There are so many Walt Disney World resorts to choose from that it can be hard to narrow down your choice, especially with little ones.
Here are the factors we think are most important and our picks in every resort category.
Factors to consider
Before we jump into specific hotel recommendations, here are some important factors that are specific to people with babies and toddlers that we take into consideration when choosing favorite resorts.
Transportation
Transportation is always an important factor in deciding resorts, but it becomes way more important when you have little ones.
That’s because getting to/from hotels for midday breaks could factor in, so having an easy commute could be important.
But transportation is also important because the need to fold strollers on buses can be so cumbersome that having resorts with non-bus transportation can be way more convenient.
Dining options
When you have little ones, you often need quick, easy dining options available. Resorts with food courts and good quick service choices will be better for this.
Theming
There are lots of themes and varieties of resorts to choose from – some more little kid friendly than others.
You may prefer the bright colors of the Value Resorts or the gorgeous theming at a resort like Animal Kingdom Lodge that’s great for animal lovers.
Room types
When traveling with a little one, you’ll have to consider the layout of the room.
Where will a Pack n Play fit? Do you want a patio/balcony to hang out on when they go to bed? Do you need access to a kitchen and washer/dryer?
Best resorts for little ones in each category
So with all of that criteria out of the way, here are some good suggestions in each of the resort categories – Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Villas.
Value Resorts
Value Resorts are all very colorful and fun, making them especially well suited for travel groups with young children.
Pop Century Resort
Transportation
- Bus (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon)
- Skyliner (Hollywood Studios & Epcot)
This has long been our favorite Value Resort due to its bus transportation and price being better than many of the more expensive resort options, but the addition of the Disney Skyliner has made that even more so.
The ability to roll a stroller onto the Skyliner to get to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios is a huge perk (double wide strollers have to be broken down, so this only works for singles and front-to-back style strollers).
Plus, you’re just a Skyliner ride away from Riviera Resort, which has Topolino’s character breakfast – the most popular character meal at Walt Disney World.
Dining Options
Because Pop Century is a Value Resort, your only dining option is the food court, which actually is typically great for little ones.
Pro-tip: Use Mobile Order in the My Disney Experience App to make it even more convenient.
Theming
The theming here is bright, funky, and retro. Kids love the theming at the Value Resorts because they really scream “DISNEY!”.
Room types
The rooms at Pop Century have either 1 King or 1 Queen and 1 Queen Table Bed (a bed that when folded up against the wall makes a table).
The room size overall is pretty small, though many guests have reported that they really like the ability of being able to fold the one bed up when it isn’t in use because it gives them more floor space, which is nice if you have little ones that need some room to play.
Another nice feature of the rooms at Pop Century is a sliding door (instead of a curtain) between the sink area of the bathroom and the sleeping space.
This makes it a lot easier for people to get ready in the morning without disturbing those that might still be sleeping.
Art of Animation Resort
Transportation
- Bus (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon)
- Skyliner (Hollywood Studios & Epcot)
Just like Pop Century, Art of Animation also has easy access to both buses and the Skyliner. We can’t stress enough how convenient the Skyliner can be if you have a stroller. Not having to fold it up or wake a sleeping little one is a huge perk.
Dining Options
Like all Value Resorts, your only dining options at Art of Animation is Quick Service. We can report, though, that the food at the Food Court here is honestly really, really good.
Theming
We’re not sure there is a better themed resort than Art of Animation. It is pure Disney. Each section is elaborately themed down to all of the pools.
Room types
The resort is divided into 4 sections. Only 1 of the sections has standard rooms, the rest are all suites:
- Finding Nemo (suites)
- Lion King (suites)
- Cars (suites)
- Little Mermaid (standard hotel rooms only)
The Little Mermaid rooms sleep up to 4. The suites, however, can sleep up to 6.
There is a sitting area with a couch, dresser, and TV. There’s also a table for eating with chairs that doubles as a pull-down bed.
Each family suite comes with 1 Queen Bed (in a separate attached room with an attached bathroom), 1 Double-Size Table Bed, and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa. The room with the Queen Bed also has another TV, dresser, a place to hang clothes, and a bathroom attached.
Although Art of Animation is in the Value Resort category, because of the amount of space in the suites, the rooms aren’t cheap. Be sure to factor that into your decision as you choose.
Moderate Resorts
Moderate Resorts, in general, aren’t the most kid friendly because they are gorgeous but not necessarily as fun for little ones as some resorts in the other categories. However, there is 1 that sticks out above the others.
Caribbean Beach Resort
Transportation
Bus (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon)
Skyliner (Hollywood Studios & Epcot)
One downside to Caribbean Beach is the number of internal bus stops the resort has. Unlike the Value Resorts (which has only 1 bus stop), Caribbean Beach has 7, and if you are the last stop to be picked up or dropped off, it can add a significant amount of travel time.
But, having the Skyliner hub located at the resort means you’re just 1 stop away from Hollywood Studios and Epcot – and without the need to collapse a stroller like you do on the buses (this applies to single or front-to-back strollers).
Dining Options
Not only do you have all the dining options located at the resort (both Quick Service – including a Food Court, and Table Service) but Caribbean Beach is located right next to Riviera Resort putting you within walking distance of Topolino’s character breakfast – the most popular character meal at Walt Disney World.
Theming
The resort doesn’t have that same kid-friendly theming that you see at the Value Resorts, but it is still lovely and very peaceful.
There is a huge island playground in the middle of the resort plus a very fun pool.
Room Types
Standard Rooms at Moderate Resorts are slightly larger than their Value Resort counterparts.
Many of the rooms here have 2 queen beds and 1 child-size pull-down bed and sleep a total of 5 (4 adults, 1 child).
Although the Trinidad section of the resort used to house Pirate-themed rooms, those are slowly being changed over to a new theme that will have ““subtle nods to fan-favorite characters from under the sea, will accommodate more guests, and feature updated finishings that can’t be found anywhere else at the resort.”
Deluxe Resorts
Truth be told, there are a lot of resorts in the Deluxe category that are easy to recommend. They all have rooms available with balconies/patios, most are located near at least 1 park, and the rooms are bigger than other resorts.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Beach Club Resort
Located right next to the International Gateway of Epcot, this resort is a 5-8 minute walk away to that park. It also has the best pool of any resort, is within walking/boating/Skyliner distance to Hollywood Studios, and has access to all of the nearby Boardwalk Area resorts for entertainment and dining.
Transportation
- Bus (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon)
- Boat (Hollywood Studios, Epcot)
- Skyliner (Hollywood Studios – must transfer at Caribbean Beach)
- Walk (Epcot – 5-8 minute walk, Hollywood Studios – 15-20 minute walk)
Dining Options
Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts do not have food courts, but there are several Quick Service and Table Service options located in the Beach Club, plus lots more options located at the Yacht Club, at the Swan and Dolphin (about 5-10 minute walk away) and on the Boardwalk (which is also about a 5-10 minute walk away).
Theming
The theming here is beachside beautiful, with elegant Disney touches.
Plus, Beach Club is famous for having the best pool on property.
Room Types
Although there are a few suite options, most rooms here are Standard Size with 2 queen beds and a child-size fold down bed, sleeping 5 total (4 adults and 1 child). For more room types, you may want to check out the Disney Vacation Club section of the hotel.
Contemporary Resort
Right next to Magic Kingdom is the Contemporary Resort which is just a short walk away. This resort also has monorail as an option (no need to fold up your stroller there), the monorail running right through the building, and Chef Mickey’s character meal right on site.
Transportation
- Bus (Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon)
- Boat (Magic Kingdom)
- Monorail (Magic Kingdom, Epcot)
- Walk (Magic Kingdom (8-10 minutes)
Dining
There are several Table Service and a couple of Quick Service locations inside the main tower at the Contemporary, including the very popular Chef Mickey’s character meal.
Theming
The rooms at the Contemporary are all themed after the Incredibles. We really like this recent re-theming here and think it totally fits the vibe of the resort.
Room Types
Most rooms at the Contemporary are standard with 2 queen beds and 1 pull-down child size couch bed.
For more room type options, consider Bay Lake Tower which is located right next door to the Contemporary. Note: the rooms at Bay Lake Tower are not themed to the Incredibles.
Theme park view rooms have balconies that allow you to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant right from your room.
Polynesian Village Resort
The Polynesian resort gives you easy monorail access to 2 parks (no need to fold up your stroller), great on site dining options, gorgeous theming, a fun pool, and many rooms that have balconies/patios with some having views of the water where you can view fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant.
Transportation
- Bus (Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon)
- Boat (Magic Kingdom)
- Monorail (Magic Kingdom, Epcot)
Dining
Like all the Deluxe Resorts, you have both Quick Service and Table Service options available at The Polynesian.
Theming
The overall resort is very Polynesian feeling, and the rooms have been re-themed with subtle (and elegant) Moana touches.
Room Types
Most rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are standard with 2 queen beds and 1 pull-down child size bed. For more room type options, consider the Polynesian Villas, which are located right next door to the main resort.
Theme park view rooms have balconies that allow you to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant right from your room.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
This resort will not have the transportation benefits of the resorts above as it uses buses to get to all parks, but it is less expensive than other Deluxe Resorts, maybe the most gorgeous of any resort, has rooms with savanna views, and some of the best onsite dining options.
Transportation
Important note: Despite the name being similar, you can NOT walk to the Animal Kingdom theme park from Animal Kingdom.
Bus (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon)
Dining
Animal Kingdom Lodge has several fantastic restaurants (both Quick Service and Table Service) that serve some of the best food on property. While some of the menus may seem “adventurous,” there are also always kid-friendly standards (mac & cheese, chicken, etc.) available.
Theming
Where Animal Kingdom Lodge really shines is with its theming. You really almost feel as if you are on safari in Africa. Plus, there are some subtle Lion King touches throughout the resort, too.
It is absolutely gorgeous and definitely worth the splurge here to get a savanna view.
Room Types
Most rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are standard with 2 queen beds.
For more room type options, consider Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, which is located in the same building as Animal Kingdom Lodge OR Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, which is located a short shuttle ride away.
Deluxe Villa Resorts
Villa Resorts are resorts that give you a home-away-from-home feel with features like kitchens, larger layout options, washers and dryers, and free parking.
All of the Deluxe Resorts listed above have adjacent Villa Resorts, so if you’d like the perks of those + more room options, consider their Villa counterpart.
| Deluxe Resort | Deluxe Villa Counterpart |
| Beach Club Resort | Beach Club Villas |
| Contemporary Resort | Bay Lake Tower |
| Polynesian Village Resort | Polynesian Villas |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge | Animal Kingdom Villas |
Of particular interest are the studio rooms at Polynesian Villas, which are large and have 2 different bathroom spaces.
Though you can book Villas directly with Disney, one of the most affordable ways to stay in the Deluxe Villa Resorts is by renting points, but there are pros/cons of this approach.