Best Family Hotels in Disney World

Planning a family vacation to Disney World is an exciting endeavor, but choosing the right hotel can significantly impact your overall experience. With so many options available, finding the perfect fit for your family’s needs and budget can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process by showcasing some of the best family hotels in Disney World, considering factors like room size, amenities, proximity to parks, and overall value. We’ll explore a range of resorts, from budget-friendly options to luxurious retreats, ensuring there’s something for every family.

Understanding Your Family’s Needs

Before diving into specific hotel recommendations, it’s crucial to assess your family’s unique needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:

• Budget: Disney World hotels range from value resorts to deluxe villas. Establishing a budget will help you narrow down your options.
• Room Size: Families with younger children might be comfortable in a standard room, while larger families or those who value personal space may prefer suites or connecting rooms.
• Amenities: Think about the amenities that are important to your family. Do you prioritize swimming pools, kids’ clubs, on-site dining options, or proximity to specific parks?
• Transportation: Disney offers complimentary transportation to and from the parks. Consider which transportation options are most convenient for your family (e.g., monorail, bus, boat, Skyliner).
• Theme: Each Disney hotel has a unique theme. Consider which themes appeal to your family members.

Value Resorts: Affordable Magic

Disney’s Value Resorts are the most budget-friendly options on property. While they may not offer the same level of luxury as deluxe resorts, they still provide a magical experience and convenient access to the parks.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort celebrates classic Disney films. The resort features larger-than-life movie characters, themed swimming pools, and a food court with various dining options. The rooms are relatively small but comfortable, and the resort is well-maintained. The primary transportation option is bus service to all parks and Disney Springs.

Pros: Affordable, fun theming, multiple pools, food court, complimentary bus transportation.

Cons: Smaller rooms, can be crowded, limited dining options compared to other resorts.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort celebrates various genres of music. The resort features themed swimming pools, a food court, and family suites that can accommodate up to six guests. The family suites offer more space and convenience for larger families. Bus service is the primary transportation option.

Pros: Affordable, fun theming, family suites available, multiple pools, food court, complimentary bus transportation.

Cons: Can be crowded, limited dining options compared to other resorts, bus service only.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort celebrates various sports. The resort features themed swimming pools, a food court, and standard rooms. It’s a basic but affordable option for families on a tight budget. Bus service is the primary transportation option.

Pros: Most affordable option, fun theming, multiple pools, food court, complimentary bus transportation.

Cons: Smaller rooms, can be crowded, limited dining options compared to other resorts, bus service only, undergoing refurbishment frequently.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a step up from the All-Star Resorts, offering themed family suites based on popular Disney and Pixar films like “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid.” The resort features elaborate theming, a large swimming pool (the Big Blue Pool, themed after Finding Nemo), and a food court. The family suites are spacious and include a kitchenette, making them ideal for families who want to prepare some of their own meals. It’s also on the Skyliner route, offering quick access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Pros: Spacious family suites, amazing theming, Skyliner access, large pool, food court.

Cons: More expensive than other value resorts, “The Little Mermaid” standard rooms are further from the main areas, can be noisy.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort celebrates the pop culture of the 20th century. The resort features themed swimming pools, a food court, and standard rooms. It’s a popular choice for families due to its affordability and convenient access to the Skyliner, providing quick transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Pros: Affordable, fun theming, Skyliner access, multiple pools, food court.

Cons: Standard rooms, can be crowded, limited dining options compared to other resorts.

Moderate Resorts: Comfort and Convenience

Disney’s Moderate Resorts offer a balance between affordability and amenities. They typically feature larger rooms, themed swimming pools, on-site restaurants, and more convenient transportation options than the Value Resorts.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort features a tropical Caribbean theme. The resort offers standard rooms and pirate-themed rooms, several swimming pools (including the Fuentes del Morro Pool with water cannons and slides), and a variety of dining options. It’s also a Skyliner resort, providing easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Pros: Skyliner access, themed rooms, multiple pools, variety of dining options.

Cons: Large resort, can be spread out, bus service to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom can be slow.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort features a Spanish colonial theme. The resort offers standard rooms, suites, and a convention center, making it popular with both families and business travelers. It features several swimming pools (including the Dig Site Pool with a Mayan pyramid), a variety of dining options, and bus service to all parks and Disney Springs. The Gran Destino Tower offers a more upscale experience with additional amenities.

Pros: Variety of room options, multiple pools, variety of dining options, convention center amenities.

Cons: Large resort, can be spread out, bus service only (no monorail or Skyliner).

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside features a charming southern theme, reminiscent of the bayous and plantations of Louisiana. The resort offers standard rooms and Royal Guest Rooms, which are themed after Disney princesses. It features several swimming pools, a variety of dining options, and boat transportation to Disney Springs. It’s known for its beautiful landscaping and relaxing atmosphere.

Pros: Beautiful theming, Royal Guest Rooms, multiple pools, boat transportation to Disney Springs.

Cons: Bus service to the parks can be slow, limited quick-service dining options compared to other resorts.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter features a lively New Orleans theme. The resort offers standard rooms, a swimming pool with a sea serpent slide, and a variety of dining options. It’s a smaller and more intimate resort than Riverside, making it a good choice for families who prefer a quieter atmosphere. Boat transportation to Disney Springs is available.

Pros: Compact resort, charming theming, boat transportation to Disney Springs, excellent beignets.

Cons: Limited bus service to the parks, only one swimming pool, fewer dining options than other resorts.

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort offer a unique experience for families who want to immerse themselves in nature. The cabins are fully equipped with a kitchen, living area, and bedroom, providing plenty of space for families. The resort features several swimming pools, horseback riding, campfire sing-alongs, and a variety of dining options. It’s a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Pros: Spacious cabins, full kitchen, outdoor activities, multiple pools, unique dining experiences (like the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue).

Cons: Can be expensive, requires internal bus transportation, further from the parks.

Deluxe Resorts: Luxury and Convenience

Disney’s Deluxe Resorts offer the highest level of luxury and convenience. They typically feature spacious rooms, exceptional amenities, multiple dining options, and convenient transportation to the parks.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the flagship hotel at Disney World, offering a Victorian-era theme and stunning views of the Magic Kingdom. The resort features spacious rooms, multiple swimming pools, world-class dining options, and monorail access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot (via a transfer). It’s the epitome of luxury and elegance.

Pros: Monorail access, luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, exceptional service, proximity to Magic Kingdom.

Cons: Most expensive option, can feel formal, may not be ideal for families with very young children.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a modern and iconic hotel located within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom. The monorail runs directly through the hotel’s A-frame structure. The resort features spacious rooms, multiple swimming pools, a variety of dining options, and monorail access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot (via a transfer). It’s a great option for families who want easy access to the Magic Kingdom.

Pros: Monorail access, walking distance to Magic Kingdom, modern design, variety of dining options.

Cons: Can be expensive, can feel busy, some rooms have obstructed views.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort features a tropical South Pacific theme. The resort offers spacious rooms, overwater bungalows (for a truly luxurious experience), multiple swimming pools, a variety of dining options, and monorail access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot (via a transfer). It’s known for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Pros: Monorail access, beautiful theming, overwater bungalows, multiple pools, variety of dining options (including the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show).

Cons: Can be expensive, bungalows are very pricey, can feel crowded during peak seasons.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge features a rustic and natural theme inspired by the national park lodges of the Pacific Northwest. The resort offers standard rooms, villas, and cabins, multiple swimming pools, a variety of dining options, and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. It’s a great option for families who appreciate nature and a relaxing atmosphere.

Pros: Beautiful theming, boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, multiple pools, relaxing atmosphere, variety of room types (including villas and cabins).

Cons: Bus service to other parks can be slow, some rooms have obstructed views, can feel secluded.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a unique experience with views of African wildlife right from your room. The resort features standard rooms and villas, multiple swimming pools, a variety of dining options, and opportunities to learn about African culture. It’s a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Pros: Unique wildlife viewing, immersive theming, multiple pools, variety of dining options, cultural experiences.

Cons: Further from most parks, bus service only, some rooms have limited views, can be expensive.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort features a nautical theme reminiscent of New England. The resort offers standard rooms and suites, a sand-bottom pool (Stormalong Bay) shared with the Beach Club, a variety of dining options, and walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It’s a great option for families who want to be close to the parks and enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere.

Pros: Walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Stormalong Bay pool, elegant theming, variety of dining options.

Cons: Can be expensive, shared pool with Beach Club can be crowded, can feel formal.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort features a casual and relaxed beach theme. The resort offers standard rooms and suites, a sand-bottom pool (Stormalong Bay) shared with the Yacht Club, a variety of dining options, and walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It’s a great option for families who want to be close to the parks and enjoy a fun and playful atmosphere.

Pros: Walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Stormalong Bay pool, relaxed theming, variety of dining options.

Cons: Can be expensive, shared pool with Yacht Club can be crowded, can be noisy.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn features a turn-of-the-century Atlantic City theme. The resort offers standard rooms and villas, multiple swimming pools, a variety of dining options, and walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and entertainment on the BoardWalk.

Pros: Walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, lively atmosphere, multiple pools, variety of dining options, entertainment on the BoardWalk.

Cons: Can be expensive, can be noisy, some rooms have limited views.

Deluxe Villa Resorts: Home Away From Home

Disney’s Deluxe Villa Resorts offer spacious accommodations with all the comforts of home, including kitchens, living areas, and separate bedrooms. They’re ideal for larger families or those who want more space and flexibility.

Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary Resort

Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary Resort is a modern and stylish villa resort located adjacent to the Contemporary Resort. The resort offers studios, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, and grand villas, all with modern amenities and stunning views of the Magic Kingdom. Guests have access to all the amenities of the Contemporary Resort, including monorail access.

Pros: Monorail access, spacious villas, modern design, Magic Kingdom views, access to Contemporary Resort amenities.

Cons: Very expensive, can feel busy, can be difficult to book.

Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge

Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge offer a rustic and natural villa experience adjacent to the Wilderness Lodge. The resort offers studios, one-bedroom villas, and two-bedroom villas, all with comfortable furnishings and a cozy atmosphere. Guests have access to all the amenities of the Wilderness Lodge, including boat transportation to Magic Kingdom.

Pros: Beautiful theming, boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, spacious villas, relaxing atmosphere, access to Wilderness Lodge amenities.

Cons: Bus service to other parks can be slow, some villas have limited views, can feel secluded.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge offer a luxurious villa and cabin experience adjacent to the Wilderness Lodge. The resort offers studios, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, and waterfront cabins, all with upscale furnishings and modern amenities. Guests have access to all the amenities of the Wilderness Lodge, including boat transportation to Magic Kingdom.

Pros: Beautiful theming, boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, luxurious villas and cabins, waterfront views, access to Wilderness Lodge amenities.

Cons: Very expensive, cabins are very pricey, can feel secluded.

Beach Club Villas

Beach Club Villas offer a casual and relaxed villa experience adjacent to the Beach Club Resort. The resort offers studios, one-bedroom villas, and two-bedroom villas, all with comfortable furnishings and a beachy theme. Guests have access to all the amenities of the Beach Club Resort, including Stormalong Bay pool and walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Pros: Walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Stormalong Bay pool, relaxed theming, spacious villas, access to Beach Club amenities.

Cons: Very expensive, shared pool with Yacht Club can be crowded, can be noisy.

BoardWalk Villas

BoardWalk Villas offer a turn-of-the-century Atlantic City villa experience adjacent to the BoardWalk Inn. The resort offers studios, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, and grand villas, all with charming furnishings and a lively atmosphere. Guests have access to all the amenities of the BoardWalk Inn, including walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Pros: Walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, lively atmosphere, spacious villas, entertainment on the BoardWalk, access to BoardWalk Inn amenities.

Cons: Very expensive, can be noisy, some villas have limited views.

Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Polynesian Villas & Bungalows offer a luxurious and tropical villa and bungalow experience adjacent to the Polynesian Village Resort. The resort offers studios and overwater bungalows, all with upscale furnishings and stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Guests have access to all the amenities of the Polynesian Village Resort, including monorail access.

Pros: Monorail access, beautiful theming, luxurious villas and bungalows, waterfront views, access to Polynesian Village Resort amenities.

Cons: Very expensive, bungalows are very pricey, can feel crowded during peak seasons.

Grand Floridian Villas

Grand Floridian Villas offer a luxurious and elegant villa experience adjacent to the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The resort offers studios, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, and grand villas, all with upscale furnishings and stunning views of the Magic Kingdom. Guests have access to all the amenities of the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, including monorail access.

Pros: Monorail access, luxurious villas, elegant theming, Magic Kingdom views, access to Grand Floridian Resort & Spa amenities.

Cons: Very expensive, can feel formal, may not be ideal for families with very young children.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas – Kidani Village

Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas – Kidani Village offer a unique wildlife viewing villa experience adjacent to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The resort offers studios, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas, all with comfortable furnishings and views of African wildlife. Guests have access to all the amenities of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, including cultural experiences.

Pros: Unique wildlife viewing, spacious villas, immersive theming, cultural experiences, access to Animal Kingdom Lodge amenities.

Cons: Further from most parks, bus service only, some villas have limited views, can be very expensive.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas – Jambo House

Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas – Jambo House offer a unique wildlife viewing villa experience in the main building of the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The resort offers studios, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas, all with comfortable furnishings and views of African wildlife. Guests have access to all the amenities of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, including cultural experiences.

Pros: Unique wildlife viewing, spacious villas, immersive theming, cultural experiences, access to Animal Kingdom Lodge amenities, more convenient access to Jambo House restaurants and activities.

Cons: Further from most parks, bus service only, some villas have limited views, can be very expensive.

Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa features a horse racing and upstate New York theme. The resort offers studios, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, and treehouse villas, all with comfortable furnishings and a relaxing atmosphere. It is located across the lake from Disney Springs and offers boat transportation.

Pros: Spacious villas, relaxing atmosphere, boat transportation to Disney Springs, variety of villa types (including treehouse villas).

Cons: Large resort, can be spread out, bus service to the parks can be slow.

Old Key West Resort

Old Key West Resort features a relaxed Key West theme. The resort offers studios, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas, all with comfortable furnishings and a laid-back atmosphere. It is one of the original Disney Vacation Club resorts and offers spacious accommodations.

Pros: Spacious villas, relaxed atmosphere, laid-back theming, one of the most affordable DVC resorts.

Cons: Large resort, can be spread out, bus service to the parks can be slow.

Beyond the Rooms: Amenities and Activities for Families

Choosing the right hotel is about more than just the room itself. Consider the amenities and activities available at each resort to ensure your family has a memorable and enjoyable vacation.

• Swimming Pools: Disney hotels are known for their elaborate swimming pools, many with themed slides, water features, and splash areas for kids. Stormalong Bay at the Yacht and Beach Club is a particularly popular choice.
• Dining Options: From character dining experiences to casual quick-service restaurants, Disney hotels offer a variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget.
• Recreation: Many resorts offer recreational activities such as bike rentals, boat rentals, fishing, and campfire sing-alongs.
• Kids’ Clubs: Some deluxe resorts offer kids’ clubs, where children can participate in supervised activities while parents enjoy some time to themselves.
• Transportation: Consider the transportation options available at each resort. Monorail access, Skyliner access, and boat transportation can make it easier to get to the parks.

Making Your Final Decision

Choosing the best family hotel in Disney World is a personal decision that depends on your family’s unique needs and preferences. Consider your budget, room size requirements, desired amenities, transportation preferences, and preferred theme. Read reviews from other families to get a better sense of what to expect. And don’t forget to book your hotel well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.

By carefully considering these factors, you can find the perfect hotel to create a magical and unforgettable Disney World vacation for your family.

Ultimately, the “best” hotel is the one that best fits your family’s needs and budget. Do your research, compare options, and book with confidence knowing you’ve chosen a place that will contribute to a magical Disney experience.