We are a family of 5. Now what do we do?

Disney seems predisposed to the notion that families of four are the only ones who travel to Disney World.

Why?

Well, all of their regular resort rooms usually sleep only four people. 

You might be thinking to yourself, "Well, I'll just get a rollaway." Most Disney resort hotels don't even offer that option.

So what do you do?

The obvious choice, and the one Disney probably would prefer you to make, is to purchase two rooms.  I'd like you to think about that one for a minute.  With two rooms, you have two bathrooms. If you have five or more people in your party, wouldn't it be nice if you didn't have to share one bathroom? 

If you scored connecting rooms, you could leave the connecting doors open for a more spacious feeling.  But watch how you make the room request.  Don't make the mistake of asking for adjoining rooms.  To Disney, adjoining means next to each other.  If you want an inside door connecting your two rooms, you need to request connecting rooms. 

However, I fully acknowledge that some budgets may not find that a workable option. The fact of the matter is when you have a larger family, you have more expenses.  It is what it is. 

Here are some options for you to consider:

1.  Reserve two rooms as discussed above.

2.  Reserve a Family Suite at the All Star Music Resort
A few years back, Disney converted the rooms in one of the buildings at All Star Music into Family Suites.  It's roughly the space of two regular hotel rooms and sleeps up to six people. There is a queen bed, full size sofa and two chairs that convert into twin beds. You get benefits of space, two full bathrooms and a kitchenette. Many families find the kitchenette handy because they can manage snacks and some meals in the room.

3. Cabins at Fort Wilderness.
Each log cabin sleeps up to 6 people.  The living room has a pull-down double bed.  The bed room has a double bed and a set of bunk beds. The space you have here is amazing!  It not only has a living room, but also has a full kitchen.  Cabins receive full housekeeping.  You don't have to do the dishes!

4. Port Orleans - Riverside
In some rooms at POR, trundle beds pull out from under one of the double beds in the guest room.  However, this trundle is small.  If you have a party of all adults or even older children, it may not be the best choice.  Be aware of its limitations.

5. Select Deluxe Resort Rooms
Some rooms at Deluxe Resorts have two queen beds and a day bed and can sleep up to five.  Inquire at the time of reservation if these rooms are available for your dates.

6. Deluxe Villas Resort Rooms
The larger accommodations are part of the Deluxe Villas Resorts which are Disney Vacation Club properties. For families of five or more, you can select a 1-bedroom villa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas at Kidani Village. There is a king bed in the bedroom plus a pull-out queen sofa and twin convertible chair in the living room.  These units also include a full kitchen and two bathrooms.

The other Deluxe Villas properties do not have the same 1-bedroom villa configuration.  Technically, those units will only sleep four, though reservations for five can be made. In general, Disney will not provide bedding for a fifth person.

The other options are the 2-bedroom and Grand Villas units.  Each has a full kitchen and living areas.  A 2-bedroom unit sleeps 8 or 9 people and a Grand Villa sleeps 12 or 13 people, depending on the resort.

These tend to be the highest priced rooms on property, but can be cost-effective if you have a large party.

You can stay at a Disney Resort if you plan ahead.  Evaluate all your options and see what works for you.  If in the end, it doesn't feel like a good fit, then you can look at off-site options.