Thinking about taking your toddler to Disney? Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions—mostly laughter, some tears, and a whole lot of "Mickey, Mickey!" moments. Choosing the perfect resort can be the difference between a fairy tale vacation and a theme park tantrum.
Don't worry, though, we’ve got the magic wand to help you out! From splash zones to character breakfasts, we’ve scoured the Disney map to find the best resorts for families with toddlers...because, well we have a toddler! So, pack those mouse ears, because we're about to embark on a journey to the Happiest Places on Earth!
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Why Choosing the Best Disney Resort for Toddlers Matters
When traveling with toddlers, convenience and comfort are the golden tickets. The perfect Disney resort serves as a home base that not only offers easy access to the parks but also provides a magical experience right at your doorstep. From themed pools and play areas to character dining experiences, these resorts create an immersive Disney adventure from morning till night. That's why finding the Best Disney Resorts For Toddlers is so important.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Disney Resorts For Toddlers
Before we dive into our top picks, let's consider some important factors that make a Disney resort ideal for families with toddlers:
Location and transportation options
Room size and layout
Dining options, especially character meals and kids menus
Pool areas and splash zones
Toddler-friendly activities and entertainment
Childcare services, places to run & play, or kids' clubs
Q&A: Best Disney Resorts For Toddlers
What makes a Disney resort toddler-friendly?
A: Key factors include convenient transportation, toddler-specific amenities, and engaging activities. A toddler-friendly resort ensures minimal travel time to the parks, offers pools and play areas suitable for young children, and provides dining options that cater to little ones' tastes and schedules.
How can I ensure my toddler enjoys their stay?
A: Choose a resort with toddler-friendly activities and plan a balanced schedule. Select resorts with splash zones, character experiences, and themed rooms that captivate your child's imagination. Balance park visits with downtime at the resort to prevent overstimulation and ensure a restful stay.
Are there any hidden gems for toddlers at Disney resorts?
A: Yes, many resorts offer lesser-known activities and amenities perfect for toddlers. Explore quiet pools, interactive water play areas, and engaging kids' clubs that provide safe and fun environments for your little ones to enjoy. Almost all value and moderate (and some deluxe) resorts have playgrounds too to burn off extra energy.
What activities are available for toddlers at Disney resorts?
A: Parents often want to know what activities their toddlers can enjoy at the resort. Many Disney resorts feature playgrounds, themed pools, and organized activities like campfires and movie nights, which can be appealing for young children.
Now, let's count down the 7 Best Disney Resorts For Toddlers, each offering unique features that cater to young families.
#7: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Kicking off our list of the Best Disney Resorts For Toddlers is Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, a moderate-category hotel that blends rich Spanish and Mexican themes with family-friendly amenities. This resort offers a unique atmosphere that feels like a mini-vacation in itself.
Why It's Great for Toddlers:
The Lost City of Cibola Pool, featuring a large pyramid, a water slide, and a shallow area perfect for toddlers.
Multiple quiet pools scattered throughout the resort for a more relaxed swimming experience.
Wonderful recreational space with playgrounds, bocce ball, arcade, and more.
Lots of grassy areas to run and play.
Room Options:
Standard rooms with two queen beds or one king bed.
Newly renovated rooms with modern amenities and decor. Donald & the Three Caballeros theming is adorable.
Dining Highlights:
El Mercado de Coronado food court with a variety of quick-service options.
Maya Grill for a sit-down meal with a menu featuring Mexican cuisine and a great kids menu.
Coronado Springs offers a delightful blend of theming, amenities, and affordability for families with toddlers, making it a solid choice for your Disney vacation.
#6 Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
For families looking for an immersive Disney experience on a budget, All-Star Movies Resort is a top contender. This value resort brings beloved animated films to life with larger-than-life icons and themed areas, earning its place among the Best Disney Resorts For Toddlers.
Why It's Great for Toddlers:
Themed areas based on Disney classics like 101 Dalmatians, Toy Story, and The Mighty Ducks.
Fantasia-themed feature pool with a giant Mickey water fountain
Smaller pool areas that are more manageable for toddlers.
Fun Playground and lots of grass to run
Affordable pricing makes it accessible for families on a budget.
Room Options:
Standard rooms with two queen beds. One queen is a murphy bed that can transform into a table during the day. Perfect for extra space!
Rooms sleep up to 4 adults and 1 child under 3 in a crib
Dining Highlights:
World Premiere Food Court with a variety of quick-service options.
A variety of kid friendly food options and fun theming in the dining around to keep toddlers happy.
While not as luxurious as other resorts, All-Star Movies provides an immersive Disney experience at a wallet-friendly price point, making it a great choice for families with toddlers.
#5 Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Moving up to the moderate category, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort offers a taste of tropical paradise. This resort's colorful, island-inspired atmosphere provides a fun and relaxing environment for families with toddlers, securing its spot among the Best Disney Resorts For Toddlers.
Why It's Great for Toddlers:
Little Mermaid and Caribbean themed rooms are bright and colorful for toddlers.
Multiple quiet pools in addition to the main feature pool.
Fuentes del Morro Pool with water slides and a shipwreck play area.
Caribbean Cay, an island playground in the middle of Barefoot Bay.
Sandy beach areas to unwind and play.
Room Options:
Standard rooms with two queen beds and a child-size pull-down bed.
Newly themed rooms sleeping up to 5 with a queen bed, sleeper sofa, and pull-down bed.
Dining Highlights:
Sebastian's Bistro for Caribbean-inspired family-style dining. This restaurant provides kid friendly options like chicken fingers and fries even though they aren't listed on the menu!
Centertown Market for quick-service meals.
Banana Cabana for tropical drinks and light bites.
Caribbean Beach offers a delightful balance of theming, amenities, and affordability for families with toddlers, making it a perfect choice for a fun-filled Disney vacation.
#4 Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter is a charming, moderate-category hotel that immerses families in the vibrant culture of New Orleans. The resort's intimate atmosphere and delightful amenities make it a fantastic option for families with toddlers, and definitely one of the Best Disney Resorts For Toddlers.
Why It's Great for Toddlers:
Themed pool area with a giant sea serpent slide and clamshell water features.
A huge water play area next to the pool with toddler friendly slides.
Compact layout makes it easy to navigate with young children.
Horse-drawn carriage rides along the scenic Sassagoula River.
Large fenced in playground.
Big grassy area perfect for running and getting the wiggles out
Room Options:
Standard rooms with two queen beds and a child-size pull-down bed.
Sleeps up to 5
Recently updated rooms with modern amenities.
Dining Highlights:
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory food court with diverse options.
Scat Cat's Club Cafe for quick bites and drinks. The Mickey Beignets are amazing!
Port Orleans French Quarter's combination of charming theming, toddler-friendly amenities, and convenient dining options makes it a top choice for families seeking a magical Disney experience.
#3 Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Transporting families to a South Pacific paradise, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort offers a luxurious and immersive experience that's perfect for toddlers and parents alike. It’s no wonder it’s ranked so high among the Best Disney Resorts For Toddlers.
Why It's Great for Toddlers:
Moana-themed rooms with playful decor.
Lava Pool with a volcano, waterfall, and giant water slide.
Kiki Tikis Splash Play Area for younger children.
Some of the quietest room at Walt Disney World.
White sand beaches with hammocks and lounge chairs.
Easy monorail access to Magic Kingdom.
Room Options:
Standard rooms with various view options.
Deluxe studios and villas available for larger families or extended stays.
Dining Highlights:
'Ohana for character breakfasts and family-style dinners.
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto for a unique (and kid-friendly before 8 PM) tiki bar experience.
Pineapple Lanai for the famous Dole Whip treat.
The Polynesian's combination of tropical theming, excellent dining options, and convenient location make it a top choice for families seeking a deluxe Disney experience with toddlers.
#2 Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Closing in on the top spot is Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, a resort that combines the wonders of African wildlife with luxurious amenities, making it one of the Best Disney Resorts For Toddlers.
Why It's Great for Toddlers:
Spectacular views of animals from your room’s balcony and all around the grounds!
Uzima Springs Pool with a gently sloping entry perfect for toddlers.
The kids' water playground at Kidani Village, which offers plenty of splashy fun for the little ones.
Themed activities and programs that educate and entertain.
A large shaded play ground
Two different kids clubs to visit
Room Options:
Standard rooms with two queen beds or one king bed.
Deluxe studios and villas available for larger families or extended stays.
Dining Highlights:
Boma – Flavors of Africa for buffet-style dining with a wide variety of options.
Jiko – The Cooking Place for a fine dining experience with African cuisine.
The Mara for quick-service meals and snacks.
All restaurants here have great adventurous meals plus the normal toddler friendly meals making it easy to feed any picky eater.
Animal Kingdom Lodge's unique combination of wildlife experiences and luxurious accommodations make it an unforgettable choice for families with toddlers.
#1 Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a value resort offering an unparalleled immersive experience that brings favorite Disney and Pixar films to life, making it one of the Best Disney Resorts For Toddlers.
Why It's Great for Toddlers:
Larger than life character statues all around this resort.
The Big Blue Pool, Disney World's largest resort pool, with underwater speakers.
Two additional themed pools: Cozy Cone Pool (Cars) and Flippin' Fins Pool (Little Mermaid).
Schoolyard Sprayground splash pad area.
Extensive playground areas.
Large grassy areas to run and play.
Connected to the Skyliner for easy stroller travel.
Room Options:
Family suites sleeping up to 6 with a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette.
Standard rooms in The Little Mermaid section.
Dining Highlights:
Landscape of Flavors food court with diverse options to please picky eaters.
In-room pizza delivery for easy meals.
Art of Animation stands out for its unbeatable combination of toddler-friendly theming, spacious accommodations, and budget-friendly pricing. The family suites provide ample space for young families, while the immersive environments keep little ones engaged and excited throughout their stay. The standard rooms are the only downside for us. They aren't as spacious as the other resorts on this list, but we will take a smaller room for these great views!
When it comes to selecting the Best Disney Resort For Toddlers, each family's needs and preferences will vary. Consider factors such as budget, desired amenities, and proximity to the parks when making your decision. Whether you opt for the immersive theming of Art of Animation, the tropical paradise of the Polynesian, or the charming atmosphere of Port Orleans French Quarter, any of these top 7 resorts will provide a magical backdrop for your family's Disney adventure.
Remember, the key to a successful Disney trip with toddlers is balancing park time with resort relaxation. Choose a resort that offers plenty of on-site activities and dining options to make the most of your vacation. With the right resort as your home base, your Disney experience will be magical from start to finish.
If you are having trouble deciding which resort would be best for your next vacation, be sure to grab our FREE Disney Resort Decision Quiz. We put together this fun quiz to help you narrow your choices and pick a resort matching your vacation style.
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