Families of 5 About This Page:

[babyruth]

Hello everyone! It's been awhile! Since my last trip I've acquired a fiance and 2 future step kids. We are looking into a Disney trip and I gulped at the cost! Our boys are 8, 11 and 13 so only 1 is a "child" by Disney standards. We would really like to do more of an "Orlando" trip and do Universal, waterparks and some dinner shows etc also, but so far I cannot find an affordable way to do this. Any other families of 5 out there have tips or recommendations? Somehow adding 1 extra person to a package for 4 people really makes the price jump- especially on property since many resorts don't have (or won't allow) 5 people in a standard room.

[B.M.]

Were a family of six and yes, any # over four raises the price signifigantly! We are staying at a value resorts with two connecting rooms. With 5 people, you actually could stay at PO Riverside (moderate resort) for cheaper than 2 values because they have rooms that accommodate 5 (2 regular beds and 1 trundle bed). That would be your cheapest option for staying on property. Also, were driving this year to save $$ because it is only costing us about $200 gas round trip compared to $200 plane ticket x's 6. The admission tickets are pretty much a fixed price. We are also going during free dining so that is saving us a BUNDLE!

[B.M.]

Thought I'd add- since yall are doing other places in addition to Disney; you might look into renting a vacation home. I've heard great things about All Star Vacation Homes including low prices.....

[srsatkowiak]

Originally Posted by babyruth

Somehow adding 1 extra person to a package for 4 people really makes the price jump- especially on property since many resorts don't have (or won't allow) 5 people in a standard room.

You could look into renting DVC points. This could be a real value for you.

[Wantland]

Try cyberrentals.com, great vacation homes

[Caldercup]

I would say you'd get the most affordable vacation with a vacation home (since you'll have to rent a car anyway to get to the other parks/attractions.) All Star is a supporter of PassPorter and many people have had great experiences with them.

For tickets, go through one of the ticket brokers (I love Undercovertourist.com, especially with the extra discount sent to suscribers of the free newsletter at Mousesavers.com.) The Orlando Flex Ticket may work out well for your needs.

Good luck!
Eileen

[ShellingConnie]

I'd rent a vacation home with that many people since you will have a car. You can google Windsor Hills for some choices or All Star Vacation Homes.

You can save a few dollars on tickets by going to Disney World tickets, Orlando hotels, reviews and attraction tickets - Undercover Tourist like Caldercup mentioned already. I've used them and they were great.

For Universal, their website has ticket deals sometimes.
Also if you do Welcome to My Coke Rewards | My Coke Rewards and get 2000 points, you may be able to get a free ticket to Universal when it's available. You are only allowed to do this twice though per address I think. Or maybe it's per email address. Hmmm. I should check this out closer.

Now for dinner shows, what did you have in mind? Some of them outside of Disney may have discounts listed on their websites. Medieval Times usually has discounts and they are fun. I also grab travel magazines from places like McDonald's when we travel. They sometimes have discounts for fun places.

Good luck and have fun searching for discounts. I love finding discounts when I travel. It drives DH crazy when I pull out coupons and stuff but he does like the saving money part.

[5SOXFNZ]

We have stayed many times at the Sheraton Vistana resort. It's a nice location for both Disney and Universal and you can't beat having the kitchen.

[mom2twingirlies]

I agree with either a vacation home or a off property resort that has more room and a kitchen which can also keep down the costs of constantly eating out.

We have stayed at both Cypress Pointe and Vistana, both are nice, but we preferred Vistana.

[EasyAS123]

Don't know if you qualify, but if you are military or retired military check out Shades of Green. We tried to get in there, but ended up being booked overflow into POR since they can handle 5.

[TheMcCombie5]

we are a family of 5 and stayed at POR. In october we are going back but will be including Sea World and Maybe Universal studios, and will either take a taxi or bus.

[Sue M.]

The POR Alligator Bayou sectin allows 5 in a standard room. They have a trundle bed.

My guess is that you'll have a car rental if you are doing an Orlando Vacation? If so, we've stayed at The Hyatt Place Suites on I-drive. I'd say they are near to SeaWorld and in between WDW and Universal. They have a bedroom with 2 beds, queen I think. and a living room area with a pull out sofa. Fridge & micorwave in room and continental breakfast downstairs in the mornings. We got a great rate on Hotwire for $45 a night. I put in SeaWorld area. The hotel doesn't have park shuttles, so you would need a car. But the location is great, near restaurants & attractions on the Drive!