If like me, you are part of a large family, you may find booking hotel rooms for a family vacation something of a headache. All too often, you find rooms are set up for four, or five at maximum.
Where can a family of 6 stay at Disney World? There are a number of resorts within Disney World where your whole family can stay together these include camping and lodges and some of the larger hotels.
There are also many options for eating together and traveling to the parks without having to split up the troop. Disney rides and experiences are perfectly catered for keeping your family together, and you can all enjoy family photos at key landmarks or with Disney characters throughout the parks at Disney World.
Lodges and Hotels With Rooms for Six or More
You can always book two rooms at one of the hotels that don’t accommodate larger families but sometimes, this brings an added problem when the two rooms are in different parts of the hotel. If your children are older, it might feel awesome to let the kids stay alone while mom and dad have some adult time, but with younger children, it can feel like you are spending most of your stay away from your spouse.
There are many different options to cater for your family, from the more relaxed lodges to plush Disney World hotels. Those designed to house a larger family include:
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Wilderness Resort Camping
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Bay Lake Tower
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Each resort offers something different, so there is plenty to choose from depending on your family’s preference and tastes. In all cases, families can stay together in one location with a number of bedrooms, including queen size beds or bunks for children in some cases. Many also include a central area where the family can relax together to plan their itinerary for the day ahead.
Disney’s Wilderness Resort
Two alternatives are offered here: lodges or camping.
The wilderness resort celebrates the outdoors and is designed to reflect the rustic charm of the wild west. There are pioneer trails and nature walks for your family to enjoy between park visits and a variety of places to eat. Situated in the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Boulder Ridge Villas can cater for up to eight guests at a time, with two bedrooms and even a fully equipped kitchen and dining area for when you don’t want to eat out.
If you’re like me you’ll be happy to know that there are also washing and drying facilities to help you out in an emergency or to save you time when you get back from the parks.
Families with children sometimes prefer to make their own meals, making sure fussy eaters get what they want and eating at a time that suits you between activities and little ones’ bedtimes.
The Wilderness Resort also includes two pools with water slides and you can even hire a bike or take a trip on a motorized boat. There is plenty more to do on the resort itself, which is a great way to entertain older children while younger ones take a nap. From going fishing or horse-riding to an arcade and Movies Under The Stars, there is something for everyone.
Disney’s Wilderness Resort Camping
Camping at the Wilderness Resort is another option for large families.
If you don’t want to set up your own tent, you can take advantage of the log cabins. Cabins sleep up to six and offer a fully fitted kitchen for self-catering and wi-fi. If you prefer, the campsite also caters for RVs and tents.
Pro: Dogs are also welcome.
You can even order groceries to be delivered to your cabin and, if you are really organized, you can order in advance so your provisions are waiting for you when you arrive. The camping experience is made even more authentic with the chance to take part in evening campfire activities, including toasting marshmallows and watching the sun go down. There is even an exciting evening water show with music and dazzling water and light display.
Of course, you don’t have to cook for your family if you prefer to eat out. There are six restaurants in the Wilderness Lodge, offering a la carte or buffets and even a hotdog and burger van – great for kids!
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom, this modern resort has a futuristic atmosphere. The Bay Lake Tower offers suites and rooms with several bedrooms to and views include Cinderella’s Castle or the stunning lake.
Delux villas have full kitchen, washing and drying facilities and a living area where you can all spend time together. There are eleven bars and restaurants offering a range of American food and you can even take a meal in the restaurant in the sky on the monorail. If you prefer, you can order room service to your door.
Pro: You can also use the monorail to take you to the Magic Kingdom or
Epcot. There are themed pools and you can hire a cabana or take part in a number of different sports such as tennis, basketball or yoga. In addition, there is motorized boat hire, fishing trips, and a campfire experience to enjoy.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
The grand and elaborate BoardWalk Inn takes you back to the Victorian era and the splendor of the buildings can’t fail to impress as it sits proudly at the side of the river.
Deluxe rooms sleep six with the use of a queen-size sofa bed and come with Club Level Service that includes evening turn-down and complimentary access to the health suite.
There is also food included with the Club Level: you can enjoy continental breakfast, snacks at midday and cheese and wine in the evening. Refreshments are served all day in the Club Lounge, which is a great way to keep you going between activities.
There is also plenty to do at the BoardWalk Inn including pools, sports, fishing, and a Fantasia themed mini-golf course.
Pro: A children’s play park entertains the little ones.
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas are also available at this resort, which can sleep up to nine or twelve people in a large suite with full kitchen facilities, wi-fi, TV, and DVD player.
Pro: There is even the added luxury of a soaker tub and a whirlpool bath.
There is a range of restaurants and snack bars including bakeries and cake stalls with a fish restaurant and a pizza take-away that can be delivered to your door.
There is also an all-day ESPN sports bar and the resort is within walking distance to Epcot and the Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
This resort brings the world of Disney and Pixar movies to life.
Family suites include a queen-size bed, living area, and kitchenette. The swimming pool here is the largest in all of Disney World and two other pools offer the chance to relax on a lounger or cabana with cocktails served from the pool bar.
There are plenty of dining options and the resort is within easy reach of Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Hollywood Studios.
Pro: There is also a new gondola transport system that will carry you to Epcot.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
The Saratoga Springs Resort offers deluxe villas that can accommodate larger families and include the full range of home comforts with a full kitchen if you want to cater for yourselves.
There is also a whirlpool tub and washing and drying facilities. Some of the villas are Treehouse Villas with private decks and grilling facilities for a traditional family barbecue.
The resort itself is set in a Victorian-styled retreat and sunrise yoga is a popular activity. There are also a number of pools and a unique community hall where guests can take part in a range of free activities like arts and crafts or table-tennis.
Pro: Golfing enthusiasts can also enjoy a visit to the famous Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Staying here means the whole family can take advantage of the facilities at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort.
The villas offer one or two bedrooms with full kitchen and facilities.
Pro: The best thing about this resort is the fantastic water bay set in three acres with an amazing life-size shipwreck to explore.
There are huge waterslides and whirlpools for mom to chill out while the children burn off their energy. There is also an exciting Pirate Adventure Cruise where children can take part in a treasure hunt to search for pirate gold.
If you don’t feel like cooking, there are plenty of bars and restaurants including Martha’s Vineyard and a traditional Cream Soda Bar.
Extra Touches
Whichever resort suits your family best, there is a range of extra touches that can make your trip even more memorable.
Traveling between the resorts can be exciting in itself with the gondola system, monorail, and sometimes boat rides via water taxi. For the more conservative, every resort offers a free bus to help you get around and each resort allows you to park your car onsite.
The In-Room Celebrations option is another exciting extra. You can come home from a day at the parks to find your room transformed as though a Disney character has visited and left you some special gifts and keepsakes.
You asked where can a family of 6 stay at Disney World? The answer is wherever they choose! There is definitely something for everyone at Disney World. You can relax and enjoy time with your family, no matter how large, and make sure everyone has the time of their lives.