Hello, Christine!
Walt Disney World Value Resorts surley help get the most bang for your vacation buck! I stay in a value resort once a year, and find them to be absolutely wonderful!
Check out the soon-to-open Disney's Art of Animation Resort, whose family suites will help your family of five enjoy not only a bit more space, a second bathroom and three separate sleeping areas, but also a mini kitchen. Disney's All-Star Music Resort also offers these family suites and, depending on your dates of travel, may cost a bit less than the newest family suites. Price out a trip to both resorts to compare costs online.
To cut down on costs, we book the Disney Dining Plan, which includes a Table-Service meal, a Quick-Service meal and a snack per person, per night of stay. As of 2012, the Dining Plan also gives each person one resort-refillable mug, so fountain beverages by the pool, or on your way back to your suite are already included! Disney's Quick-Service Dining Plan is even less expensive, so compare your trip with either one of these plans.
With a mini kitchen in your suite, you can have breakfast in your room before heading out for a day in the parks. (The mini kitchen includes a microwave, compact refrigerator and coffeemaker.) Your resort gift shop will have a small grocery section, where most popular items will be available for purchase. However, we also ship a box of breakfast goodies and "must-haves" to our resort (labeled with our name and "resort guest".) This, too, will save money without making anyone feel as if you're penny-pinching. In fact, everyone might feel a bit spoiled to have the comforts of home right there for your own enjoyment.
Please send me your additional questions as you narrow down your choices for an economical, yet fantastic stay in Walt Disney World! I'd love to help!