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USA Today
13 hours ago
- USA Today
These 11 Disney World hotels are perfect for families of 5+
Walt Disney World Resort isn't just one of the most popular family vacation spots in the U.S., it's one of the most popular family vacation ideas in the whole world, period. With four Orlando theme parks to visit, two Disney water parks, and shopping and dining options galore, the last thing a large family wants is to be cramped in a tiny hotel room. Luckily, Disney knows its stuff when it comes to hotels and families. So many of the best hotels near Disney World were designed with large families or groups in mind. These larger accommodations often have multiple sleeping areas, a large bathroom (or two), and some even offer a full kitchen or kitchenette so you can make some of your own meals. In fact, making some easy meals in your hotel room is one of my favorite money-saving hacks at Disney World. In rooms with full kitchens, I love to make things like tacos, spaghetti, and patty melts. I typically bring my groceries since I drive to the parks, but it's easy to get staples delivered to your hotel with services like Kroger grocery delivery or Instacart. Just be sure to follow Disney's rules for food deliveries. The best Disney World hotels for large families Usually, Disney hotels that accommodate large families have two standard beds and a smaller pull-down daybed, the latter of which is great for kids. And don't worry about storage, because the beds at most Disney World hotels are raised so you can store your luggage underneath. The bathrooms generally have plenty of cubbies and shelves for storage as well. ROOM FOR EVERYONE: 15 best all-inclusive resorts for large families No matter your budget, desired theming, or proximity to the theme parks, there's a Disney hotel room that sleeps five or more comfortably with your family's name on it. Here are my picks for the best Walt Disney World hotels for large families. Best Disney World Value Resorts for families of 5+ There are only two value resorts that sleep five or more at Disney World. ▶ Disney's Art of Animation Resort: If you've got small kids who love Disney animated movies, consider one of the family suites at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. You can choose from three different themes: Cars, Finding Nemo, or The Lion King. I love the rooms themed to The Lion King because it was one of my favorite movies growing up. All of the family suites at Disney's Art of Animation Resort have the same amenities, so it's just a matter of picking the theme you want to be immersed in. Each room features one Murphy bed that doubles as a table, one sofa bed, one queen bed, two bathrooms (one in the main living area and one in the queen bedroom), and a small kitchenette. The kitchenette is a great spot to make easy breakfasts like cereal with milk, or store snacks you can eat after a day in the parks. EXTRAS INCLUDED: 19 cheap theme park hotels that come with magical perks ▶ My recent stay at Art of Animation: I recently stayed in one of the Cars Family Suites, and it was so cute. As I walked up to the Cars-themed area at the hotel, it felt like Radiator Springs was plopped right in the middle of Walt Disney World. There are plenty of photo opps around this area of the hotel, including with some of the Cars "characters" (though do note that these photo opportunities are not real character meet and greets, and the Cars will not talk. They are more like staged photos with movie props.), the Cozy Cone Motel sign, and more. The rooms were spacious and felt like a fun mix of a car garage with metal diamond plating on doors and drawers, and the rustic charm of Route 66. While I didn't make any meals in the room, it would have been very easy to do so with a small counter, fridge, and microwave available. The room is stocked with disposable plates, bowls, and utensils. ▶ Disney's All-Star Music Resort: At Disney's All-Star Music Resort, the family suites are themed to Mickey and his pals playing different genres of music. Around the room, you'll find touches of that theming, but it's not overwhelming. In the first room of the suites, there are two Murphy beds, which also double as a couch and table. There's also a small kitchenette with a full-sized refrigerator and microwave. I like bringing snacks like popcorn, toaster pastries, or pizza pockets to heat up in the microwave for a quick bite before heading back out to the parks in the evening. Each family suite at Disney's All-Star Music Resort also has two separate bathrooms, which is nice for larger groups and multigenerational Disney family vacations where multiple people are trying to get ready at the same time to head to the theme parks. Best Disney World Moderate Resorts for families of 5+ Two moderate-level resorts at Disney World offer ample space for a large family without reserving a club-level room or a villa. ▶ Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort has become a hot spot for guests, thanks in part to its direct access to the Disney Skyliner. This is the resort where all the lines on the Disney Skyliner gondola system converge, and staying here gives you access to the main terminal, so it's easy to get to either EPCOT or Disney's Hollywood Studios (home of the Star Wars land, Galaxy's Edge). Rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort are cute and decorated with a fun Caribbean vacation theme. Guests needing the fifth sleeper will want to look for that indication on the standard, preferred, or water view rooms. The rooms have two queen beds and a small pull-down bed with a mural of Mickey and Pluto sleeping on a beach. I like staying here not just for the Skyliner access, but because after a hectic, but fun day in the parks, the calming retreat feels a world away from the parks. I like to find a spot near the lake and sit on a bench or in a hammock to relax before heading back to my room to sleep. ▶ Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: At Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, fifth sleepers can be reserved with a standard view or a woods view. The spacious rooms have laminate flooring and a slight "The Princess and the Frog" theme. This is most evident when you pull the bed under the TV down and reveal a picture of Louis, Ray, and the frog versions of Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen sleeping on the bayou. Kids will love sleeping on the pull-down bed because of how cute the bayou scene is. The bathrooms in these rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside are large and come with a double vanity, plus a fun nod to Ray and Evangeline from the film as well. This is my favorite Disney resort hotel for bigger families, and I highly recommend these rooms if you plan on spending time at Disney Springs since there's direct access to the entertainment venue via complimentary boat rides. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: How to use Disney Genie and Genie+ And on select evenings, you can catch Yehaa Bob Jackson at the hotel's River Roost Lounge. This family-friendly show is one of my favorite entertainment offerings outside of the parks. Jackson's lively personality and zany antics keep the audience on their toes (literally sometimes, as dads and kids are often asked to dance through the lounge), and everyone sings along to some of the most well-known songs in history. If you plan on seeing the show, arrive about an hour before the start time, which can be found on the Walt Disney World website. Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts for families of 5+ Disney's deluxe resorts are typically the ones closest to the theme parks. Rooms at the deluxe resorts are usually the most expensive at Walt Disney World. There are six Disney hotels suitable for large families in this class. ▶ Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: One of the marquee resorts at Walt Disney World, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, is absolutely enormous, as are its guest rooms. The rooms have a fun Mary Poppins Returns theme. Kids will love spotting Mary, Bert, and the cute penguins from the movies throughout the room. DISNEY DINING: 11 one-of-a-kind Disney foods you need to try at Disney World What I love most about these rooms is the ample storage, including a wall that's covered by closets. This allows everyone to unpack and not have to live out of their suitcase. No matter which building your guest room is located in, the views are likely to be great with Seven Seas Lagoon, the Monorail, or Magic Kingdom all in view. I also love that it's easy to get to two of the theme parks from this resort. If you're going to Magic Kingdom, you can hop on one of the resort boats, walk, or take the monorail. And if you want to go to EPCOT, you can take the monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center and switch to the EPCOT line. ▶ Disney's Contemporary Resort: Disney's Contemporary Resort is made up of multiple buildings, though most people think of the iconic main building that the monorail travels through every few minutes. Those traveling with kids will want to book a stay in the main building, where rooms are themed to The Incredibles. These rooms for large families have two queen beds and one day bed, comfortably sleeping five guests. If you're looking for a more adult atmosphere at your Disney hotel, consider booking one of the garden wings at Disney's Contemporary Resort; these are adjacent to the main tower and have a fabulous view of Bay Lake. These rooms also have the new Incredibles theming, but are a bit quieter since the monorail doesn't travel through. If I'm staying in a Garden Wing room, I always request a room on the first floor during the online check-in process. All of the ground-floor rooms have spacious patios with chairs and a small table, while upper-floor rooms do not have outdoor space. ▶ Disney's Yacht Club Resort: If you have a large family and want to be within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, consider staying at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. The nautical-themed hotel features rooms with standard, woods, or water views that can accommodate up to five people with two queen beds and a day bed. And if you can swing it, splurge for the water view rooms to enjoy the sunrise over Crescent Lake and see the nightly EPCOT fireworks from the room's balcony. Disney's Yacht Club also shares one of Disney's most popular pools, Stormalong Bay, with its sister resort, Disney's Beach Club. Be sure to spend some time at the pool that features a sand bottom, a massive water slide, and a small lazy river. ▶ Disney's Beach Club Resort: Located right next to Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort is a playful seaside escape that's reminiscent of a New England beach town. Many of the rooms at Disney's Beach Club Resort sleep five (or even six adults if you book a deluxe room). And its epic pool, Stormalong Bay, is a big hit with families. EXTRA MAGIC: How to get extra time at Disney or Universal beyond the regular theme park hours Like Disney's Beach Club Resort, this Disney hotel is within walking distance of both EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, as well as Disney's BoardWalk, where guests tend to linger for shopping and dining after the theme parks close. I typically stay here when I plan to enjoy one of EPCOT's many festivals because I can use the back entrance to the park, known as the International Gateway. ▶ Disney's BoardWalk Inn: Of the Crescent Lake resorts at Walt Disney World, Disney's BoardWalk Inn is a favorite among families both large and small. The hotel has a vibrant nightlife scene thanks to multiple bars and restaurants, and it's just a short walk to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The resort's large rooms have two queen beds and one day bed for those needing a fifth sleeper. When the day bed is laid out, the room can feel a little small, but it's manageable for families of five once the bed is converted back into a couch. ▶ Disney's Polynesian Village Resort: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is iconic for its famed dining locations, spectacular views of Magic Kingdom, and of course, its Moana-themed guest rooms. The accommodations are adorable with plenty of island colors, a big mural on one wall that's in the style of Maui's tattoos, and artwork featuring Moana, Pua, and Hei Hei. Each guest room at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort has two queen beds and one day bed, and plenty of storage for luggage. One of my favorite Disney splurges is to book a theme park view room at the resort and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks show from my balcony. If I really want to treat myself, I'll also get a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai to enjoy just before the fireworks start. And speaking of food, the resort is home to a new restaurant, Wailulu Bar & Grill. The indoor and outdoor restaurant is located at the new Island Tower, but anyone staying at the Polynesian can dine here. I love sitting at the bar, ordering a cocktail and an entree, and just enjoying the atmosphere of the resort. The menu features island-inspired delights, but I love the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl and the Wayfinder Burger. The best Deluxe Villas for families of 5+ ▶ The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort: One of my favorite hotel options at Walt Disney World is The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. Recently reimagined as Disney Vacation Club's 17th resort property, the brand-new cabins perfectly blend rustic and contemporary motifs. Each of the cabins sleeps up to six adults, with a queen bed, a sleeper sofa, and a set of bunk beds. While there's only one bathroom in the cabin, the trade-off is a full kitchen and an outdoor grill. I love using the grill for dinners on nice days. Some easy options are always hot dogs and burgers, but I've also done full seafood boils and sausage and peppers on the grill. And don't worry about bringing charcoal with you. It's available to buy in the gift shop at Fort Wilderness. Each of The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness also has a large front porch with a picnic table. This is a great option for families who don't want to be in the parks all day, every day, while on vacation. WHERE TO EAT: Disney's dining plan explained: Ultimate guide to Walt Disney World's pre-paid dining plans ▶ My recent stay at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort: On a recent stay at the Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, my family spent three days making our own meals, enjoying nature, and having so much fun around the campgrounds that we never actually left the resort to go to a park – and we still didn't get to do everything that Fort Wilderness has to offer! One of the best things to do here is Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, which is an all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner show with southern staples like fried chicken, ribs, mashed potatoes, baked beans, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. These 11 Disney World hotels are perfect for families of 5+ originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
The South African
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Ellen DeGeneres: I moved to the UK because of Donald Trump
US television icon Ellen DeGeneres has made her first public appearance in the UK since relocating to the Cotswolds, revealing that she and wife Portia de Rossi decided to stay permanently the day after Donald Trump was re-elected as US president. Speaking at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham on Sunday in conversation with broadcaster Richard Bacon, the 67-year-old said the decision to move was deeply personal and political. 'We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis,' DeGeneres recalled. 'I was like, 'He got in', and we said, 'We're staying here.'' Ellen said the couple originally planned to split their time between the US and the UK but have since embraced full-time life in the countryside, calling it 'a simpler, more beautiful way of life.' DeGeneres is known globally for The Ellen DeGeneres Show and for voicing Dory in Finding Nemo . 'Everything here is just better – the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here,' she said. 'We saw snow for the first time in our lives.' The couple briefly kept sheep on their rural property, but they had to be rehomed after repeated escapes. De Rossi also relocated her horses to the UK. DeGeneres also spoke candidly about rising fears over LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, confirming she and De Rossi are considering renewing their vows in the UK if same-sex marriage rights are reversed. 'The Baptist Church in America is trying to reverse gay marriage,' she said. 'If they do that, we're going to get married here.' She expressed concern that Hollywood still remains hostile to openly gay actors, adding: 'If things were better, all these actors I know who are gay would be out – but they're not, because it's still a problem.' DeGeneres also revisited the toxic workplace allegations that led to the cancellation of her long-running talk show in 2022. 'I'm a direct person, and I'm very blunt, and I guess sometimes that means that… I'm mean?' she said, dismissing much of the criticism as 'clickbait.' The scandal resulted in the firing of three senior producers and an on-air apology from DeGeneres. She said the controversy left her deeply hurt. 'It's certainly an unpleasant way to end something I loved. I hate that people think I'm that [mean], because I know who I am – and I'm empathetic and compassionate.' While Ellen said she misses her talk show 'a lot', she's uncertain whether a similar format would work in the current media climate. 'I would love to do that again, maybe in the UK,' she said. 'But people are just not watching TV the same way anymore.' As for the future, Ellen says she's undecided but open to new projects. 'I do like my chickens… but I'm a little bit bored,' she joked. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ellen DeGeneres on UK move: 'Life is just better here' following Trump re-election
CHELTENHAM: Veteran American TV personality Ellen DeGeneres has made her inaugural public appearance in the UK, revealing that her decision to relocate to England was directly prompted by Donald Trump's re-election as US president. Speaking to an audience in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, the comedian and host declared that life across the pond "is just better." DeGeneres, 67, shared that she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, are contemplating a renewed marriage ceremony in England. This consideration comes in light of recent legislative efforts in the US to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, a situation that, according to DeGeneres, can still make America "scary for people to be who they are." Featured Videos During her conversation with broadcaster Richard Bacon at the Everyman Theatre, DeGeneres also addressed the allegations of a toxic workplace environment that ultimately led to the conclusion of her long-running chat show in 2022. While admitting she could be "very blunt," she largely dismissed the claims as mere "clickbait." A prominent figure in US TV for three decades, DeGeneres is known for her daytime talk show, a self-titled 1990s sitcom, and her roles as host of the Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys, as well as voicing Dory in Disney's Finding Nemo. After her talk show's cancellation, she embarked on a "final stand-up tour" in the US in 2024 before purchasing a property in the picturesque Cotswolds. DeGeneres clarified that she and de Rossi initially intended to spend only three to four months annually in the UK, acquiring what they believed would be a "part-time house." However, their plans drastically shifted. "We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, 'He got in'," she said. "And we're like, 'We're staying here'." Since their November move, DeGeneres has offered glimpses of her new rural lifestyle on social media, sharing videos of her farm animals, which included sheep that have since been sold because they kept escaping. "It's absolutely beautiful," she said about her new home. "We're just not used to seeing this kind of beauty. The villages and the towns and the architecture - everything you see is charming, and it's just a simpler way of life. It's clean. "Everything here is just better - the way animals are treated, and people are polite."
Sky News AU
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Ellen DeGeneres reveals she and Aussie wife Portia de Rossi 'moved to the UK because of Trump' and plan to stay 'for good'
Ellen DeGeneres has confirmed she and her wife, Australian actress Portia de Rossi, permanently relocated to the UK after Donald Trump's return to the White House. The 67-year-old comedian made the candid admission during a live conversation with BBC broadcaster Richard Bacon at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham on Sunday. DeGeneres explained the pair initially planned to spend just a few months each year in the UK and purchased what they believed would be a "part-time house" in the Cotswolds in 2024. But the couple decided to stay put after Trump defeated Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the latest US election. "We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, 'He got in'," she recalled. "And we're like, 'We're staying here'." The Finding Nemo star also hinted that she and de Rossi, 52, may remarry in the UK, after tying the knot in Los Angeles back in August 2008. "The Baptist Church in America is trying to reverse gay marriage," she said. "They're trying to literally stop it from happening in the future and possibly reverse it. Portia and I are already looking into it, and if they do that, we're going to get married here." She continued: "I wish we were at a place where it was not scary for people to be who they are. I wish that we lived in a society where everybody could accept other people and their differences." DeGeneres' revelation follows a wave of celebrity moves out of the US, including fellow comedian and Trump hater Rosie O'Donnell, who recently relocated to Ireland with her 12-year-old child. "Good for you @Rosie," DeGeneres wrote on Instagram last week, alongside a screenshot of Trump's Truth Social post claiming he was "giving serious consideration" to revoking his long-time nemesis's US citizenship. More recently, DeGeneres publicly condemned the Trump administration's move to shut down The Trevor Project, a national suicide prevention service for LGBTQ+ youth. "I helped launch the Trevor Project over 30 years ago. What kind of person would do this?" she posted on Instagram on Saturday. When she's not hitting out at Trump or sharing throwbacks from her now-cancelled daytime show, DeGeneres has been delighting her 135 million Instagram followers with snaps of her new life in the British countryside. "Everything here is just better- the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here," she told Bacon. "We moved here in November, which was not the ideal time, but I saw snow for the first time in my life. We love it here. Portia flew her horses here, and I have chickens, and we had sheep for about two weeks." The couple initially moved into a £15 million (about AUD$30 million) estate in the Cotswolds, but their 43-acre property was hit by severe flooding shortly after their arrival. They have since relocated just around the corner, into a modern mansion boasting sweeping views of the countryside. The 10,000-square-foot home includes a cinema, gym, steam room, outdoor infinity pool and a striking open-plan kitchen with a hanging fireplace. The master suite features a vast walk-in wardrobe and dual en-suites, while four additional bedrooms also have private bathrooms. While DeGeneres and de Rossi appear thrilled with their new home, the bold design hasn't won everyone over. "Does not belong in the Cotswolds," one user commented under a Luxury Listings post showcasing the property, earning more than 200 likes (at time of writing). Another wrote: "I'd rather have a gorgeous traditional Cotswolds manor that pays tribute to the history of the area," with over 700 likes. "That house doesn't reflect the Cotswolds whatsoever. Shame it got planning permission," added another critic. A fourth remarked: "I'm sorry you move to the Cotswolds and THAT is what you live in? No way." But others were quick to defend the contemporary build, with one fan writing: "Completely utterly exquisite!!!!" and another saying: "This is stunning and I get it on all levels."
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ellen DeGeneres reveals Trump's re-election led to UK move
Ellen DeGeneres has opened up about her recent move to the UK, revealing that she and wife Portia de Rossi decided to relocate to the Cotswolds the day after Donald Trump was re-elected. Speaking at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, the former talk show host shared that life in the UK feels 'simpler and better,' praising the polite culture, treatment of animals, and overall charm of the British countryside. DeGeneres, known for her long-running daytime show and voice work in Finding Nemo, admitted that political and social shifts in the U.S. were key factors in their decision. With movements attempting to roll back gay marriage rights, the couple is now considering renewing their vows in England. She also addressed her career-ending controversy regarding workplace toxicity on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which concluded in 2022. While acknowledging that she is 'blunt,' Ellen dismissed the allegations as 'clickbait,' expressing frustration at being labeled 'mean.' The 67-year-old entertainer reflected on her legacy as one of the first openly gay TV stars, noting that while progress has been made, many celebrities still hide their sexuality. She praised younger generations for being more open and fluid, offering hope for greater acceptance. Though she misses her show, Ellen isn't planning a return just yet—but hinted she'd 'love' to do a British talk show in the future. For now, she's enjoying farm life with chickens and simpler days in rural England.
