Best Resort for toddlers?

[Raya]

Planning a trip to celebrate my godbaby's third birthday (we'll check in when he's two). We're going to focus on MK, maybe with AK and HS/GE added on. It'll be a short trip - just 4 days. We're planning on early starts, with afternoon nap and swimming breaks...... and I have no idea what resort to pick. Any advice?

 

[sponica]

Toddlers don't care where they stay. Pick something in your budget that YOU like. Honestly I like Port Orleans French Quarter because it's super small and compact which is nice when you have a stroller, the splash pad is pretty enjoyable for the younger set. And it's pretty equidistant to all the parks

 

[kariyava]

Art of Animation has the cutest theming and both a splash pad and playground that I'm sure he would love. It is very close to HS, but not as close to MK, so you might prefer to stay at one of the resorts next to MK if that is your focus and you want to take breaks. If he is going to nap during the day then you might want a suite so you can be free to move around while he is napping (AoA has great suites).

 

[Shellyred8]

I really liked Wilderness Lodge with a set of twin two year old's. They have a good splash area. The quiet pool has a zero depth entry, so that was nice too.
It's a great location if you will be mostly at MK.

 

[Raya]

I really liked Wilderness Lodge with a set of twin two year old's. They have a good splash area. The quiet pool has a zero depth entry, so that was nice too.
It's a great location if you will be mostly at MK.

Was there a specific room configuration you got? I'm wondering if the bunk beds are worth it at that young of an age.

 

[Shellyred8]

Was there a specific room configuration you got? I'm wondering if the bunk beds are worth it at that young of an age.

We were in a 1BR DVC villa. I loved the space and really liked having a bedroom that could be closed off for naps.

I, personally, wouldn't go with bunk beds unless there is an older child/adult that will be sleeping on the top bunk.

 

[Kae]

We were in a 1BR DVC villa. I loved the space and really liked having a bedroom that could be closed off for naps.

I, personally, wouldn't go with bunk beds unless there is an older child/adult that will be sleeping on the top bunk.

I heard they were taking bunk beds out. Another vote for WL having a balcony is nice to sit on while the kiddo is sleeping or napping. We also love the location. But a suite at AoA would be a great choice too.

 

[Rxdr2013]

WL was nice being so close to MK and taking the boat. Did not have to fold us stroller. But the Poly was nice too. Both easy access to MK

 

[dbb727]

If the budget allows, I’d recommend staying somewhere in MK area. When my kids were 2.5 and 4.5, we stayed at the Poly and it was worth the money to me for the convenience. Using the monorail meant not having to fold a double stroller or wake up a sleeping child, so it was very convenient for getting up early and coming back midday for naps while not having to worry about wasted time waiting for buses. We loved Ohana, Trader Sam’s and Pineapple Lanai. The volcano pool has zero entry beach and a splash zone, but we actually preferred the quiet pool since no one was there (and my kids didn’t enjoy being splashed at that age).

Like others have said, I wouldn’t worry about theming choices in regards to toddler appeal- at that age they are excited about anything and just spending time with you- so pick whatever would be the adults’ preferences, based on convenience, pricing, dining or bar options, or combo of these.

Case in point: The thing my two year old son got MOST excited for the whole trip....ducks in the grass at MK. Not Donald and Daisy Duck, but real wildlife that were resting, he wanted to watch them for like 30 minutes. And he LOVED the tiki torches all over Poly property that are lit at night.

 

[Selket]

I agree about staying in the MK loop. My guess is a toddler is going to love the monorail and boats as much as anything else - haha! Nothing beats being able to walk back to the room from the MK - and you can see the fireworks from there (if they're happening when you go).

 

[kylenne]

After watching (and helping) many an exhausted parent struggling to fold strollers on buses at the end of the night I would concur with the advice to stay near MK if you can swing it. The convenience can’t be beat, especially if you plan on resort breaks. There’s a lot of stuff schlepping involved with littles, so make it as easy on yourself as possible. Best part about the monorail or walking to CR (or GF in future) is you don’t have to wake them to fold up a stroller. Just wheel them on in lol.

 

[primalJ]

You have to over 18 to rent a room, so I think they might need different accommodations. Perhaps a nice bush or park bench.