Best Deluxe with a Kid?

[TheLittles]

Our trip next fall we will be going for the 1st time just me, my SO and my daughter. We have taken my daughter (will be 5 at the time) to WDW 3 times already but we have always had grandparents with us. Which Deluxe resort is best for kids? Especially her age? I know the Values are more geared toward kids but as far as Deluxes go, not really sure if maybe there is one that may be easier to navigate/have better amenities for children than other.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Relative to Deluxes, it really comes down to the type of trip you plan. What parks are your focus? With a 5 year old, I'm assuming Magic Kingdom?

Contemporary you can walk to MK, which is pretty amazing. I find the pools sterile, though.
Poly has excellent connection to both MK and Epcot via monorail -- best balance between those parks, and a better water play area than Contemporary.
GF is a single stop to Magic Kingdom, but more complex to get elsewhere, with probably the best water play area.

The Epcot resorts can walk to HS and Epcot, but my bet is MK is more important to you.

 

[DisneyRobin]

I think the contemporary would be best - especially if you stay in the tower. Everything is easy to get to and you see the excitement of chef Mickey's all the time (be sure to get a reservation!) and the monorail goes right through the bldg. There are 2 pools with fun activities in the afternoons and one of the pools has a water slide. There are great Mickey themed shops and a fun arcade.
You can walk to/from the mk so you save a lot of time.

The poly and grand flo are spread out among a lot of bldgs. They're both very nice - of the 2 I'd pick the poly.

The resorts on the boardwalk are nice but not as close to the mk.

 

[Quellman]

Relative to Deluxes, it really comes down to the type of trip you plan. What parks are your focus? With a 5 year old, I'm assuming Magic Kingdom?

Contemporary you can walk to MK, which is pretty amazing. I find the pools sterile, though.
Poly has excellent connection to both MK and Epcot via monorail -- best balance between those parks, and a better water play area than Contemporary.
GF is a single stop to Magic Kingdom, but more complex to get elsewhere, with probably the best water play area.

The Epcot resorts can walk to HS and Epcot, but my bet is MK is more important to you.

Your assessment of the Monorail loop pools is what I would say.

 

[got15]

Agree 100% w/ PP....With a 5 year old child- I would stay in the MK hotels- my preference would be the following: 1. Poly, 2. GF, and 3. WL and 4. Contemporary. I base these on pools (which for my 5 yo has been the most important choice). The Poly has the most laid back and kid friendly pools and an amazing splash pad. The GF has a terrific atmosphere and two wonderful pools. Wilderness Lodge, while under a refurb, has a great kid friendly atmosphere- great main pool, splash pad, and the geyser is fun. Contemporary is great for MK proximity- but the pools are nothing to get excited about- also the hotel is a bit chaotic for my family- we have enough stimulations in the park. The Epcot resorts are great- but the BC/YC Stormalong Bay pool is so expansive and its hard to keep an eye on your child...if you wanted to do Epcot- I would go to the Boardwalk. Otherwise, AKL is a gem (but rooms are small)....either way- you are at Disney and its all awesome!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The CR water play area for kids just... reminds me of something I'd find at a mid-level municipal park. Especially if you put it next to the Tiki Pad or the Alice in Wonderland setup at GF. I keep hoping Disney refurbs it to be more character-themed or something.