Best Disney Resort for Toddlers: A Comprehensive Guide to Family-Friendly Stays

Choosing the right Disney resort can make a big difference for families traveling with toddlers. The best Disney resorts for toddlers offer a mix of kid-friendly amenities, convenience, and engaging themes that can enhance the overall experience for young guests.

Parents want a fun atmosphere without too much stress, and some resorts cater specifically to the needs of little ones. These resorts provide safe play areas, easy access to attractions, and comfort that helps young children feel at home while away.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is known for being a top choice for families with toddlers. The resort features vibrant themes from popular Disney movies.

Children can enjoy large character sculptures and colorful decor throughout the property. This creates a playful and engaging atmosphere.

The resort offers family suites, which provide extra space for families traveling with young children. These suites include a separate bedroom and living area, making it convenient for families to relax.

Additionally, the resort features a fun pool area, perfect for splashing around. It is located near the Skyliner transportation route, allowing easy access to the parks.

Parents appreciate the value for money Art of Animation provides. The combination of comfort, theming, and family-friendly amenities makes it a great option for those with toddlers.

2) Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great choice for families with toddlers. It offers a unique experience where guests can see exotic animals right outside their rooms.

The lodge features spacious accommodations, including many options with two queen beds. This makes it comfortable for families needing extra space. Parents appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere and thoughtful amenities.

Dining options cater to young children with varied menu selections. The lodge also provides activities such as storytelling around the fire pit. This adds to the magical experience for little ones.

Guests can enjoy the themed pools, which are perfect for toddlers. They can splash around and have fun in a safe environment. The lodge’s proximity to the parks makes it convenient for family adventures.

For those wanting something special, Animal Kingdom Villas offers even more room options. Parents can enjoy the comfort of home while being immersed in Disney magic. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is both fun and convenient for families visiting Disney World.

3) Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a top choice for families with toddlers. This resort features a tropical theme that transports guests to a South Pacific paradise.

One of the main attractions is the zero-entry pool. It includes a splash area and a waterfall, making it safe and fun for young children.

The resort is conveniently located near Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Families can easily access the parks using the monorail or ferry.

Accommodations at the Polynesian include rooms and suites that can fit up to five people. This provides ample space for families traveling with toddlers.

Dining options at the resort offer a mix of casual and sit-down meals. Families can find something for even the pickiest eaters.

Additionally, the lush gardens and beach areas provide a relaxing space for families to unwind. Parents can enjoy the beautiful views while the kids play nearby.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort combines fun, convenience, and relaxation. It remains a favorite for those visiting Disney World with young children.

4) Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers a luxurious experience for families visiting Walt Disney World. Its Victorian theme creates a charming atmosphere that appeals to both children and adults.

The resort is located near the Magic Kingdom, making it easy for families to access the park. Guests can use the monorail, ferry, or buses for convenient transportation.

The Grand Floridian features a large main pool with a splash pad and water slide, perfect for toddlers. There is also a quieter pool for families looking for a relaxing time.

Dining options at the resort include character meals, which are great for kids. Meals like breakfast at 1900 Park Fare feature beloved Disney characters. This adds an enjoyable experience to dining for young guests.

Parents appreciate the variety of daily activities offered for children. These activities help keep toddlers entertained throughout the day.

Staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa can make a Disney vacation even more magical for families with toddlers. The combination of location, amenities, and experiences caters well to their needs.

5) Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a top choice for families with toddlers. The resort features a relaxing New England beach theme that appeals to young visitors and their parents.

The highlight is the pool area, known as Stormalong Bay. This massive pool spans over 750,000 gallons and has shallow areas perfect for toddlers. There are also plenty of fun activities for kids to enjoy.

Rooms at the Beach Club are spacious and comfortable. Families can request water view rooms for a pleasant experience. The resort is conveniently located near Epcot and offers easy access to other parks.

Dining options are also family-friendly. Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is popular for its tasty burgers and ice cream. This makes dining easy and enjoyable for families.

With its great amenities and location, Disney’s Beach Club Resort stands out as an ideal spot for families with young children.

6) Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a popular choice for families with toddlers. Its close location to Magic Kingdom makes it very convenient for parents with small children.

Guests can easily take the monorail, which runs right through the hotel. This makes getting to and from the park simple and quick.

The resort features recently renovated rooms that are themed around The Incredibles, appealing to young kids. Families appreciate the spacious accommodations that allow for comfortable stays.

Dining options are family-friendly, including character dining experiences that let kids meet beloved Disney characters.

The resort also offers a great pool area for relaxing after a day in the parks. The location means parents can enjoy a stroll back from Magic Kingdom, which can be easier than waiting for the monorail during busy times.

With these features, Disney’s Contemporary Resort stands out as a top choice for families with toddlers visiting Disney World.

7) Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is a great choice for families with toddlers. This moderate-level hotel offers a charming atmosphere that feels welcoming and cozy.

The resort features spacious rooms, which provide ample space for family members to relax. The kid-friendly decor adds a magical touch that young children enjoy.

Parents will appreciate the beautiful grounds for stroller walks. The scenic paths along the Sassagoula River create a peaceful setting. There are also playgrounds available for toddlers to have fun.

Dining options at Riverside include quick-service restaurants with kid-friendly menus. This makes it easy to find meals that appeal to younger tastes.

Additionally, the resort has convenient transportation options. There are buses available to the theme parks, allowing for simple travel to exciting attractions.

Riverside also shares boat service with the French Quarter, offering a unique way to reach Disney Springs for shopping and dining. This adds an extra element of fun to the trip, making it suitable for families with little ones.

Overall, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside combines comfort, play, and convenience, making it an excellent option for families.

8) Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter offers a charming atmosphere that suits families with toddlers. Its small size makes it easy to navigate, reducing the stress of long walks with young children.

The resort features beautiful grounds inspired by New Orleans. Colorful buildings and lush landscaping provide a pleasant setting for families to explore. The relaxing riverboat ride adds to the fun experience for little ones.

Accommodations are cozy and equipped with convenient amenities. Rooms typically have two queen beds, providing enough space for families. Quick-service dining options are available on-site, making it easy to grab a meal.

Port Orleans French Quarter has a themed pool that young kids will enjoy. The splash area and water features are perfect for toddlers to cool off and play.

Additionally, nearby Port Orleans Riverside offers extra amenities if families need more options. The simple access between the two resorts makes it easy for guests to enjoy both experiences.

With its welcoming environment and kid-friendly features, Port Orleans French Quarter is a solid choice for families visiting Disney World. It provides the right mix of fun and relaxation for a magical vacation.

9) Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a great choice for families with toddlers. It offers a relaxing seaside vibe and is close to popular attractions.

The resort features Stormalong Bay, a large pool area that kids love. This amazing pool includes sand-bottom beaches and a lazy river, perfect for young children to splash around and play.

Families can choose from various room options, including rooms with two queen beds and a day bed. This setup is ideal for small families needing extra space.

Dining options at Disney’s Yacht Club include the popular Beaches and Cream. It has a walk-up window for tasty treats like ice cream, making it easy for parents to grab a quick snack.

The resort’s location also allows for easy access to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Families can enjoy convenient transportation options, making it simple to explore the parks.

With its family-friendly amenities and proximity to attractions, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort can provide a memorable stay for families traveling with toddlers.

10) Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a great choice for families with toddlers. The resort features charming, early 20th-century Atlantic seaside themes. Its colorful buildings and bright lights create a fun atmosphere.

The location is also ideal. It is situated near Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, making park visits convenient. Families can easily access attractions without much travel hassle.

BoardWalk Inn offers spacious rooms suitable for families. Standard rooms and suites provide comfort for both parents and toddlers. The resort also includes family-friendly amenities.

Parents will appreciate the nearby dining options. There are plenty of restaurants and snack spots along the BoardWalk. Both kids and adults will find choices that suit their tastes.

Another highlight is the entertainment options. Guests can enjoy street performers and activities on the BoardWalk. This adds an extra element of fun to family evenings.

Overall, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn combines great access to parks, family-friendly features, and enjoyable entertainment. It stands out as a top pick for families traveling with toddlers.

Amenities for Toddlers

When choosing a Disney resort for toddlers, amenities play a crucial role in ensuring a fun and safe stay. The best resorts offer dedicated spaces for play and relaxation, making family vacations enjoyable.

Children’s Play Areas

Disney resorts provide imaginative play spaces designed specifically for younger children. These areas often include:

• Themed playgrounds: Features like slides, climbing structures, and interactive elements keep toddlers engaged.
• Safety features: Soft surfaces and secure boundaries ensure a safe environment for little ones to explore and play.
• Convenience: Many play areas are located near family-friendly dining options, allowing parents to relax while toddlers play nearby.

Some resorts have unique setups, like animal-themed areas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where children can enjoy nature-inspired play experiences.

Kid-Friendly Pools

The swimming pools at Disney resorts cater to young children with special features. Highlights include:

• Shallow areas: Designed specifically for toddlers, these sections allow for safe splashing and playing in the water without deep ends.
• Splash pads: Many resorts offer splash pads with water jets and sprays that provide fun, interactive play without the need for full swimming.
• Parent supervision: Comfortable seating nearby allows parents to keep a close eye on their toddlers while they play.

The Caribbean Beach Resort is known for its spacious pool areas, making it a great option for families seeking water-based fun.

Proximity to Theme Parks

When choosing a Disney resort for toddlers, proximity to theme parks is essential. Easy access reduces wait times and makes trips to the parks more manageable for families with young children. Two primary factors to consider are transportation options and the benefits of walking distances.

Transportation Options

Many Disney resorts offer a variety of transportation methods to get to the theme parks. Options typically include buses, boats, and the Skyliner gondola system.

• Buses: These run frequently and are convenient for getting to all Disney parks.
• Boats: For resorts like Disney’s Port Orleans, this option provides a scenic ride to Disney Springs and other areas.
• Skyliner: Resorts near the Skyliner, such as Disney’s Art of Animation, allow for quick access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

These choices make traveling easier for families. Parents can plan their park visits without the stress of long drives or parking logistics.

Walking Distance Benefits

Staying at a resort within walking distance of the parks offers significant advantages. Resorts like Disney’s Contemporary provide access to Magic Kingdom by foot.

• Quick Access: Families save time by avoiding transportation waits. Heading back to the room for naps or breaks becomes effortless.
• Less Stress: Walking reduces the chaos of managing multiple transportation schedules. Parents can stroll at their own pace, which is easier for toddlers.

These benefits make it easier for families to enjoy their Disney experience. A short walk to the parks enhances the overall vacation for everyone involved.