Hi Kerry,
Staying in a Disney Resort Hotel is the best way to experience Disney World because when you leave the theme parks to go "home" at night, you are still immersed in the magic. My family always stays at a Disney Resort Hotel and we love experiencing all of the different resorts because there is something truly special about each of them.
The decision of whether to go with 2 separate rooms or a 2-bedroom villa will likely depend on what level of resort you are choosing to stay at. Disney World has accommodations for every type of budget with Value Resort Hotels, Moderate Resort Hotels, Deluxe Resort Hotels, and Deluxe Villas.
If you want the most cost-effective option, that will almost always be found at the
Value Resort Hotels. Two separate rooms at the All-Star Sports Resort, All-Star Music Resort, or All-Star Movies Resort will often be cheaper than a single room at a Deluxe Resort Hotel. These resorts are great if you are trying to stretch your budget but they are a little further from the theme parks, provide only bus transportation, and have fewer dining options than a Moderate or Deluxe Resort. They still have the fun Disney World theming, free transportation to the theme parks, and the perks of being on the property.
If you are looking at a
Moderate Resort Hotel, you will still be better off going with 2 separate rooms from a cost-effective perspective. I love Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort because you can use the Disney Skyliner to go straight to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, the pool is fabulous, and there are some great food options.
Once you venture into looking at the
Deluxe Resort Hotels, you do have to make the financial decision between 2 separate rooms or a
Deluxe Villa with 2-bedrooms. The pricing will typically be pretty close between the two options but we like to opt for the 2-bedroom villa because you also get a large living and kitchen space, multiple bathrooms, and a large balcony for lounging. When traveling with a larger group having this space to hang out in the evening and relax is a huge benefit. You will also have a sofa bed in the living room that is separate for your 5th adult so they have their own space in the evening. The most cost-effective options in this category are
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa and
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas. I love both of these rooms because they are really large, have laundry facilities in your room, and an extra bathroom!
One thing to keep in mind is that connecting rooms can not be guaranteed. You can request them and Disney will do their best to accommodate you but they are never guaranteed. If you want to make sure that you are right next to each other and sharing space, the only guaranteed option is to book a 2-bedroom villa.
Happy Planning,
Jenna