Its safe to say that MOST people that go to Disney are taking their kids with them. While Megan and I are the despicable childless millennials taking up space in the parks, we recognize that some of the best theming still Disney is some of the most kid friendly. If you’re looking for the best Disney hotel for kids, you’ve come to the right place. Most of the Disney hotels you’ll find here have excellent theming, awesome pools, and fun activities on the grounds.
While you’re with us, be sure to check out our post about the Disney Skyliner, Disney’s newest high flying transportation method.
Art of Animation
Art of Animation is the newest value level resort to be built at Walt Disney World. But, just because it’s a value level doesn’t mean it’s low class. This is probably the best hotel for very young kids that are super into Disney animated movies. There are 4 different themed wings of the hotel: The Little Mermaid, Cars, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo. It also happens to be located on the Disney Skyliner, which means you have quick access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot without having to use the busses. The Cars wing of the hotel is in my opinion, one of the best themed hotel areas at all of Walt Disney World. Your kids are sure to love this hotel!
All Star Movies
Art of Animation and All Star Movies are very similar resorts and were designed by the same architectural firm, Arquitectonica. The difference is that All Star Movies was built about 10 years earlier and hosts some of the more classic movies and not all of them are animation. One pool is based upon the classic music and animation theatrical experience of Fantasia and is nestled between buildings of the same theme. The other pool is based off of the Mighty Ducks movies and likewise, between Mighty Ducks themed buildings. You will also find life size 101 Dalmatians and Toy Story characters and theming on their respective buildings. The final theme you will find is the 1960s and 70s Herbie movies. Plain and simple, if you’re looking for fun movie theming for your kids, Art of Animation and All Star Movies will do the trick. The latter is typically less expensive than the former as Art of Animation is located on the Disney Skyliner route.
Port Orleans Riverside
Are you a fan of quiet, spaced out resorts? Port Orleans Riverside gives you just that. You will be sure to have plenty of room to let your kids run around outside without disturbing your fellow guests at Port Orleans. You also get access to one of my favorite transportation methods: boating. Like the name would imply, Port Orleans Riverside is a spacious resort located on the “Mississippi River” filled with oak and magnolia trees making it a perfectly relaxing resort at Walt Disney World. Not only is this one of the best if you have kids, it’s one of the best if you don’t! Some rooms are even dog friendly (for a few) so you can bring your 4 legged best friend along with you.
Port Orleans French Quarter
The sister resort to Port Orleans Riverside is Port Orleans French Quarter. While the former is a quiet riverside oasis, the French Quarter is the antithesis set on Bourbon Street. Everywhere you walk, you feel like you’re in the streets of New Orleans and hanging out during Mardi Gras (kid friendly for obvious reasons). One of the most redeeming qualities of French Quarter is the Mickey beignets you can get in the Scat Cat Club’s Cafe in the lobby building. Be advised they are EXTREMELY MESSY and you will partially regret the choice until you’re full at the end and wanting more.
Caribbean Beach
Who says you can’t have a Caribbean vacation and a Disney vacation at the same time? Just book at Caribbean Beach and you get all the fun of beaches and Disney hospitality! This is one of my favorite Disney hotels to just relax at on an off day. The hammocks on the beach are perfect to just sway and listen to the water as you get a slight crispy burn in the Florida sun. It also has an awesome pool slide themed like a pirate fort prison! Even better is that it is located at the “hub” transfer station for the Disney Skyliner, meaning you can go to Epcot or Hollywood Studios without having to change cars. If you’re looking for the best Disney hotel for kids, Caribbean beach has to be a contender.
Yacht/Beach Club
Yacht Club and Beach Club are technically separate resorts but they are right next to each other and share some services so I personally regard them as a single hotel. This is a fun resort for kids because you get the beach, a pool overlooking the beach, you’re a short walk from the International Gateway entrance to Epcot, next to the Skyliner Station, and you get to see the Epcot fireworks every night! While the theming isn’t tremendously kid friendly, the location and amenities help relieve some of the stress for parents.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Another amazing resort and quite possibly the best on Walt Disney World property is the Animal Kingdom Lodge! An amazing lobby area with immaculate detail will have you in awe from the moment you step inside. Add on to that the animal viewing area and porch fires you can relax by and you will be having your dream vacation. When it comes to entertainment, there is plenty. It also has one of the most relaxing pools on property and you can always find a quiet spot to walk to with your little ones. Animal Kingdom lodge is one of the best Disney hotels for kids!
Boardwalk Inn
Located directly across Crescent Lake from Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs is the Boardwalk Inn. This one could use some updates, but there’s no doubt that the setting of an early 1900s Coney Island Boardwalk is top notch. There is plenty of night time entertainment for the kids with magicians and other shows along the boardwalk. Add onto that the convenient location right next to Epcot and a Skyliner station and you’re taking some transportation stress away in the mornings.
Polynesian
Honestly my second favorite resort at Walt Disney World is the Polynesian. Located across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom is one of the 3 Deluxe resorts on the Monorail loop. This makes it very easy to get to the most kid friendly park in the morning. It also houses one of my favorite character breakfasts: ‘Ohana. Your kids are sure to enjoy the Polynesian island feel of the resort as well as the world class amenities.
Grand Floridian
Rounding out my list is the Grand Floridian. It isn’t the most kid friendly resort on the list but I had to put it here because it is one of the nicer resorts on property with breathtaking views, world class amenities, amazing pools, and the closest ride to the Magic Kingdom. You will definitely pay for the convenience, but if you’re wanting to take away a lot of morning transportation headaches with small kids, this is your go to place to stay.
I hope you enjoyed our list of the best Disney hotels for kids! Be sure to leave a comment below if you agree, disagree, or just want to talk Disney. While you’re here, check out some of our other Disney hotel information like the best hotels on the Disney Skyliner!
