Planning a vacation to Disney World is an exciting prospect for any family, especially those with young children. Every resort option promises a unique experience filled with the magic that only Disney can provide. However, choosing the right Disney hotel is crucial to ensuring that the youngest guests have a memorable and enchanting stay. To make your decision easier, consider the hotels that offer the most child-friendly amenities, themes, and entertainment options.
Disney resorts cater to families with young children through an array of tailored activities and immersive environments, bringing beloved characters and stories to life. The best Disney hotels for kids often feature larger-than-life playgrounds, pools with fun themes, and interactive experiences that engage the imagination. A well-planned stay at one of these hotels can make your Disney vacation truly magical for your children, providing comfort for the entire family and convenience for exploring the parks.
Key Takeaways
- Selecting a Disney resort with child-centric amenities adds magic to your family’s experience.
- The top hotels offer themed entertainment and activities that captivate children.
- Effective planning is critical for a seamless and enjoyable Disney vacation.
Choosing the Right Disney Resort
When planning your trip to Walt Disney World, selecting the right Disney resort is crucial. Your choice can significantly enhance your family’s experience, especially for kids who dream of being immersed in the magic.
Resort Categories:
- Value Resorts: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, these resorts offer themed decor and basic amenities.
- Moderate Resorts: A step up, providing additional dining options and recreational activities.
- Deluxe Resorts: Offer the best amenities, dining, and proximity to the parks.
Considerations for Families:
- Family Suites: Some resorts offer suites that comfortably accommodate larger families, ensuring everyone has enough space.
- Proximity to Parks: Staying closer to the parks can save you travel time, a precious commodity with children.
- Theming: Resorts with kid-centric themes can keep the magic alive even after leaving the parks.
Cost vs. Convenience:
Weigh the prices against the benefits. Your budget will guide you but remember to factor in the convenience of travel to parks and the availability of free transportation.
Reviews and Ratings:
Look at recent reviews from families to understand their experiences. What’s best for one family may not be best for yours, so consider the specifics of what you’re hoping to get out of the resort.
When selecting, confidently focus on the details that matter most to your family’s unforgettable Disney vacation. Whether you opt for a value, moderate, or deluxe resort, your adventure awaits with selections that cater to every family’s needs and dreams.
Top Disney Resorts for Families with Young Children
Choosing the right Disney resort can enhance your magical experience, especially when traveling with young children. Consider these top resorts that combine convenience, themed fun, and family-friendly amenities.
Art of Animation Resort
Immerse your family in the magic at the Art of Animation Resort, where you’ll find family suites themed around beloved Disney films like Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid. Your kids will love swimming in the Big Blue Pool, the largest at any Disney Resort.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers a New England-style experience with one of the best pools at Disney, Stormalong Bay. Enjoy close walking distance to Epcot, a variety of dining options, and the chance to indulge in treats at the popular Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Experience the allure of the South Pacific at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. With its convenient access to the Monorail, you can easily reach the theme parks. The Lava Pool will be a splash hit, and dining options like Kona Cafe add to the tropical flavor.
Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and French Quarter
At Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and French Quarter, you’ll enjoy the charm of the Louisiana bayou and cobblestone streets. Choose between taking a boat ride to Disney Springs or enjoying the intricate detailing of these unique resorts, along with multiple bus transportation options.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Stay close to the heart of the wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where you can view wildlife such as giraffes from your room. Savor the flavors of Africa at restaurants like Sanaa, Boma, and Jiko – a treat for the palate and a feast for the eyes.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Embrace modern luxury at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where the Monorail passes right through the building, ensuring you’re never far from the theme park action. Chef Mickey’s is on-site for a fun character dining experience your children won’t forget.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Escape to the rustic grandeur of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where boat transportation is available to take you to the parks. Be sure to catch the fireworks from the resort to cap off your day with that special touch of Disney magic. Dining options like Roaring Fork offer quick and satisfying meals.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
At Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, set sail for elegance and convenience wrapped in a nautical theme. Enjoy the same benefits as its sister resort, the Beach Club, with access to Stormalong Bay and various pools. It’s an upscale stay with family-friendly touches throughout.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is an affordable option that transports you to a tropical paradise. Young pirates will love the themed rooms, and the resort’s access to the Disney Skyliner makes park visits a breeze. The resort includes multiple pools and lush landscaping, making every day an adventure.
Entertainment and Activities for Kids at Disney Hotels
At Disney hotels, your little ones will be immersed in a world where the magic of Disney never ends. Activities and amenities are carefully crafted to provide enchanting experiences for children of all ages.
Theming and Room Decor
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers family suites themed after beloved films such as The Lion King. The Polynesian Village Resort, a deluxe resort, enthralls young kids with its lush, tropical island theme.
Unique Resort Activities
Movies Under the Stars and campfire activities are available at resorts like the All-Star Movies. Enjoy Caribbean Beach’s pirates adventure boat ride for an extra sprinkle of Disney magic.
Dining Options for Families
The various resorts, including family hotels, offer character breakfasts, ensuring memories with favorite Disney characters. Food courts and restaurants, like the popular Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, cater to family-friendly dining.
Pools and Water Play Areas
Pools like Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and the Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation provide cooling relaxation. Many pools have themes and include water play areas suitable for toddlers to teens.
Proximity to Disney Parks and Attractions
Stay within walking distance or a short ride to Disney parks. The Polynesian Village Resort is accessible by monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, optimizing your transportation time.
Special Experiences for Children
Character breakfasts create unforgettable encounters. Consider deluxe resorts for unique opportunities like pirate adventures or up-close animal views at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Recreation and Relaxation for the Whole Family
From themed pools and hot tubs to arcades and recreation activities, there’s something for everyone. Resorts offer the perfect balance between kid-focused fun and relaxation opportunities for adults.
Planning and Tips for a Magical Disney Vacation
When planning your Disney vacation, consider resort transportation, amenities, budgeting, time management, child-friendly itineraries, and family convenience to create an unforgettable experience for your kids.
Resort Transportation Systems
Disney World boasts an efficient transportation system to help you navigate the parks and resorts. Use the complimentary monorail for easy access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, or the Disney Skyliner to glide to Hollywood Studios and select resorts. Buses connect various Disney hotels with theme parks and other Disney locales. Knowing schedules and routes saves precious time.
Making the Most of Resort Amenities
Your Disney resort offers a range of amenities tailored for children. Enjoy intricately themed pools, like those at the Art of Animation Resort, which are perfect for cooling off after a day in the park. Explore food courts and restaurants offering kid-friendly menus. Some rooms come with a handy kitchenette, allowing for convenient in-room meal preparation.
Budgeting for a Disney Resort Stay
Disney hotels cater to all budgets, from value resorts to deluxe villas. To manage costs, consider affordable options like the Art of Animation Resort with family suites, or Disney’s All-Star Resorts with themed rooms and pools. The prices vary based on location and room type, so plan according to what’s most important for your family’s comfort and experience.
Maximizing Your Time at Disney World
To make the most of your visit, plan ahead and use resources like the MyDisneyExperience app for real-time info on attractions and wait times. FastPass+ reservations can reduce time spent in lines. Arrive early at parks like Magic Kingdom or Epcot to enjoy popular rides with shorter wait times.
Designing a Child-Friendly Itinerary
When creating an itinerary, keep your children’s interests and stamina in mind. Build in breaks and consider less intense attractions that toddlers and children can enjoy, such as character meet-and-greets or shows. Prioritize must-see attractions and balance with spontaneous fun.
Ensuring Comfort and Convenience for Families
Choose a Disney hotel with amenities that suit your family’s needs. Look for on-site resort features like direct transportation to parks, family suites, or rooms with extra space. Book accommodations early to ensure availability of preferred room types and locations that offer the easiest park access or best views.
Frequently Asked Questions
When planning a Disney vacation, choosing the right resort for your family can make all the difference. Here are the answers to some common questions to help you select the perfect Disney hotel for your kids.
What are the top Disney resorts for accommodating families with young children?
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are top choices for families with young kids. The Art of Animation offers spacious family suites and immersive themes, while the Animal Kingdom Lodge captivates with its savanna views and wildlife encounters.
Which Disney Value Resort is most recommended for a kid-friendly experience?
The Disney Pop Century Resort is a favorite among the Value options. With its vibrant theming reflecting decades of pop culture, large pools, and affordable pricing, it’s a hit with families looking for a fun yet budget-friendly stay.
How do monorail resorts enhance the Disney experience for kids?
Monorail resorts, such as Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, offer the convenience of quick transportation to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. This means less waiting and more time enjoying the parks with your kids.
Can you recommend a Disney resort that is ideal for a family of 6 with children?
For a family of 6, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort cabins offer a comfortable, rustic escape with plenty of space. The cabins feature a fully equipped kitchen, separate bedroom, and living area, plus outdoor recreational activities that kids love.
Which Disney resort features the best theme that captivates kids’ imaginations?
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge whisks families away to the Pacific Northwest with its majestic lobby and storytelling through architecture and landscaping. It’s an adventure in itself, engaging kids’ imaginations with a wilderness theme they won’t forget.
Which Disney hotel offers the best pool experience for toddlers?
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort boasts a zero-entry pool and shipwreck-themed water play area that’s a paradise for toddlers. The pool’s shallow areas allow little ones to splash and play safely, ensuring they have a magical pool experience.
