Issue with family of 5?

[DisneyFamilyTx]

New to the board and seriously considering DVC. My family has gone to DW at least once for the past 7 years. My wife and I finally did the DVC visit to find out more info on our last trip. We're expecting our 3rd child which is why I'm considering this more now than ever. However, I just downloaded the Passporter book and on the list of "Cons" for buying DVC it says that its not recommended for families of 5. Can anyone speak to this - its a major reason why I'm considering it - I thought there would be more options through DVC than standard hotels. Would love to hear from any fellow families of 5. Thanks!

[KristaB]

Hi and welcome from another family of 5. Disney seriously doesn't consider the vacation needs of larger families. This has been a long time pet peeve of mine. I actually found that DVC has a bit more options as far as rooms for larger groups. Depending on the ages of your children, when you like to go Disney, and where you want to stay, you can always do 2 studio rooms. And remember, since you are just expecting now, that little one won't count until the age of 3. So you have some time before worrying about needing the extra room. Plus more time to add more points...lol

[DisneyFamilyTx]

Thanks for the info. Definitely know about the grace period I have - actually that's what I'm using as the outside timeline of when I would buy DVC. Any recommendations on resorts that have worked best for you with your family? We have a 3 and 6 year old who are Disney Experts at their young ages, so they're looking forward to educating the new sibling. Just got back from the Poly and must say Deluxe is the new norm which is why we're on the hunt now.

[Zach Skellington]

The 1-bedroom villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) and Bay Lake Tower (BLT) have both, a pull-out sofa and chair, which will sleep 3 kids with no problems. That might get you through the early years, plus you won't have to worry about splitting up the family like you would if you went with the 2 studio option.

[disneygirls3]

Have a family of 5...three girls. Two bedroom villas will work or you can stay at AKL or BLT. Also, my youngest (3) was always in a full-size crib when she was a baby. You can request this when you make your reservations. If they don't have any available, for a minimal fee you can order a real crib from a local rental that Disney uses. We had all three when the baby was in the crib in a studio. It worked as the studios are pretty spacious. We are going in 7 days and are staying in the AKL. The kids are now 16, 7 and 3. We'll be in a one bedroom. The younger ones will be on the couch and the older on the pull-out chair.

[TimK]

...you can always do 2 studio rooms...

Just wanted to point out that the DVC resorts do not have any Studio villas with a connecting door. In order to do two Studios you'd have to split up the family.

[moneyhappy]

I have a friend that used a 1 bedroom at SS and WL for a family of five. Kids are 4, 2 & 6 months.

She like WL because everything is close together (i.e. restaurants & shops). At SS she had to pack the kinds up just to go to the restaurant, but SS had the boat to Downtown Disney and the kids loved Downtown.

[pixieflip]

And remember that OKW has rooms that are a lot larger than all the others.

[jrbdad]

We are a family of five: myself, DW, DS13, DS11, & DD8.

We stayed in the Deluxe at BC and then looked at DVC (thanks to my boys trading pins at the DVC kiosk) -- loved the idea of staying at AKV in a 1BR & having room for all of us. So far, we've only stayed at SSR (headed to OKW in SIX days -- in a 2BR) and we loved that.

Not sure why they would say DVC is not for families of five? To me, the savings vs the Deluxe rooms made DVC a pretty easy choice.

Best of luck on your decision & your "add-on." Congrats!

[Niki]

We have travelled with 5 in a 2 BR, and have had more than enough room. The new pull out sleeper chair should help with the "fifth wheel."

[kyrius1]

We are a family of five: myself, DW, DS13, DS11, & DD8.

Not sure why they would say DVC is not for families of five? To me, the savings vs the Deluxe rooms made DVC a pretty easy choice.



I'm a brand new DVC'er so not absolutely sure. But I think I read on another thread that the 1Br and Studio at most of the resorts, except those mentioned above were officially designated for parties of 4 and below. Meaning only four people would get perks like the ME and DDP. If you had a party of five, the fifth person would not get those benefits, even if you could physically fit them in the room. But I also read that Disney has been leniant with that policy with all of the resorts and will allow parties of five to stay in Studio and 1 bedroom. probably a good thing to check before doing if interested in the perks.