Family of Five

[sbkline]

We had not planned on having a third baby, but contrary to our expectations, we found out last fall that we have another one coming, due August 5. Due to the expenses of being a family of four, we had already planned on not going to WDW this year, even before we unexpectedly found out we are expecting again. But I am really hoping to get back down next year after school is out, and bringing the baby along. It has always been our intention of making POR our next resort, which will work well for the baby, with the trundle beds. But my question is regarding future trips after that. Can a family of 5 stay in any hotel? Or does it have to be a suite, or a room like those at POR with the pull out trundle beds? I'm not talking about comfort or convenience, I am talking about fire codes or other regulations. For any future trips that we make as a family of 5, are we going to be limited on our hotel choices from here on in?

 

[Nemo14]

We had not planned on having a third baby, but contrary to our expectations, we found out last fall that we have another one coming, due August 5. Due to the expenses of being a family of four, we had already planned on not going to WDW this year, even before we unexpectedly found out we are expecting again. But I am really hoping to get back down next year after school is out, and bringing the baby along. It has always been our intention of making POR our next resort, which will work well for the baby, with the trundle beds. But my question is regarding future trips after that. Can a family of 5 stay in any hotel? Or does it have to be a suite, or a room like those at POR with the pull out trundle beds? I'm not talking about comfort or convenience, I am talking about fire codes or other regulations. For any future trips that we make as a family of 5, are we going to be limited on our hotel choices from here on in?

As many families with 3 or more kids will attest to, most Disney hotels are not very accommodating to larger families unless you go with suites or deluxe. I think you're OK 'til the baby turns 2, but after that you'll see a big difference. The Murphy bed at POR is about your best bet if you want just one room, but if you want space, and an extra bathroom, you'll need to go suites or whatever. You might want to consider off-site at that point.

 

[Master Yoda]

The rooms with the Murphy beds at PORS, the value suites, the cabins at Ft Wilderness and the majority of the standard rooms and above at the deluxe resorts are the the go to options for a family of 5. There are also a number of DVC room configurations that will support a part of 5.

In terms of cost the rooms at PORS are the least expensive party of 5 option. The next is typically (2) rooms at a value.

Promotions can really muddy the waters for the other options in terms of cost. Sometimes 2 discounted rooms at a moderate will be less than a value suite. The same is true for the cabins and deluxe resorts.

 

[docdebbi]

having taken 3 or 4 kids with us on several trips, i can tell you that unless you go with a DVC, the most space you are going to get is by going to be a cabin at Fort Wilderness. they are significantly bigger than a hotel room. although smaller than a DVC but a LOT cheaper!!!
we like them for two other reasons. they are all separated from each other so we don't worry when we have a crying baby or noisy kids. and you can drive a rental car or golf cart right up to your door: no carrying sleeping kids all the way to your room at the far end of the world!

 

[sbkline]

Are the above comments recommendations based on what rooms would most comfortably fit a family of five, or is that what the actual regulations require? If I was willing to risk feeling overcrowded, would I be allowed to stay in whatever hotel I wanted to stay in as a family of five, or do the fire codes (or other Disney policy) prohibit me from doing so?

I totally understand that it may be cramped, and it may be most comfortable to stay in a family suite, a Deluxe Room, or a Cabin. But that may be out of the question on our budget. So we could always take a volunteer to sleep on the floor, or just have the kids take turns sleeping on the floor, or maybe I would sleep on the floor. Of course, I know I have plenty of time to worry about that, as baby #3 isn't even here yet, so it wouldn't even be an issue for a few years. But I just wanted to know what my options were as far as fire codes, or any other official WDW policy.

 

[Dwarful]

I could be completely wrong (it's happened just don't tell my husband ) but I think if the baby is under 3 you can stay in any of the resorts that sleep 4 with the baby in a pack n play or your own porta crib. When said child hits 3 you need to be in a room that sleeps 5. At least that is my understanding.

I will say the rooms that sleep 5 at PORS seemed to us anyway to be about the same size as the values. With the addition of the mini-fridge and a second sink. HOWEVER, the room we were in with the trundle bed only had three small drawers for storage. Now, if you don't mind living out of a suitcase that won't be an issue. But if you have 5 people that need drawer space it will be at a premium.

We were at PORS last summer...but due to a plumbing issue in our room they moved us to AoA suites. We were quite happy as we are 5 with tweens/teens and that was our first stay at PORS...we found out it would have been a tight fit. Could we do it..yes, but if the price wasn't much different we'd opt for two rooms at a value vs. the one room at PORS.

 

[Master Yoda]

Are the above comments recommendations based on what rooms would most comfortably fit a family of five, or is that what the actual regulations require? If I was willing to risk feeling overcrowded, would I be allowed to stay in whatever hotel I wanted to stay in as a family of five, or do the fire codes (or other Disney policy) prohibit me from doing so?

I totally understand that it may be cramped, and it may be most comfortable to stay in a family suite, a Deluxe Room, or a Cabin. But that may be out of the question on our budget. So we could always take a volunteer to sleep on the floor, or just have the kids take turns sleeping on the floor, or maybe I would sleep on the floor. Of course, I know I have plenty of time to worry about that, as baby #3 isn't even here yet, so it wouldn't even be an issue for a few years. But I just wanted to know what my options were as far as fire codes, or any other official WDW policy.

See my post above. It gives you your options that you can legally have a party of 5 in.

 

[Nemo14]

Are the above comments recommendations based on what rooms would most comfortably fit a family of five, or is that what the actual regulations require? If I was willing to risk feeling overcrowded, would I be allowed to stay in whatever hotel I wanted to stay in as a family of five, or do the fire codes (or other Disney policy) prohibit me from doing so?

I totally understand that it may be cramped, and it may be most comfortable to stay in a family suite, a Deluxe Room, or a Cabin. But that may be out of the question on our budget. So we could always take a volunteer to sleep on the floor, or just have the kids take turns sleeping on the floor, or maybe I would sleep on the floor. Of course, I know I have plenty of time to worry about that, as baby #3 isn't even here yet, so it wouldn't even be an issue for a few years. But I just wanted to know what my options were as far as fire codes, or any other official WDW policy.

As Master Yoda says, that is what is legal, per WDW policy based on fire codes (and wallet size ). Off-site will give you much more room and privacy for half the cost.

 

[sbkline]

See my post above. It gives you your options that you can legally have a party of 5 in.

I saw your post, but it seemed ambiguous to me as to whether you were telling me what my best options are for convenience sake, or if you were telling me what actual WDW policy is. That's why I was seeking further clarification. Thanks for the info.

 

[PHS79]

As far as I know Master Yoda is spot on. And I believe you are fine with 4 people over the age of 3 and a baby in a room that is considered a 4 person room, but once the baby turns 3 you will need to a room for 5.

We had 4 adults and a 3 y/o in a AoA family suite on our last trip for 8 days/7 nights and we had plenty of room.

 

[Master Yoda]

As far as I know Master Yoda is spot on. And I believe you are fine with 4 people over the age of 3 and a baby in a room that is considered a 4 person room, but once the baby turns 3 you will need to a room for 5.

We had 4 adults and a 3 y/o in a AoA family suite on our last trip for 8 days/7 nights and we had plenty of room.

The age cut off for room occupancy is age 2. Below 2 does not count against occupancy unless you have more than 1. 2 infants will count as 1 person against occupancy.

 

[ToTBellHop]

The age cut off for room occupancy is age 2. Below 2 does not count against occupancy unless you have more than 1. 2 infants will count as 1 person against occupancy.

A baby is half a person? I'll have to let my wife know we have a 3-person family

 

[sbkline]

Perhaps after this next trip (if we are able to go next May as hoped), I will plan on the Nickelodean Suites. We've stayed there before and enjoyed it (for one night in 2011 and two nights in 2012), and a family suite is around $150...cheaper than a WDW moderate resort. And it is so close to the WDW gates that it is almost like still being on property.

I just hate to deviate from staying on property, because I like the perks that on property offers: extra magic hours, and being able to just go out to the bus stop and catch a bus. On the other hand, by the time we wait in line for a bus, and watch several busses come and go that are not ours, it may be quicker to just go out to our car and drive ourselves. But some of the "magic" just seems to be lost by not being a guest of the WDW resort.

I suppose we could always get around the 180+10 for dining ressies by booking a WDW resort, calling at the 180 day mark and booking all of our dining ressies, and then a month or two later, cancelling the resort reservation and re-allocating that money by booking the off property hotel at that point.

 

[Dwarful]

Well, I don't know how much longer we will have those EMH's. We LOVE the early and enjoy the evening EMH's ...this upcoming trip we have very few morning EMH's. which is disappointing.

 

[ladydi]

Our family of five has stayed in deluxe. It's often the same price or just a bit more than 2 moderate rooms. Not all deluxe have the day bed option. My kids wanted to stay at wilderness and their rooms only sleep 4. Best of luck with your new addition. 3 kids can be challenging but you'll still have one free hand if traveling with your spouse!

 

[gooftroop5]

We have always stayed in a 1-bedroom villa or in a cabin at FW. Our last trip that we were legally allowed to stay 5 in a room (youngest was 2) we decided to save a little money and did a split stay at POR and AKL in regular rooms. It is one of the biggest regrets that we have. We are going back to 1-bedrooms or a cabin. We felt cramped and limited. If one person woke up, everyone was up. If one kid was cranky and needed to go to bed, everyone had to go to bed. Having more space gives us more options and ultimately keeps us all happy. Save a little money and rent DVC points to stay at a villa.