We are a family of three but we’ve traveled to WDW with groups of extended family and friends and know that most of the resort rooms are made for four people. What’s a family of five (or more) supposed to do to when they want to go to WDW and they don’t want to break the bank?

Years ago when my sisters and their families came with Lauren and me there were 10 of us and we wanted to do the trip as economically as possible so we chose what used to be “Dixie Landings” (now Port Orleans Riverside). It was fine. I guess.

It was crowded.

In each room there were more than the allotted 2 adults per room so we had to pay the “extra adult in a room surcharge” and in each room someone had to sleep in the trundle bed. None of the kids wanted to so I assume it was not so comfortable - don’t look at me! I wasn’t sleeping in the thing!

Anyway, this is still a possibility and those rooms without a discount go for $149 (2008 rates). I think if your kids were little this is a great choice.

In those days the value resorts did not exist and now that they do there are more choices. If your kids are old enough to sleep in the next room you could always get two adjoining rooms (there are conjoining rooms too but WDW will not promise them - you have to make a request and see what happens). The lowest possible rack rate for that would be $82, and two of them $164. Not bad.

The family suites at All Star Music (rack rate $184) sound pretty nice, with the kitchenette and two full bathrooms! But I think there are a limited number of these and should be booked early.

or you could go a little higher and get a cabin at Fort Wilderness. The cabins have recently gone up in price but I think still a good deal with the kitchen and the patio for outdoor dining.(2008 rack rate $255)

You have always been able to put five in a room at the the Polynesian and the Contemporary and so if you can find a good deal there this is an excellent choice. The rooms there are the biggest in WDW and I can personally tell you accommodate even five adults comfortably. The trick there is getting the best rate. At the Contemporary’s garden wing has rooms as low as $270 without any discount in the value season.

There are more expensive options - there are suites at most of the resorts but they are pretty costly.

And there is always off-site (God forbid!). I know that some get just amazing deals at places that are no farther from and maybe even closer to the Magic Kingdom than the WDW value resorts.

All of the rates I’ve mentioned are 2008 (to date 2009 has not been released) and they are rack rate. None of us should be paying rack rate if we can help it.