Picking Your Walt Disney World Resort Based on Appeal to Kids
By Dave Shute
OVERVIEW: DISNEY RESORT KID APPEAL
You and your kids can have a wonderful vacation at any Walt Disney World resort.
However, you will have the best first family Disney World trip if you go to a distinctively kid-appealing resort. Because of this, and travel convenience, this site recommends Disney’s Polynesian Resort for those who can afford it, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort for those who can’t.
You may not be able to follow this direction. For such families, listed below are the Disney resorts ranked in order of their kid appeal.
They are coded by price category as D for Deluxe, M for Moderate, V for Value, and DVC for Disney Vacation Club Resorts. (See this for details on what you get by price category.)
DISNEY WORLD RESORT HOTELS WITH GREAT KID APPEAL
1. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (D) and Villas (DVC) was designed to evoke the outdoorsy majesty of the great American National Park Lodges—buildings as glorious, exciting, and as promising of adventure as the great parks they serve, such as the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone, and the Ahwahnee at Yosemite.
It succeeds spectacularly, indoors, outside, and in its hot spring/geyser themed pool area, and brings out in kids a sense that they are back in a larger-than-life old west, but one also of grace and beauty, where any adventure is possible.
2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (D) and Villas (DVC). The Lodge was designed by Peter Dominick, the architect behind the Wilderness Lodge, and has many of the same wonderful effects on kids.
It evokes safari adventure in Central Africa rather than the American wilderness, and adds to the architecturally-inspired sense of grand adventurous possibilities a glimpse of the exotic artifacts and architecture of sub-Saharan Africa, and actual views of wild animals in the savannas that surround most of the building.
3. Disney’s Polynesian Resort (D) is designed to make the visitor think they are engaging in the lush, tropical, welcoming environment of the Pacific Islands, and was intended to be an appropriate backdrop to Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom.
“Polynesia” was a more powerful adventure concept in the early 70s, when the resort first opened, and American culture was still influenced by the World War II romance of the South Pacific.
Even so, children still immediately understand that they are in an imitated world like no other they have every seen, bringing its own new and exciting things to see: dramatic and adventurous roof lines, unusual tropical plants and trees, and exotic decorations. Plus the flaming torches that line the pathways at night are really cool!
4. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (V). As deeply themed as any resort on property, and more “Disney” themed than any other.
Sections evoke the settings and characters of Finding Nemo, the Lion King and Cars (all family suites) and of Little Mermaid (all standard rooms). The section themes are deeply carried into the rooms themselves.
5,6,7,8 (All V) Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Movies,
Sports, and Music Resorts. The appeal of these four value resorts to kids often utterly escapes their parents. Essentially they are standard three (All-Stars) and four story (Pop) concrete motel blocks, painted in uncommon colors, surrounded by sculpture.
But to a kid, what colors, and what sculpture! A 40 foot Roger Rabbit! Equally large sculptures of Buzz Lightyear, Baloo, Dalmations (fewer than 101!), cowboy boots, a Big Wheel, and footballs! Dozens more huge icons!
Kids will have seen nothing like this anywhere else, and they both get the immediate joy that kids always receive from either miniatures or larger than life figures, and understand that these objects were meant for their entertainment, and not for the pleasure of anyone else.
Among these four, the 40-foot tall character sculptures make Pop Century more “Disney-like” than the All-Stars. John Hench, a Disney Legend, noted in his book Designing Disney
that “these beautiful sculptures [at Pop Century] are astonishing, unforgettable, and … have proven immensely popular.”
SOME KID APPEAL, FOR SOME KIDS
9. Disney’s Contemporary Resort (D) was, along with the Polynesian, one of the original two resorts to open when the Magic Kingdom opened, and was intended to complement the Tomorrowland section of the park.
The hotel’s atrium, traversed by the monorail, can be jaw-droppingly spectacular on first view. The drama quickly fades, however, and the architectural experience reverts to its core sterile brutalism.
Bay Lake Tower, a DVC property adjacent to the Contemporary, is not so brutal, but to kids still uninteresting.
10. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (M) can also be initially exotic for children, perhaps from Boston, who have never seen buildings in so many vibrant colors before. The strong scattering of beaches around the property also intrigues kids. The recently renovated pool (including the only themed baby pool at WDW!) is now as attractive to kids as any at WDW except for the Yacht and Beach Clubs. The recently redecorated rooms include strong pirate theming in Trinidad South (not recommended; too distant) and light Nemo theming elsewhere.
11. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (M) can be architecturally exotic for children with no familiarity with southwestern or Mexican architecture. Nothing is as dramatic or adventurous as the resorts listed in the first group.
NO KID APPEAL
This discussion continues on this page.
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32 comments
Dave, Our large family will be reduced by half when we go to Disney in late November for 3 nights. I am taking our youngest 2 children (ages 4 and 5) as our older boys (12 and 10) would rather do a sports-oriented trip with my husband (and we took them to Disney 6 years ago). Anyway, our needs for room size will be less so I am considering the resorts with the smaller rooms for value. We won’t need to run back & forth for naps so it’s not imperative we stay super close (Polynesian) though we don’t want to be too far away. I thought the Wilderness Lodge would be a good fit for us but the pool didn’t seem very impressive. Am I right? Have been scouring the maps and photos to try to figure this out. Other than the volcano it didn’t seem too exciting for little kids. I love the idea of lots of beaches and playgrounds like you get at Caribbean Beach resort and the pools looked varied and interesting – also think we’d be ok with 2 full size beds. Is this a good choice for us? Would the Beach Club be better? What is your estimate on travel time to Magic Kingdom with boats/walks etc. from there?
Another question/food-related. My 5 year old son can’t tolerate artificial ingredients and preservatives (my daughter is fine in this regard). Should I assume all Disney dining is normal amusement park fair in the sense that there will be few all natural/organic selections? Does the Caribbean have mini fridge/microwave in the rooms? I will have to come up with meals for him and really need that option in the rooms. Dining plan probably is not worthwhile in this case right?
Thanks!
Sally
Hi Sally, any of the three choices you note would be terrific.
I think WL is overall the most stunningly kid-appealing hotel on property. Beach Club has the best pool, but is not as convenient to MK or as fun otherwise. CB is just what you note. You can find reviews of all these from the links on this page: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/04/26/walt-disney-world-resort-hotel-reviews/
In each case, it’s about 20 mins to MK.
No microwaves in any of these rooms. For a microwave, you need either a Family Suite or a DVC studio.
Disney is fantastic when it comes to special diets. Suggest you buy this book–it’ll tell you what they can do and what you need to do to take advantage of it: PassPorter’s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line: Easy Access Vacations for Travelers with Extra Challenges
Hi, I’m planning a trip to Disney world for my daughter’s 4th bday but I don’t know whereto stay, I wanted somewhere near the theme park and have a pool in the resort and serve meals, any suggestions pls email me, thanks
Hi Shaneeka, any hotel on this page will fit the bill: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/04/26/walt-disney-world-resort-hotel-reviews/ They are grouped by price (lowest first) and within price groups are ranked in order!
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Hi, we are planning our vacation with a 2 years old boy. We want to find something close and accessible to MK. We would like to have fridge and microwave. Also nice for the boy and us. We’ve been checking but the more we see, the more confused we are… Please any recommendations? This is our first time over there. Thanks in advance
Hi Paola, the microwave very much limits your options. The room that best meets your goals–very close to MK, fridge, and microwave–is a studio at Bay Lake Tower. See this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/09/13/review-bay-lake-tower-at-disneys-contemporary-resort/
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I need something with at least 3 bedrooms and a couch that turns into a bed.. It will be 7 adults and 2 maybe 3 kids..Let me know of pricing and where it is.. Something close ..
Mary, there’s nothing except for wildly expensive grand villas on site that meets your needs. The closest is the treehouses, which sleep 9–but the third bedroom has two bunk beds. See this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2009/08/16/review-the-treehouses-at-disneys-saratoga-springs-resort-and-spa/ You’ll need ot either go off site or have multiple rooms. See this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/special-circumstances/special-circumstances-large-families/
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I am 65 and son and wife 4 kids and 56old ant too place to stay cheap bit good.
Sharon, on Disney property there’s no cheap option that will hold all of you. The cheapest option on property is to book multiple value resort rooms. See this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/08/04/the-value-resorts-at-walt-disney-world/
Hi, travelling with a 1 yr old and 4 yr old, both of whom nap and sleep well! Looking for a hotel with
1.views over the park, so we can stay in but still see the fireworks? Perhaps a street parade?
2. Easy / quick access to return for naps
Thanks
Donna, there’s no hotels with views into the parks. The only one from which you can see fireworks from your room is the Contemporary Resort–if you purchase a theme park view. It is also the hotel that’s most convenient to the park that kids the age of your love best, the Magic Kingdom. See this for the scoop on it: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2014/06/25/review-disneys-contemporary-resort-2/
I’m planning a trip to Disney in September for me my wife and 3 kids ages 4, 3(turning 3 at Disney in September) and 10 month old. I’m looking for the best resort that could accommodate us with space and activities for kids. Last year we stayed at Port Orleans french quarter and the rooms weren’t very spacious, but there was plenty to do with kids and they loved the ferry and pool. Any suggestions
And we are staying for 6 days
Reco, for Disney World, POFQ has pretty big bedroom spaces, so if you want bigger ones, aim for the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, or Polynesian.
Hi Reco – I would recommend staying in a Family Suite at Disney\’s Art of Animation. You\’ll have room for the kids to move around. 2 bathrooms, and a mini kitchen. And talk about kid appeal, none better than AoA. It\’s just over the top fun and Disney. I would love to help you plan your upcoming vacation. You can contact me at KellyB@DestinationsInFlorida.com or 980-429-4499
[…] Resorts That Appeal To Kids […]
hello,
i just wanted to take my 2 year old daughter to disney resort but I am not sure which one to choose and I also want to know what are the things we can do in resort and do I have to take her to any of the theme park too or there will be enough rides in resort. Thank you!
JJ, there’s no rides in the resort hotels. I would do neither, but rather wait til she is older.
Hi ,husband & I planning to take 2 daughters & 3 grandchildren + son in laws next Feb.
6 adults + 3 children( 3, 5 & 6yrs ) in total for one week. Can’t decide between Wilderness Lodge & Yacht club. Like idea of boat to M. kingdom but Lodge looks gloomy & dark. Know Yacht club has best pool but further away from MK. Which resort do you think would appeal to the children? Look forward to your response.
Hi Pamela, at those ages, the Wilderness Lodge in a heartbeat. IN person, it is not gloomy–it’s stunning…
Hello! Looking to take a first trip just my daughter and I. Biggest desire is for her to FEEL she is at Disney with the best themed room possible! I had heard there is a princess room, but not sure where. Really decked out disney room would be great, pool or creatures a bonus, we like great food, and ease of getting around.
Gina, there are princess rooms, at Port Orleans Riverside. See this. However, Riverside is undistinguished on either food or ease of getting around, so you might want to take a look at this.
Forgot to mention she is 6!
If you are looking for a resort that is “Disney”, there is nothing like Art of Animation. From the moment you arrive on property you will be surrounded by all things Disney. The pools, the themed “statues”, food court, just everything.
The standard rooms are Little Mermaid – (but they are about an 8-10 minutes walk from the looby/bus stops, etc- and have never been included in any discount).
The family suites (Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo) are great. But they do come with a higher price tag.
The Royal Guest Rooms (at Port Orleans Riverside) are going to give you a special feel in the room, but the rest of the resort has a theme, just not Disney theme.
Dave has some great information about both PORiverside and Art of Animation. Take a look. With what you are saying you want, I think AoA would be the best fit.
I’m Kelly, Dave’s dedicated DIF travel agent. If you need any more help please let me know. You can reach me at kellyb@destinationsinflorida.com or at 980-429-4499.
Have we sold you (or your kids) on Beach Club as the best Disney resort for kids, yet?! No? Then read on!
Looking to take my family to Disney in December 2022. The group is 8 adults and 6 children under the age of 8. Which hotel should I plan on staying at.
Hi Vinny, start here: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2016/02/02/the-basics-where-to-stay-at-walt-disney-world/ and then come back to me with any specific questions that come form it. There’s no one best answer for all.
Which resort is best suited to appeal to both my 16 year old daughter and my 3 year old son?
Do any of them offer child care if I wanted to take my teenager to do something my toddler cannot or does not want to do?
Grace, for the 3 year old it doesn’t matter much, so pick for your daughter. What are her interests?
On child care services, Disney stifle no longer offers any. Kid’s Nite Out is the most commonly recommended option: https://kidsniteout.com/reservations/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw166aBhDEARIsAMEyZh4bVpsj8KPcua0yCesZmpNF_2uFc2-WEXkZT_pGogYLY0CrAaMzSjEaAr00EALw_wcB
Thanks for this list! Our next trip to WDW will be with a 3-year old and 5-year old so we need all the suggestions we can get. ? We took my son when he was two, before his sister arrived, and stayed at Pop Century and loved it! The wading pool with fountain jets was perfect for him to splash around in without being too deep, and he spent at least an hour there every day. It was a great location with the Skyliner right there, also! I think for our next trip we might venture over to Art of Animation and take advantage of the extra space you can get with a family suite.
Lindsey that’s a marvelous choice!
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