Resort Recommendation for Infant

[ExpeditionEmily]

Husband and I are hoping to take our daughter to Disney during late June 2025! Baby will be around 10 months at the time. Since this is our first, we don't know what to expect / where would be the best option to stay with an infant. We typically stay at Pop Century in a preferred room, but we know we'll be spending a bit more time in the room with a baby, especially in the summer heat. The trip may or may not include our parents as well, so want somewhere they could relax and enjoy too. The following options are in our price range:

Pop Century

• Pros: On the skyliner (won't have to fold up stroller), we are VERY familiar with this resort
• Cons: Worried we won't want to spend a ton of down time here

Port Orleans French Quarter

• Pros: The grandparents would love this resort! My mom especially enjoys the boat to Springs. We've stayed here before together and like the size of the resort, the pool, and the Coke Freestyle machine.
• Cons: Would need to bus everywhere and it always feels a bit out of the way

Port Orleans Riverside

• Pros: I've stayed here only briefly before, husband has not. The table service restaurant is good and the boat to Springs is another draw for us.
• Cons: I believe I remember this resort having multiple bus stops, which I would prefer to avoid. Same issue as w/ French Quarter where it feels out of the way.

Caribbean Beach

• Pros: Skyliner hub, have heard good things about Sebastian's Bistro
• Cons: I stayed here once a few years back, and remember the bus system being awful. That coupled with the resort size makes me nervous for a room location with an infant being too far from everything.

Coronado Springs

• Pros: Really enjoy the pool here and find this resort to be relaxing and calm
• Cons: Not a fan of the quick service here and another larger resort

Personally, I lean towards Pop or POFQ, but I wanted to gather more input before we make a final call! While I'm a Disney vet, Disney with a baby is a whole different ballgame, so any tips appreciated

 

[fla4fun]

Tom Bricker over at Disney Tourist Blog and his wife Sarah took their baby girl to WDW a couple of months ago and he wrote three separate posts about what worked, what didn’t, how reality was different from expectations, etc. They have been doing Disney parks as a couple for years, so it was a different experience visiting the parks with a child for the first time. They were a very interesting and comprehensive group of posts, and he discusses resort choices in particular. They might be worth checking out before making plans. They have also taken their infant to DL and Tokyo DL.

 

[Disturbia]

You want a quiet resort with easy access for mid day naps. Art of animation suites are our favorite and it has a one bedroom setup (baby and mom can take the room), 2 bathrooms and sleeps 6. It is priced like a deluxe suite, so maybe 2 rooms at Pop would also be great. Unless you’re going over NYE (need to be closer to MK), I would book the Skyliner resort.

For a stroller, at that age we had a lightweight stroller (with cup holders; in this case we attached insulted organizer with cupholders-search: easy fun stroller organizer on amazon) and an extended shade and reclining feature (Macclaren Volo). Also look into a Colugo carrier (easy to split, has room to store wipes/diapers) or Baby Bjorne.

 

[blue oranda]

Coronado tower is also very nice and more contained, though the quick service will be the same.

We took our regular stroller with us and the babies had no problem sleeping when they felt like it. I would plan your day with regular breaks how you would do and the baby would assimulate to that, but having a back up problem if the baby is having melt downs, etc.

For us, we did not alter our touring too much when the kids were added but we always took an afternoon break anyway.

For us one of the biggest changes was having and parking the strollers. It takes a lot of time vs just having a party of adults. Also bathroom breaks took far longer to change the baby etc. Just something to keep in mind, it may take you 30mins to get to your next attraction vs like 10mins or so.

Also I would get a baby carrier. I liked the tush baby for myself. It was easy to have the baby on yourself, instead of having to hold the baby. Especially that the stroller parking is sometimes far from the attractions.

But the good thing with having a stroller is extra storage for bags and drinks for the adults also.

I guess what I’m saying is maybe you might not be spending far more time at the resort just because of the baby. For us we have stayed at Coronado, tower and regular, port orleans riverside, deluxes.

I think if you are going to stay a lot of time at the resort to bump up the resort level, so definitely look at the moderates on your list.

We just came back from the poly and were stuck at magic kingdom after close because the monorails were so backed up. We ended up getting on the boat back to the resort, even with a deluxe the transportation isn’t instant at park close. We expected this though so one was annoyed about it or anything.

The buses can be hit or miss so I would think of the other aspects of why you would pick one resort over another. Or you could possibility rent a car or maybe do Minnie van on certain days.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I would consider renting DVC points. It's like paying for a moderate and getting deluxe. We have rented many times from other Dis-ers here.
There are some drawbacks to renting, such as consider the sale final so don't book it unless you're 100% certain you're going. Get trip insurance to cover any loss for last minute cancellation.
You could get a 2 BR so that you can have some together space with your parents but can still have space/privacy away from them. It also gives you a full kitchen and washer/dryer in your unit. It would allow you to let the baby nap and you can still still watch tv in the living room. Compare the cost to 2 rooms at POFQ.
Also, when you rent from someone, there's no sales tax in addition to the price. At WDW, that is 12.5% which is pretty steep, so be sure to calculate the tax on hotel rooms before you compare.

Be aware that, like other timeshares, DVC units only get cleaned every 4 days IIRC. You can opt to get it more frequently but there is a charge. DVC owners could give you more information about that. We didn't really care if our bed was made or not and don't mind tossing the trash in the dumpster when it gets full. 1BR units also have full kitchen and full washer/dryer.

It's really none of my business when you go during the year but late June is a crazy busy time of year. While you don't have to deal with school calendars, I'd consider an off peak time of year while kids are in school. JMHO.

Have fun planning!

 

[Willow Ufgood]

I think your biggest challenge is going to be sleeping or resting in the same room as the baby. We are blessed with a 10 month old right now. She needs a dimly lit or dark room and very little noise in order to nap. We use an ambient noise machine at home and will use it or our phones to supply background noise for her. It would be difficult to impossible for the grown ups to rest in the same room unless she was exhausted (and then we have to deal with an overly tired baby that somehow forgot how to fall asleep).

If you can swing an AoA suite with yourselves and the grandparents you would have that separate bedroom where the baby can be put down for naps while the adults can relax in the livingroom area. It will also give you a nice kitchen nook where you can prepare baby's breakfast before you head our to the parks. Our little one has a huge appetite right now and eats like there's no tomorrow. On the negative side, it takes a long time for her to finish a meal. There's no delaying breakfast once she's awake and having the kitchenette means that you can get breakfast in front of baby even if the quick service restaurants haven't opened yet.

One nice thing about kids this age is that you have already established a routine with them. They are alert and engage with their surroundings and they find delight in the simplest of things. Congratulations on your little one and may you enjoy many special moments with them!

 

[sponica]

We stayed with my in laws and my then 20 month old at POFQ (two connecting standard rooms). No regrets, it's actually one of my husbands favorite resorts if we're not on the skyliner or monorail.

Yes it's bus everywhere, but honestly it's really close to Epcot, seriously it's basically in Epcot's backyard (well sideyard across epcot center drive). It has a super small resort footprint, amazingly small footprint. It's not far from MK or DHS.

The one drawback is there's no table service at the resort and it's historically been excluded from discounts, but maybe that's changed post COVID.

We enjoyed the easy access to Disney Springs when we stayed here (assuming there's enough water in June 2025 to run the boats).

I have no experience in the baby at Disney department, but my friend who went with babies much preferred the 9 to 10 month age as they're furniture that eats, sleeps and needs diaper changes.

Based on my experience with toddlers, pack way more clothes than you think you'll need and probably extra diaper cream and be super flexible.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

At that age the 2 most important things for me would have been access to laundry in room and a closet big enough to park the pack and play. #3 would be easy access to parks without relying on buses.

Beach club 2BD using DVC totally fits that bill, and with the added bonus that demand is less now because the main pool is under renovation (not so much of a factor for a 10 month old). Plus the points chart is super cheap vs VGF or RIV.

 

[ArielDreams]

Also planning a trip for late June 2025 with a ~10 month old (anxiously awaiting his arrival!!) but this is our second. We were supposed to take our oldest at the same age but that was unfortunately April 2020... we were going to do CBR. Anyway, having been on 3 trips with him since and stayed at a few other resorts, this is my short list based on priorities!

Priorities:
1) "kitchen" area for washing bottles. Even is just a small little kitchenette, I don't want to use the bathroom sink area.
2) Close-ish to at least one resort (skyliner or boats) for nap breaks.
3) Big enough to comfortably fit pack n play, mom/dad, and 6 year old.
4) Budget - $300-400 a night. I usually like under $300 but I know that's not really realistic based on my priorities!

Short List of Resorts to be solely determined by discount:
1) Wilderness Lodge - either Copper Creek or Boulder Ridge studio. We did a split stay that included this resort when our son was just under 2 and LOVED it for kids.
2) AoA suite (probably the likely winner) - we love the Skyliner and ended up staying here randomly for 1 night when a hurricane ruined our end of cruise travel plans out of Tampa. I had us booked for a LM room but we got upgraded to a Cars suite. I was actually VERY impressed at how much space the suite had and would definitely stay again if in budget.
3) AKL or OKW studio - both a bit far away but might be in our price range. We are planning on renting a car so the distance wouldn't be too much of an issue.
4) CBR - stayed here many times, love the location. Would try to get a refurbed Little Mermaid room but this is probably our last choice due to lack of kitchenette.

Anyway, that's my thought process! Hope this helps

 

[Justrose]

POR is my favorite mod. I would get two adjoining rooms in a preferred section close to a bus stop. I found that resort to be beautiful, exceptionally lush and quiet.

 

[Genie+]

I would consider renting DVC points. It's like paying for a moderate and getting deluxe. We have rented many times from other Dis-ers here.
There are some drawbacks to renting, such as consider the sale final so don't book it unless you're 100% certain you're going. Get trip insurance to cover any loss for last minute cancellation.
You could get a 2 BR so that you can have some together space with your parents but can still have space/privacy away from them. It also gives you a full kitchen and washer/dryer in your unit. It would allow you to let the baby nap and you can still still watch tv in the living room. Compare the cost to 2 rooms at POFQ.
Also, when you rent from someone, there's no sales tax in addition to the price. At WDW, that is 12.5% which is pretty steep, so be sure to calculate the tax on hotel rooms before you compare.

Be aware that, like other timeshares, DVC units only get cleaned every 4 days IIRC. You can opt to get it more frequently but there is a charge. DVC owners could give you more information about that. We didn't really care if our bed was made or not and don't mind tossing the trash in the dumpster when it gets full. 1BR units also have full kitchen and full washer/dryer.

It's really none of my business when you go during the year but late June is a crazy busy time of year. While you don't have to deal with school calendars, I'd consider an off peak time of year while kids are in school. JMHO.

Have fun planning!

Yep, like right now June is wide open for BCV studios that are 16 points Sun-Thurs night, 18pt Fri/Sat night. Should be able to find $20pp (possibly lower). A Sun-Sat trip averages $327/nt and that includes everything - taxes, parking, etc. That’s the final cost. Parents could later choose anything on skyliner for convenience meeting up. The couple would have a very easy time to HS/EP, and plenty of restaurants and adult things to do right there between BW, BC and Swolphin.

Of course renting DVC requires solid plans.

As far as the best rack rate deal… All Star Music also has family suites, and at $422/nt before tax come in about $170/nt less than AoA suites. From https://www.disneytouristblog.com/all-star-music-family-suite-resort-review/

The bedroom has a door, 2 bathrooms and full fridge, microwave, kitchen sink. The savings over AoA can buy alot of ubers!

 

[Disturbia]

Also planning a trip for late June 2025 with a ~10 month old (anxiously awaiting his arrival!!) but this is our second. We were supposed to take our oldest at the same age but that was unfortunately April 2020... we were going to do CBR. Anyway, having been on 3 trips with him since and stayed at a few other resorts, this is my short list based on priorities!

Priorities:
1) "kitchen" area for washing bottles. Even is just a small little kitchenette, I don't want to use the bathroom sink area.
2) Close-ish to at least one resort (skyliner or boats) for nap breaks.
3) Big enough to comfortably fit pack n play, mom/dad, and 6 year old.
4) Budget - $300-400 a night. I usually like under $300 but I know that's not really realistic based on my priorities!

Short List of Resorts to be solely determined by discount:
1) Wilderness Lodge - either Copper Creek or Boulder Ridge studio. We did a split stay that included this resort when our son was just under 2 and LOVED it for kids.
2) AoA suite (probably the likely winner) - we love the Skyliner and ended up staying here randomly for 1 night when a hurricane ruined our end of cruise travel plans out of Tampa. I had us booked for a LM room but we got upgraded to a Cars suite. I was actually VERY impressed at how much space the suite had and would definitely stay again if in budget.
3) AKL or OKW studio - both a bit far away but might be in our price range. We are planning on renting a car so the distance wouldn't be too much of an issue.
4) CBR - stayed here many times, love the location. Would try to get a refurbed Little Mermaid room but this is probably our last choice due to lack of kitchenette.

Anyway, that's my thought process! Hope this helps

FYI: AOA suites are now priced similar to Deluxe suites like the Poly. They’re $600 in June ($787 for fall) per night. You can get room discounts of 30% off on the website (try Costco packages as well)

Little mermaid ($290 per night in June) is not recommended (Pop preferred room is probably better). Our friends who had preteens had a hard time walking to and from the bus stop (no Skyliner back then). Being in a suite gets you closer to the big blue pool and Skyliner. Also Epcot has about 7-9 rides with no height requirements and HS has TSMM and shows only.

If you guys want to be closer to MK then Poly or wilderness would be better. We spend a day at Fort Wilderness riding ponies, horses, carriage rides etc. transportation after fireworks and with a stroller can take over 30 mins (took us 45 during Christmas week).

 

[LadyDolewhip]

I'm biased cause I love Pop so I would pick that resort just because you have access to the Skyliner and I never had an issue with noise in the preferred rooms. However, it sounds like POFQ is something that you all are more leaning towards. You do have to take the bus to all the parks but the resort is nice and quiet here as well and as a bonus you can get Mickey Beignets!

 

[Disturbia]

I would hold off on AKL until the little one is older and can appreciate the Savanna. The rooms at the end can be a long walk but it’s indoors (still exhausting after pushing a double stroller all day). We travel for Boma once each trip (best buffet in property). However once we had 3 kids we no longer stay at a deluxe suite (max capacity 4).

The transportation was incredibly inefficient and we waited 30-40 mins for buses except AK park. Housekeeping was short and unprofessional/argumentative.

 

[Willow Ufgood]

A word about Ubers and Lyfts. Your baby will still need to be facing backwards in a car seat. Not every rideshare will have a car seat and those that do may not have one suitable for an infant.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

We did moderates when our kids were stroller aged and it worked out great. I don’t think there’s any differences that would make one more baby friendly over the other.

We recently stayed at CSR and really enjoyed it. It’s central location makes for decent bus rides to the parks.

Pop could be a good option so you don’t have to close the stroller when you go to Epcot or DHS. Strollers can be a pain but it’s one kid to two parents so it shouldn’t be that bad.

 

[etzmn123]

We’ve been twice with our daughter at 16mo and 21mo and have rented DVC points for a 1br both times, and that’s what we’re doing again in February when she’s 2.5 (plus two nights at an AoA suite) Being able to shut the door and have a place to hang out while she’s sleeping is important to us as well as having a kitchen and laundry. Our first stay we did a split stay at AKV and BLT, and our second trip we stayed at Boardwalk. Being walkable to a park is awesome. We’re doing a split stay at BLT and AOA next time. She will NOT nap in the stroller, we learned the hard way on our first trip, so we do midday breaks and value being close to the parks.

A few other tips that I’ve found helpful: we rent a stroller because I don’t want to put so many “miles” on ours or get it all gross with sunscreen and snacks all day. We also bring lots of snacks into the park that she’s comfortable with because we find she doesn’t eat a lot at meals because there are so many exciting distractions. The tushbaby carrier was awesome for waiting in lines our first trip when she wasn’t a great walker yet.

 

[Anthony1971]

Took a baby at 5mo and 10mo. 1 year 2,3,4.......
we own DVC and did for the entire time and prior but did stay at a few moderates, one value and the deluxe resorts prior.
A comfortable stroller.... they sleep a lot so you will not be going on a lot of rides unless you swap and go on by yourself or have a person to watch. Make sure you bring plenty of food from cheerios to the Gerber jars (If that is the still the thing) Baby will not eat when you want and especially the hotter months an air-conditioned restaurant is a certain nap. Other than being prepared with what you need - the stroller is the least of what you will carry- that age is fairly easy as they do not complain. As far as time at the resort you will spend more time as you will be tired... The bus rides were always welcome in my book... a seat in the AC.... Traffic that's perfect....
you will be in no rush to get to or leave the parks..... The monorail and Skyliner great..... just keep in mind someone is pushing the stroller up the ramps with a backpack.....
choose the resort you like transportation has cons both ways. What worked for us is above you may differ.

 

[Disturbia]

If you do decide on AOA, remember there are no announcements when the Skyliner is down (less likely in late fall vs hurricane season June-Nov) and sometimes you can’t even see the lightening in a distance. We’ve walked to the Skyliner only to be told it was down and walk to the front of the park and wait in a 1.5 hr line to get back (better to get in the Pop Century line of AOA line is too long).

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024...-world-problems-that-will-fill-you-with-rage/

 

[disneygolfer1985]

we have 2 girls and have gone when they were both under 2 months. Personally, I like either BW or YC/BC as a deluxe resort. You get to walk to 2 parks and you can get back to your room from 3 parks without having to break down the stroller. Skyliner doesn’t work for us since a double stroller still needs to be broken down. Also, you spend more time in Epcot at night and left them enjoy the aquarium in the evening when it is not as crowded.