Resort Ideas for Young Ones

[KeepCalmAndCarryOn]

Hi and thank you in advance for thoughts and ideas!

We are looking for ideas and suggestions (and things to do/reasons why!) for resorts for a family traveling with one "will be" two year old, and two "will be" one year olds. There will be seven adults who are lifelong Disney lovers, but we all tend to gravitate toward the Epcot resorts. We figure this time is the chance to try something new and do Disney a bit differently. We know that expectations of traveling with young ones will be different, so are hoping that there may be some fun resort options we've never tried that might be either engaging for the little ones, or a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

Thank you!

 

[Surgie2]

What about the Poly? Would make it super easy to get to MK and back quickly for rest and pool time in the afternoon. We love the laid back theme!

 

[Babsy]

I agree with @Surgie2 that the Poly would be a good choice with little ones. Ease of getting to both the MK and Epcot via monorail Is especially important with strollers. Since you are fans of Epcot, walking to the TTC for the Epcot monorail will help with any potential Epcot proximity withdrawal! LOL
Also, the new zero entry pools and splash play areas are very nice with young children. Add in the great Pacific island atmosphere, beach and great food options and you have a winning combination.

However, if you aren't fans of the 'island' theme, then you should consider the GF or the CR. The CR has the advantage of being walking distance to the MK, which is the park that many find to be most compelling with small children. It is also walking distance to the MK bus stop, so you have near direct bus access to all resorts that aren't on the monorail. You also have a boat ride to FW and the WL - great for dining or the Hoop Dee Doo Revue! The CR has everything under one roof if you stay in the tower and the most impressive views of any WDW resort, IMO. The downside of the CR would be the pool, though. If zero entry or an impressive pool area are important to you, you would be better looking at the Poly or GF.

The GF has an elegant Victorian theme that some think will be 'stuffy' but usually find very pleasant once they stay there. The lobby, grounds, rooms, dining - it's all wonderful at the Grand!!

Good luck choosing!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would consider GF or Poly depending on which theming appeals to you most. My preference with really little ones is GF. We stayed at GF a lot when DS was younger. Especially if the children are napping back at the resort, some nights we simply didn't want to pack up the diaper bag and head out again. At GF, we could hit a different restaurant each night (4 TS onsite) and feel like we got some variety. 1900 Park Fare breakfast is also a lot of fun. They also have a zero entry pool and Alice in Wonderland splash pad. You can also take a stroll over to the Poly for a change of scenery. Poly is lovely and a lot of fun, but there is zero shade at the pool.

 

[KeepCalmAndCarryOn]

Thank you all! Sounds like the MK lagoon area is worth exploring zero entry sounds amazing for pool options...

 

[cruisin5]

Consider the WL too. Just a boat ride from MK with a real laid back feeling. Spend a few hours taking the boat to FW to see the horses at the stables, there is a great playground and wagon rides at FW.

 

[georgina]

My opinion - the kids won't know the difference, pick where you want to stay!

If you really want to get away, try AKL. Feels a world apart.

 

[kreckl]

If you want an Epcot resort, thats fine! SAB is great for babes and as you know you can walk to 2 parks. We also love AKL. Beautiful resort, so relaxing, both have great pools ( Kidani has kids splash area, Jambo has better food options, imo). But from AKL you would have to contend with buses. The kids are so little- if you think they won't stroller nap, stay wherever is the closest to the park you'll be at the most so you can easily return to rest.

 

[KeepCalmAndCarryOn]

Sorry for the delay - thank you for the additional thoughts and points! We are getting excited... Now if only those April 2018 rates would post!

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with @georgina The kids won't remember or care where you stay.
If you like the Epcot Resort area than that is great. You can walk/boat to 2 parks and no need to fold the stroller. Easy access to your room for afternoon naps. Great dining and entertainment options right there.
If I were staying in the MK area I would choose either the CR to be able to walk to MK with strollers or the Poly for the Monorail convenience. Again no need to fold strollers for 2 parks.
Good Luck

 

[DVC_Dad_Canada]

I'd say rent DVC points at stay at Bay Lake Tower. Walking distance to MK.

 

[Shanti]

Hi and thank you in advance for thoughts and ideas!

We are looking for ideas and suggestions (and things to do/reasons why!) for resorts for a family traveling with one "will be" two year old, and two "will be" one year olds. There will be seven adults who are lifelong Disney lovers, but we all tend to gravitate toward the Epcot resorts. We figure this time is the chance to try something new and do Disney a bit differently. We know that expectations of traveling with young ones will be different, so are hoping that there may be some fun resort options we've never tried that might be either engaging for the little ones, or a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

Thank you!

Animal Kingdom Lodge. The kids will like the animals (you can even see them from some standard view rooms), it has a very relaxing feel, it's gorgeous, & you'll have two feature pools that all guests can choose from (one at Jambo & one at Kidani). The Kidani pool has a really nice separate water area for small kids, too.