Best Disney World Resorts for Toddlers and Babies

Bringing children to Disney World can be an incredible but stressful vacation for many families. Most young kids need constant entertainment as well as time for naps, snack breaks, diaper changes, and other necessities which can be difficult when you are planning long park days on a schedule. This makes many guests ask the question: what are the best Disney World hotels for toddlers?

There are so many perks and advantages to staying at a Disney World resort, including early park entry, free Disney World transportation, and Magical Extras for Disney World vacation packages. However, parents often struggle with choosing the right Disney World resort, especially since there are over 20 to choose from at varying price ranges.

Luckily, we have stayed at all of these resorts with our families and frequently visit the Disney World theme parks. In this article we will help take the stress out of choosing the perfect Disney World resort for families with young children. Although all Disney World resorts offer many of the same great amenities that primarily cater to guests of all ages, there are several stand outs that work very well for young children. We will discuss the best Disney World resorts for toddlers and babies with consideration of location, amenities, size and convenience of accommodations, and themes.

Best Disney World Hotel Locations for Toddlers and Babies

Grand Floridian hotel and spa

Most families visiting Disney World with toddlers or babies in tow are more than likely planning at least one day at Magic Kingdom park. Magic Kingdom is by far the best park for young children because it has the most rides and attractions that guests of all ages can enjoy. Additionally, there are so many character meet and greets and things to do and see around Magic Kingdom that are fun for the whole family.

Therefore, when it comes to resorts with the best location, we highly recommend staying at one of the resorts along the monorail. The monorail is one of several free modes of transportation offered by Disney World. Guests staying at any of these resorts are able to very easily travel to Magic Kingdom or any of the other resorts located along the monorail. Monorail resorts make the best Disney World hotels for toddlers.

monorail sign

The monorail stations at each of these resorts even have their own security checkpoints which can be faster than the security line at the front of the park. There is even an express resort monorail line which is almost always faster than the monorail route to the Transportation and Ticket Center, which is where Magic Kingdom's parking lot is located.

All resorts located along the monorail include:

Lastly, guests staying at the monorail resorts can also take the monorail to EPCOT. EPCOT is another family-friendly park with many character meet and greets, attractions, and entertainment. Although EPCOT is one of the best parks for adults due to the food and drink festivals, EPCOT can also be very enjoyable for children as well. There is a large aquarium located in the Seas pavilion that is perfect for toddlers and babies, along with many slow moving rides and shows that can be enjoyed by everyone. Another reason why monorail hotels are the best Disney World hotels for toddlers.

Best Disney World Hotel Amenities for Toddlers and Babies

Most of the Disney World resorts offer great amenities for families such as playgrounds for children ages two and up, movies under the stars, campfires, and community halls with various activities and crafts. However, our favorite Disney World resorts for toddlers and babies are mostly due to their amazing pools and specialty activities that we know all toddlers and babies will enjoy.

pop century pool

The Disney World hotels with the best amenities for toddlers and babies include:

  • Disney's Pop Century Resort: Pop Century is one of the best value Disney World resorts, especially for families with young children. Pop Century's pool is what makes it one of the best resorts in terms of amenities. They have a zero entry pool which make it very easy for young children to enjoy. It also has a great kid's splash area with flowers that squirt water which is very fun for kids. Additionally, Pop Century has nightly campfire activities between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM where families can roast complimentary marshmallows by a crackling fire.
  • Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts: The Yacht and Beach Club resorts are located right next to each other and share what is arguably the best pool at any Disney World resort. Stormalong Bay is a 750,000 gallon beachside wonderland offering something for each member of the family. It includes three leisure pools and even a circular lazy river. For young children, there is a gently sloped sandy beach area complete with a miniature waterslide. There are also poolside cabana rentals available including cocktail services for those 21 and over.

beach club pool

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Best Disney World Hotel Themes for Toddlers and Babies

buzz lightyear all star movies

Although all Disney World results have great theming and atmosphere, there are several which may more strongly appease young children and toddlers. These are all some of the best Disney World hotels for toddlers. Several resorts have a very strong Disney theme, and others have fun themes that will likely be remembered by kids. Our favorite resort themes for small children include:

  • All Star Resorts: Disney's All Star Music, All Star Sports, and All Star Movies resorts are great value level resorts with cool themes for everyone in the family. Each of the buildings within these resorts represent different parts of the theme which can make each stay different. For example, there are buildings themed to different types of sports at All Star Sports Resort. These resorts, which are located near Animal Kingdom park, also have very spacious and comfortable rooms for families to enjoy.
  • Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: Located near Magic Kingdom is Disney's rustic Fort Wilderness Lodge and campsites. Whether your family wants to stay at a deluxe level resort at Fort Wilderness, or enjoy a camping adventure at the campground, the overall theme is unique and fun for the whole family. This resort property has 750 acres of pine and cypress forest where guests can spot deer, rabbits, armadillos, and other wildlife. Fort Wilderness is unlike most resorts at any park and has amazing views and activities for guests of all ages.

Best Disney World Hotel Rooms for Toddlers and Babies

best disney world resorts for toddlers and babies

Several Disney World resorts offer large suites and rooms, some of which can fit up to twelve guests. Whether or not you have a large family, sometimes having extra space or interesting views from your resort can make all the difference. Our two favorite resorts for families with toddlers and babies include:

  • Art of Animation Family Suites: Art of Animation is one of the only value resorts that offers suites that comfortably sleep up to six guests. These suites have a choice of Lion King, Cars, or Finding Nemo themes and even include a small kitchenette. The family suites include a queen bed, double sleeper sofa, and one double table bed. Art of Animation is also one of the four Disney World resorts located on Disney's Skyliner transportation route which is a gondola-style vehicle that takes guests between the resorts, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.
  • Animal Kingdom Lodge: Our second choice for the best toddler and baby friendly rooms are located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort is not only beautiful, but guests can spot giraffes, zebras, birds, and so many more animals right outside their bedroom when staying in savannah view rooms. Even for guests not staying in savannah view rooms, there are still plenty of spots throughout this resort to get amazing views of the animals. Guests can also borrow night-vision goggles to spot these animals roaming around after it gets dark.

best disney world resorts for toddlers and babies

These all make up some of the best Disney World hotels for toddlers.

Best Overall Disney World Hotels for Toddlers and Babies

best disney world resorts for toddlers and babies

Overall, there are a few Disney World resorts that we'd recommend the most considering all of the aspects we've discussed so far. Our two overall favorite picks for Disney World resorts for toddlers and babies include:

  • Disney's Art of Animation Resort: Art of Animation is by far the best value for families with toddlers and babies. Not only does this resort offer great rooms and suites with classic Disney themes, but it a nice pool area and is conveniently located along the Skyliner transportation route. Art of Animation is an easy choice for families especially when they are on a budget or need a large room.
  • Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: When considering a deluxe level resort, the Grand Floridian is also a great option for families with toddlers and babies. By being located on the monorail, it is such an easy ride or walk to Magic Kingdom. Grand Floridian also has several great restaurants and shopping inside their resort which makes it easy for parents to find entertainment and dining. The Grand Floridian is also one of our favorite Disney World resorts for adults, making it one of our top choices for Disney World resorts all around.

Plan Your Next Disney World Vacation

best disney world resorts for toddlers and babies

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Disney worth it with little kids?

Yes, Disney is absolutely with the trip even with little kids. There are many attractions, shows, character meet and greets, and other activities guests of all ages can enjoy throughout Disney World. Additionally, there are many Disney World resorts that cater to families with little kids with zero entry pools, activities, and character dining and meet and greets.

Which Disney value resort is known for its family suites?

Disney's Art of Animation Resort is known for its family suites. These suites sleep up to six guests and also feature a small kitchenette. It is a great value for larger families and does not break the bank. Furthermore, the suites have classic Disney themes and include suites inspired by Cars, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo. Art of Animation is probably the best all around value for suites in all of Disney World.

Do infants count as Disney hotel guests?

Families are allowed up to one infant guest per room which does not count against the maximum number of guests allowed in a Disney hotel room. For example, for families wanting to book a hotel room that sleeps four guests, they are allowed two adults, two children over the age of three, and one infant. Many Disney World resort rooms are also large enough for guests to bring a pack-and-play for small children.

Which Disney park is most baby-friendly?

While all Disney World parks offer entertainment and experiences for guests of all ages, Magic Kingdom is the most baby-friendly Disney park. Magic Kingdom offers the most rides and attractions for guests with no height requirement which means babies and toddlers can ride in the lap of an adult. There also many opportunities for character meet and greets and shows which toddlers and babies will likely enjoy.

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About Ann Marie Scott

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