On
Jan 28, 2008
Veronica from NJ
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
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Where should we stay with our family of seven, 5 kids of various ages teens to a preschooler. Any advice for doing it with big and little ones? Can we keep costs down and spend enough for a dream of a lifetime for us.”
Hi, there are a few things you could do, first I would suggest visiting late August or September, the weather is still warm, and most of the parks are operational, though the farther into September you go, some of the seasonal attractions do close. We divide and conquer with hotel rooms, our family is divided older are girls and younger are boys, so we stay in two rooms at one of Disney's Value Resorts, and we would chose Pop Century, then All-Star Sports, after that its a toss up. The older ones have cell phones, and text message through out our time. We discovered, dividing up in the Parks was not such a bad idea. We tried to walk as a group, but inevitably one or two would be sitting and waiting. Taking the teens to Sea-Raycers the boats, upon check in, we had received a coupon to rent one of the boats, and my teen daughters had a blast. I was a bit frightened, at the thought of them driving a boat, and me in the passenger seat. I survived, I'm here to attest it was fun. I've been to Cinderella's Royal table meal, and for a group with such a vast age gap, it wasn't worth it for us as they have gotten older, but Chef Mickey's was fun for everyone. Cape May Cafe at the Yacht and Beach Club, has an excellent buffet, the kids have their own buffet bar, with chicken fingers, and so much more. You could take a boat over to Hollywood Studios after lunch. Your preschooler will love the new Playhouse Disney Show, that will be debuting in Hollywood Studios. Give the kids a budget for food a day, its great. Even the preschooler. I did this with mine, and when my youngest wanted a bucket of popcorn, I asked the all important question, do you want that now, or the Ice Cream Sundae back at the Pop Century tonight. He would think, and say, sundae. Seems, I come home with more money at the end of the trip. Have a great trip!! If you have any more questions..just ask. :) Heather M.