The 5 Best Disney World Resorts for Families with Young Kids

Planning a Disney vacation with little ones? Choosing the right resort is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Not only does the hotel set the tone for your stay, but when you’re traveling with children under 8 years old, resort features really matter: bedtime ease, pool fun, quick access to parks, kid-friendly dining, and maybe a little rest time for everyone. At Magic Me Vacations, we specialize in finding the perfect fit for your family, and here are the five top resorts at Walt Disney World that consistently shine for the youngest Magic Me kids.

1. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Colorful, themed, and perfect for kids who love larger-than-life characters and décor. Children will be in awe at seeing their favorite characters right outside their hotel room. The family suites sleep five, and the Big Blue Pool (the biggest pool on Disney property) will absolutely amaze. With a Skyliner station to connect you quickly and easily to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and convenient Disney bus transportation to the other parks, Art of Animation makes one of the least fun parts of Disney trips (getting to and from the parks) actually FUN. It also has engaging themed areas for Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid, Lion King, and Cars, it’s an immersive experience that little ones adore.

Why it works for young families:

• Spacious suite layout (separate sleeping/kitchen area with 2 bathrooms) so little ones get their own “room” to wind down.

• Surrounded by playful theming, so you don’t feel like you’ve “left the magic” just because it’s time for a nap.

• Close to other resorts with popular table service dining.
  Pro tip: Request a ground-floor room near the Skyliner or pool for easier midday returns or naps.

2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

This one isn’t “kiddie” like Art of Animation, but Animal Kingdom Lodge tops the “kid favorite” list. For families who love animals, immersive theming, and want something a little different, it’s a show-stopper. Waking up to giraffes or zebras outside your window? Cast members to trade animal facts with your kids? Magical. It’s also the only hotel of its kind in the U.S. The best part? If you need to take the kids out of school, you can always explain that it’s an educational trip. With cast members teaching about animals and African culture, what teacher can say no?

Kid-friendly features:

• Savanna view rooms where animals roam right outside — captivating for young and older guests alike.

• Excellent on-site activities: animal-viewing, nighttime safaris, resorts events, and authentic African artifacts.

• Proximity to Animal Kingdom park for easy return midday naps.
  Pro tip: The resort or pool view rooms are much cheaper than savanna view room. You can save money and still see the animals throughout your stay. There are loads of areas to view the savannas even from higher floors. You don’t need to splurge to get a similar experience especially if you think you’re not going to spend a lot of time in your room.

3. Disney’s All‑Star Movies Resort

Even if the hotel is “just a place to sleep”, Disney has your kids covered. Budget-friendly without sacrificing the fun - All-Star Movies has the larger than life Disney icons that your kids will love from movies they can’t get enough of. This resort brings joy from from check-in to bedtime. For a first trip with young kids, it delivers big smiles and fewer worries about budget.

Highlights:

• Theming that appeals to young children - Toy Story, Fantasia, 101 Dalmatians, Mighty Ducks, and Herbie The Love Bug.

• Easy transportation to parks and a resort layout that’s simple to navigate.

• Frequent promotions and value pricing — great when you’re stretching your travel dollars.
  Pro tip: Be sure to budget extra time at the resort for kids to run around and play after the parks wind down.

4. Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Relaxed, elegant, and steps from the magic — the Beach Club Resort is a dream for families with little ones who still want easy park access and plenty of playtime. You can walk to EPCOT or take the Skyliner, Friendship Boat, or walk to Hollywood Studios. The shared pool complex with Disney’s Yacht Club — Stormalong Bay is Disney’s most popular pool. The pool area includes a lazy river, sandy bottom pool, and the shipwreck slide. With its breezy New England seaside theme and dining locations like Beaches and Cream for ice cream or character dining at Cape May Cafe for breakfast, it’s the perfect balance of fun and comfort.

Why families love it:

• Just a short walk (or boat ride!) to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios — ideal for mid-day breaks or stroller naps.

• Home to Stormalong Bay, the best pool complex at Disney World.

• Spacious rooms and convenient dining options make it easy to unwind after park days.

Pro tip: Plan a “resort day” to enjoy Stormalong Bay — kids can splash while parents relax poolside, and everyone gets that perfect Disney rest day without missing any magic.

5. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

If you’re looking for a luxe stay that will still keep the little ones happy, the Polynesian offers deluxe amenities with a tropical vibe that adults and kids find enchanting. The tropical theme is carried throughout from the moment you arrive through the grounds, pools, and rooms. It’s family-friendly in every sense. With the lava pool, a beach where you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks, the ability to grab a dole whip at any time, and character breakfasts at Ohana, the Polynesian is where it’s at for families.

Key kid-friendly perks:

• Monorail and boat access to Magic Kingdom (so fewer stroller hassles and less walking for tired legs).

• Lush grounds and a zero-entry pool (great for toddlers).

• Character breakfasts, easy dining, and convenient resort features for families.
  Pro tip: Ask about club-level or upgraded room options if you want some extra pampering — your kids will feel the ‘special’ while you enjoy a bit of luxury.

How Magic Me Vacations Helps You Choose

Selecting the right resort is more than just picking a pretty hotel. At Magic Me Vacations, we ask the right questions: What’s your child’s age and nap schedule? Do you want easy park access or a resort-day vibe? Does your budget lean value, moderate or deluxe?

Then we match you with the resort that fits your family’s rhythm — and manage all the bookings, promotions, dining reservations, touring plans, and more. Our goal: you arrive and relax, because the planning part? We’ve got it covered.

Ready to Map Out Your Family’s Disney Stay?

If you’re planning a family Disney vacation with kids under 8 (or just want a worry-free resort stay), let’s talk. At Magic Me Vacations we know what it takes to build a magical trip tailored for your little ones — and for you.

Request a quote today and we’ll help you:

• Select the perfect resort for your family’s needs

• Build a timeline for booking (resort + tickets + dining)

• Monitor promotions (we’ll apply them automatically)

• Handle all the details so you can spend less time planning and more time imagining fairy-dust moments

Your family’s next magical vacation begins with one click. Let’s make it happen together!