Best Disney World Resorts for Families | Top Resorts 2024

Disney World is a magical destination for families looking to create unforgettable memories. With so many resorts to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for your family.

Our opinions of the best Disney World resorts for families, take into consideration factors such as location, amenities, relative cost, and overall experience.

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If you’ve narrowed it down that you want to stay at a particular level of resort but don’t know which one, check out our rankings of all of the Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World.

Our Top Disney Resort Picks

There are many great Walt Disney World resorts for families, but some of our family’s top ranked resorts are:

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

1. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – This value resort has both standard rooms that can accomodate families of four, and family suites that can accommodate up to six people.

The grounds and rooms are themed after popular Disney movies such as Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and Cars. It has easy access to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner. Our kids loved staying at this ultra themed resort!

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

2. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – At this moderate level resort the rooms can fit a family of five in a standard room due to the extra pull down bed under the television area.

The amenities are beautiful here, as the resort sits right alongside a large lake and with access to the Skyliner, this makes it both a beautiful and convenient choice. There is also a large pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort with two water slides that kids will love.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

3. Disney’s Beach Club Resort – This deluxe resort is located within close proximity to EPCOT and offers convenient boat access to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Our family loved staying at this resort for it’s fantastic Stormalong Bay pool area though, with a lazy river, pirate ship water slide, sandy beach play area and sandy bottom pool – this resort offers an amazing vacation destination if you’re looking to spend some time at the pool. There is also a great restaurant selection here. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – If you love animals, you’ll love staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge! This is another one of our family’s favorite stays, and this deluxe resort offers a lot of personality at one of the most reasonable prices for a deluxe resort!

You do need to take bus transportation to any of the theme parks from this resort, however the added bonus of being able to watch animals from dedicated animal viewing areas or even from your Savannah View Room, is enough to look past a bit of convenience for an extraordinary experience! If you stay here, definitely get a reservation for Boma or Sanaa, as both have outstanding food and are a great compliment to the entire experience. 

Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside (And for smaller families – French Quarter!)

5. Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside – This moderate resort won top billing in our ranking of moderate level resorts, and is a convenient location to stay if you’re planning on spending some time at Disney Springs.

We love the laid back vibe at both Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resorts, and both resorts offer boat transportation back and forth to Disney Springs.

Port Orleans -French Quarter is perfect for smaller families of four or under, as the rooms do not have a pull down bed. You’ll love the intimate resort size and easy access to amenities from any room at the resort. Port Orleans – Riverside has large grounds which are enjoyable when you’re planning on moving a slower pace, a great pool area, and unique entertainment options.

Some standard rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside offer a fifth pull down bed, that make it an excellent option for families with five members or those traveling with tweens or teens. Our preference at this resort is to stay in the preferred rooms area, and especially rooms that are in the Magnolia Bend Mansion Buildings.

Special amenities like horse drawn carriages and the boat transportation to Disney Springs make both of the Port Orleans resorts stand out as an excellent choice for a memorable experience.

Since Port Orleans -Riverside resort is extremely large, it’s worth paying a bit extra for the convenience of having a prime location near the main building and main bus stop area.

Not being in a preferred location at Port Orleans – Riverside would drop this resort lower on our recommendation list. However if you’re looking for a fifth bed sleeper, beautiful grounds, and special amenities, and preferred rooms are available, this resort would be a great fit for your family.

Ultimately, the best resort for your family will depend on your preferences and budget. These are our favorites that we have returned to time and time again, and we would stay at any of them again on an upcoming stay!

They all have their own unique feel and vibe for your vacation, so depending on your family’s preferred activities, budget, and resort vibe will determine which of these may be the best fit for you. 

Which Resort Is Right for You?

Looking across all of the resorts at Walt Disney World, these are our top picks for resorts depending on your different needs. While our top five have been the best fit time and time again for our family, check our situation list below to see additional suggestions for your family. 

Are you looking for……

A resort with a great pool area?

  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort has one of the best pool areas on property. It has a large pool in the Stormalong Bay area, with a pirate ship water slide, sandy bottom beach area, and lazy river.
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has one of the best pools in the moderate classification of Disney resorts. Older kids will love the pirate themed pool area with two water slides, and younger kids will love the pirate splash pad area.
  • Disney’s Art of Animation has the Big Blue Pool which is the single largest pool on Walt Disney World property!

A resort with outstanding dining?

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has some of the most unique signature dining offerings, with a great buffet style meal at Boma that we love for breakfast and an engaging dining room area at Sanaa that has views of the animals that we love for lunch.
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is home to both Whispering Canyon Cafe and Storybook Dining at Artist Point, which make great dinner options.
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort has both Beaches & Cream Cafe, which has both a dining room and quick service ice cream window, and Cape May Cafe that has a fun character dining breakfast. 

A resort with a unique experience included?

  • One of the monorail resorts is always a great choice, with easy access to Magic Kingdom from all three resorts via the monorail: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian. 
  • Disney’s Art of Animation immerses you in the magic of Disney animation throughout the whole grounds and in the rooms. 
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge allows for viewing of animals both throughout the resort and even from savannah view rooms!
  • Disney’s Boardwalk Resort has the feel of a seaside resort with lots of additional dining options all within easy walking distance from EPCOT.

A resort that is great with young children along?

A resort that will keep teens entertained?

  • Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club have a great location near EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and an awesome pool area with lots of activities to keep teens entertained. 
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside has a large spread out design that is great for early morning walks and has fun pool areas that are great for the whole family.
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort has studio and bedroom style rooms available, so the whole family can spread out in the suite. 

One of the top choices for families is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This resort offers spacious family suites that can accommodate up to six people, complete with separate sleeping areas and a kitchenette. The resort is themed after beloved Disney and Pixar movies, with larger-than-life characters and immersive decor throughout the property. Families can enjoy three themed pools, including one that features characters from Finding Nemo, as well as a playground and arcade.

Another great option if you’re looking for an elevated experience for families in a unique location near Magic Kingdom is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, this resort offers stunning views of Cinderella Castle and easy access to Magic Kingdom via monorail or boat.

Families can enjoy the beach, two pools, and a variety of dining options, including a character breakfast at ‘Ohana with Lilo and Stitch. The resort also offers a variety of activities, such as hula lessons and a nightly torch lighting ceremony.

Why Choose Disney World Resorts?

Disney World Resorts offer a magical experience for families looking for a fun and memorable vacation.

Here are a few reasons why choosing a Disney World Resort for your next family vacation is a great idea:

  • Convenience: Staying at a Disney World Resort means you’re just a short distance away from all the attractions, theme parks, and restaurants. You won’t have to worry about transportation or parking, making your vacation more stress-free.
  • Dedicated Service: Disney World Resorts are known for their exceptional customer service. The staff is always ready to assist you with anything you need, from making dining reservations to providing information about the parks and attractions.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Disney World Resorts offer a variety of amenities that cater to families, including kid-friendly pools, playgrounds, and arcades. 
  • Themed Rooms: Disney World Resorts offer themed rooms that are sure to delight kids and adults alike. From princess-themed rooms to pirate-themed rooms, there’s something for everyone.
  • Exclusive Benefits: Staying at a Disney World Resort comes with exclusive benefits, such as early access to the parks, complimentary transportation, and the ability to book dining reservations in advance of guests not staying on property.

Overall, choosing a Disney World Resort for your family vacation is a great choice. With convenient locations, exceptional service, and family-friendly amenities, you’ll have a magical and unforgettable vacation.

More About Disney World Resorts for Families

When it comes to planning a family vacation to Disney World, choosing the right resort can make all the difference. There are lots of resorts to choose form and even if they weren’t one of our top picks, there are still many positives about each resort that may help you narrow in on what the best Disney Resort will be for your family.

Here are some of the other stand out Walt Disney World resorts for families:

Disney’s All Star Music Resort

This value resort is perfect for large families looking to stay at a Disney resort on a budget! The resort’s music themed rooms come in both standard that can sleep four adults in a room, and family suites where you can sleep up to 6 adults in a suite.

This makes it a unique option if you’re looking to have a small kitchen area during your stay as well and is a great option for larger families looking to stay at the value resorts. 

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

This value resort is a popular choice for families that fit into a standard room at Disney! The larger than life pop art theme is a fun one for kids, and the resort has easy access to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner.

There is also a great food court here with a big variety of selections and fun pool area with a splash pad that young kids will love. Read out detailed review of Pop Century Resort.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Nature lovers will appreciate this resort’s unique theming. The resort is located next to Magic Kingdom Park theme park and offers a boat service to get back and forth between the resort and the theme park. There is a beautiful lobby area at this resort, as well as an outstanding pool area that even has its own geyser! 

The dining options at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are also stellar, and we would recommend trying them even if you don’t happen to be staying at this resort! Whispering Canyon Cafe is a fun meal that has down home cooking, and don’t forget to ask for extra ketchup while you’re there!

Story Book Dining at Artist Point is also a unique character dining event that only happens during the dinner meal time. Here you can see Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and even the Evil Queen during your fantastically fanciful meal! 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

This deluxe resort offers a tropical getaway in the heart of Disney World right on the monorail loop. The resort’s theming is based on the South Pacific and features lush landscaping and tiki torches.

The resort offers standard rooms as well as villas that can accommodate up to eight people. The resort also has a large swimming pool with a waterslide and a beach area.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This resort is an excellent choice for families who want to be close to the Magic Kingdom, as it sits right on the monorail loop. The resort is also just a short walk away from Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers standard rooms as well as suites that can accommodate up to six people. The resort also has a large swimming pool with a lake view and waterslide.

There are also a number of stellar dining options at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, character dining all day long at Chef Mickey’s (one of our favorites!), a beautiful view and meal at California Grill atop the resort hotel, and signature dining at Steakhouse 71 just off the lobby.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

This resort offers a luxurious experience for families. The resort is located just a short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom and features Victorian theming. The resort offers standard rooms as well as suites that can accommodate up to six people. The resort also has a large swimming pool with a waterslide and a beach area.

If you’re visiting during the holidays, definitely make a stop past the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa to see the giant gingerbread house that is lovingly made each holiday season!

Overall, these resorts offer something for every family. From themed rooms to unique amenities, these resorts are sure to make your Disney World vacation unforgettable.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Resort

When planning a trip to Disney World with your family, choosing the right resort can make all the difference. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Budget

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a Disney World resort is your budget. Disney offers a wide range of resorts with varying price points, so it’s important to determine how much you’re willing to spend before making a decision.

Keep in mind that the cost of the resort will also depend on the time of year you’re visiting and the type of room you choose. Value resorts have fewer amenities but generally come at the most budget friendly price.

Location

Another important factor to consider is the location of the resort. Do you want to be close to the parks or are you okay with a longer commute?

Some resorts offer convenient Disney transportation options, such as monorail or boat service, while others require a bus ride to get to the parks. Consider what’s most important to you and your family when it comes to location.

Resort Amenities

Disney World resorts offer a variety of amenities, such as pools, restaurants, and activities. Consider what amenities are important to you and your family when making your decision. For example, if you have young children, you may want a resort with a splash pad or kids’ club.

Room Size and Layout

Finally, consider the size and layout of the rooms at each resort. Do you need a suite with separate bedrooms or is a standard room sufficient? Do you want a balcony or a view of the park? Make sure to read the room descriptions carefully to ensure the room meets your family’s needs.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best Disney World resort for your family’s needs and budget.

Benefits of Staying at a Disney World Resort

When planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World, one of the most important decisions is where to stay. While there are many options outside of the Disney World Resort, there are several benefits to staying on-site that families should consider.

Extra Magic Hours

One of the biggest perks of staying at a Disney World Resort is access to Extra Magic Hours. This benefit allows guests to enter the parks either one hour before they open or stay up to two hours after they close. This extra time in the parks can be especially valuable for families with young children, as it allows them to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times.

Complimentary Transportation

Another advantage of staying at a Disney World Resort is the complimentary transportation provided to and from the parks, as well as between resorts. Guests can take advantage of buses, boats, and the monorail system to get around the property without the hassle of driving or parking.

Advanced Dining Reservations

Disney World is known for its excellent dining options, and guests staying at a Disney World Resort can make advanced dining reservations up to 60 days in advance. This can be especially important for popular restaurants, such as Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest, which can book up quickly.

Staying at a Disney World Resort offers several benefits that can enhance a family’s vacation experience. From Extra Magic Hours to complimentary transportation, and advanced dining reservations, there are many reasons to consider staying on-site when planning a trip to Walt Disney World.

Best Disney World Hotels

Disney World offers a wide range of resort options for families. Each resort has its own unique theme and amenities, making it easy to find one that fits your family’s needs and preferences. Regardless of whether you stay in a Value Resort, Moderate Resort, or Deluxe Resort, each range of resort has unique offerings to create a memorable experience for your family at Walt Disney World. 

No matter which resort you choose, you can expect a magical experience when staying at a Walt Disney World resort that will create lasting memories for your family.

Our rankings of Walt Disney World Resorts in each category:

Disclaimer:

** All opinions are unbiased and independent. This post contains affiliate links. Moms with Mouse Ears is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

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