Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on June 23, 2023
Disney timeshare resorts, often referred to as Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resorts, are designed with a variety of accommodations to suit varying family sizes, including larger families. When it comes to deciding on the best Disney timeshare resorts for large families at Disney World, it's essential to consider aspects such as room capacity, amenities, activities, dining options, and accessibility to the theme parks.
Let’s take a look at the aspects of DVC timeshare resorts that make them attractive to larger families:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas offer an authentic experience that blends the magic of Disney with the splendor of Africa. This resort features spacious accommodations with options of one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, whether it be at Kidani Village or Jambo House.
The splendor of the three-bedroom grand villa cannot be overstated. With the ability to sleep up to 12 guests comfortably, this resort is ideal for large families or groups. Each unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, spacious living and dining area and private balconies, offering the conveniences of home with the enchantment of Disney.
Moreover, the resort overlooks an actual savannah, populated with over 30 species of African wildlife. It offers a chance for families to bond over nature and learn about different animals, making it an educational and fun experience. The resort also features diverse dining options, from quick-service outlets to award-winning, sit-down restaurants.
Onsite next to one of the original Magic Kingdom resorts, Disney's Contemporary Resort Bay Lake Tower combines a modern aesthetic with a convenient location. The resort is within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom as well as accessible to the monorail system, making it a favorite choice for families. The accommodations range from deluxe studios to three-bedroom grand villas, sleeping up to 12 guests, with kitchens, spacious living areas and private balconies overlooking either Bay Lake or the Magic Kingdom.
One unique feature of the resort is the view of the Magic Kingdom's fireworks from some of the villas and the Top of the World lounge. Families can also enjoy the Bay Cove Pool with a fun-filled waterslide, and motorized boat rentals to cruise around Bay Lake. Dining options include quick-service meals and fine dining at the California Grill, located in the neighboring Contemporary Resort.
Within walking distance of Epcot and a short boat ride from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Beach Club Villas provide convenience and charm. The New England-style decor is inviting, with one- and two-bedroom villas with spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and private balconies or patios. The two-bedroom lockoff villas are the best option for larger families, as they sleep up to nine guests and have an additional kitchenette in one of the bedrooms, adding an element of privacy.
The Beach Club Villas resort has one of the most impressive pool areas among all Disney resorts – Stormalong Bay, a three-acre mini water park. This sandy-bottomed pool, complete with a shipwreck waterslide, is sure to delight both children and adults. There are also quiet pools for more relaxed swimming.
The Villas are part of the larger Beach Club Resort complex, and this provides guests with a wide range of dining options, from a casual ice cream shop to upscale seafood dining at Cape May Café.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort is nostalgic as the original DVC resort and stands out for its relaxed, laid-back charm and spacious accommodations. With its one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, the resort provides ample space for large families. The two-bedroom villa accommodates up to nine, while the grand villa sleeps up to twelve guests.
This resort is themed after the Florida Keys, offering a tranquil island atmosphere right in the heart of Disney. The villas have home-like amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and separate living areas. The resort features four swimming pools, bike rentals, two arcade game rooms, and boat transport to Disney Springs, ensuring fun-filled activities for everyone in the family.
Inspired by historic Saratoga Springs, the upstate New York retreat that came into prominence in the late 1880s, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa blends Victorian elegance with modern comforts. The resort boasts a range of accommodations, from deluxe studios to three-bedroom grand villas capable of sleeping up to 12 people.
The accommodation option that stands out are the Treetop villas, unique, stand-alone villas perched above ground level in the midst of the woodlands neighboring the resort. Each sleeps up to nine people with living and dining area and outdoor deck space to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Just across the lake from Disney Springs, the resort offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. On-site amenities include five leisure pools, a world-class spa, and a lake for water activities, offering something for every family member. For the golf lovers in the family, the resort is also home to the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.
Replicating the charm of 1940s Atlantic City, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas are perfect for larger families looking for a combination of entertainment, comfort, and vintage allure. The resort features one-, two-, and three-bedroom Boardwalk view grand villas, with the grand villas hosting three bathrooms, full kitchen, separate living and dining areas and capable of accommodating up to twelve guests.
The villas are adjacent to the Disney BoardWalk Inn, so you’ll have access to the carnival-themed Luna Park pool, two quieter leisure pools, and a variety of recreational activities such as bike rentals and fishing. The dining options are as diverse as they are delightful, including the Big River Grille & Brewing Works, Trattoria al Forno and the delightful AbracadaBar.
A major draw is the proximity to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, which are within walking or boat ride distance. The bustling BoardWalk area is also a huge plus, offering nightly street performers, shops, and restaurants.
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offer the ultimate luxury Disney Vacation Club experience. The resort, known for its Victorian elegance and premium services, features deluxe studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas. The grand villas can sleep up to 12 guests, featuring four bathrooms, full kitchen, balcony overlooking the lake and a media room with a home theater system.
The location of the Grand Floridian is unbeatable, within walking distance or a monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom. For relaxation, the resort offers a world-class spa, multiple pools, and a white-sand beach. Dining options are equally impressive, including character dining at 1900 Park Fare and the acclaimed fine dining at Victoria & Albert’s.
Disney's Riviera Resort, with a European Mediterranean coast theme, provides a blend of modern and classic 20th-Century elegance. The resort offers tower studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas. The three-bedroom grand villas sleep up to 12 guests with three full bathrooms along with full kitchen and washer/dryer, providing the space and amenities large families need.
One of the top highlights is the rooftop restaurant, Topolino's Terrace, where guests can enjoy character breakfast or a signature dinner with stunning views of the nighttime spectaculars at Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
The resort features a unique pool area for the kids, S’il Vous Play, which is an interactive water play area with a Fantasia theme, along with the quieter Beau Soleil pool for a peaceful lounge. Being on the Disney Skyliner route, the resort offers convenient gondola access to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
For one of the best Disney timeshare resorts for large families that crave a touch of the rustic along with the magic of Disney, the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge provide just that. This resort is inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and offers Deluxe Studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom Villas. The 3-bedroom grand villas sleep up to 12 guests and feature a well-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and a spacious living area.
The highlight accommodations, however, are the two-bedroom waterfront Cascade Cabins. They can accommodate up to eight guests and offer amenities such as a double-sided stone-hearth fireplace and private screened porch with a hot tub. This is why we’ve chosen to highlight Copper Creek over the neighboring Boulder Ridge Villas, which also share amenities at Wilderness Lodge.
The resort's amenities include the Copper Creek Springs pool with a waterslide, a quieter relaxation pool, boat and bike rentals, and a modern workout facility at Sturdy Branches Health Club. Enjoy nightly campfires or watch the hourly 120-foot eruption at the Fire Rock Geyser.
Dining options range from casual meals at Geyser Point Bar & Grill or Roaring Fork to the more formal dining experience at Artist Point. The Magic Kingdom is only a boat ride away, and the resort also provides bus transportation to other Disney World theme parks and attractions.
Drawing its inspiration from the South Pacific, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows are adjacent to the original Polynesian Resort and provide an exotic retreat. Apart from the deluxe studios, the resort offers unique over-the-water Bora Bora Bungalows, which sleep up to eight guests. These two-bedroom bungalows feature a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and a private deck overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon with a plunge pool.
On-site amenities include a volcano-themed Lava Pool with a waterslide, the quieter leisure pool for relaxation, and movies under the stars. Kids will love the Torch Lighting Ceremony, Lava Pool Party, 'Ohana Treasure Hunt and Hula Dance Lessons.
There are also plenty of dining outlets, from quick service to fine dining. A standout is 'Ohana, where you can enjoy a Polynesian-themed character breakfast or a family-style dinner. The resort is located on the monorail system, providing easy access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
Choosing from the best Disney timeshare resorts for large families comes down to your specific needs and preferences. However, these Disney timeshare resorts each offer unique aspects that make them an excellent choice for large families, promising unforgettable experiences filled with Disney magic.
Consider factors such as your preferred theme, desired amenities, unique accommodation needs and proximity to your favorite parks when making a decision. Rest assured, any choice you make promises to imbue your Disney holiday with a special kind of magic, creating memories that your family will treasure for years to come.
With so many Disney timeshare resorts, it may be a bit overwhelming to choose between them. You may even be looking to sell Disney timeshare points. Fear not, for our licensed agents are available to answer your questions and provide the information you need. Give us a call on 877-624-6889 or send us your questions through our Contact Us page and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
Steve manages the public relations and content creation efforts of the company. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for Perspective Magazine, he provided oversight and contributed articles for the five regional vacation ownership trade magazines under the Perspective Magazine banner.
A contributor for industry publications such as Resort Trades and Developments Magazine, Steve Luba has 36 years of experience in various roles in radio and television, sales and marketing, public relations, media and government liaison initiatives.
Follow Steve on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook for his latest articles, or sign up to subscribe to our blog and have it delivered straight to your inbox.