Large familys

[donkortajr]

If Disney is so family oriented, why don't they try a little to cater some to larger familys (more than 5). I only know of 2 hotels on the property that a family of 5+ can stay at, and they are muchu grande. Wouldn't it make sense to to make some affordable space for large families, they'll sure make up for it on souvenirs, food, etc.

 

[madalex]

Not sure I understand - is this a suggestion that the value resorts should have some rooms that sleep up to, say, 8 people to accomodate large families? (versus, of course, having to get two rooms for such a large party).

 

[JBSLJames]

Question to the above...Are any of the rooms set up as adjoining?

 

[castmember]

donkortajr:

You may be interested in hearing about Walt Disney World's newest celebration: Magical Gatherings. As part of the celebration, groups of eight or more, designated as Grand Gatherings, have the opportunity to take advantage of new services and experiences created especially for them. The magic begins when your vacation is planned by a Magical Gatherings Coordinator who will help you book larger rooms or arrange for multiple connecting/adjacent rooms. Larger parties are easily accomodated at Disney's Port Orleans Resort (up to 5), Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (cabins sleep 6), and all of the Disney Vacation Club properties. Additionally, a Magical Gatherings coordinator can assist in aranging connecting or adjacent rooms at one of the Value Resorts, including thenewest property, Disney's Pop Century Resort.


In addition to room reservations, the Grand Gatherings coordinator can assist in making priority seatings for large groups at Walt Disney World restaurants, arrange recreational activities, provide personalized itinerary planning, and even book exclusive entertainment offerings created especially for larger groups. These new offerings include a fireworks cruise complete with pirate storytelling and character greetings, an evening safari and African themed dinner at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and much more.

Right now is truly the best time to take a Walt Disney World vacation with a large family, or reconnect with distant family and friends. For more information visit disneyworld.com

 

[JBSLJames]

Originally posted by castmember
donkortajr:

You may be interested in hearing about Walt Disney World's newest celebration: Magical Gatherings. As part of the celebration, groups of eight or more, designated as Grand Gatherings, have the opportunity to take advantage of new services and experiences created especially for them. The magic begins when your vacation is planned by a Magical Gatherings Coordinator who will help you book larger rooms or arrange for multiple connecting/adjacent rooms. Larger parties may be interested in staying at one of the Disney Vacation Club Villas properties or arranging multiple rooms at Value resorts including the newest resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort.

In addition to room reservations, the Grand Gatherings coordinator can assist in making priority seatings for large groups at Walt Disney World restaurants, arrange recreational activities, provide personalized itinerary planning, and even book exclusive entertainment offerings created especially for larger groups. These new offerings include a fireworks cruise complete with pirate storytelling and character greetings, an evening safari and African themed dinner at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and much more.

Right now is truly the best time to take a Walt Disney World vacation with a large family, or reconnect with distant family and friends. For more information visit disneyworld.com

Wow. That sounded just like the commercial.

 

[donkortajr]

madalex said:"Not sure I understand - is this a suggestion that the value resorts should have some rooms that sleep up to, say, 8 people to accomodate large families? (versus, of course, having to get two rooms for such a large party)."

EXACTLY. For a mom, dad, and 4 kids it can be kind of hard. You're just over the "5" limit and not really big enough for some other solutions. Ajoining rooms means ajoining/double the price.

Just curious what other large families do. In the past I always stayed at the Contemporary or Polynesian for the convenience, but that's not very affordable.

 

[wdwfan22]

While Magical Gatherings sounds like a really neat idea, it really doesn't make it any easier for large groups to visit. There is no room discount for larger groups. So family's of 5 or more on a budget would still have to buy 2 rooms at a Value Resort. To me I don't see the point of the promotion. The Grand Gatherings are not cheap either for families on a budget.

Take a look:

International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception
Indulge yourself in Epcot® with international delights and tantalizing cuisine from around the world. Share the magic of live entertainment that's sure to please your whole gathering. Then enjoy a delicious dessert buffet along with VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Theme park admission is required.

Price:
Adults and Juniors - $59.99, Children (ages 3-9) - $19.99 (available 90 days prior)

Safari Celebration Dinner
Set off on safari in Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Enjoy a spectacular VIP journey across the rolling savanna. Then dine family-style on an African influenced cuisine at the Tusker House Restaurant with a side of live entertainment, characters and up close animal encounters. Theme park admission is required.

Price:
Adults and Juniors - $59.99, Children (ages 3-9) - $19.99 (available 90 days prior)

Good Morning Gathering
Begin your day with a Magic Kingdom® morning filled with special songs and fun for kids of all ages. Here, classic Disney Characters join you for breakfast and fun at Tony's Town Square Restaurant. You'll even get some one-on-one time for your group with Mickey himself. Theme park admission is required.

Price:
Adults and Juniors - $24.99, Children (ages 3-9) - $11.99 (available 90 days prior)

Magical Fireworks Voyage
Cast off on a moonlit voyage around the Magic Kingdom® Seven Seas lagoon, which provides the perfect viewing location for the Electrical Water Pagent and the all new Disney Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams. Along the way, Disney trivia and tales of pirates and Peter Pan abound. And then, a special Disney meet and greet with Peter himself. Available on a seasonal basis.

Price:
Adults and Juniors - $29.99, Children (ages 3-9) - $14.99 (available 90 days prior)

 

[JBSLJames]

Good question. I am the 5th of 5 kids and we always did 1 room and us younger kids slept on the floor (or cots). I don't know why they put a limit on occupancy. You rent the ROOM.

 

[RPMdfw]

Originally posted by JBSLJames
Good question. I am the 5th of 5 kids and we always did 1 room and us younger kids slept on the floor (or ______). I don't know why they put a limit on occupancy. You rent the ROOM.

"They" (local fire codes) put limits on occupancy because overcrowded rooms have been known to be deathtraps in a fire. No, there likely won't be a fire while you're there, but why put your family at risk?

 

[wannabeBelle]

The only Moderate hotel that has room for 5 is the Port Orleans Riverside. The only section in that hotel that can accomodate 5 is the Bayou House area, the Mansion area only sleeps at most 4. You are correct though, any hotels that accomodate any more than that ( Home away from home type etc.) are very expensive. Belle

 

[meanmice]

Something I can talk about. Ok, my family and I are doing a grand gathering for our next trip in april. there will be 9 of us. when we called to make the reservations they told us that there were no discounts, but there were certain programs you could do. Also, they told us that they would have to book us as a grand gathering or else there was no garuntee we would be anywhere near eachother at the hotel.

 

[Dwarful]

We were all excited about the possibilities offered by the "gatherings" promotions. Because our trip has expanded into a multi-family vacation. We will have 12 in our group, all on somewhat of a budget and will be getting three rooms. Well, when we saw the prices for the various "extras" that only groups can take advantage of, we decided to NOT take advantage of those. Hopefully we won't be too far from each other at the resorts, but honestly that doesn't really matter because we won't be partying in the rooms and the pools don't move. Besides, we really spend most of our time in the parks.

But on our last trip my husband and I took 5 kids (two were ours). Before my sister arrived, my husband stayed in one room w/ the boys, and I stayed in the other room w/the girls, because Disney requires one adult in each room. So if parents can get rooms at All Stars for $55 a night (which we did) the parents must split rooms. we did get adjoining rooms so it wasn't that bad.

 

[The Mom]

The OP was specifcally referring to rooms that sleep MORE than 5 people. There is nothing aside from the DVC resorts and Fort Wilderness homes.

Howevewr, since most families are composed of 5 or less people, it isn't cost efficient for WDW to provide "one room" lodging for larger families. I'm not sure I would want to stay in a room that contains MORE than two beds and a daybed with my family of 4 (now reduced to 3) Unfortunately, two Value rooms, with the adults splitting up, are the most economical option if you have a larger family and want to stay onsite.

 

[JBSLJames]

Originally posted by RPMdfw
"They" (local fire codes) put limits on occupancy because overcrowded rooms have been known to be deathtraps in a fire. No, there likely won't be a fire while you're there, but why put your family at risk?

Good Point. I knew that, I think. That's why I tell my kids to put the matches away once we check into our room .

 

[WDWHeadBanger]

We always have a party of 20 or mroe and we never have a problem no matter if there is Magical Gatherings or not. Just pool your resources and research all that is available to you.

 

[DISMUM]

For larger family groups why not rent a pool home ? more space more freedom and probably cheaper .the distance to the parks is not an issue as the transportation within the parks is sometimes slow and what is the difference to waiting at a bustop for 15 mins or driving 15 minutes to get to a spacious home with all you need provided?

 

[MikeVarney]

The Value resorts have interconnecting rooms. We were at Movies last week and had two rooms with an interconnecting door.

We had a 9 person party. We had 4 in our room, 1 in the adjoining room, and 4 in a room 3 doors down from us. This was done by Diney themselves - - we did not request it (while each room was paid for by the respective family, the reservations were all made in the same call so the agent linked them all together).

I don't see why you couldn't request a bunch of at least near rooms, if not interconnecting.

-- M

 

[wannabeBelle]

I have never had a problem with rooms at least near each other and in most cases we got connecting rooms anyhow. State it as a preference when you book the trip so it is on there from the beginning. They say they wont guarantee you the request, but they will try. Belle