How to stay on Disney property with large family

[Caffeinated Wanderer]

We went to WDW this year for our family vacation and look forward to making this an annual event. We rented a house through vrbo this time around, but we would really like to think about staying on site next year. Of course, with 2 adults and 6 kids, it doesn't seem that Disney offers anything affordable. As far as I can tell, we'd be shelling out $1000 - $2000 a night for a suite or villa OR we somehow are able to get two rooms next to each other at one of the value resorts (and we were warned that getting them next to each other was not likely to happen). Are there any other options? Is two separate rooms or $6-$7 for a weeks stay really our only options?

 

[zurgandfriend]

How about 2 cabins at Ft Wilderness? Not sure but it might work. Experts please "chime in."

 

[CaptainAmerica]

We went to WDW this year for our family vacation and look forward to making this an annual event. We rented a house through vrbo this time around, but we would really like to think about staying on site next year. Of course, with 2 adults and 6 kids, it doesn't seem that Disney offers anything affordable. As far as I can tell, we'd be shelling out $1000 - $2000 a night for a suite or villa OR we somehow are able to get two rooms next to each other at one of the value resorts (and we were warned that getting them next to each other was not likely to happen). Are there any other options? Is two separate rooms or $6-$7 for a weeks stay really our only options?

Those numbers are high. A two bedroom villa at OKW during value season would be about $700 rack rate and you could probably get that down to $500 with a 30% room discount.

Also, it's not nearly as difficult as you've been led to believe to get two rooms next to each other (even connecting) at a value or moderate resort. It's really not difficult at all.

 

[wm49rs]

We went to WDW this year for our family vacation and look forward to making this an annual event. We rented a house through vrbo this time around, but we would really like to think about staying on site next year. Of course, with 2 adults and 6 kids, it doesn't seem that Disney offers anything affordable. As far as I can tell, we'd be shelling out $1000 - $2000 a night for a suite or villa OR we somehow are able to get two rooms next to each other at one of the value resorts (and we were warned that getting them next to each other was not likely to happen). Are there any other options? Is two separate rooms or $6-$7 for a weeks stay really our only options?

Honestly, for eight people your options are limited. Two adjoining/connecting rooms might be a possibility at the value level for a cheaper option. Could also look to see what the treehouse villas at SSR would run you.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Honestly, for eight people your options are limited. Two adjoining/connecting rooms might be a possibility at the value level for a cheaper option. Could also look to see what the treehouse villas at SSR would run you.

A two bedroom at OKW is larger and cheaper.

 

[Caffeinated Wanderer]

Those numbers are high. A two bedroom villa at OKW during value season would be about $700 rack rate and you could probably get that down to $500 with a 30% room discount.

Also, it's not nearly as difficult as you've been led to believe to get two rooms next to each other (even connecting) at a value or moderate resort. It's really not difficult at all.

Could you please explain what "rack rate" means? Also, where/how would I get this 30% discount?

 

[wm49rs]

A two bedroom at OKW is larger and cheaper.

Then there's another option....

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Could you please explain what "rack rate" means? Also, where/how would I get this 30% discount?

Rack rate is the full, undiscounted price. They run promotions like 30% off, free dine, book-four-nights-get-two-free, stay-and-play, etc. all the time.

 

[Caffeinated Wanderer]

Rack rate is the full, undiscounted price. They run promotions like 30% off, free dine, book-four-nights-get-two-free, stay-and-play, etc. all the time.

Yeah, I obviously need to be paying more attention to when promotions happen. Then again, Disney wasn't always on our radar.

Thanks for the help and suggestions!

 

[Cubs Brian]

You could always rent a villa(2bdm) at a DVC property, then you'd have the option of making some of your meals in your own kitchen to help set off the costs.

 

[UnhealthilyObsessed]

You can also rent Disney Vacation Club points and stay in multi-bedroom accommodations that are much more affordable than Disney's rates, even with their discounts. You can rent them directly through another DVC member or use a service like David's Vacation Club, which is slightly more expensive than going through a member directly but is also much more secure. On his website, you can calculate the cost of an on-site DVC space that fits your family's needs during the time you plan to go! Happy hunting!

 

[MMDVC]

I have recently read 2 different trip reports about renting a camper and staying at Ft Wilderness. Apparently they are conveniently delivered to your WDW campsite by the rental company. Visit Moore Camping Rentals for their general description and prices but the site says the campers sleep 10 (MCRFL) is their online abbreviation. But I read the trip reports on Mouse Steps and Mouse Owners. Hopefully you can google for more trip reports.. not sure if I am allowed to mention anything more specific... Good luck!

 

[popcenturylover]

We went to WDW this year for our family vacation and look forward to making this an annual event. We rented a house through vrbo this time around, but we would really like to think about staying on site next year. Of course, with 2 adults and 6 kids, it doesn't seem that Disney offers anything affordable. As far as I can tell, we'd be shelling out $1000 - $2000 a night for a suite or villa OR we somehow are able to get two rooms next to each other at one of the value resorts (and we were warned that getting them next to each other was not likely to happen). Are there any other options? Is two separate rooms or $6-$7 for a weeks stay really our only options?

We just stayed in connecting rooms at ASsports last month. We made the request when we booked, then again doing on-line check-in. We had no problems & were given the connecting rooms when my older daughter showed up & checked into her room.

 

[Caffeinated Wanderer]

You could always rent a villa(2bdm) at a DVC property, then you'd have the option of making some of your meals in your own kitchen to help set off the costs.

We rented a house with the intent to make meals but ended up being too tired to do much of that, other than have cereal in the mornings. I'd like to think that I'd prepare better next time, but I won't count on it. ;-)

 

[The Mom]

The OP specifically requested information about staying at WDW. If she wants information about places close by (and it appears that there is one that is really nice) you can send her a PM. Thanks.

 

[BigRedDad]

With that many, you are better off with 2 rooms at Pop Century at about $200 per night for the two rooms. That still adds up quickly. Staying offsite will save you tons, but you would need one AP for parking. We nabbed a 2BR Deluxe at Wyndham Bonnet Creek for $500 for 7 nights. There are many deals out there, just nothing on property for 8 people that will save you money.

 

[sgtmgd]

You can also rent Disney Vacation Club points and stay in multi-bedroom accommodations that are much more affordable than Disney's rates, even with their discounts. You can rent them directly through another DVC member or use a service like David's Vacation Club, which is slightly more expensive than going through a member directly but is also much more secure. On his website, you can calculate the cost of an on-site DVC space that fits your family's needs during the time you plan to go! Happy hunting!

Indeed renting through Davids is a great option, you can get a 2 bedroom villa that would accommodate your party size as there is an additional pull out sofa sleeper. There is also a full kitchen 2 full baths (some have 3 Baths), another boon from Davids if you want to utilize the Dinning Plan you can (must pay for in full NLT 60 days of your arrival date) and the Magic Express if flying into MCO. I have rented a 2 beadroom villa at the beach club for 13-19 December and Davids has handled everything with exceptional detail and thoroughness.

 

[Demeter Tess]

Definitely look into renting DVC points! We've done this many times through independent renters on mouseowners.com. Once you start renting points and living the DVC lifestyle, you never go back to booking a normal room!

 

[Blairnicol]

2BR Villas at OKW or SSR usually start at $700ish a night & sleep 8-9 adults (3 bed, one pull out couch). Getting adjacent rooms isn't as hard as they make it seem as long as you make it known that you have small children with you and you make that a priority at check-in over getting into a room early.

Another option you could look into would be renting DVC points. You could save a chunk of change, stay on property and in a 2BR. For example:

Through David's DVC Rentals, a stay in a 2BR for May 10th-14th 2016 would run approximately (for the entire stay) $2142 for OKW & SSR, $2848 for BWV, $1750 for AKL, $2880 for BLT, $2848 for BCV, & $2896 for WLV. (current quotes using their point calculator...)

 

[DisneyJunkie]

When we did a large family trip to Disney back in 2009, that's when we stayed at the Boardwalk. It wasn't my first choice because it's far out from Magic Kingdom, but for our group of 8 people, we had a pretty good setup. And with the cost split between all of us, it wasn't too bad at all. It was still on-property, we had our refillable mugs, and we were close to the other 3 parks, so it ended up being a nice trip. I probably wouldn't stay again if it was just my wife and I, but with a decent sized group, it's a good option.