Welcome aboard, Leah!
My family and I have sailed in all different staterooms and categories with Disney. While, sure, a Verandah stateroom would be amazing for every cruise, that isn't always in our budget either and as long as we're on the ship at sea with Captain Mickey and his crew, we are happy!
If we sail in
Oceanview staterooms, I do prefer the staterooms with one large porthole versus the staterooms on the lower decks with two smaller portholes, but if that better fits your budget, go for it! Since you've sailed with Disney before, you know that it's not about the time you spend in your stateroom, but about the activities and events you experience throughout the ship that make the cruise so magical. Some pluses to Deck Two are that it's much quieter and more secluded, unless you're directly under the nightclubs. You'll be closer to where you'll disembark and embark the ship in the ports, so when you're worn out coming back from a long fun
Port Adventure, there will be no waiting for elevators with all the other guests or long stair climbs.
I do enjoy staying on Deck Five as well because we're super close to the
Oceaneer Club and Lab so it's easy for the kids to head down the hall and check in. And it's a mid-level deck so it's pretty even to go up or down to whatever other deck we need to reach.
Leah, just choose what's best for your budget and you'll be all set. If you opt for the less expensive stateroom, you'll have extra money to spend on Port Adventures, in the
gift shops, and all sorts of other fun extras!
Happy planning!
Marcy