Anonymous wrote:If you are not wedded to the must-be-an-official-Disney-hotel concept, there are a lot of condo type resorts in Orlando with nice pools etc. that rent units for around the same price as a Disney hotel room, or cheaper. Can't see how you would have a nice time in the evenings all in the same room especially after bedtime, unless you plan to let the 4 year old etc stay up late every night for fireworks.

I agree. Check out The Wyndam at Bonnet Creek. A fabulous property; large condos; great lazy river and other amenities. So much less expensive than a Disney property.

If you are not wedded to the must-be-an-official-Disney-hotel concept, there are a lot of condo type resorts in Orlando with nice pools etc. that rent units for around the same price as a Disney hotel room, or cheaper. Can't see how you would have a nice time in the evenings all in the same room especially after bedtime, unless you plan to let the 4 year old etc stay up late every night for fireworks.

You could do a family suite at AoA - no laundry and only a kitchenette, but a real bedroom and three beds. Or you could rent DVC points and do a Villa for cheaper than through Disney. With three kids >3 you'll be limited in your non-Villa room options - I think your cheapest option are the Port Orleans Riverside rooms with a murphy bed, then family suites at AoA and All Stars, and then the Deluxe resorts that have a daybed to fit a fifth person.

Can you get a one bedroom suite with a pull out couch? That would be a good compromise.

We are planning a trip for this fall. Our previous visits had been with a grandparent and we stayed in a villa for the separate rooms. We enjoyed the ammenities of the washer/dryer, kitchen, and space.

This will be our 1st visit with just our immediate family and was debating between saving money on a standard room and the splurge of the villa.

The children will be 8, 6 and 4 so we are still planning for a break at mid-day - but maybe not naps like we have done in the past.

Thoughts?