Orlando Travel Answers

The maximum occupancy in French Quarter rooms is 4 and I don't think I'd take the risk of trying to sneak in your 9 year-old. Getting caught could be very embarrassing, and those rooms don't look big enough to accommodate 5 (where would that child sleep?) Let's just say if there was ever a place where they may be watching for the smuggling in of an extra child I'm guessing it would be Disney??? The Port Orleans resort actually encompasses two sections - New Orleans and Riverside - and Riverside has some rooms with a child-sized trundle bed to accommodate a 5th person. It's probably best to take a look at those? You wouldn't be right AT New Orleans but not far away either. You can see room info here: kingdom-travel.com/Walt_Disn... And you can see a layout of the resort here: portorleans.org/images/Port%...

Additionally, I found this on the Mousesavers website: not a Disney website but one commonly used for advice and Disney info. http://www.mousesavers.com/wdwfaq.html "I'm occasionally asked if Disney is "strict" about room limits. The answer is yes. Disney didn't invent the limits; they are dictated by the Fire Marshal, based on the square footage of the room and the number of beds. The limits are for your own safety and comfort. (Also, if you sneak in extra people, they will not receive room keys, so they won't be able to access Extra Magic Hours or charge anything to your room account. People not listed on your room roster also don't get to use the FREE Magical Express transportation to/from the airport.)" So yes, the shuttle would be a problem as well as having enough tickets, meal plans, etc. if you are going on a package deal. And to add about the sleeping problem, the New Orleans rooms look to only have double beds. Having stayed in a Disney resort with that arrangement, I can promise you those beds are too small to accommodate 3 children of your children's ages. Take a look at Riverside. :)

Great role model for you children.

Thanks everyone. You've helped shorten the decision making process. This is what's nice about VT. Jen

You're welcome, Jenny! Hope you find something that fits both size of family and budget. Disney can be mighty hard on the bank account! :)

Hi Kate. Actually yes, our first choice was really an apartment outside the theme parks. And so now we are back with our original plans. :-)

I sympathise with you as I also have 3 kids of a similar age to yours and it is so difficult to find hotel rooms to accommodate families with more than 2 children. I have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside twice so just wanted to let you know that if you do go with the Disney option, it is a great place to stay and the trundle bed would be fine for your youngest. The French Quarter can be reached by a short boat ride. The buses to the parks generally serve both Riverside and French Quarter. The website allears.net is a great help with planning your trip so that may offer some useful advice on all aspects of your holiday. I love Disneyworld, have a great trip, I'm hoping to return there in Spring 2013 :o).

Consider the fact that Disney resorts are mainly family/children oriented. Your thought about "sneaking" an extra child, is based on it being a rare occurrance and therefore "invisible". The fact is that it is exactly the opposite. This is THE top concern for a family/children friendly hotels, and you are but one of thousands of people that get stuck with having to get two rooms when they can only afford one. So if it is a top concern for a hotel, it is the top thing they look for, - so don't do it.