Best Resorts for Young Children

[loganberry]

I am looking for any recommendations for first time WDW visitors with young children (1yr-boy, 3yr-girl, and 6yr-girl). We were looking at the CB moderate resort, however, the main pool will be closed during our visit for renovation - but the resort is supposed to have a huge playground. Also were looking at AK, but don't know if that is age appropriate. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!!!!

 

[brergnat]

Wilderness Lodge.

It's a beautiful hotel that is very relaxing for kids. They have a playground, beach, good pool for little kids (small slide), kiddie pool, etc. There is a pathway to Ft. Wilderness where there is a petting farm, campfire sing a longs, etc. You can rent surrey bikes at the dock and ride the trail as a family. You can rent little boats to take on the lake. There is a nice boat to Magic Kingdom, which is fun for kids.

The AKL's only advantage over the WL is the zero entry pool. However, I would not personally choose it for such young kids, as you have to rely on the buses to get everywhere and it's pretty far removed from the Magic Kingdom, especially.

If you want to stay at a Moderate, I'd look at the Port Orleans. However, be aware that the beds at the moderates are FULL size, not Queens. They can be a tight squeeze for couples used to a Queen or King bed at home. Plus, the rooms are smaller, so fitting a pack and play in there will make it a tight squeeze.

Look into the Swan/Dolphin to see if you are eligible for any of their special rates. The rooms are nice, there is a great playground onsite and the pool is really good also. Not a Disney resort, but considered one of the Epcot resorts, and you can walk to Epcot and the Studios.

 

[Shmily1]

I always recommend the value resorts for small children. Usually POP and ASMovies are the ones that little ones relate to the best. They are decorated more for children and the look on their faces when they see the super sized Big Wheel and the Foosball that is bigger than most buildings is just priceless. They would love the values!!!

 

[GovieMom]

The AKL's only advantage over the WL is the zero entry pool. However, I would not personally choose it for such young kids, as you have to rely on the buses to get everywhere and it's pretty far removed from the Magic Kingdom, especially.

I couldn't disagree more! The AKL is especially wonderful for children, with all the animals they're able to see from all over the resort, including flamingos behind the pool area. Children's activities (great for young kids) are held throughout the day in the lobby; we saw several going on while there and the kids were having a ball. And the bus service was great; it never took us more than 15 mts. to get to the Magic Kingdom. The buses run continuously, and unlike most of the other resorts, AKL doesn't share bus service, which can greatly on to the time.

 

[ploto]

If money is not an issue I would go with Contemporary. Young children tend to enjoy the Magic Kingdom the most espicially on their first trip.

The contemporary is good because young children will LOVE the monorail stopping INSIDE. Plus there is a walking path to MK. Then adults and children will find being able to see the castle all the time is sooooo magicial espicially for their first trip.

After a long day at the parks everyone is going to be tired, at the CR since most likley you will be in the main tower all you have to do is get off the monorail, get on the elevator and you are in your room. Many resorts require a hike to the rooms after you get off the bus.

if you have any questions feel free to pm me.

 

[mma800]

My kids are now 7,6, and 4. We have done GF (my fav), Poly, and VWL. I liked the space at VWL the best, but although it was less bustling, it was a trek to/from the parks. Still worth it I believe.

Have you thought about the campgrounds?
We were there on Wed night for Hoop Dee Doo and campfire. I was thinking I'd love to try it with mine on our next trip. Great playground, ferry to MK, plenty of space and running room. I've never tried it, but I stayed there many times as a kid. Great memories!

 

[jeast]

I like any of the Epcot resorts such as the Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, or Swan. You can't beat the location. My little ones (they were 3 and 6 last trip) love to stroll on the boardwalk at night and watch the magicians, ride the boats, rent a surrey bike, look at the funny mirrors, or wander over to Epcot to watch the fireworks (this works best with annual passes). There is always something to do at night.

Remember, there is more to the 'vacation' than seeing every little thing that the parks have to offer. There is also the opportunity for simple, relaxed family time!

Every other day we could take the little ones back to the parks at night, but more often than not, they liked wandering the boardwalk and having some ice cream better.