Best Disney Resorts for Toddlers: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Family Vacation Spot
If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World with your little ones, you may be wondering which resort is the best fit for your family.
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay. Fortunately, there are several resorts that are particularly well-suited for families with toddlers.
When choosing a Disney resort for your family, it's important to consider factors such as location, amenities, and dining options.
You'll want to choose a resort that is convenient to the parks you plan to visit and offers plenty of activities and amenities to keep your little ones entertained.
Additionally, you'll want to make sure there are plenty of dining options that will appeal to your family's tastes and dietary needs.
To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of the top Disney resorts for toddlers. Whether you're looking for a resort with a fun theme, plenty of activities, or easy access to the parks, there's sure to be a resort on this list that will meet your family's needs. So, pack your bags and get ready for a magical vacation with your little ones!
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right Disney resort for your family is important for a successful trip with toddlers.
Consider factors such as location, amenities, and dining options when making your decision.
There are several Disney resorts that are particularly well-suited for families with toddlers, offering fun themes, plenty of activities, and easy access to the parks.
Understanding Disney Resorts
When planning a trip to Disney World with your toddler, choosing the right resort is crucial. Disney World offers a variety of resorts, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering a Disney resort for your family:
Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts
Disney resorts are categorized into three tiers: value, moderate, and deluxe. Value resorts are the most affordable and offer basic amenities, while deluxe resorts are the most luxurious and offer more amenities and services. Moderate resorts fall somewhere in between.
Location
Consider the location of the resort in relation to the parks and other attractions. Staying at a resort that is close to the parks can save time and make it easier to take midday breaks with your toddler.
Amenities
Each Disney resort offers a variety of amenities, including pools, restaurants, and activities. Look for resorts with amenities that are important to your family, such as a pool with a splash pad for toddlers.
Best Disney Resorts for Toddlers
Here are some of the top Disney resorts for toddlers that offer plenty of fun activities and amenities for your little ones:
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a great option for families with toddlers. The resort offers family suites that can accommodate up to six people, making it perfect for larger families. The family suites come with two full bathrooms, a kitchenette, and a separate bedroom for parents. The resort also features the largest pool in Disney World, the Big Blue Pool, which has a zero-entry area and a splash pad for little ones.
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Disney's Pop Century Resort is another great option for families with toddlers. The resort offers standard rooms and family suites that can accommodate up to six people. The family suites come with two full bathrooms, a kitchenette, and a separate bedroom for parents. The resort also features three pools, including a kiddie pool with a splash area for little ones.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a tropical-themed resort that is perfect for families with toddlers. The resort offers standard rooms and pirate-themed rooms that can accommodate up to four people. The pirate-themed rooms come with a separate sleeping area for kids, complete with bunk beds and a pirate ship-themed decor. The resort also features a pirate-themed pool with a waterslide and a splash area for little ones.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a luxurious resort that is perfect for families with toddlers. The resort offers standard rooms and suites that can accommodate up to five people. The resort also features a zero-entry pool with a waterfall and a splash area for little ones. The resort is also located on the monorail, making it easy to get to Magic Kingdom.
Disney's BoardWalk Inn
Disney's BoardWalk Inn is a charming resort that is perfect for families with toddlers. The resort offers standard rooms and suites that can accommodate up to five people. The resort also features a pool with a waterslide and a kiddie pool with a splash area for little ones. The resort is also located on the BoardWalk, which offers plenty of entertainment options for families.
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney's Beach Club Resort is a beautiful resort that is perfect for families with toddlers. The resort offers standard rooms and suites that can accommodate up to five people. The resort also features a pool with a sand-bottomed area and a kiddie pool with a splash area for little ones. The resort is also located within walking distance of Epcot.
Disney's Riviera Resort
Disney's Riviera Resort is a new resort that is perfect for families with toddlers. The resort offers deluxe studios and one- and two-bedroom villas that can accommodate up to eight people. The resort also features a pool with a waterslide and a splash area for little ones. The resort is also located on the Skyliner, making it easy to get to Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a relaxing resort that is perfect for families with toddlers. The resort offers standard rooms and villas that can accommodate up to nine people. The resort also features a pool with a waterslide and a kiddie pool with a splash area for little ones. The resort is also located within walking distance of Disney Springs.
No matter which Disney resort you choose, you and your little ones are sure to have a magical time. With so many fun activities and amenities available, your family vacation is sure to be unforgettable.
Disney Resort Themes and Characters
When it comes to choosing the best Disney resort for your toddler, you'll want to consider the resort's theming and characters. Disney is known for its immersive theming and beloved characters, and staying at a resort that reflects your child's favorite movie or character can make their vacation even more magical.
One resort that stands out for its theming is Disney's Art of Animation Resort. This resort is divided into four sections, each with its own theme based on popular Disney movies: Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. The resort's colorful and whimsical decor will transport you and your toddler into the worlds of these beloved films.
If your toddler is a fan of character dining, you'll want to consider resorts that offer this experience. Many of the deluxe resorts, such as Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney's Contemporary Resort, offer character dining experiences that feature some of your child's favorite Disney characters. You can enjoy a delicious meal while your child interacts with characters like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and Winnie the Pooh.
For toddlers who love Moana, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a great option. This resort features a South Pacific theme and offers Moana-themed activities, including a scavenger hunt and a meet-and-greet with Moana herself.
No matter which Disney resort you choose, you're sure to find plenty of theming and characters to delight your toddler. From the magic of the movies at Art of Animation to the character dining experiences at the deluxe resorts, Disney offers something for every family.
Activities and Amenities at Disney Resorts
When it comes to activities and amenities, Disney Resorts are designed with families in mind, especially those with toddlers. From pools to games, movies under the stars to volleyball, there is no shortage of things to do at a Disney Resort.
One of the biggest draws for families with toddlers are the pools. Many Disney Resorts have multiple pools, including kiddie pools specifically designed for little ones. These pools are shallow, often with fun water features and slides, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for toddlers.
In addition to pools, Disney Resorts offer a variety of games and activities for families to enjoy together. From ping pong to shuffleboard, there is something for everyone. Many resorts also offer movies under the stars, providing a fun and relaxing evening activity for families to enjoy together.
For those looking for a more active experience, many Disney Resorts have volleyball courts, providing a fun way to stay active and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather.
When it comes to amenities, Disney Resorts have it all. From on-site restaurants and snack bars to gift shops and convenience stores, everything you need is right at your fingertips. Many resorts also offer child care services, allowing parents to enjoy some time alone while their little ones are looked after by trained professionals.
Overall, Disney Resorts offer a wide range of activities and amenities that are perfect for families with toddlers. With pools, games, movies under the stars, volleyball, and more, there is no shortage of things to do and see at a Disney Resort.
Dining Options at Disney Resorts
When it comes to dining options at Disney Resorts, there are plenty of choices for you and your little ones. From quick snacks to sit-down meals with your favorite Disney characters, you'll find something to satisfy everyone's appetite.
One popular spot for families is the World Premiere Food Court at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort. This food court offers a variety of options, including pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. There's also a separate section for kids' meals, which includes options like mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
If you're looking for a character dining experience, Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort is a must-visit. You'll get to meet Mickey and his friends while enjoying an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet with options like Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, and more.
For a more upscale dining experience, consider California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort. This restaurant offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom and delicious cuisine, including sushi, flatbreads, and grilled meats.
No matter what your dining preferences are, you're sure to find something to enjoy at Disney Resorts. So, grab your little ones and get ready to indulge in some tasty treats!
Transportation Options at Disney Resorts
Getting around Walt Disney World can be a breeze if you know the right transportation options. Luckily, Disney offers a variety of ways to get from one place to another, including buses, monorails, boats, and the newest addition, the Skyliner.
The Disney Transportation system is complimentary and offers service to and from all Disney resorts, theme parks, and water parks. Buses run regularly, and you can find bus stops at each resort. The buses are wheelchair accessible, and strollers are allowed on board. However, keep in mind that during peak times, the buses can get crowded, and you may have to wait a little longer.
Another popular transportation option is the monorail, which runs between select resorts and Magic Kingdom. The monorail is a fun way to travel and offers great views of the parks and resorts. However, keep in mind that the monorail can get busy, especially during peak times, and you may have to wait in line to board.
Boats are another transportation option at select resorts, including Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Boats run regularly and provide a relaxing way to travel to Magic Kingdom and other nearby resorts.
The newest addition to Disney's transportation system is the Skyliner. The Skyliner is a gondola system that connects select resorts to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Skyliner offers fantastic views of the parks and resorts and is a fun way to travel. The Skyliner station at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort serves as the hub for the three Skyliner lines, making it easy to get to your destination.
Overall, Disney offers a variety of transportation options to get you where you need to go. Whether you're traveling by bus, monorail, boat, or Skyliner, you're sure to have a magical experience getting around Walt Disney World.
Choosing the Best Disney Resort for Your Family
When it comes to choosing the best Disney resort for your family, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, think about the needs and preferences of your little ones. Do they need a lot of space to run around? Do they need a quiet place to nap? Do they love Disney characters?
Another important factor is your budget. Disney offers a range of resorts, from budget-friendly options to luxurious accommodations. Consider what you're willing to spend and what amenities are important to you.
Location is also key. Do you want to be close to a specific park or attraction? Do you want to be able to easily access transportation to other parts of the resort? Keep in mind that some resorts may be noisier than others, depending on their proximity to parks or other activities.
If you're looking for a home away from home, consider one of Disney's deluxe villas or vacation club properties. These offer more space and amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities.
Here are a few top picks for Disney resorts for families with toddlers:
Disney's Art of Animation Resort: This value resort features family suites with separate living and sleeping areas, as well as fun theming based on popular Disney movies.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort: This deluxe resort offers a prime location on the monorail line, as well as a beach area and character dining experiences.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: For a truly luxurious experience, this deluxe resort offers elegant Victorian theming, fine dining options, and a convenient location on the monorail line.
Remember, the best Disney resort for your family will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Take some time to research and compare options before making your decision. And if you're booking through an affiliate link, be sure to read the fine print and compare prices to ensure you're getting the best deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best Disney resorts for families with young children?
If you're traveling to Disney with toddlers or young kids, you'll want to make sure you choose a resort that caters to their needs. Some of the best Disney resorts for families with young children include Disney's Polynesian Resort, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney's Art of Animation Resort. These resorts offer amenities like kid-friendly pools, playgrounds, and character experiences that are sure to delight your little ones.
Are there any Disney resorts that offer special amenities for toddlers?
Yes, many Disney resorts offer special amenities for toddlers. For example, Disney's Art of Animation Resort has family suites with separate sleeping areas for parents and kids, and themed rooms that feature popular Disney characters like Cars and The Little Mermaid. Disney's Polynesian Resort offers childcare services and a children's activity center, as well as a beach area with a shallow pool that's perfect for toddlers.
Which Disney resort is most suitable for families with babies?
If you're traveling with a baby, you'll want to choose a resort that offers amenities like cribs, high chairs, and baby-friendly pools. Some of the most suitable Disney resorts for families with babies include Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Beach Club Resort, and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. These resorts offer amenities like in-room childcare, baby gear rental, and quiet areas for nursing or feeding.
What are some of the most kid-friendly activities available at Disney resorts?
Disney resorts offer a wide range of activities that are perfect for kids of all ages. Some of the most kid-friendly activities include character meet-and-greets, pool parties, movie nights, and scavenger hunts. Many resorts also offer kids' clubs and activity centers where children can participate in arts and crafts, games, and other fun activities.
Do any Disney resorts offer military discounts for families?
Yes, Disney resorts offer military discounts for families. These discounts can vary depending on the resort and the time of year, so it's best to check with the resort directly to find out what discounts are available.
Which Disney park is the most recommended for families with young children?
Magic Kingdom is often considered the most recommended Disney park for families with young children. This park features classic Disney attractions like It's a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Peter Pan's Flight, as well as character meet-and-greets and parades. The park also offers a variety of dining options that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
