Im planning a trip to WDW with kids who have never been. I have not been since 92 so I really dont know whats good.They will range in age from 17-8. What is the best resort hotel that will keep each age range busy and entertained? And who has the best suits just incase I dont want to book two rooms?

Wow, that sounds like quite a trip!

I have friends who have stayed at a suite at the Grand FLoridian (I think a 2 bedroom sleeps 8 people) and they raved about it.

I think I'd stay on the monorail so that the older kids have some freedom to move around on their own (although busses make it pretty easy no matter what resort you choose).

Happy planning :D

The Grand Floridian is beautiful, but its alot more quite than some of the other resorts (maybe not as much fun for the older kids?). I agree with being on the monorail for the older kids, so I think the contemporary would be cool too, its got great views of the magic kingdom :)

I also recommend you look into house rentals, the homes with the link below all come with a rental car (hopefully could accomodate a van for you ) and screened in pools... Some are only 4-5 miles from Disney. You'd also can get multiple rooms for less than the price of resort.


http://www.allstarvacationhomes.com

These guys just rent homes, no hard sell time share stuff from them.

With the number of people in the family, you are looking at two rooms, at least. Why don't you consider one of the "Home Away From Home" (Disney Vacation Club) resorts. You could reserve a two-bedroom villa, which would have a full kitchen and living room, and the resort amenities are similar to those of a Deluxe resort. Some of the villas are located on the property of Deluxe hotels (Beach Club, Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Wilderness Lodge), so you would share the pools, etc. with the hotel. Saratoga Springs and Old Key West are located near Downtown Disney, and are larger resorts, but have more than one pool, and on-site activities. You can have groceries delivered to your villa, so you can, at least, eat breakfast in your villa, a big money and time saver. You would also have free use of a washer and dryer right in your villa. You would, basically, be renting a condo, but would be on-site, and would be able to use Magical Express and disney transportation.

I think the DVC is probably your best bet. ALTHOUGH, I'm not sure how easy it is to rent the really large units for cash (though if a 2 bedroom is large enough, that shouldn't be as difficult as getting a Grand Villa). Beach Club or Boardwalk Villas might be good for the older kids, since it's an easy trek to Epcot and a fairly easy trek to the Studios. Wilderness Lodge Villas would be closest to the MK, and depending on when you're going, the Contemporary Villas might be available, too.

Going along with what Drince said... I would also consider a 2 br suite at one of the DVC resorts. I also second the BC or BW villas. It may seem expensive at first but with a party of your size, but it may not be much more than getting 2 rooms elsewhere. (Which you will pretty much need anyway, given that you have 6 kids.) At the same time, you are getting accommodations that include a living room, a full kitchen, and laundry facilities, which open up options as well.

You can either rent the room right from Disney or you can also rent points from a member. There are pros and cons to each, and can be elaborated on if you think this might be an option. (I can pull up some past threads that talked about this in detail.)

Hello I would like to know are there any hotels that offer childcare or are there any childcare centers in the area that offer extended hours.
I have been taking classes and working a lot and want to stop to smell the roses without having to be stressed over chidcare.

I would like to know of an affordable getaway for two or possibly four people.

Hello I would like to know are there any hotels that offer childcare or are there any childcare centers in the area that offer extended hours.
I have been taking classes and working a lot and want to stop to smell the roses without having to be stressed over chidcare.

There are kids' clubs at most of the Deluxe hotels (Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Beach Club), which charge by the hour. You don't have to stay at the hotel to use the service, but you do need to make a reservation through the dining number. The clubs are only open from 4:30PM-midnight. The cost is $11 per hour, per child. The kids have to be at least 3. This is a good option if you want to do an adult-only meal, or do the club/bar scene for a little while. They feed and amuse the kids. We used two of them, for short periods, on our last vacation, and my kids enjoyed it. Another option is a babysitting service. I have not used any, other than the Kids' clubs, so I can't recommend one.

. The kids have to be at least 3.

I'm almost positive they have to be 4 and can't be older than 12.

We've used Simba's Clubhouse, Sancastle Club, and the Neverland Club. My kids love them, and ask to go.

I know they have to be potty trained---We used the service once at WL and LOVED it. It was worth every single penny! My son loved it too! He didn't want to go home!

Hello KathrW and welcome to MousePlanet.
If you dont mind, I would like to recommend that you repost your questions about child care and trip planning in the appropriate WDW forum. You will most likely get better responses to your specific questions.

Parenting In the Parks (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/forumdisplay.php?f=13) for your question on child care
and
WDW:Touring the parks (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/forumdisplay.php?f=65) for your general vacation planning questions.
or
Please start a separate thread in the WDW: Where to Stay forum (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/forumdisplay.php?f=66) if you have a specific question about hotels, etc.

Again, welcome, and I hope we can help answer any and all of your questions. :)

thanx for all the suggestions. I think I know where to start looking now.