 5-year-old) to feed two adults and three children (a 5-year-old, an (almost) 3-year-old, and an (almost) 2-year-old). I'm not sure the child's portions are enough to split between three small children -- which is why I suggested the DP upgrade. At least some of the (adult) appetizers could be used to help feed the children who are too young for the dining plan.

Good point on the buffets, though. Children under 3 are able to "eat for free" at buffets.

Somewhat off-topic, does anyone know if the "kids under 3 eat free" also applies to family style? We have a dinner ADR at Garden Grill and now I'm wondering if my DS2 is able to eat for free? That would be equivalent to eating off my plate at a TS?


Witchy

I was just think that buy those kid's meals out of pocket would be cheaper overall than upgrading to the deluxe plan. Plus, it may be really hard to do a couple of sitdown meals per day with 4 children 5 and under. It's a good suggestion, though, and gives the OP another option to present to her friends.

You shouldn't have to pay extra for your 2 year old at Garden Grill since it's served family style. I was sad when my girls turned 3...lol!

 

[maryszhi]

Hi all,
I have a friend who is thinking about going to WDW in January. She is the mom of 4 kiddos - newborn, 2, 3, and 5. She was thinking of a suite at the new Art of Animation. Is that her best bet? She will only have to pay for the 5 year old and herself and her husband. She is trying to keep the prices down. When she books, I plan on sending her a gift box for the girls - all with tshirts, autograph books, pens, etc to help cut the costs.

Any chance for free dining in Jan?

Any other room suggestions for her family?

Thanks!

i would say most definitely art of animation. the rooms are spacious and they have two bathrooms. depending on when in January she may catch free dining.its something that can't really be predicted. also any art of animation suite is a great choice

 

[luv]

If she is willing to drive an extra five minutes, she can get a two bedroom condo at Sheraton Vistana for half (or less than that) the cost. She'll get a full kitchen with kitchen stuff, a dining area, a private patio or balcony, a master suite with a BIG shower and tub, another bedroom with two full (or queen?) beds and it's own full bathroom. There is also a small washer and dryer, which allows you to pack less and wash icky clothes at your leisure.

You don't have to cook or do laundry, but its nice to have the option (and the full size fridge!)

It's great if you want something nicer than AoA...and it's cheaper! And having all the extra space is more relaxing for everyone.

You save a fortune eating offsite, even if you just get McDonald's. But popping a family lasagna in the oven for an hour is a pretty easy dinner. Cold cereal, peanut butter and lunch meat are quick and cheap, too.

There are loads of condos in the area, but this one is close and really nice.

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

Free dining has been offered the last two years in Jan. We've taken advantage and waiting to book our 2013 trip till we know if it's happening. Usually mid/late August they announce. If she has two kids without a meal plan she'll do best at buffets where they eat as much as they want. This will be the first year I'll have to pay for DD who just turned 3. It's one perk I hate giving up!

 

[disneygirl76]

Thanks everyone. I did a quick search for prices and didn't see a PO option for a suite and actually at POFQ, it said that the number of guests exceeds the number allowed in a room. I think she is leaning towards a suite.

As for dining - they will do mostly counter service and character meals and the infant won't be eating yet. So I think they will upgrade from Quick Service, which if with free dining, would come with the Value resort to the regular Dining Plan. If they have to pay, they will pay for the Dining Plan with 1 snack, 1 QS, and 1 TS. I understand that at a character buffet, they will give the under "3's" a cup for a drink and they can eat for free.

 

[Master Yoda]

Thanks everyone. I did a quick search for prices and didn't see a PO option for a suite and actually at POFQ, it said that the number of guests exceeds the number allowed in a room. I think she is leaning towards a suite.

As for dining - they will do mostly counter service and character meals and the infant won't be eating yet. So I think they will upgrade from Quick Service, which if with free dining, would come with the Value resort to the regular Dining Plan. If they have to pay, they will pay for the Dining Plan with 1 snack, 1 QS, and 1 TS. I understand that at a character buffet, they will give the under "3's" a cup for a drink and they can eat for free.

If the ages are entered in correctly she will be able to get into a standard room at PORS as the infant does not count against the room occupancy, providing that a standard room is available of course.

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

yes when the child is under 3 they get a drink and as much as they can eat at the buffet. In fact I don't recall paying for any drinks for TS non buffets as long as my daughter ate from my plate which she did for the trip when she was 18 months. we've taken advantage of her "free" status twice.

 

[disneygirl76]

Thanks! I checked POFQ and RS - RS was okay but FQ said No way.