Choosing the best Disney World resorts for kids can feel overwhelming. There are so many things our little humans require!
Every family has different priorities, but when I am staying at Walt Disney World with little kids, I care most about a few things: easy transportation, room setup, food options, pools, recreation, and how manageable the resort feels with strollers, naps, early bedtimes, and tired little feet.
This ranking is based on resorts I have personally stayed at with my kids ages 0–5. If your favorite resort is not on this list, I may not have stayed there with my kids yet. And of course, your family’s list may look completely different depending on how you like to travel.
Here is my personal ranking of the best Disney World resorts for families with littles.
10. Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Old Key West has a relaxed, beachy, home-away-from-home feel. The rooms are some of the most spacious at Walt Disney World, which can be a huge benefit for families who need separate sleeping areas, room for a Pack ’n Play, or more space to spread out.
The reason it landed at number 10 for me is transportation and pool setup. Old Key West relies on buses to the parks, and that can be tricky with babies, toddlers, strollers, and all the gear. The main pool is fun for bigger kids, but for very young children, I missed having a zero-entry pool and a more exciting splash area.
Best fit: families who want space, a slower pace, and a quieter resort stay.
9. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge has some of the best theming of any Disney resort. Being able to see animals around the resort is truly special, and for kids who love animals, it can feel like an attraction in itself.
The dining is also a major strength. Sanaa is one of my favorite meals I have had on Disney property, and Boma and Jiko are both well-known favorites for many Disney travelers.
So why number 9? Location. Animal Kingdom Lodge feels peaceful and secluded, but that also means you are relying on buses to get almost everywhere. With babies, toddlers, a stroller, and park bags, our park days felt harder.
Best fit: families who want a resort-heavy trip, love animals, and care about dining and theming.
8. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness surprised me in the best way. This resort feels totally different from a standard Disney hotel stay. It is outdoorsy, peaceful, spacious, and full of activities that work really well for little kids.
My kids loved riding around in the golf cart, visiting the playgrounds, swimming, roasting marshmallows at Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long, and doing a pony ride at Tri-Circle-D Ranch. The cabin setup is also great for families because you get more space, a kitchen, a porch, and room to make the trip feel slower.
The main drawback is the size and layout. Fort Wilderness is huge, and I really do think a golf cart makes the experience much easier with littles.
Best fit: families who want a slower, resort-focused Disney trip or a mix of park days and full resort days.
7. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Yacht Club has a lot going for it: deluxe rooms, excellent location, great dining nearby, and access to one of the most talked-about pools at Walt Disney World.
The biggest perk is transportation. You can walk to EPCOT, walk or boat to Hollywood Studios, and have easy access to the whole Crescent Lake area. With little kids, being able to walk back to your resort after a day at the park is a huge win.
Yacht Club landed at number 7 because while I loved the location and dining options, the resort feels a little more adult than Beach Club, and Stormalong Bay can be a lot to manage with very young kids. It is an incredible pool, but it is large, busy, and requires close supervision.
Best fit: families who want EPCOT access, great dining, and a calmer deluxe resort feel.
6. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Grand Floridian may not seem like an obvious choice for littles, but it worked surprisingly well for our family.
We stayed here at Christmas with a newly three-year-old and an almost one-year-old, and it was one of the most magical Disney stays we have had. The rooms are beautiful, the subtle Mary Poppins touches were adorable, and being so close to Magic Kingdom made the trip feel much easier.
Transportation is the biggest win here. You are one monorail stop from Magic Kingdom, and you can also walk if you want to. With little kids, naps, breaks, and evening returns are so much more manageable.
The resort is elegant and not as obviously kid-focused as others on this list, but the convenience, room quality, dining, and pool setup make it a very strong option.
Best fit: families who want Magic Kingdom convenience, beautiful rooms, and a calmer deluxe resort experience.
5. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Caribbean Beach is my favorite Moderate resort for families with littles.
The theming is colorful, tropical, and kid-friendly without being as loud or overstimulating as some of the Value resorts. You also get Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, which is a huge perk when you’re using strollers.
The pool setup is another major reason this resort ranked so high. The Fuentes del Morro Pool has a fun pirate theme, and the fenced-in pirate water play area is fantastic for toddlers. My kids loved it, and I loved that they could play without me worrying every second about them running into the big pool.
The biggest downside is the resort size. Caribbean Beach is large, so room location matters.
Best fit: families who want Skyliner access, a fun pool, and a Moderate resort that still feels very kid-friendly.
4. Disney’s Riviera Resort
Riviera may look more adult at first, but it has become one of my favorite Disney resorts with little kids.
The atmosphere is calm, elegant, and European-inspired. That may not sound like the most kid-focused theming, but for my family, the calmer environment was actually a big plus. My kids still loved the Skyliner views, the mosaic murals, the music, and the subtle Disney touches.
The dining is excellent. Topolino’s Terrace is my favorite character breakfast on property, Primo Piatto is one of my favorite quick-service locations, and Bar Riva is great for a relaxed poolside meal.
The splash area is another huge win. S’il Vous Play is Fantasia-inspired, fenced in, and perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Best fit: families who want Skyliner access, great food, flexible room options, and a calmer deluxe resort feel.
3. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
BoardWalk is actually my personal favorite Disney resort, but when ranking specifically for littles, it lands at number 3.
The location is incredible. You can walk to EPCOT, walk or boat to Hollywood Studios, and enjoy all the dining and entertainment around Crescent Lake. For families with young kids, that kind of walkability makes a huge difference.
BoardWalk also has a nostalgic, old-timey boardwalk feel that works for both kids and adults. There are performers, treats, lights, and a lively evening atmosphere that make the resort feel fun even after a park day.
The reason it does not rank higher for me is the pool setup. Luna Park Pool is fun, but it lacks a zero-entry pool and a splash pad, which makes it a little less ideal for babies and toddlers.
Best fit: families who want walkable access to parks, strong dining, evening entertainment, and a deluxe resort with personality.
2. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation feels like it was designed with little kids in mind.
The Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and Little Mermaid sections are bright, playful, and full of larger-than-life Disney and Pixar details. Walking around the resort can feel like an activity in itself, making it a great option for arrival day or a resort break.
The Family Suites are a huge win if you need more space. They include two bathrooms, separate sleeping areas, and a kitchenette, which makes mornings and early bedtimes much easier. The main thing to know is that even though Art of Animation is a Value resort, the Family Suites can be expensive.
The Big Blue Pool is another standout. It is the largest hotel pool at Walt Disney World, and the zero-entry area and Schoolyard Sprayground are great for young kids.
Best fit: families who want big Disney theming, extra space, Skyliner access, and a resort that feels truly built for kids.
1. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
My number one Disney World resort for littles is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
For me, Polynesian has the best combination of convenience, theming, dining, pools, and ease with little kids. It feels tropical and relaxing, but still magical. The Moana touches are fun for kids without making the resort feel chaotic or overly loud.
Transportation is a major reason it ranks number one. You have monorail access to Magic Kingdom and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, plus monorail access to EPCOT with a transfer. Being that close to Magic Kingdom is incredibly helpful when you are traveling with babies, toddlers, or preschoolers.
The dining is also excellent. ‘Ohana breakfast is one of my favorite character meals for little kids, Kona Café is a great table-service option, Capt. Cook’s is one of my favorite quick-service spots, and Pineapple Lanai gives you DOLE Whip right at your resort.
The pool setup is also strong. You have the Lava Pool, the quieter Oasis Pool, and splash areas that work well for younger kids. Add in the ability to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach, and it is hard to beat.
The only real downside is the price. This is absolutely a splurge resort. But if I were planning a big Disney World trip with little kids and wanted the resort to make it easier, Polynesian would be my top pick.
Best fit: families who want Magic Kingdom convenience, great dining, beautiful theming, fun pools, and a resort that feels magical without feeling overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
There is no one perfect Disney World resort for every family.
Some families need extra space. Others want the easiest transportation. Some care most about pools. Others want the most Disney theming possible.
For my family with littles, Polynesian, Art of Animation, and BoardWalk rose to the top because they made the trip feel easier, more fun, or more magical in ways that really mattered with young kids.
The best resort is the one that fits your family’s priorities, pace, and budget. And when you are traveling with babies, toddlers, or preschoolers, that choice can shape the entire trip.
