Camping is the cheapest way to go! At the campsites you can have a maximum of 10 people per site. The sites are roomy, private, have a picnic table & grill, plus you have a camp store and pool with waterslide on site (among other amenities). In value season they run $55/night and up depending on time of year. The downside is you will have to bring your camping gear, you may/many not sleep as well depending on the weather (rain or heat), and they do not offer promotional rates/free dining with these sites.

Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

This moderate resort has larger “regular” rooms that will accommodate a family of 5. Rooms will run you $203 in value season. There are several pools (including waterslides), play areas, catch and release fishing area, and more. Learn more at our Disney Moderate Hotel: Which One is Best?

Two adjoining Rooms at a Value Hotel

If you book two adjoining rooms there is a door that connects the two room on the inside, but if you have younger kids (like we do) this may not be terribly appealing! It will however be much cheaper than the following choices if you get 2 adjoining rooms at a Value Hotel.  In value season these can run $110 each room per night making it $220 a night for both rooms to accomidate up to 8 people.

These value resorts have basic, but sufficient accommodations. There are a couple whimsical pools (no water slides) and character statues around the resort making these resorts fun for kids. The food courts have more limited offerings than a moderate resort.

Disney’s All Star MUSIC Resort

At this hotel you can book one of their two family suites that sleep up to 6 guests. There is a bedroom, living area, kitchenette and 2 bathrooms. Although these rooms boast the same space as the Art of Animation, they are more dated and not as flushed out in decor. But again, they are also cheaper. In value season you’ll pay about $252 a night.

The Cabin’s at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

These rustic beauties will accommodate up to 6 guests with 2 double beds and a set of bunk beds. The resort features scenic woodland trails, a white-sand beach, and a pool with a waterslide. This is also the homes of Hoop De Doo Revue  Dinner Show (see my review here) and free campfire with Chip & Dale on select nights. Although these are very spacious, without a car it is time consuming to get to the parks as you will need to get an internal bus plus an external theme park bus. These will run $334 night in value season.

Best Disney Hotels

Disney’s Art of Animation

These family suites (here is our complete review with a peak inside) offer family suites with 1 bedroom, a living area, kitchenette, and 2 bathrooms all surrounded by the fun whimsical Disney characters your kids love. They will love the many themed play areas and beautiful pools (including under the water pool speakers in the Nemo pool). You can comfortably fit 6 people in these spacious rooms. There rooms run $342 in value season.

Contemporary Resort

A family of 5 can stay right on the monorail just a few stops from the Magic Kingdom at the modern Contemporary Resort. It will cost $411 in value season. This hotel features a pool with a waterslide, views of the evening fireworks, and Chef Mickey’s Character Dining (see my review here).

More Expensive Options

Disney can hit your bank account enough buying tickets and food so we aren’t into spending a lot for a room we will hardly use. But if you are wanting to live it up, there are other options starting at: Polynesian $485,  The Animal Kingdom Lodge for $345, Wilderness Lodge $332, Villas at Disney’s Floridian $586, and Beach Club Villas $332.