Are you looking for Disney World accommodations for a large family? In this article I am sharing the best Disney resorts for large families.
I love staying on-site at Disney World during our vacations. We have stayed on-site each time we have visited Disney World and have experienced different Disney resorts.
Walt Disney World resort in Orlando Florida offers many on-site Disney resorts. Some offer the minimal amenities and motel style resorts, while others offer 3 bedroom villas with all the amenities of home.
Disney World offers different tiers for their hotels. They are the Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe category to fit any budget with themes from playful to sophisticated.
I always suggest staying on-site when visiting Walt Disney World if you are planning on spending all of your time at the parks.
I know in recent years there are less perks to staying on-site but personally I like to take advantage of the on-site transportation that offers easy access to the parks as well as the all inclusive feel.
If you plan to visit Universal or have a few non-park days you may want to consider staying off-site at a vacation rental or condo.
If you are a family of 5 or more, your hotel options are limited if you are trying to stay within a budget. It is not impossible, but you have to do a little more research.
There are places that will accommodate large families at most Disney World resorts but with more people the cost increases.
Keep in mind that budget friendly at Disney World is a bit different than staying off-site.
You will most likely find more frugal options off-site and you will usually get a lot more space, but you will not be on Disney property.
As a family you need to decide if staying on-site is worth the upcharge.
Best Disney Resorts for Large Families
When deciding which Disney vacation resorts made our list we created a criteria based on the following:
The Disney resort must fit the five of us. This sounds obvious, but it is important to read about the bed situations. As the kids get older and bigger we need space, and beds, for all five of us.
Also consider the comfort of sleeping on a pull-out sofa for a week. We did use the pull out sofa at Disney’s Art of Animation and it was comfortable. Consider the length of your stay and who will be sleeping where.
The resort must be within our family vacation budget. Honestly- our budget changes for every trip. Some trips we are willing to splurge on our resort and others we spend more at the parks.
If we are staying for a week we try to save more money on the resort. If we are staying for a night or two and are planning a lot of resort time, we may splurge a little on the accommodations.
My best recommendation is to price all the resorts that you like and then decide. The $100 difference of two resorts might be worth it if you plan on spending a day at the pool and water slides.
The convenience and the magic of staying on-site is great for people that want to stay inside the Disney bubble.
Luckily there are some amazing Disney World accommodations for families of five that stay within a budget and don’t skimp on any of the Disney magic.
Disney Accommodations for Families of Five: Disney Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is an island themed resort in the Epcot area. It is a moderate resort and prices range from $200 and up. They offer themed pirate rooms at an added expense.
This resort is huge. There are multiple bus stops and many different areas.
We stayed in the Jamaica area and liked the close proximity to the buses and skyliner. The longest walk was to the main pool and dining options.
Even with the walk it was less than 10 minutes and there are smaller pools scattered through the resort.
I was a little concerned about the size of the resort when we arrived but I was pleasantly surprised. Before we arrived, I did some research about the area I wanted to stay.
We chose Jamaica and have also stayed in Martinique.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach resort is also on the Disney Skyliner transportation system. This is a gondola system that transports guests between select resorts, and Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Because of this addition the resort prices have seen an increase.
Quick Tip: Take a look at the map of the resort and decide what is important to you. We wanted to be close to a bus stop and the food court.
The bus stop was more important because we would be spending more of our day at the park then at the resort.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has updated their pirate themed rooms. They are now a subtle The Little Mermaid theme and include a 5th sleeper for larger groups.
Disney Caribbean Beach Resort Details:
Location: Epcot Area/Moderate Resort
- Room Details: 2 Queen Beds & a 5th sleeper
- Food Details:
- Counter Service- Centertown Market
- Table Service- Sebastian’s Bistro + Spyglass Grill
- Resort Entertainment:
- Large Pool with 2 Waterslides
- Splash Area for Children under 48′
- Smaller Pools across the Resort
- Playground
- Evening Movie Under the Stars
- Ongoing Daily Activities by the Pool (Check your resort schedule.)
- Arcade
- Transportation:
- Bus to All Theme Parks and Disney Springs
- Skyliner to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Extras:
- Pirate Adventure Cruise(This requires reservations/extra fee.)
Family of Five Accommodations at Disney Port Orleans Resort-Riverside
Disney Port Orleans Resort-Riverside is all about the charm. This resort can be confusing because there is a Port Orleans-Riverside and a Port Orleans-French Quarter. Port Orleans-Riverside has the rooms that accommodate 5.
If you stay at one resort you can walk between the two and use the pools at both. They also offer Royal Guest Rooms that have a Royal Princess theme and can be booked for an extra charge.
Port Orleans-Riverside Details:
Location: Disney Springs Resort Area / Moderate Resort
- Room Details: 2 Queen Beds & a 5th Sleeper
- Food Details:
- Counter Service-Riverside Mill Food Court
- Table Service- Boatwright’s Dining Hall(Reservations Recommended)
- Resort Entertainment:
- Large Pool with Waterslides
- Splash Area for Children under 48′
- Smaller Pools across the Resort
- Playground
- Evening Movie Under the Stars
- Ongoing Daily Activities by the Pool (Check your resort schedule.)
- Arcade
- Transportation:
- Bus to All Theme Parks
- Water Taxi to Disney Springs
- Extras:
- Pirate Adventure Cruise(This requires reservations/extra fee.)
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides (Fee)
Family Suites at Disney World: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation Resort is one of the most “Disney” resorts on property. It is full of fun photo ops and Disney characters from the lobby to the rooms.
There are 4 themes at Art of Animation: The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King. The Little Mermaid is a standard room and fits up to four people. The other three sections are 6 people suites.
Art of Animation is one of my favorite resorts because the theme is so fun and all Disney. You can read more about it in our full review: Why Art of Animation is Awesome for Families.
Art of Animation is also along the Disney Skyliner system that offers guests a gondola ride to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Art of Animation Details:
Location: Wide World of Sports Resort Area/Value Resort
- Room Details: 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Table Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
- Food Details:
- Counter Service-Landscape of Flavors Food Court(I have read great reviews of the food here.)
- Table Service- None
- Resort Entertainment:
- Largest Pool at any Disney Resort (No waterslides)
- Splash Area
- Smaller Pools across the Resort
- Playground
- Evening Movie Under the Stars
- Ongoing Daily Activities by the Pool (Check your resort schedule.)
- Arcade
- Transportation:
- Bus to All Theme Parks and Disney Springs
- Skyliner to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
My only issue with Art of Animation is that it is not really a value price. During peak seasons, I have seen it as high as $400+ a night. I feel like this is a little steep for a night at a hotel that you often don’t spend much time in.
If you can visit in the off-season it is worth a look. I have also seen it as low at $220 a night. Still a little expensive but the space of the suite is a really nice perk.
Disney Accommodations for Family of 6: Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
All-Star Music Resort is all about the music. Fun music themed décor are all over this value resort. Similar to Art of Animation this hotel offers suites that fit up to a family of 6. All-Star Music is among 3 of the All-Star hotels.
These include All-Star Sport and All-Star Movies. Each resort is themed around this topic. It is not specific to Disney characters like Art of Animation, but kids love the larger than life decorations that you find throughout this hotel.
Another perk of All-Star Music is it is less expensive then the suites at Art of Animation.
When I searched, it was about $75 less than the suites at Art of Animation. If you are looking for a family suite on a budget this might be the right pick for you.
All Star Music Details:
Location: Wide World of Sports Resort Area/Value Resort
- Room Details: 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair, 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa, 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Ottoman
- Food Details:
- Counter Service-Intermission Food Court
- Table Service- None
- Resort Entertainment:
- Themed Pool Area (No waterslides)
- Splash Area
- Smaller Pools across the Resort
- Playground
- Evening Movie Under the Stars
- Ongoing Daily Activities by the Pool (Check your resort schedule.)
- Arcade
- Transportation:
- Bus to All Theme Parks and Disney Springs(At times buses are shared between all 3 All-Star resorts.)
Camping at Disney World The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
The cabins are located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. It is a themed campground and they offer campsites as well as on-site lodging.
This resort is huge and it is a great choice for Disney World accommodation for large families that need some space. They have a resort bus to take you around the resort as well as bus and boat transportation to the theme parks.
It is a great resort to getaway from the busy parks and have a moment to relax. Guests can visit the horse stable and end the night with s’mores at the campfire.
Check out this review: Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort Details:
Location: Magic Kingdom Area/ Moderate Resort
- Room Details:1 Queen Bed and 1 Bunk Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
- Food Details:
- Counter Service-P & J’s Southern Takeout
- Table Service- Trail’s End Restaurant(Reservations Recommended)
- Dinner Shows- Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue & Mickey’s Backyard BBQ (Reservations Required)
- Resort Entertainment:
- Large Pool with Waterslides
- Splash Area
- Smaller Pools across the Resort
- Playground
- Evening Movie Under the Stars
- Ongoing Daily Activities by the Pool (Check your resort schedule.)
- Arcade
- Transportation:
- Bus to Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, & Disney Springs
- Water Taxi to Magic Kingdom
- Extras:
- Archery
- Tri-Circle-D Ranch
- Chip & Dale Campfire Sing-Along(Free. Bring your own Marshmallows. Can be purchased on-site)
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides (Fee)
FAQ’s About Disney Resorts for Large Families
Are there bunk beds at Disney Resorts?
No, there are not currently rooms with bunk beds on-site at the Disney World Resort.
Can you fit 5 people in a room that fits 4 at a Disney resort?
Not really. If you are traveling with young children, under 3 you can fit 5 in a standard 4 person room. If you are traveling with 5+ people there isn’t a lot of space in the room for more than 4 and you have to include everyone in your party on your reservation when booking.
What age is the 5th sleeper best for?
On the Disney website it recommends 9 and under but we have slept on it with teens. I can fit on it comfortably as well.
What is the least expensive Disney resort for a family of five?
The least expensive Disney Resort for a family of five would typically be Disney’s Caribbean Beach or Disney’s Port Orleans. These will have rooms with 2 queen beds and a 5th sleeper.
Do the Disney resorts have family suites?
Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s All Star Music Resort has family suites. This offers separate bedroom with its own bathroom. The main area has a murphy bed that is also a dining table as well as a pull-out sofa.
Consider Adjoining Rooms for Large Groups at Disney World
If these resorts are not in your budget, do not let that stop your family from planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Another great option is to book 2 adjoining rooms at a value resort.
At times the Value Resorts can be booked as low as $120 a night. We have booked adjoining rooms in the past and the cast members were very helpful and accommodating.
More Disney Resorts for a Large Family
Most of the Deluxe resorts like the Rivera Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian offer rooms that can fit a larger family.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has recently updated Moana rooms that can sleep 5.
The Disney Vacation Club suites can also be rented. Some of these are equipped with a full kitchen and lots of space for families.
The prices on these larger suites can range from $500 to over $1000.00 a night. It is worth looking into and running the numbers on what your cost will be.
Cost is determined by inventory, expected crowds, and the season.
I always recommend doing research on the resorts you are interested and seeing what the cost will be for the time you want to visit.
Planning Tips for Disney World Accommodations for Large Families
- Always run the numbers on every sale that is offered. Check each promotion and see what is the best one for your family. I have shared links above to my partner Undercover Tourist that offers great deals for tickets and resorts!
- Figure out what you really need. Will you be spending time at the pool or in the hotel room? Will most of your days be spent at the parks?
- How much will it cost for transportation and parking if you stay off-site? Parking is around $20+ a day. This can be a big expense and should be added into your budget. There is a nightly charge for resort parking and you can find that here.
