Looking for ideas/suggestions on where to stay

[sam_gordon]

My extended family is discussing taking a family trip to Disney in June 2025. There are a LOT of options and some contradictory desires. Looking for ideas/suggestions.

First, the cast:
My mom (DGM): early 80s, but very mobile.
Me & DW: mid 50s
DD1 & DSiL: mid 20s
DS & GF (should be fiancee by then): early 20s
DD2: 20
Dsis & DBiL: early 50s
DN: late teen

Option 1
4-5 Regular rooms. Resort TBD

Option 2
Either 2x DVC 2 bedroom villa or 1x DVC 3 bedroom villa

Most of the discussion has been over email (which doesn't make things easy). DGM has said she doesn't want to do 4-5 rooms because she thinks we won't see each other. (Understandable). DGM has also said she doesn't want to rent DVC points (none of us are owners) because we're "locked in" (also understandable). And she wants to stay on property.

I personally think renting points is the way to go, preferably in two villas (no one on a pull out, and the "living room" is available if someone (or a group) wants to stay up late or gets up early. I *THINK* getting "cancel for any reason" insurance covers the "locked in" issue with renting points, but can't guarantee it.

And, just because I think it's important to the setup, DGM has said she'll pay for housing and park tickets. So it's not really an option for the families to just stay wherever they want.

Even though it's not my money, I do want to get the "most bang for the buck", it's just the way I am.

So all that being said, any suggestions or ideas for us?

 

[Lynne G]

I’d get two 2 bedroom villas at where you’d like to be closest too. Older family in one, kids in other.

Like Beach or Boardwalk if more interested in Epcot and HS, or at Poly, Contemporary or GF, if rather be on monorail line. There’s also nice ones at WL, that might be a good fit. Also, DVC has small kitchens, would that be used, more then just separate rooms, that only have a small refrigerator?

You could also do suites in the hotels too. May want to take a look at how many beds versus what room or rooms would be needed. Club level be nice to enjoy.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I get grandma is paying for it but perhaps each group having their own space is more feasible and easier to manage but I don't know how you all do Disney days. With larger groups, it's worked for us even being at different resorts since we were mostly at the parks. Then it was nice for each group to have their own space. But that's my perspective as a mom, I'm sure grandma wants her family together for everything and I can understand why.

If you do regular rooms at the same resort, odds could be that you won't be nearby each other but you'd still "see" each other. And this space away could be good for all. Plus, imo, having individual room reservations direct with Disney is definitely preferred over renting points.

If you go the dvc rental route, you definitely need do your due diligence to ensure you can cancel. I like the idea of more space on wdw property but I don't rent points for lack of flexibility....and with that many people going, it's not a question of if someone will need to cancel/change plans but when. But looking at 2- 2 bdrms or a grand villa will be a ton of money, even if renting points, so if GMA is paying, imo it's her call and the rest of you are along for the fun ride. What a nice thing for her to do for ya'll!

 

[sam_gordon]

I get grandma is paying for it but perhaps each group having their own space is more feasible and easier to manage but I don't know how you all do Disney days. With larger groups, it's worked for us even being at different resorts since we were mostly at the parks. Then it was nice for each group to have their own space. But that's my perspective as a mom, I'm sure grandma wants her family together for everything and I can understand why.

I kind of like individual rooms because I think having everyone crowded on each other, even for a week, tempers can flare a little. We got a quote from a TA w/individual rooms and the price shocked me (had priced 5 rooms). That's when I thought "DVC".

 

[sponica]

I kind of like individual rooms because I think having everyone crowded on each other, even for a week, tempers can flare a little. We got a quote from a TA w/individual rooms and the price shocked me (had priced 5 rooms). That's when I thought "DVC".

I would book the different rooms at the same place and have each reservation notated with a "traveling with" so the assignors put you as close to each other as possible....and if you use a TA, they can always look for discounts when they drop.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I kind of like individual rooms because I think having everyone crowded on each other, even for a week, tempers can flare a little. We got a quote from a TA w/individual rooms and the price shocked me (had priced 5 rooms). That's when I thought "DVC".

Right now with no discounts, the prices are probably nuts but there will likely be summer discounts that you'll need to keep your eyes peeled for to update your booking if you go that route. When those discounts are released, they can only be allocated to a certain number/type of rooms at certain resorts and when they're gone, they're gone.

DVC points rental may be more or could be less, just depends on how many rooms you get and which resort category you book.

 

[DeeBee3]

Does GM want to stay Deluxe or is she ok going moderate? It's gonna be a ton of money either way on property.

 

[Marthasor]

Consider pricing out 2 bedroom villas paying cash as opposed to renting for better flexibility with modifications and cancellations. SSR is a good option if you are budget conscious. If you need help searching for discounts, as PP noted, consider working with an “earmarked” TA that specializes in WDW.

 

[MICKIMINI]

As a 28 year DVC member with many family/inlaw/outlaw/friends trips I would suggest a hybrid approach.

I would firstly consider location. Obviously, your group won't be together (let's hope) 24/7, so the ability for the younger group to party it up late and the elders to savor a lovely meal and tuck in early is crucial. What type of transportation will you have? If depending on WDW transportation, this issue is even more important. Either monorail, boat (WL/CC) or EPCOT resort is best.

I would rent a DVC 3 BR for the older folks and book rooms through WDW, however it works out for who stays with whom. The risk will be reduced as the rooms can be cancelled. Look for a resort that has a DVC and hotel side: Boardwalk at EPCOT, Wilderness/Copper Creek at MK (via boat) or Contemporary. You may need to take a vote MK vs EPCOT!

The advantage of the 3 BR is having wonderful communal space to have a special dinner (lots of room in the kitchen) at a real dining table, living room space and balcony space to enjoy together. We love to do breakfast. Regardless, everyone has a "job" and it is a great way to reconnect . The other advantage is you can order cases of water or other beverages, fruit, snacks etc and set up a "grab and go" so guests can swing by and get what they need.

Find a reputable renter here on disboards and be ready to respond immediately with all your guest information at hand. Though I don't rent here anymore, I have worked with wonderful guests. I was able to vet people by their level of politeness, some working knowledge of DVC and having read disboards rules ahead. A quick look at their posts often reveals much. The DVC owner is equally concerned about finding a good renter.

Multiple people tend to respond all at once I looked for the most viable renter that fit my points. I always had an agreement written ahead of time so I was able to set expectations. I helped out renters when possible though it doesn't always work depending on availability, use year (can be crucial), etc.

I hope even a bit of this information is of help! Have a great trip!

 

[DizneyFamof4]

If you stay in multiple rooms, what resort level would you be looking at? If everyone stays at the same resort, it is very easy to still see everyone. We went with 4 families and when we were at the resort we would always keep texting each other and meet up for breakfast or at the pool etc. The 2 bdrm units would work great too, but the BIG question is, do you think if a bunch are together in a 2 bdrm, would there be any issues? I know DGM is paying but where does the rest of the family like to do? If going separate rooms, I would look at a Disney specialist TA. Our friends used a TA for her family trip and the TA got 4 rooms all in the same building

 

[Robber Baron]

The DVC villas may be a good option if you get enough of them.

We aren't real big on making people sleep in a living room or on a sleeper sofa.

We like everyone to have their own space.

We have done 2 bedroom villas before and it's great having a living room to hang out in.

We have found one of the best resorts to have many rooms is CSR. They seem to do the best of anyone in meeting requests to have rooms together. 4 times we have requested 4 or 5 rooms together and every time they have accommodated us with rooms not just near, but next to each other.

Last multi room trip we had 4 rooms next to each other in Casitas Preferred. Near the first bus stop to the parks and we could walk to El Centro undercover if it was raining.

 

[elvispursley]

Since DGM wants to al be together, I'd book two 2-bdrm villas. If you're trying to save, I would look at DVC resorts like SSR, OKW (HUGE rooms), or even AKL/Kidani. I'd always go for DVC for the full kitchens and W/D in the rooms. We stayed in a 2-bd with 6 people and had plenty of space. My favorite has been OKW--love the huge patio/lanai and just the overall resort theming.

But I also know, having travelled with my DHs large family, having your own room to get a "break" from each other is nice as well! You could do 4 rooms at one of the moderates. I'm sure you'll have plenty of "together" time during the day.

Another thought is staying at the Swan/Dolphin with several rooms. I know the "senior discount" is usually pretty good (was better than my AP discount when I checked a few weeks ago). Although, I'm not sure how many rooms that discount is good for, so maybe someone else knows. You'd get the EEH benefit that deluxe resorts get as well (and personally, I think S/D has way better food choices).

Of course, cheapest option would be doing rooms at one of the value resorts.

I can totally agree with staying on-site. Last trip I did with my family (have been going lately with just my mom), we rented a house offsite and it was the absolute worst mistake ever (we did once when the kids were very young with extended family) and it was ok. But this time, the pool/hot tub were not heated despite paying for it. It was a gated community that would not allow Uber eats/Door Dash. You had to go through security every time you came back (which would back up in a long line of cars). And our teenagers had to get up and head to the parks in the morning, despite being night owls and staying up late.

Had we stayed onsite, the teens could've just met us in the park when they were up and about. We could return a lot easier to the resort in the afternoon for naps/pool. And we would've bypassed the MK nightmare that is getting back to the TTC after fireworks!! That experience was so bad that my kid and DH no longer want to do WDW for the foreseeable future!

 

[Ensusieasm]

Get two 2-bedroom villas at Old Key West preferred section

 

[cruising spud]

Early next year we are doing a family trip to Disney (daughters, a SIL, and grandkids). I looked into villas, but ultimately decided on separate rooms in the same hotel. When I reserved the rooms, I requested that we be in close proximity. Honestly, even though we all get along, a day at the parks is exhausting. I felt it might be in everyone's interest if we all had some alone time in a private room in order to recharge.