Groups of Five or More: Where to Stay at Disney World?
I grew up in a family of five, and I am now the mother of three beautiful girls, so I understand how frustrating it can sometimes be to see that a room sleeps "up to four people." The immediate response is: "But what about us?"
Thankfully, Disney has thought of the larger family, and continues to add options for groups of more than 4 people.
Read more to find out about various resort options for groups of 5 or more.
Limitations
Before I explain the different options available, I first want to be sure that we are working from a similar understanding of Disney guidelines. When Disney resorts specify a maximum number of people in a room, in reality, that means that specified number plus an additional child under 3. This is because that child could stay in the Pack-n-Play and does not necessarily take up bed space. So if you are a family of five and one of your children is still under the age of 3, you can still stay in a room that specifies a maximum of four people.
We stayed in a Standard Room at Wilderness Lodge for this trip.
Deluxe Resorts
All of the deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World have rooms that accommodate at least 5 people.
Contemporary Resort
At some resorts, this requires staying in a Club Level Room:
- Animal Kingdom Lodge: The 1-Bedroom Suite accommodates up to 6 people and the 2-Bedroom Suite accommodates up to 8 people.
- Wilderness Lodge Resort: The Deluxe Club Level Room accommodates up to 6 people.
At other resorts, the standard room accommodates at least five people:
- Beach Club Resort: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed or sleeper chair in addition to 2 queen beds. (Club Level 2-Bedroom Suites are also available; these accommodate up to 7 people.)
- Boardwalk Inn: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed in addition to 2 queen beds. (Club Level Deluxe Rooms are also available; these accommodate up to 6 people.)
- Contemporary Resort: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed or sleeper sofa in addition to 2 queen beds. (Club Level Suites are also available; these accommodate up to 7 people.)
- Grand Floridian Resort: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed in addition to 2 queen beds. (Club Level Suites are also available; these accommodate up to 6 people.)
- Polynesian Resort: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed or sleeper sofa in addition to 2 queen beds.
- Yacht Club Resort: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed or sleeper chair in addition to 2 queen beds.
Beach Club
Moderate Resorts
Some of the moderate resorts also offer options for groups of more than 4 people:
- Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: These cabins include a living space with fully-equipped kitchen as well as a bedroom area, and accommodate up to 6 people.
- Coronado Springs Resort: This resort offers Suites that accommodate up to 6 people.
- Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Standard Rooms accommodate up to 5 people by including a pull-down bunk; however, this bunk is not recommended for children over the age of 9. (Unfortunately, Royal Guest Rooms do not include this option, and only accommodate 4 people.)
Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Value Resorts
Two of the value resorts offer Family Suites that accommodate up to 6 people, and include a small kitchenette and 2 full bathrooms.
- Art of Animation Resort: This newest addition to Disney resorts consists mostly of Family Suites. These suites include a queen bed and either a table bed or sleeper sofa. These suites have themes inspired by the movies Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King.
- All-Star Music Resort: There are a small number of Family Suites available at this resort. These include a queen bed, sleeper sofa, convertible ottoman, and convertible chair.
Art of Animation - Finding Nemo Family Suite
Deluxe Villas
It is possible to reserve any of the Deluxe Villas (which are also the Disney Vacation Club Villas). These are perfect for larger groups, as some villas can accommodate up to 9 people. Of course, these are also the most expensive option.
- Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House: The 1- Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 5 people.
- Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village: The 1-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 5 people and the 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 9 people.
- Bay Lake Tower (at Contemporary Resort): The 1-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 5 people and the 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 9 people.
- Beach Club Villas: The 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 8 people.
- BoardWalk Villas: The 2-Bedroom Lock-off Villa accommodates up to 8 people.
- Old Key West Resort: The 1-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 5 people and the 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 9 people.
- Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa: The 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 8 people and the Treehouse Villa accommodates up to 9 people.
- Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge: The 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 8 people.
Preferences
When asked my opinion on options for groups larger than 4 people, there are several factors to consider. What is most important?
- Budget? If you have a lower budget to consider, and a child small enough for the pull-down bunk, Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is by far the best choice. It is the lowest cost option per night for a group of 5.
- Group of 6? For a group of 6, I highly recommend the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. These cabins cost only slightly more per night than the Family Suites at the Art of Animation Resort, and offer a fully equipped kitchen, plus boat launch service to the Magic Kingdom. If cost is an overriding factor, the Family Suites at All-Star Music Resort are the most economical.
- Proximity to major theme parks? The rooms at Beach Club Resort and Boardwalk Inn are the most economical of the deluxe resorts, and have boat launch service to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The Contemporary Resort has the lowest cost rooms of the deluxe Magic Kingdom resorts. However, if budget is a consideration, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground are much more budget-friendly, and still close to the Magic Kingdom.
- Luxury? If cost is not an issue, then of course the best options are the Deluxe Villa Resorts. These have ample space plus many are close to major theme parks. My recommendations are the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge or Bay Lake Tower, as these are closest to the Magic Kingdom and the villas themselves are very nice. If Epcot is more your style, the Beach Club Villas are another good option. However, since these villas are designed for luxury, it makes little difference which one you choose!
Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
What do you think? Which large group accommodation would be best for your family or group?
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Have a magical day!
