Hey there, Kelly! Welcome to planDisney, friend! I'm so happy that you've stopped by with such an oh-so-fun vacation planning question.
I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to hear that not only are you planning your very first vacation to
Walt Disney World Resort during
the 50th Anniversary Celebration, but you will be celebrating your 40th birthday during the holiday season! That sounds like an absolute dream come true, and you and your family are in for the most magical time of your lives. Since a dream is a wish your heart makes, let's start planning your family's very first trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth to make all of your birthday wishes come true!
For a family of six or more Mouseketeers, there are plenty of accommodation options at Walt Disney World Resort! You already know about the awesome Family Suites at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, but did you know that there are also Family Suites that sleep up to six adults at
Disney's All-Star Music Resort?! These Suites are newly renovated, beautiful, usually more affordable than the Art of Animation Suites, and perfect for bigger families.
If one of the Moderate Resorts is more your style,
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort does have Suites in the Casitas section and gorgeous Club Access Suites in Gran Destino Tower that sleep six or more. I absolutely LOVE Gran Destino Tower, and the dining options at this Resort are endless! Another fantastic option for a family of six is
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. These beautiful, rustic Cabins have a full kitchen, living room and a porch with a grill for outdoor downtime. Since this is a large, woodsy, picturesque Resort, I'd recommend renting a golf cart as a fun and easy way to get your family around the Resort.
If you would prefer to enjoy the accommodations and amenities of a
Deluxe Resort hotel, some of these Resorts, such as Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, have Deluxe Rooms and/or Club Level Suites that can accommodate your family. However, as a Disney Vacation Club Member, I must recommend staying in a Two-Bedroom Villa at one of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts. You don't have to be a Member to stay in one of these fabulous Villas, and with two separate bedrooms, two or more full bathrooms, a living room, dining area, full kitchen, all of the amenities of the Deluxe Resorts with all of the comforts of home, these
Deluxe Villa Resort hotels are the perfect home away from home right in the middle of the magic. In my opinion, a Villa will make the perfect setting for your family to have a first visit and 40th birthday celebration that is practically perfect in every way.
Since you will be celebrating the big 4-0 on this trip (Welcome to the club, my friend!), be sure to check out the
Enchanting Extras Collection to find the perfect way to add even more magic to this magical family adventure!
Kelly, I hope this was helpful, and I hope you book the pixie-dusted vacation of your dreams very soon! Please stop by any time with any questions you may have along the way. You've got a friend in me! Happy planning!
I hope to see ya real soon,
Mandy