Are you and your family planning a magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida? If so, you’re going to need a place to stay!
Choosing the right resort can make all the difference in how much fun your family will have.
Here is an overview and comparison of some of the best Disney resorts for kids to help you decide where to book your next Disney vacay.
Best Deluxe Disney Resorts for Kids
If you’re gonna go all out at Disney World, definitely consider staying at one of the deluxe resorts.
While they are the most expensive on Disney property, the amenities and conveniences, from elaborate pools and apartment-like villas to a variety of on-site restaurants and shops, make it well worth the hefty price tag.
They also have more things to do compared to the cheaper hotels, so if you’re planning on spending time at the resort, I recommend budgeting for one of these resorts.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas
Perfect for: Families who enjoy wildlife and resort time
If you love animals and the great outdoors, this is the perfect place for you! This rustic lodge-style deluxe resort is home to over 30 species of African wildlife.
Guests can wake up each morning to breathtaking views from their private balconies or join a premium safari to get an up-close view of giraffes, zebras, and other animals grazing on the savanna.
There are also plenty of activities for kids, like the Samawati Springs Pool and Uzima Springs Pool, which faces the savanna.
Getting to the theme parks, water parks, and other shopping and entertainment areas is a breeze with free bus transportation that runs about an hour before and after opening and closing times.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas
Perfect for: Families who love Epcot & Hollywood Studios
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas is an upscale resort located on the shore of Crescent Lake at Walt Disney World.
This beautiful hotel offers guests a classic boardwalk atmosphere, plus spectacular views of Epcot and Hollywood Studios, both of which are a short walk or ferry ride away.
Families with kids will love their stay here as the resort offers plenty of activities for all ages, including mini golf, surrey bike rentals, fishing, tennis and pickleball courts, a game arcade, and more.
Kids are also sure to love Luna Park Pool, which includes a 200-ft long waterslide, plus a kiddie pool and hot tub. There are also 2 additional leisure pools in quieter areas of the resort complex.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower
Perfect for: Incredibles fans, super duper easy access to Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the perfect place for kids who love modern amenities and a touch of luxury.
This resort offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom Park, as well as luxurious Incredibles-themed rooms with plenty of space for the family to spread out.
Kids will enjoy splashing around in the main pool, which includes a 17-ft water slide and water playground, or hanging out at the more quiet and relaxing Bay Lake tower pool.
Cabanas are available for rent, making it the perfect spot for a day filled with poolside fun with the fam.
Plus, there’s an arcade and game area that kids can explore with their parents or friends.
Best yet, this Disney resort is just a short walk or monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom and Epcot, so your family won’t have to worry about long travel times when it’s time to head off to explore.
Free bus service is also available for the remaining parks and Disney Springs.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Perfect for: Easy access to Magic Kingdom, tropical Polynesian vibes
This tropical paradise will transport your family right into the heart of the Pacific Islands!
It offers beautiful beachfront views, lush vegetation, and plenty of Polynesian-inspired restaurants that offer delicious food options.
There is even a fireworks show nearly every night at Magic Kingdom that you can watch for free from the sandy beach area.
Kids will enjoy games on white sand beaches such as volleyball or building sandcastles. They can also swim in two pools designed specifically for them – the Oasis Pool and Lava Pool.
Lastly, the rooms are newly refreshed with a modern Moana theme and an entire brand new tower is under construction.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Perfect for: Families that love the great outdoors
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of the best Disney resorts for kids, especially if they enjoy the great outdoors.
Located in the Magic Kingdom area, this rustic resort will make your family feel like they’re truly escaping into nature.
With intricate woodwork, stone fireplaces, and a roaring waterfall, the lodge creates an atmosphere of serenity that makes it perfect for children who love the great outdoors.
Added to this is the option to select rooms with nature views, as well as rooms with both a nature view and a view of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks.
Lastly, guests can take a ferry to Magic Kingdom, which is like a free ride before you even get to the park!
Free bus service is also available to get to and from the rest of the theme parks, water parks, etc.
Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts
Perfect for: Pool time and easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts are the perfect places for kids who love water activities.
Located within walking distance of Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s BoardWalk, these twin resorts offer something for everyone!
Guests can also take advantage of free bus transportation, as well as Skyliner access at Epcot’s International Gateway.
The biggest draw for families with kids at these 2 resorts is Stormalong Bay, the 3-acre mini water park that both resorts share.
Stormalong Bay includes a sand-bottom main pool with a 230-ft waterslide from a shipwreck replica, a lazy river, an elevated tanning area, 3 whirlpool spas, and a second pool with a mini water slide called Shipwreck Pool.
As if that isn’t enough to keep you occupied, there are 3 additional leisure pools for a more quiet and relaxing experience.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort has the Tidal Pool that faces Crescent Lake, as well as the Dunes Cove Pool nestled near the Beach Club Villas.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has the Admiral Pool located in a quiet garden area, which is great after a long day at the parks.
With all these amenities and more, Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts get my vote as the absolute best Disney resort for kids in the deluxe resort category.
Best Moderate Disney Resorts for Kids
Moderate resorts are a great way to experience a little extra luxury, such as on-site table service restaurants, at a reasonable price tag.
If you’re planning to pencil in resort time during your Walt Disney World vacation but don’t want to stay at a deluxe resort, a moderate hotel is your next best option.
They also tend to have better free transportation options, like the Skyliner and Ferries.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Perfect for: Families with a car
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the perfect place for families to enjoy a tropical vacation in sunny Florida.
Located just minutes from Walt Disney World, this beachfront resort offers plenty of activities and amenities for kids of all ages.
From its sprawling pool complex, the Fuentes del Morro Pool, complete with 2 water slides and a shipwreck-themed splash pad area, to catch-and-release fishing excursions, this moderate resort is every beach baby’s dream.
Also included are 5 additional leisure pools sprinkled throughout the resort, movies under the stars, nightly campfires, an arcade, and a playground.
Lastly, there’s direct Skyliner access to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and several resorts, plus free buses to the other parks and Disney Springs.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Perfect for: Pool time, coffee lovers, and all-around resort time
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is one of the best Disney resorts for kids and a personal favorite (I think it’s the most beautiful property, but most kiddos probably don’t care about that!).
Located in a serene setting, the resort offers something for everyone, with luxuriously themed rooms and plenty of onsite activities.
Kids will love the Dig Site complex, with the Lost City of Cibola pool, Mayan-inspired architecture, a 123-foot water slide, and a massive hot tub that fits up to 22 people!
There are also two fun, premium activities available – Colors of Coronado Painting Experience, where you can paint a scene from a favorite Disney movie, and Spanish Mosaic Art, where you can create a Mickey-shaped mosaic tile. Don’t they sound perfect for a rainy day or a break from touring the parks?
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter
Perfect for: Easy access to Disney Springs and NOLA vibes (without the hoard of tourists on Bourbon St.)
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter is the perfect Disney resort for kids who enjoy the pomp and circumstance of New Orleans, from the lively jazz music to the rich and flavorful food.
This quaint hotel has all of the charm and elegance one would expect from the iconic French Quarter, including cobblestone streets, wrought iron balconies, and picturesque gardens.
Kids can explore the Mardi Gras-inspired Doubloon Lagoon Pool with a fun waterslide and water park (for kids 48″ and under) or hop over to the Ol’ Man Island Pool at its twin resort, Port Orleans – Riverside.
Plus, you can enjoy delicious Cajun cuisine at on-site restaurants like Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory or Scat Cat’s Club, which has THE best beignets in all of Disney World.
Lastly, enjoy free ferry transportation to Disney Springs, where you can find lots of shopping, food, and entertainment, not to mention the world’s largest ShopDisney store.
Best Value Resorts for Kids
There’s no denying that Disney World is one heck of an expensive vacation. Save your money by staying at one of Disney’s value resorts.
They have less amenities than moderate or deluxe, but you’ll still have the basics, like a comfy room, pool, and quick service dining for a casual meal.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Perfect for: Families on a budget
While all of the Disney All-Star Resorts are excellent picks, my top pick goes to Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, which is packed with exciting activities that make it the perfect place for kids to have a magical time!
Not only will they love the larger-than-life movie-inspired sculptures throughout the resort, but also all the fun activities like movie screenings under the stars.
Plus, the film-themed rooms provide plenty of space and a comfy place to rest after a fun-filled day.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Perfect for: Families on a budget with a little wiggle room, plus easy access to Hollywood Studios & Epcot
If your family loves everything about the 20th century, from classic TV shows to iconic fashion trends, then this is the place for you!
The rooms at this resort are themed after popular decades, from the 1950s through the 1990s, complete with bright colors and fun decorations.
Kids will be delighted by all the fun features such as a video arcade, movies under the stars, and several pools, including a shallow kiddie pool.
The last time my family and I stayed here with my niece, she said her favorite part of the whole trip was the Hippy Dippy Pool. Imagine that!
You can also take photos with giant toy sculptures throughout the resort, such as a Baloo and Mowgli from The Jungle Book, a Play-dough can, bowling pins, and a larger-than-life foosball table.
Best of all, you can take the Disney Skyliner to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as well as several resorts, for free.
As for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks, there’s a free bus shuttle for getting to and from those places, as well.
Learn more in my review of Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Perfect for: Larger families that need more space and a kitchenette
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (AOA) is truly something special and the perfect Disney resort for kids.
In fact, this resort gets my top pick thanks to its stellar Disney theming and affordable family suites, which fit more than the standard 4 people per room.
As soon as you enter the resort, you are transported into the world of animation, with characters from beloved Disney films like The Lion King and Finding Nemo.
Older and younger kids alike will be delighted by all the incredible activities and amenities, including a game arcade and a playground.
There are also lots of fun photo opportunities throughout the resort featuring Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, and Cars.
As if that weren’t enough, there are also 3 fun pools to splash around in: the Big Blue Pool, the Cozy Cone Pool, and the Flippin’ Fins Pool.
The Big Blue Pool includes a Finding Nemo themed zero entry pool, splash pad, and playground that’s a hit with toddlers and preschoolers.
Next, the Cozy Cone Pool is Cars-themed and includes giant orange cone shaped cabanas.
The Flippin’ Fins Pool, which is themed after The Little Mermaid, includes giant statues of characters from the movie, which make for fun poolside photos.
Lastly, AOA shares a Skyliner station with POP Century, so kids (and adults!) can enjoy a free ride to and from Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and several resorts.
TIP: If staying here or at POP Century, book a dining reservation for the character breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort, as it is easy to get to via Skyliner! Then you can hop right over to Epcot or Hollywood Studios after you’ve fueled up for the day.
Which hotel do you think is the best Disney resort for kids?
No matter which one of these amazing Disney hotels you choose for your next visit to Walt Disney World Resort, there’s no doubt that it will be an unforgettable experience for both adults and children alike!
Whether you want to explore nature at Animal Kingdom Lodge or get transported back in time at Pop Century Resort, there are lots of great resorts at Disney World for families with kids.
Have fun planning your magical Walt Disney World vacation – you and your kiddos won’t regret it!
For more Disney World vacation planning tips, check out these posts:
About the author
Meg Frost is the creator of The Park Pixie, where she covers Disney World, Disney+, and Disney fandom.
She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami in Florida.
This post was originally published February 6, 2023. It was last updated February 5, 2024.
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