6 Best Walt Disney World Resorts for Kids
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World with your kids can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming. With so many resorts to choose from, it’s important to find a place that will make your family vacation magical.
What are the best resorts at Disney World for kids? This article will guide you through the top 6 options that offer the best experiences for children.
1) Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a tropical paradise right in the middle of Disney World. The vibrant, island-themed decor makes you feel like you're in Hawaii.
Kids will love the Lava Pool with its waterfall and 142-foot waterslide. There’s also a sandy beach where you can relax and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Character dining at 'Ohana is a special treat. Here, you get to meet Lilo, Stitch, and other Disney friends while enjoying a delicious breakfast.
The resort offers fun activities like hula dancing and ukulele lessons. These are great ways for kids to learn something new while having a blast.
Rooms are spacious and often come with views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. You might even catch a glimpse of Cinderella Castle from your balcony!
2) Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great choice for families. The resort lets your kids feel like they are on an African safari. They can watch animals like zebras and giraffes from their rooms.
The Lodge has activities for kids, such as storytelling by the fire pit and animal programs. There’s also the Uzima Springs Pool, which is huge and has a fun waterslide.
Your kids can enjoy various dining options. Boma offers a buffet with kid-friendly and adventurous dishes. For a special treat, Jiko serves food from African-inspired menus.
The rooms are cozy and come with African-themed decor. Many rooms have balconies with views of the savanna. Imagine waking up to see animals right outside your window!
The resort is close to Disney's Animal Kingdom park. This makes it easy to get to the rides and attractions. There are also buses to take you to other parks and Disney Springs.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a special experience that combines fun and learning for your kids. Your family will love staying here.
3) Disney's Beach Club Resort
You will love Disney's Beach Club Resort. It's perfect for kids because of the fun activities and the cool, beach-themed atmosphere. The Stormalong Bay pool area is like a mini water park with a lazy river, water slides, and a sandy bottom.
Your kids can join in the daily activities at the Sandcastle Club. Here, they can make crafts, play games, and even watch movies. It's a great place for them to make new friends.
Dining is a treat with character breakfasts at Cape May Café. Your kids will enjoy meeting Mickey, Minnie, and other Disney pals while eating delicious food. The Marketplace is also a great spot to grab quick snacks and light meals.
The resort is close to EPCOT, just a short walk away. You can easily get to other parks by boat or bus. This makes it convenient for getting around without much hassle.
Be sure to pick up souvenirs at the Beach Club Marketplace. They have Disney-themed items that your kids will cherish. With its beach vibes and kid-friendly attractions, Disney's Beach Club Resort is a magical place for your family's Disney adventure.
4) Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort is a hit for families with kids. The futuristic design is fascinating, and the kids will get a kick out of staying in such a unique place. It's one of the original Disney World hotels, and the monorail goes right through the building.
Staying here means you are just a short ride away from Magic Kingdom. You don't have to worry about long waits for buses because of the easy monorail access. Also, you can see the fireworks from the hotel, which is a real treat.
Kids will love the large pool with a fun waterslide. There's also a splash play area for the littlest ones. Nearby, the game arcade offers indoor fun when you need a break from the sun.
For meals, you have great options like Chef Mickey’s. Your kids can meet their favorite Disney characters at this character dining experience. Everyone will enjoy the variety of food available.
The rooms are spacious and have modern touches. The views are wonderful, whether you’re looking out at the theme parks, the lake, or the resorts. This adds an extra bit of magic to your stay.
5) Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is perfect for families. The colorful themes bring some of Disney's most beloved movies to life. You can stay in rooms inspired by "The Lion King," "Finding Nemo," "Cars," and "The Little Mermaid."
Kids will love the Big Blue Pool, the largest hotel pool at Walt Disney World. It even has underwater speakers playing music from "Finding Nemo." There's also a splash pad for smaller kids.
The resort has plenty of fun activities. You can join daily drawing classes to learn how to sketch your favorite characters. There's also an arcade and movie screenings under the stars.
Dining options are family-friendly too. Landscape of Flavors offers a variety of tasty choices. You can find something for everyone, from burgers to pasta and healthy salads.
The themed playgrounds add to the fun. Kids can climb and play around giant-sized characters from their favorite movies. It’s like stepping right into a Disney story.
Staying here makes getting around easy. With complimentary bus transportation, getting to the parks is a breeze. It’s a great way to explore all that Disney World has to offer.
6) Disney's Pop Century Resort
Disney's Pop Century Resort is a great pick for families. It celebrates pop culture from the 1950s to the 1990s.
Your kids will love the giant icons like yo-yos, Rubik's cubes, and rollerblades. The bright, colorful decor makes it a fun place to stay.
The resort offers three swimming pools. The Hippy Dippy Pool has flower fountains, and the kiddie pool is perfect for little ones.
There's a playground where your children can climb, slide, and play. Inside, there's an arcade with games for all ages.
You can grab meals at the Everything POP Shopping and Dining food court. There are both kid-friendly and adult options. Eating here is easy and convenient.
Many rooms have views of Hourglass Lake, a pleasant sight to wake up to. The resort also has a dedicated bus service to the parks, making travel easy.
Choosing the Right Resort for Your Family
Picking the perfect resort at Walt Disney World can make or break your family vacation. It's important to think about what your kids need and want, from fun activities to a comfortable place to sleep.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a resort, think about location, budget, and transportation options. Resorts closer to the parks save time, but might be pricier. Consider how each resort’s theme fits your family's tastes. Disney offers everything from sandy beaches to safari experiences.
Check resort reviews online to see what other families liked or didn’t like. Look for extra services like babysitting or dining plans. These extras can make the trip smoother for everyone.
Age-Appropriate Amenities
Different age groups have different needs. Little ones may enjoy character breakfasts and playgrounds. Older kids might prefer pools with slides, video game arcades, or movie nights under the stars.
Find out if the resort has activities like crafts, sports, or evening entertainment that suit your kids' ages. Parents often appreciate quiet zones and adult lounges where they can relax while kids are entertained.
Resort Dining Options
There are various delicious and fun dining choices perfect for kids at Disney World resorts. Kids will love the special character meals and themed restaurants.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Many Disney World resorts have restaurants that appeal to kids. These places usually serve familiar foods like chicken tenders, pizza, and burgers. For example, Everything Pop Dining at Pop Century Resort offers a wide variety of kid-friendly meals in a fun, colorful setting.
At Art of Animation Resort, Landscape of Flavors has different food stations with options to please everyone, including picky eaters. Kids can enjoy meals like mac and cheese while parents find more varied options. The All-Star Resorts also offer convenient and child-friendly dining options in their food courts.
Character Dining Experiences
Character dining experiences are a highlight for many kids. These meals let you eat while meeting beloved Disney characters. Over at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey's is a favorite. You can meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and more while enjoying a buffet.
'Ohana, located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, offers breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, and friends, featuring Hawaiian-themed foods. At Beach Club Resort, Cape May Cafe hosts a character breakfast with Minnie and friends in beachwear, making it a fun and memorable dining event for kids.
Additional Activities and Entertainment
There's lots to do at Disney World resorts. Popular options are pools with fun water features and various recreational activities for kids.
Pools and Water Features
Kids love pool time. Many Disney World resorts have themed pools with waterslides, splash areas, and interactive play zones.
At Disney's Art of Animation Resort, the Big Blue Pool is the largest pool at Disney. It has underwater speakers and a splash pad nearby.
Disney's Beach Club Resort features Stormalong Bay, a three-acre water wonderland with a lazy river, sand-bottom pool, and a life-size shipwreck with a slide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the best Disney World resort for your family can depend on the ages of your children, the size of your family, and what type of experience you want. Here’s a look at common questions to help you make a great choice.
Which Disney World hotel is the best option for families traveling with young children?
For young kids, Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a top pick. The fun, colorful themes from Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King make it magical. The resort also has family suites that provide extra space.
What is the most kid-friendly resort at Disney World for a first-time visit?
If it's your first visit, consider Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The tropical theme and easy access to Magic Kingdom via monorail make it very convenient. The pool area and Lilo's Playhouse add to the fun.
What are the recommended Disney World resorts for a family of 5?
Disney's Beach Club Resort is great for bigger families. It offers spacious rooms and easy access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Another good option is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, where family suites can comfortably fit five guests.
For a 10-year-old child, which Disney World resort offers the best experience?
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is perfect for a 10-year-old. The chance to see animals up close from your room or the resort grounds is exciting. The pool and interactive activities like night-vision goggles for animal-viewing add to the adventure.
How do I choose the best Disney World park for my children?
Consider your kids' favorite characters and interests. If they love princesses, Magic Kingdom is the best choice. For Star Wars fans, Hollywood Studios is ideal. Animal lovers will enjoy Animal Kingdom. Epcot is great for kids interested in science and technology.
At what age do kids typically enjoy Disney World the most?
Kids generally start enjoying Disney World around age 4, as they can understand more and enjoy rides. Ages 6 to 12 are ideal because kids can appreciate most attractions, shows, and meet-and-greets.
