Planning a Disney vacation with a big family? I’ve been there! As a dad of three, I know firsthand that family vacations require a lot of planning—especially when it comes to Disney. Finding a resort that works for a family of five can be tricky, especially when trying to keep costs down. Many standard rooms at Disney resorts sleep four, which makes narrowing down your options a bit of a puzzle.

Over the years, we’ve stayed at (or visited) nearly every Disney resort. Some were great for toddlers, others ideal for older kids, and a few hit the sweet spot for the whole crew—us parents included. If you’re looking for space, fun, and convenience, these are our top 5 Disney resorts for families of five, based on real stays and real smiles.

Views from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

How We Save Big on Deluxe Disney Resorts for a Family of Five

One of the smartest ways we’ve saved money on Disney accommodations is by renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points through David’s Vacation Club Rentals. It has allowed us to book rooms at Deluxe Resorts at significantly reduced rates. If you’re considering a DVC resort for your next trip, this option is absolutely worth exploring. Read our full experience here.

5. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Best for Younger Kids

If your kids light up at the sight of Lightning McQueen, Nemo, or Ariel, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will blow their minds. This value resort is known for its vibrant, immersive theming—giant character statues, movie scenes, and color everywhere you look.

Why it works for families of five:

• The family suites (in the Cars, Finding Nemo, and Lion King sections) sleep up to six, with a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette. Now while this is not a standard suite, it is lower cost than some of the standard rooms at Deluxe Resorts making it an affordable option.
• The Big Blue Pool is the largest resort pool at Disney World and even has a splash pad for the kids to play on.
• Skyliner access makes getting to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios easy and fun.

What to know:
The Little Mermaid rooms only sleep four and are often far from the main building. The resort is also very popular, so it can feel crowded, especially during school breaks.

Our experience:
Our kids were starstruck by all the themed areas and loved swimming in the huge pool.

4. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Best for Value & Relaxation

Caribbean Beach Resort blends island vibes with family fun. It’s a moderate resort with colorful village-themed sections, swaying hammocks, and a laid-back atmosphere. It also serves as the main Skyliner hub, which is a huge bonus for theme park transportation to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Why families of five love it:

• Some standard rooms can sleep five (with a child-size pull-down bed).
• The Fuentes del Morro pool has two waterslides and a shipwreck-themed splash zone.
• Island playground and sandy beaches make for great non-park days.

What to know:
The resort is large and spread out—some buildings are a long walk from the lobby or transportation stops. Request or book a preferred room near Old Port Royale or the Skyliner.

Our experience:
This resort feels like a vacation within a vacation. We caught the EPCOT fireworks while watching the “Movie Under the Stars” on the resort’s island. It’s one of the best-kept secrets for families watching their budget but still wanting resort perks.

3. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Best for Peace & Theming

Tucked away near Magic Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge brings the feel of the Pacific Northwest to Disney World. It’s cozy, rustic, and incredibly detailed—from the grand stone fireplace to the geyser that erupts outside every hour.

Why it works for bigger families:

• Standard rooms in the Boulder Ridge Villas can sleep five with two queen-sized beds and a child-size pull-down bed. We booked our room through David’s Vacation Club Rentals and saved about 40% off the price versus booking through Disney!
• The pool feels like a natural spring, with rocks, waterfalls, and a slide.
• Unique character dining at Storybook Dining with Snow White, plus the interactive Whispering Canyon Café.

What to know:
This resort is less central to most parks and doesn’t offer Skyliner or Monorail access. Boats go to Magic Kingdom; buses go everywhere else.

Our experience:
It was one of the most peaceful Disney stays we’ve had. Morning coffee on the balcony felt like we were in the mountains. Our kids still talk about our experience at Whispering Canyon Café when we asked for ketchup and literally got ALL the ketchup bottles brought to our table!

2. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Best for Fireworks & Monorail Access

The Polynesian is full of charm, nostalgia, and lush tropical landscaping. It’s a fan-favorite Deluxe Resort that offers both convenience and immersive theming.

Why it’s great for families of five:

• Standard rooms in both the Resort and the Villas can sleep five with two queen-sized beds and a child-size pull-down bed.
• Monorail access makes it easy to get to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
• Great dining options, including ‘Ohana (with Lilo & Stitch breakfast) and Pineapple Lanai for Dole Whip (this is the only Resort that you can get it at!).
• Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing from the beach, complete with the music pumped right from the park.

What to know:
The price tag can be higher, however we have booked a reservation at this resort multiple times through David’s Vacation Club Rentals to make it more affordable! Of note, with recent construction and DVC expansion, it can feel busier than in the past.

Our experience:
We watched Magic Kingdom fireworks with our toes in the sand. It’s hard to beat that. The tropical ambiance made every night feel special, and the proximity to the parks helped us avoid meltdowns after long days.

1. Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Best Overall for Families of Five

This is our #1 pick for larger families. Beach Club is not only elegant and comfortable, but it’s also home to Stormalong Bay, hands down the best pool complex at any Disney resort.

Why it’s ideal:

• Standard rooms can sleep five with two queen-sized beds and a child-size pull-down bed.
• Walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios as well as the Boardwalk area.
• Stormalong Bay has a lazy river, sand-bottom play areas, and large waterslide.
• Cape May Café character breakfast is a fun (and less crowded) way to meet Disney characters.
• Home to Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, a retro-style diner known for the legendary Kitchen Sink Sundae—multiple scoops of ice cream with every topping in the house—it’s a full family experience. Pro Tip: You can order to-go desserts from the outdoor window as well!

What to know:
Rooms go quickly, especially during EPCOT festivals. It’s one of the pricier resorts, but good deals do pop up depending on the time of year. This is another Disney Resort where rooms can be booked through David’s Vacation Club Rentals to make your family vacation more budget-friendly!

Our experience:
The ability to walk to EPCOT and hit the pool after a long park day was a game changer. We loved winding down with “Movie Under the Stars” on the beach near Crescent Lake.

Other Disney World Hotels That Sleep 5 in a Standard Room or studio Suite

You’ve got some great options! Resorts like Port Orleans – Riverside offer select rooms with a pull-down bed perfect for younger travelers, while deluxe resorts such as the BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary Resort, Yacht Club, and Grand Floridian feature rooms with two queen beds and a daybed or pull-down bed. For even more space and flexibility, Disney’s Villas and Deluxe Studios at places like Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Copper Creek, and the Riviera Resort offer a mix of layouts with kitchenettes, two queen-sized beds and a child-size pull-down bed. These options make it easier for larger families to stay together without needing to book two rooms or a larger 1-2 bedroom suite.

Final Thoughts: What to Consider When Booking a Disney Resort for a Family of Five

When traveling with a larger family, every little convenience adds up—extra space, good transportation, fun downtime activities, and easy access to food and entertainment.

Tips for booking:

• Look for family suites or deluxe resorts with child-size pull-down beds.
• Prioritize proximity to parks if you plan to return to your room mid-day or want easy access back to your room after park close.
• Use travel discounts like special promotions and packages through Disney, as well as renting DVC points through David’s Vacation Club Rentals.

Each of these resorts offers something different—whether it’s theming, location, or amenities—but they all deliver on what matters most: making magical memories with your family.

Have you stayed at a Disney resort with a family of five or more? I’d love to hear your thoughts and favorites in the comments!