Bring on the Magic: 11 Best Disney Resorts for Kids

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Stormalong Bay beach club resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort features the waterpark Stormalong Bay. Photo credit: Walt Disney World Resorts

There are many reasons to stay at a Disney resort while visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Disney properties offer an array of lodging options along with perks to enhance your Disney World vacation.

Choose from the many value, moderate and deluxe Disney properties that best fit your budget. No matter which hotel you choose, you’ll find themed pools, various dining options including food courts and free theme park shuttles for easy access to the Disney parks.

In addition, depending on the resort’s location, free transportation options feature the Monorail, Disney Skyliner (aerial gondolas), boat and bus. With that in mind, check out our picks for the best Disney World resorts for kids.

One of the best Disney resorts for kids is the value priced Art of Animation Resort.
One of the best Disney World resorts for kids is the Art of Animation, which also includes a splash pad. Photo credit: Kathy Penney

1. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

1850 Animation Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 939-5277

Looking for a kid-friendly value resort? You’ll find comfortable hotel rooms with amenities including late night room service and free wifi at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. It’s a fun resort with four main themes: the Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars and the Little Mermaid. Family suites have kitchenettes.

In addition, the resort offers childcare services and free infant beds. Located near Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has three outdoor pools, an arcade room and laundry services. The Disney Skyliner provides easy access to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.

Resort highlights

  • Free infant beds
  • Arcade room
  • Three outdoor pools
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge)
  • Self parking (surcharge)

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2. Port Orleans French Quarter

2201 Orleans Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 939-1936

Located near EPCOT®, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter is a moderate resort that features charming New Orleans style architecture and cobblestone streets. The resort has an onsite restaurant, a Mardi Gras-themed pool with a slide and a playground.

It’s among the smaller of the Disney World Resort hotels, making it ideal for families seeking a more intimate experience.

Resort highlights:

  • An outdoor Mardi Gras-themed pool with a slide
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge)
  • Proximity to Disney transportation
  • Self parking (surcharge)

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3. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside

1251 Riverside Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 939-1936

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It’s a short walking distance along the Sassagoula River from the Port Orleans French Quarter to Port Orleans Riverside, the larger of the two hotels. My mom and I stayed here with my three kids and we all enjoyed the cozy ambiance, comfortable beds and proximity to Disney transportation. Our room in the Alligator Bayou easily accommodated five people.

The riverfront hotel has a marina and six outdoor pools. A complimentary water taxi travels to Disney Springs.

Resort highlights:

  • Spacious hotel rooms
  • Six outdoor pools
  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge)
  • Self parking (surcharge)

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Four pools make Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort one of the best Disney resorts for kids.
The Dig Site Pool at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, considered a mid-range Disney property. Photo credit: Mimi Slawoff

4. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

1000 W Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 939-1936

Families enjoy the congenial Coronado Springs Resort, which offers comfortable rooms and many Disney perks. Four onsite restaurants, four outdoor pools (including a children’s pool), a playground and free wifi make this a great choice for families. The resort is walking distance to Disney’s Blizzard Beach. To reach the theme parks, hop on a free shuttle.

I’ve stayed at this no-frills but comfortable resort for two business trips and recommend it for families seeking a moderately-priced Disney resort.

Resort highlights:

  • Children’s pool
  • Playground on site
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Free theme park shuttles

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Balcony views of an African savannah make Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge one of the best Disney resorts for kids.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe resort where you can view an African savannah from your room’s balcony. Photo credit: Sarah Gilliland

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

2901 W Osceola Pkwy
Kissimmee, Florida 34747
(407) 939-1936

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe hotel that offers rooms with thrilling views, including some that overlook an Africa-themed savannah. It’s the closest Disney resort to the Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Three onsite restaurants, two outdoor pools, the Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center and many amenities make this a favorite Disney hotel for many families with young children. For example, amenities include a zero-entry pool, onsite playground and childcare center for young kids.

Resort highlights:

  • Hotel rooms with two outdoor pools with a waterslide, sun loungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children’s club (surcharge)
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available

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The Polynesian Village Resort’s location and amenities rank it among the best Disney resorts for kids.
Sitting area in the Polynesian Village Resort Villas. Photo credit: Walt Disney World Resort

6. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

1600 Seven Seas Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32836
(407) 939-1936

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is ideal for families who want easy access to the Magic Kingdom. My family of five enjoyed staying at this South Pacific-themed hotel, which has a private beach, three restaurants and an outdoor pool. There’s also a playground and childcare for young kids. Reaching the Magic Kingdom is easy via the monorail and boats.

The wide selection of accommodations includes hotel rooms, suites, deluxe studios (with kitchenettes) and bungalows with kitchens.

Resort highlights:

  • Wide selection of rooms
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Babysitting services
  • Private beach
  • Easy access to Magic Kingdom Theme Park

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For families seeking a classic resort, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the best Disney resort for kids.
The pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Photo credit: Gwen Kleist

7. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 939-1936

Easy access to Magic Kingdom via boat or monorail makes the Victorian-style Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa one of the best Disney resorts for kids. From rooms and suites (some with concierge service) to villas, the deluxe resort offers a variety of accommodations. The resort has seven onsite restaurants and a full-service spa and hair salon.

The property itself is a delight, with two pools including a children’s pool with a waterslide, a swim-up bar and the nearby Seven Seas Lagoon. Relax poolside in a lounge chair or rent a cabana. Plus, you’ll be able to see fireworks from either your room or the sitting area in the resort.

Resort highlights:

  • Wide selection of accommodations
  • Proximity to Magic Kingdom
  • Seven onsite restaurants
  • Two pools
  • Seven Seas Lagoon

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The Caribbean Beach Resort’s beach and pool area make it one of the best Disney resorts for kids
With its bright colorful buildings and access to the Skyliner, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a favorite Disney World Resort. Photo credit: Gwen Kleist

8. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

1114 Cayman Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 939-1936

Located near EPCOT, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has standard and preferred hotel rooms with views. The property has a private beach, outdoor pool and pool bar. There’s a great zero-entry children’s pool with two slides and water cannons. A nearby shipwreck play area is perfect for young kids under 48 inches.

When you’re ready for the theme parks, the Disney Skyliner will transport you to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Prefer to walk? The walking distance to EPCOT is about 30 minutes.

Resort highlights:

  • An outdoor pool and a children’s pool with slides
  • Shipwreck play area for young kids
  • Disney Skyliner for easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

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For families who prefer modern hotel rooms, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the best Disney resort for kids.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort features modern architecture and hotel rooms. Photo credit: Walt Disney World Resorts

9. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

4600 World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 939-1936

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers an assortment of rooms, suites and villas in the A-frame Contemporary tower or the nearby Garden Wing. The deluxe studios have kitchenettes and sleeper sofas. Hotel amenities include three onsite restaurants, two outdoor pools and a children’s pool.

It’s a short walking distance to Magic Kingdom Park but you can also ride the monorail. Free infant beds and free self parking make this an attractive resort for families.

Resort highlights:

  • Two outdoor pools and a children’s pool
  • Free infant beds
  • Free self parking
  • Easy access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT

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Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Stormalong Bay is a fun water oasis at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Photo credit: Walt Disney World Resorts

10. Disney’s Beach Club Resort

1800 Epcot Resorts Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 939-1936

Water-loving families will be in paradise at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The nearly three-acre Stormalong Bay features a shipwreck, pools, lagoons and more. The New England-style resort hotel shares several amenities with its sister hotel, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. For example, there are three pools and spas located throughout Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. In addition, there’s an outdoor tennis court, concierge services, bike rentals and more.

Accommodations include rooms, suites and villas with water or garden views. Feed your family at two onsite restaurants and an ice cream parlor. Disney’s Beach Club Resort is walking distance to EPCOT and a relaxing boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Resort highlights:

  • Three-acre waterpark
  • Two outdoor pools and a children’s pool with a waterslide
  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge)
  • Ice cream parlor
  • Bike rentals
  • Outdoor tennis court

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The woodsy-themed themed Fort Wilderness Lodge is the best Disney resort for kids who love nature.
The frontier-style Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue entertains families at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Photo credit: Walt Disney World Resort

11. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge

901 Timberline Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 939-1936

Settle into the rustic-style elegance of the Fort Wilderness Lodge, styled after National Park lodges. Accommodations vary from standard rooms with nature or courtyard views to deluxe rooms with woodland or lake views. The unique resort has two nature-themed pool areas: Copper Creek Springs with a waterslide built into rocks and Boulder Ridge Cove. Nature trails meander through a woodsy area and and rocking chairs overlook a creek. Onsite restaurants include Story Book Dining at Artist Point with characters from Snow White.

Located near Magic Kingdom Park, the lakeside resort has many family amenities that include free cribs/infant beds, an onsite playground, children’s club (surcharge) and supervised childcare (surcharge).

Resort highlights:

  • Character dining
  • Two nature-themed pool areas
  • Onsite playground
  • Supervised childcare (surcharge)
  • Children’s pool
  • Playground on site
  • Children’s club (surcharge)

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Native Angeleno and seasoned travel journalist Mimi Slawoff writes for numerous print and digital publications. She is also the author of Oldest Los Angeles (Reedy Press, 2022). A lifelong world traveler, Mimi is an award-winning journalist who writes about outdoor adventures, cruises, Europe and cultural activities. Mimi has three grown kids and lives with her husband and their dog, Maya, in Los Angeles.
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