Best resorts for kids under 5

[Olinepride58]

We are looking to stop in Orlando on the way to Vero Beach at the end of June. We will probably spend a day at the resort and a day at the parks. What resort is the best to visit just for the sake of the Resort? Animal Kingdom looks awesome with water effects, nice pools and such. Bay Lake Tower and Board Walk villas would also be great. Who has experience at these resorts and could offer some insight. We are brand new DVC owners and would love some direction.

THANKS!!!

 

[katied]

I don't know about AKV. Out of BLT and BWV, I would pick BLT. The pool is smaller, but has a little slide that toddlers can use. DS went down it about 50 times during our Dec. trip (he was 32 months at the time). There is a bigger slide too - no age restriction, but kids do need to go down on their own. There is also a splash play area with the water spouting from the ground. DS loved it as well. We've stayed at BWV as well, but they don't have any as "little kid" friendly features.

 

[Brian Noble]

At that age, my kids had only three requirements of any resort.

1: It must have a pool.
2: The pool must have water.
3: The water must be wet.

The rest was gravy. I'd pick the one you are most interested in visiting.

 

[Crystal_27]

At that age, my kids had only three requirements of any resort.

1: It must have a pool.
2: The pool must have water.
3: The water must be wet.

The rest was gravy. I'd pick the one you are most interested in visiting.

'aint that the truth!

Of the options listed, I would have to say that AKV would win hands down (actually, I would have to say that for a *resort* experience only, AKV wins against any of the other DVCs, particularly if you have kids). My only fault with AKV is how far away it is from the parks and that you have to take a bus to all parks. However, since you are only going to one park taking the bus might not be too bad -- it's just having to do it day after day that would get me. Good luck!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I really think the kids would love the pool experience at Kidani! The animals would also be a huge hit, they certainly were with our DGC. Of the three, that's the one I would pick.

Bobbi

 

[helloconnie]

I would say it depends on your kids. I just got back from AKV - Kidani (Savannah View) with my 4 yr old and 1 yr. old. Obviously, the Little One was along for the ride. The 4 yr old had no particular interest in the animals. He was all about visiting MK. So, BLT would have been a better hotel for us. We are going back in May and staying at BLT and he is already excited that we are staying at the hotel the monorail goes through.

 

[mybabesuz]

We have stayed at SSR and AKV so far... Staying at BWV in April...
They liked SSR better than AKV...
The bus ride from AKV was long. The kids, 3 and 4, got bored of the animals quickly.
We liked the rooms better at SSR too.
We did stay at Jambo and not Kidani though...

 

[ercrbc]

Voted for AKV, the pool at Kidani was fantastic for little ones. Zero entry pool, small slide, BIG slide and a massive spash pad playground. If you plan to swim and have kids under 5, I don't think you can go wrong here. We stayed at Jambo but found the KD pool way more fun for our kids!

The animals and the resort itself was a big hit too

 

[El&Asmom]

'aint that the truth!

Of the options listed, I would have to say that AKV would win hands down (actually, I would have to say that for a *resort* experience only, AKV wins against any of the other DVCs, particularly if you have kids). My only fault with AKV is how far away it is from the parks and that you have to take a bus to all parks. However, since you are only going to one park taking the bus might not be too bad -- it's just having to do it day after day that would get me. Good luck!

That's my exact opinion of AKV. It's the best resort in the worst location. It's certainly fine for a few days though. Anything longer than that and I would get irritated taking the bus everywhere unless I had a car.

 

[realfam]

This is an easy one....We have a 2 year old and we love staying at AKV with her. The splash area at Kidani is awesome and the little ones love it. They also have a small water slide.

My vote Animal Kingdom

 

[spiceycat]

for 2 days they all work.

what park or parks are you going too?

then might pick

Epcot or Studios - BWV

MK or Epcot - BLT

AK - AKV

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I know that I am biased, but I believe BWV would be wonderful with a little one.

Strolling around crescent lake on foot or on a surrey bike, jugglers and magicians on the boardwalk, riding the big boat, or renting a smaller boat are all a lot of fun!

There is a lot of fun and commotion going on. The BWV pool is nice with elephant fountains. However, the clown may not be great for a little one. BWV has a great slide, but that may be way too intense for a little one.

One other thought...will the little one be ok with staying at BLT and NOT entering the MK.

These are all great resorts! Enjoy!

 

[DizGirl20]

So here's the deal... I have never been to BLT but I am voting for BLT. When our kids were 2 & 5 we stayed at the Grand Floridian. Being on the monorail loop is PRICELESS at that age. It made our stay so much better I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it was to be that close to the Magic Kingdom.

IMHO, kids are happy at any WDW pool (what Disney pool is not cool... for that matter, what Disney resort is not cool?!?!). Go to BLT now when they are younger. We are finally staying at our first Epcot Resort (Beach Club Villas) this May. My kids are now 9 & 12. I wanted to wait until they had more interest in Epcot and Hollywood Studios. And I agree - AKV is too out of the way.

BLT Baby!

 

[sajetto]

I would go for Kidani AKV. As stated before kids are all about the pool and there is an excellent water play area along with the animals to enjoy.

 

[drusba]

At that age, my kids had only three requirements of any resort.

1: It must have a pool.
2: The pool must have water.
3: The water must be wet.

The rest was gravy. I'd pick the one you are most interested in visiting.

Brian, I am still laughing over such a truism.

 

[Olinepride58]

Thanks for all who have posted replys. I enjoyed reading your advice. We are leaning towards Kidani Village at AKL based on the replys and the videos on YouTube. The play area for kids looks unbelievable. Hopefully as we visit more of the resorts, I can return the favor.

Thanks!

 

[dianeschlicht]

There is so much to do and see at AKV, I think it wins hands down from your list given.