Walt Disney World Resort is more than just one of the most well-likedtop family travel destinations in the United States, it’s among the most well-likedfamily vacation ideasthroughout the entire world, that’s all. With fourOrlando theme parks to visit, two Disney water parks, and numerous shopping and dining choices, the last thing a big family needs is to feel confined in a small hotel room. Fortunately, Disney understands what families need when it comes to accommodations. So many of thetop hotels close to Disney Worldwere created with big families or groups in consideration.
These bigger lodging options usually include several sleeping areas, a spacious bathroom (or even two), and some feature a full kitchen or kitchenette allowing you to prepare some of your own meals. In fact, preparing simple meals in your hotel room is one of my top budget-friendly tips at Disney World. In rooms with full kitchens, I enjoy making dishes such as tacos, spaghetti, and patty melts. I usually bring my groceries since I drive to the parks, but it’s convenient to have essentials delivered to your hotel through services like Kroger grocery delivery or Instacart. Just remember to adhere to Disney’s guidelines for food deliveries.
Top Disney World hotels for big families
Begin your day with more knowledge. Receive all the news you need in your email every morning.
Typically, Disney hotels designed for big families include two standard beds and a smaller fold-down daybed, which is perfect for children. There’s no need to worry about storage space, as the beds in most Disney World hotels are elevated, allowing you to keep your bags underneath. Bathrooms usually come with ample cubbies and shelves for additional storage.
ROOM FOR EVERYONE:Top 15 all-inclusive resorts ideal for big families
Regardless of your budget, preferred theme, or location relative to the theme parks, there’s a Disney hotel room that can comfortably accommodate five or more people with your family’s name attached. Here aremy top choices for the best Walt Disney World hotels for big families.
Top Disney World Value Resorts for Large Families
Only two value-tier resorts at Disney World accommodate five or more guests.
▶Disney’s Animation Art ResortIf you have young children who enjoy Disney animated films, you might want to look into one of the family suites atDisney’s Animation Art Resort. You have three distinct themes to select from:Cars,Finding Nemo, orThe Lion King. I am fond of the rooms that are themed toThe Lion Kingsince it was one of my favorite films during my childhood.
All family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort come with identical facilities, making the choice simply about selecting the theme that appeals to you. Every room includes a Murphy bed that functions as a table, a sofa bed, a queen-sized bed, two bathrooms (one located in the main living space and the other in the queen bedroom), and a compact kitchen area. This kitchenette is ideal for preparing simple breakfasts such as cereal with milk or keeping snacks on hand to enjoy after a day at the parks.
EXTRAS INCLUDED:19 budget-friendly amusement park hotels offering enchanting benefits
▶My recent visit to Art of AnimationI recently spent a night in one of the Cars Family Suites, and it was really adorable. As I approached the Cars-themed section of the hotel, it felt as if Radiator Springs had been transported right into the heart of Walt Disney World. There are numerous photo opportunities in this part of the hotel, including with some of the Cars “characters” (it’s important to note that these are not actual character meet-and-greets, and the Cars won’t speak. They are more like staged photos with movie props), the Cozy Cone Motel sign, and other attractions.
The accommodations were large and had an enjoyable blend of a car garage aesthetic with metal diamond-patterned doors and drawers, along with the cozy appeal of Route 66. Although I didn’t prepare any food in the room, it would have been simple to do so with the presence of a small counter, refrigerator, and microwave. The room is equipped with single-use plates, bowls, and eating utensils.
▶Disney’s All-Star Music Resort: At Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, the family suites are designed with themes featuring Mickey and his friends enjoying various music styles. Throughout the room, you’ll notice elements of this theme, but it’s not too excessive.
In the first room of the suites, there are two Murphy beds that can also be used as a couch and a table. There is also a small kitchen area equipped with a full-size refrigerator and a microwave. I enjoy bringing snacks such as popcorn, toaster pastries, or pizza pockets to warm up in the microwave for a quick meal before returning to the parks in the evening. Each family suite at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort includes two separate bathrooms, which is convenient for larger groups andmultigenerational Disney family vacationswhere several individuals are attempting to prepare simultaneously to go to the amusement parks.
Top Disney World Mid-Range Hotels for Families with 5 or More People
Two mid-range resorts at Disney World provide plenty of room for a big family without needing to book a club-level room or a villa.
▶Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resorthas turned into a popular destination for visitors, partly because of its direct connection to the Disney Skyliner. This is the resort where all the lines of the Disney Skyliner gondola network meet, and residing here provides you with entry to the main station, making it convenient to reach eitherEPCOTor Disney’s Hollywood Studios (host of theStar Wars land, Galaxy’s Edge).
Rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort are charming and feature an enjoyable decor.Caribbean vacationtheme. Visitors requiring the fifth sleeper should look for that detail on the standard, preferred, or water view rooms. These rooms include two queen-sized beds and a compact fold-down bed featuring a painting of Mickey and Pluto resting on a beach.
I enjoy being here not only because of the Skyliner convenience, but also because after a busy yet enjoyable day at the parks, the peaceful escape seems completely separate from the park area. I like to find a place by the lake and sit on a bench or in a hammock to unwind before returning to my room for the night.
▶Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside: At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, fifth sleepers can be booked with a standard view or a forest view. The large rooms feature laminate flooring and a subtle “The Princess and the Frog” motif. This becomes clear when you lower the bed beneath the television to uncover an image of Louis, Ray, and the frog versions of Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen resting on the bayou. Children will enjoy sleeping on the fold-down bed due to the charming bayou setting.
The restrooms in these rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are spacious and include a double sink, along with a playful reference to Ray and Evangeline from the movie. This is my top choice for larger families, and I strongly suggest these rooms if you intend to spend time at Disney Springs because there is direct access to the entertainment area through free boat rides.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:How to utilize Disney Genie and Genie+
On certain nights, you can experience Yehaa Bob Jackson at the hotel’s River Roost Lounge. This kid-friendly performance is among my top choices for entertainment beyond the theme parks. Jackson’s energetic character and humorous behavior keep the crowd engaged (sometimes literally, as fathers and children are frequently invited to dance throughout the lounge), and all sing along to some of the most famous songs ever recorded. If you’re planning to attend the show, it’s recommended to arrive approximately an hour before the scheduled time, which is listed on the Walt Disney World website.
Top Disney World Deluxe Resorts for Families with 5 or More Members
Disney’s premium resorts are generally the ones located nearest to the theme parks. Accommodations at these deluxe resorts tend to be the priciest at Walt Disney World. There are six Disney hotels in this category that are ideal for larger families.
▶Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and SpaOne of the prominent hotels at Walt Disney World,Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, is absolutely massive, as are its guest rooms. The rooms have a funMary Poppins Returnstheme. Children will enjoy finding Mary, Bert, and the adorable penguins from the films scattered around the room.
DISNEY DINING:11 unique Disney dishes you must sample at Disney World
What I appreciate most about these rooms is the generous storage space, featuring a wall lined with closets. This makes it easy for everyone to unpack and not have to live out of their bags. Regardless of which building your guest room is in, the views are probably impressive, with Seven Seas Lagoon, the Monorail, or Magic Kingdom all visible.
I also really like how accessible two of the theme parks are from this resort. If you’re heading to Magic Kingdom, you can board one of the resort’s boats, walk, or take the monorail. If you’re going to EPCOT, you can take the monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center and then transfer to the EPCOT line.
▶Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Disney’s Contemporary Resortconsists of several buildings, although many people envision the famous main building that the monorail passes through every few minutes. Families with children should consider reserving a room in the main building, where the accommodations are designed with themes to suit different interests.The Incredibles. These family-friendly rooms feature two queen-sized beds and a pull-out sofa, providing comfortable accommodation for five guests.
If you’re seeking a more mature ambiance at your Disney hotel, you might want to reserve one of the garden wings at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; they are next to the main tower and offer a stunning view of Bay Lake. These rooms also feature the latest updates.Incrediblestheming, but are somewhat quieter because the monorail doesn’t pass through. When I’m staying in a Garden Wing room, I always ask for a first-floor room during the online check-in. All ground-level rooms feature large patios with chairs and a small table, whereas rooms on higher floors don’t have outdoor areas.
▶Disney’s Yacht Club ResortIf you’re part of a big family and prefer to be close enough to walk to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you might want to look into staying atDisney’s Yacht Club Resort. The ocean-inspired hotel offers rooms with standard, wooded, or water vistas that can sleep up to five individuals with two queen beds and a pull-out couch. If possible, go for the water view rooms to take in the morning sunrise over Crescent Lake and watch the EPCOT evening fireworks from the balcony of your room.
Disney’s Yacht Club is home to one of Disney’s most beloved pools, Stormalong Bay, which it shares with its neighboring resort, Disney’s Beach Club. Make sure to take some time at this pool, which includes a sandy bottom, a large water slide, and a gentle lazy river.
▶Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Situated just beside Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,Disney’s Beach Club Resortis a fun coastal getaway that evokes aNew England beach town. Several rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Resort can accommodate five people (or up to six adults when reserving a deluxe room). Additionally, its impressive pool, Stormalong Bay, is very popular among families.
EXTRA MAGIC:How to extend your time at Disney or Universal past the standard theme park closing times
Similar to Disney’s Beach Club Resort, this Disney hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as Disney’s BoardWalk, a popular spot where visitors often spend time shopping and eating after the theme parks close. I usually stay here when I intend to experience one ofEPCOT’s many festivalssince I can access the park through the back entrance, referred to as the International Gateway.
▶Disney’s BoardWalk InnOf the resorts located at Crescent Lake within Walt Disney World,Disney’s BoardWalk Innis popular with families of all sizes. The hotel offers a lively nightlife with several bars and dining options, and it’s just a brief walk away from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The resort offers spacious rooms equipped with two queen-sized beds and a day bed, providing a fifth sleeping option. Although the room may seem a bit cramped when the day bed is unfolded, it works well for families of five once the bed is transformed back into a couch.
▶Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resortis renowned for its famous dining spots, breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom, and of course, itsMoana-Themed guest rooms. The lodging is charming, featuring a variety of island hues, a large mural on one wall that resembles Maui’s tattoos, and decorations showcasing Moana, Pua, and Hei Hei. Every guest room at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort includes two queen-sized beds and a pull-out sofa bed, along with ample space for belongings.
One of my favorite Disney indulgences is to reserve a room with a theme park view at the resort and watch theMagic Kingdom fireworksShow it from my balcony. If I truly want to pamper myself, I’ll also get a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai to savor right before the fireworks begin.
Speaking of cuisine, the resort features a new eatery called Wailulu Bar & Grill. This indoor and outdoor dining spot is situated in the newly built Island Tower, yet guests staying at the Polynesian are welcome to enjoy meals here. I really enjoy perching at the bar, ordering a drink and a main course, and taking in the ambiance of the resort. The menu offers dishes with tropical influences, but my favorites are the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl and the Wayfinder Burger.
Top Deluxe Villas suitable for families with 5 or more members
▶The Lodges at Disney’s Fort Wilderness ResortOne of my preferred hotel choices at Walt Disney World isThe Lodges at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Recently transformed into the 17th resort property of Disney Vacation Club, the brand-new cabins seamlessly combine rustic and modern styles. Each cabin can accommodate up to six adults, featuring a queen bed, a pull-out sofa, and a set of bunk beds. Although there is just one bathroom in the cabin, you gain access to a full kitchen and an outdoor grill. I enjoy using the grill for meals on pleasant days. Simple choices include hot dogs and burgers, but I’ve also prepared complete seafood boils and sausage with peppers on the grill. And there’s no need to bring your own charcoal. It can be purchased at the gift shop located at Fort Wilderness.
Every cabin at Disney’s Fort Wilderness features a spacious front porch equipped with a picnic table. This is an excellent choice for families who prefer to take breaks from the parks during their vacation.
WHERE TO EAT:Disney’s meal plan explained: Comprehensive guide to Walt Disney World’s prepaid dining options
▶My recent visit to Disney’s Fort Wilderness ResortRecently, while staying at the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, my family spent three days preparing our own meals, appreciating the outdoors, and having a great time within the campgrounds that we didn’t even need to leave the resort to visit a park – and westillDidn’t get to experience everything that Fort Wilderness has to offer! One of the top activities here is the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, a dinner show where you can enjoy as much as you want, featuring southern favorites such as fried chicken, ribs, mashed potatoes, baked beans, and strawberry shortcake for dessert.
These 11 Disney World resorts are ideal for families with five or more members originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
More from FamilyVacationist:
- What is the optimal time to go to Disney World and Disneyland?
- New to Disney? Here’s how to organize a Disney trip
- What to bring to Disney World (and what to leave behind)
The perspectives and viewpoints presented in this column are those of the writer and may not align with the positions of USA TODAY.FamilyVacationist.comandTourScoop.comare owned and managed by Vacationist Media LLC. Utilizing theFamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we examine and choosefamily vacation ideas,family vacation spots,all-inclusive family resorts, andclassic family vacationsfor all ages. TourScoop providesguided group excursions and travel agencies,tour operator reviews,tour itinerary reviewsandtravel gear recommendations.If you purchase a product using a link found in our content, we might receive a commission.
This piece first was published on USA TODAY:These 11 Disney World resorts are ideal for families with five or more members
