With a family of 5, your choices are narrowed down for you unless you'd like to book two rooms at any of the resorts. Knowing you'd like to see the fireworks, but are looking for something that isn't fancy & crowded, might I suggest the
Polynesian Resort. It is a deluxe resort with rooms that have views of the Magic Kingdom (fireworks!). While it seems like it would be in the hustle & bustle of the crowds, I find it a peaceful and quiet resort. Specifically, the longhouse (or building) Tahiti is more isolated & quiet. Similarly, the
Contemporary Resort, another Magic Kingdom deluxe resort, may be an option for you While the main concourse of the resort is busy, the garden wing section of the resort is quiet and secluded. It will be tricky to see the fireworks, but you can easily walk to one of the viewing areas of the tower portion of the resort to view them.
While you won't be able to see the fireworks, the
Cabins at Fort Wilderness, a moderate resort, will allow you to have a little log cabin all to yourself! You should find this a wonderfully peaceful resort away from the bigger crowds.
If you look over the resorts and room rates and would like some other suggestions, please let us know. There are other possibilities!
Visiting anytime after Thanksgiving up to week before Christmas should all be good times to visit. I should caution you that there might be one weekend in early December when the Christmas Parade is taped, which has larger crowds.
As of now, we don't know any specifics about the buses for Art of Animation. If it were to share a bus, I think it would be with Pop Century.
Thank you for the question; please let us know if we can help again.