These best Disney World hotels for families, feature incredible pools, easy transportation, & spacious rooms perfect for traveling with kids.
Staying at a Disney Resort hotel inside Walt Disney World can make a huge difference when travelling with kids. On-site hotels offer perks like early park entry, complimentary Disney transportation, themed rooms, and family-friendly facilities such as pools, playgrounds and character dining. Many resorts also provide easy access to the parks via monorail, boats, buses, or the Disney Skyliner gondola system, making it much easier to travel with strollers or tired children at the end of the day.
Below are 10 of the best Disney World hotels for families, covering a range of budgets and experiences—from value resorts with themed family suites to deluxe properties with incredible pools and unbeatable park access.
10 Best Disney World Hotels for Families
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is often considered one of the most unique hotels at Walt Disney World thanks to its African safari-inspired design and savanna views filled with real animals. Many rooms overlook large wildlife areas where guests can spot giraffes, zebras, antelope and other animals roaming freely throughout the day. For children, waking up and seeing animals outside the balcony feels like a mini safari adventure, making the hotel a destination in its own right rather than just a place to sleep.
The resort has several excellent family facilities, including one of the largest pools on Disney property and the Uwanja Camp water playground, which features rope bridges, water cannons and small slides designed for kids. Dining options are also excellent for families, particularly Boma – Flavors of Africa, a buffet known for mixing African and American dishes that appeal to both adventurous eaters and picky kids.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. Transportation to the parks is provided via complimentary Disney buses, which typically take around 10–20 minutes depending on the park. Although it’s slightly farther from Magic Kingdom and EPCOT than some other resorts, the immersive theming and wildlife experiences make it one of the most memorable stays for families visiting Disney World.
2. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is one of the most popular hotels for families thanks to its large themed family suites and vibrant Disney movie settings. The resort is divided into areas inspired by beloved films such as Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Cars and The Little Mermaid. Kids especially love the giant character statues scattered throughout the resort, which make the entire property feel like stepping inside a Disney movie.
The hotel is particularly well suited for larger families because its family suites can sleep up to six people and include a separate bedroom, living area, and kitchenette. The resort is also home to the largest pool at Walt Disney World, the Big Blue Pool, themed around Finding Nemo and featuring underwater speakers that play music beneath the water. There are also splash areas and playground spaces designed for younger children.
Another major advantage is transportation. Art of Animation is connected to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner gondola system, which provides a fast and scenic journey to the parks. This makes it one of the most convenient value resorts for families who want affordable accommodation without sacrificing easy park access.
3. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the most iconic hotels at Walt Disney World and a favourite among families looking for a magical tropical atmosphere. Inspired by the islands of the South Pacific, the resort features lush gardens, tiki torches, and a stunning lagoon setting with views of Magic Kingdom across the water.
For families, the resort offers excellent facilities including a large volcano-themed pool with a waterslide, a sandy beach area along Seven Seas Lagoon, and a variety of kid-friendly dining options. Character dining at ‘Ohana is particularly popular with families, giving children the chance to meet Disney characters while enjoying a relaxed family-style meal.
One of the biggest advantages of the Polynesian is its location. The hotel sits on the Magic Kingdom monorail loop, meaning guests can take the monorail directly to Magic Kingdom or transfer to reach EPCOT. Boats also run across the lagoon to Magic Kingdom, offering another fun transportation option for kids. With its spacious rooms, fantastic pool area, and unbeatable access to Magic Kingdom, the Polynesian Village Resort is one of the best luxury family resorts at Disney World.
4. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is famous for its unique design, where the monorail passes directly through the hotel’s central atrium. This futuristic hotel opened alongside Magic Kingdom in 1971 and remains one of the most convenient places to stay for families who want quick access to the park.
The biggest benefit for families is location. Guests can walk to Magic Kingdom in about 10 minutes, making it incredibly easy to return to the hotel for afternoon naps or breaks with young children. The monorail also connects the resort to EPCOT and other monorail resorts, while Disney buses run to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Facilities include two pools, including a family pool with a waterslide and splash play area for kids. The hotel also offers character dining at Chef Mickey’s, one of the most popular dining experiences at Walt Disney World where children can meet Mickey Mouse and friends. Combined with large modern rooms and exceptional park access, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most convenient family hotels at Walt Disney World.
5. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is one of the best Disney World hotels for families who love water parks and pools, ideal for those not sure what is the best age for Disney World. The resort shares Stormalong Bay, a massive 3-acre pool complex with Disney’s Yacht Club Resort that includes a sand-bottom pool, lazy river and a large shipwreck waterslide. Many Disney fans consider it the best pool area at any Disney resort.
The resort has a charming New England seaside theme and offers a relaxed atmosphere that families often appreciate after busy park days. Children can enjoy beach games along the lakefront, evening movies under the stars, and easy access to nearby attractions like mini golf and the Disney BoardWalk.
Location is another major advantage. Beach Club sits in the EPCOT Resort Area, just a short walk from EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance and about a 15-minute walk or short boat ride from Hollywood Studios. Buses connect the resort to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. This central location means families can easily return to the hotel for swimming breaks or evening fireworks.
6. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers a completely different atmosphere compared with many Disney resorts. Inspired by the national park lodges of the American Pacific Northwest, the hotel features towering timber beams, a massive stone fireplace, and a peaceful setting surrounded by pine trees and lakes.
Families love the resort’s impressive pool complex, which includes a waterfall flowing from the lobby into a stream that leads to the pool area. The main pool features a waterslide built into the rocks, while the smaller Copper Creek Springs pool provides a quieter option for families looking to relax.
The resort is located near Magic Kingdom in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, making it the best Disney World hotels for families who love Magic Kingdom. One of the most enjoyable ways to travel to the park is via the boat service across Bay Lake, which usually takes around 10 minutes and feels like an attraction itself. Buses run to the other parks. With its cozy atmosphere, great pools and convenient Magic Kingdom access, Wilderness Lodge is a fantastic choice for families seeking a more relaxed Disney experience.
7. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort sits next to Beach Club Resort and shares many of the same facilities, including the famous Stormalong Bay pool complex. The hotel has a nautical New England theme inspired by classic seaside resorts, giving it a slightly more refined atmosphere while still remaining family-friendly.
The pool area alone makes this hotel a favourite with families. Kids can enjoy a sandy-bottom swimming area, a lazy river, and one of the tallest waterslides at Walt Disney World. The resort also offers boat rentals, evening outdoor movies, and easy access to the lively Disney BoardWalk entertainment district nearby.
Location is another highlight. The Yacht Club is located within the EPCOT Resort Area, just a five-minute walk from EPCOT and about a 15-minute walk from Hollywood Studios, with boat transport also available to both parks. Buses run to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. For families who want excellent park access and the best pool complex at Disney World, Yacht Club is a fantastic choice.
8. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is one of the most affordable Disney hotels and a great option for families visiting on a budget. The resort features oversized statues and decorations inspired by classic Disney films, including Toy Story, Fantasia and 101 Dalmatians. These larger-than-life icons make the property particularly exciting for younger children.
The resort offers two themed pools, including the Fantasia Pool, along with playground areas and a food court serving kid-friendly meals. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and many families appreciate the lower price compared with moderate or deluxe Disney resorts.
Located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, the hotel provides complimentary Disney bus transportation to all four theme parks and Disney Springs. Although it doesn’t have monorail or Skyliner access, the buses run frequently and make it easy for families to get around the resort.
9. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort is another excellent value option for families, particularly those who need larger accommodation. The resort features sections themed around musical styles such as jazz, rock, country and Broadway, with bright decorations and oversized musical instruments throughout the property.
What makes this resort especially appealing for families is the availability of family suites that sleep up to six people, making it one of the most affordable ways to stay in a larger Disney room. These suites include a bedroom, living space and kitchenette, offering extra comfort for families travelling with several children.
The resort includes two swimming pools, an arcade, playgrounds and a food court serving quick and easy meals. Like the other All-Star resorts, it is located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom and provides complimentary bus transportation to all Disney parks and Disney Springs. With its family suites, playful theming and budget-friendly pricing, All-Star Music Resort is a great option for families looking to save money while still staying on Disney property.
10. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a colourful, tropical-themed hotel that offers families a great balance between affordability and convenience. Designed to resemble a laid-back Caribbean island village, the resort is spread around a large lake called Barefoot Bay, with pastel-coloured buildings, sandy beaches and palm trees creating a relaxed holiday atmosphere. As one of Disney’s “moderate” resorts, it sits between value and deluxe hotels in price while still offering a wide range of facilities that families appreciate.
The resort’s main highlight for kids is the Fuentes del Morro pool complex, which features a large pirate-themed fort, two waterslides and water cannons, along with several smaller quiet pools around the property. Families can also enjoy playgrounds, bike rentals, fishing excursions and the Caribbean Cay playground, a small island play area in the middle of the lake that is especially popular with younger children. These extra activities make the resort feel like a destination in itself rather than just somewhere to sleep after a long day at the parks.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is transportation. Caribbean Beach Resort serves as the main hub for the Disney Skyliner gondola system, which connects the hotel directly to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Overall, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a fantastic option for families who want Skyliner access without paying deluxe resort prices. The combination of fun pool areas, plenty of outdoor activities, spacious grounds and quick transportation to two major parks makes it one of the best moderate Disney resorts for families visiting Walt Disney World.
Disney World for Families FAQ
Yes, Walt Disney World is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world. The resort is designed with families in mind, offering attractions for all ages, from gentle rides and character meet-and-greets to parades, shows and interactive play areas. Younger children can enjoy rides like “It’s a Small World,” Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Peter Pan’s Flight, while older kids and teenagers will find plenty of thrills on rides such as Space Mountain or Expedition Everest.
Beyond the rides, Disney World also offers baby care centers, stroller rentals, child-friendly dining options and plenty of shaded rest areas throughout the parks. Many resorts also feature playgrounds, splash pads and themed pools, meaning the family fun continues even after leaving the parks.
The best Disney World hotel for families depends on your budget and priorities. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is one of the most popular choices thanks to its themed family suites and large pools, while Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is ideal for families wanting luxury and easy access to Magic Kingdom via the monorail.
For families who love pools and water activities, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are fantastic choices because of the huge Stormalong Bay pool complex. Budget-conscious families often choose Disney’s All-Star Resorts, which offer fun Disney theming at a lower price point.
Staying at a Disney hotel can make visiting the parks much easier for families. On-site resorts provide benefits such as early park entry, free Disney transportation to the parks and themed environments that keep the magic going throughout your stay.
Many Disney hotels are also designed with families in mind, offering larger rooms or family suites, kid-friendly pools, character dining experiences and activities like outdoor movie nights. Being close to the parks also makes it easier to return to the hotel for naps or pool breaks during the day.
Several Disney resorts offer larger rooms designed specifically for families. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort both feature family suites that sleep up to six people and include separate sleeping areas and small kitchenettes.
The closest Disney resorts to Magic Kingdom are Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. These hotels sit on the Magic Kingdom monorail loop, making it incredibly easy to travel between the resort and the park.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is especially convenient because guests can actually walk to Magic Kingdom in around 10 minutes. Families staying at Polynesian or Grand Floridian can take the monorail or a boat across the Seven Seas Lagoon.
The most affordable Disney hotels are typically the Value Resorts, which include Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort. These hotels offer colorful Disney theming, family-friendly pools and simple but comfortable rooms.
For many families, Disney hotels are worth the cost because of the convenience and added benefits they provide. Being close to the parks means less travel time, and perks such as early park entry and free transportation can save both time and money during your trip.
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