Best Disney Resort for Kids: 4 DVC Resorts for Lifelong Memories

Planning your Walt Disney World vacation with the whole family? You can’t spend every waking moment at the parks, so it’s important you stay at a resort chock-full of fun for the kids. However, it can be hard to choose a Disney resort with so many magical options. We’re here to make it easy for you! We know that what makes the best Disney resort is thrilling water features, delicious eats, whimsical entertainment, and spacious accommodations. So, wondering what the best Disney resort for kids is? We’ve selected four spectacular Disney resorts so you can make the happiest place on earth that much happier.

Discover the Best Disney Resorts for Kids with Disney Vacation Club

Ready to be a part of something magical? Walt Disney World Resort hotels are known for their whimsical Disney theming and proximity to Disney parks. For those unfamiliar with Disney Vacation Club (DVC), DVC is a top-tier points-based timeshare program. The DVC portfolio is made up of 17 unforgettable resorts in Orlando, Vero Beach, Hawaii, Hilton Head, and California. Known for their luxurious accommodations, enchanting amenities, and overall magic, people of all ages find wonder and adventure in Disney World hotels.

Preparing for Your Walt Disney World Vacation

When deciding which Disney resort to stay at, it’s crucial to consider which theme parks you want to visit during your stay. You see, many resorts are local to specific theme parks. For example, Disney’s Old Key West is nearby EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. So, travelers looking to visit those specific parks may find Old Key West a good fit.

You may also consider how much Disney World tickets cost or what the cheapest Disney resort is to stay at. All of these factors are included in your budget, especially when you’re taking the whole family along. However, you can rest assured that when you stay at any of the following four Disney resorts, the magic and memories made will be well worth it. This is especially true when you save money with DVC timeshare resales and rentals.

1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas

Transport the whole family to the African savanna as you step inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s grand lobby, one of the best Orlando DVC rentals. As the live African music thrums around you, admire the vaulted thatched ceilings, hand-carved furniture and accents, and authentic African antiques.

With a horseshoe shape, this one-of-a-kind resort stuns with an inspired kraal or animal enclosure. These four grassy fields house over 200 hoofed animals and birds. The kids will love identifying zebras, giraffes, flamingos, and more in this replica of their natural habitat. In fact, the resort offers programs led by real animal specialists for kids to learn about African animals and ecosystems.

But what the kids (and you) will love even more is the 11,000-square-foot pool area, lovingly named Uzima Pool, meaning “full of life” in Swahili. Reminiscent of an African watering hole, this zero-entry pool is surrounded by lush greenery and canopy trees. Here, you’ll find a children’s wading pool and two hot tub spas. However, the real fun is at Samawati Springs Pool, just a short walk from Kidani Village. This area is themed as an animal observation site. Kids can let loose riding down the winding waterslide, climbing the rope bridge, and dueling with water cannons and water gun Venus Fly Traps.

But the thrills don’t end at the pool. Children can play their hearts out at the Hakuna Matata Playground, which also overlooks the savanna enclosure. Later, win big at Pumbaa’s Fun and Games arcade, filled with classic arcade games and emerging video games. Families can also gather around the Jambo Campfire for marshmallow roasting or cuddle up poolside to watch fan-favorite Disney films, like The Lion King. No wonder this is the best Disney resort for kids.

Traveler Tip: Visit during the month of April to experience Earth Day Celebrations at Animal Kingdom!

2. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Breathe in the fresh air around Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, a deluxe resort in the Disney World collection. An ode to the Pacific Northwest’s woodsy charm and rustic heritage, the Wilderness Lodge is just minutes away from Disney’s Magic Kingdom. You’ll find sanctuary in a studio, multi-bedroom villa, or cabin featuring a wrap-around porch. Lounge contentedly on the balcony and soak in magical views of the lake, fireworks, or resort.

Discover the wonder of the outdoors with on-site activities that bring out the explorer in you. Take the family for a walk down the resort jogging trails and admire the lush pine forests, sparkling lagoon, and teeming flora and fauna. Teach the kids to fish dockside or on board a fishing excursion. In the evening, head to Spitfire Flats, an outdoor hangout, for a family cookout and s’mores.

Both the Copper Creek Springs Pool and the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool offer excitement and relaxation. At the former, kids will race down the 67-foot waterslide built into a meandering rock formation and into a heated pool. A hot and cold hot tub is also nearby, as well as a children’s play area for young kids. Also, the resort hosts family-friendly activities each day at the Copper Creek Springs pool area, such as themed pool parties, trivia, and more!

The Geyser Point Bar & Grill is also located poolside for convenient eats and cold drinks during a day in the Florida sun. But the real treasure that makes Disney’s Wilderness Lodge the best Disney resort for kids is the Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White! Watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarves come to life in this enchanted forest as you’re greeted by Snow White herself and a few of her dwarves.

Traveler Tip: Stay during the winter to experience the Disney World Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom!

3. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Third, the modern Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort places you within walking distance of Magic Kingdom. As you settle into a spacious studio or multi-bedroom villa, you’ll find lavish accommodations, including balconies for watching fireworks and full kitchens or kitchenettes.

Soak up the sun at one of two pools beside Bay Lake. However, the Bay Lake Tower Pool features a twisting waterslide encased in glass and illuminated by neon Mickeys. So, it is sure to make a splash with the kids. Little ones can also frolic through the water playground while you relax in a lounger. Also on-site are two steaming hot tubs and a more quiet pool.

Luxury truly meets whimsical fun at Bay Lake Tower. Bond with the kids over basketball, pickleball, or a bass fishing excursion, and name the new ping pong champion at the Community Hall. Not to mention, you’ll find thrilling arcade games at the new and improved The Game Station. Don’t forget to leave an evening open to roast marshmallows and watch classic Disney movies by the pool.

But the best has yet to come. As the best Disney resort for kids, the experience wouldn’t be complete without a character visit. Join for a breakfast or dinner buffet at Chef Mickey’s, and meet Mickey Mouse and his friends as they dance and wave in this lively eatery. Alongside a full tummy of signature bites, leave with an autographed keepsake signed by beloved characters. And make sure to stick around to meet Minnie after your meal!

Traveler Tip: Visit in April to partake in Disney Easter events, including a strawberry bunny tart or peanut butter eggs from The Contempo Cafe on-site the resort!

4. Disney’s Beach Club Resort Villas

Get a taste of New England at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, a waterfront resort that is within walking distance to EPCOT and a short boat ride across the lake to Hollywood Studios. Since this resort shares many amenities with Disney Yacht Club Resort, the fun is doubled! Where Cape Cod comfort meets joy, the merrymaking is endless at this resort.

Home to iconic Stormalong Bay, a three-acre water play area, kids can scale the life-size shipwreck and slide down one of the highest Disney hotel waterslides. Later, grab a tube and float down the lazy river, and for the smaller kids, two kiddie pools and a mini-waterslide await. Meanwhile, you can enjoy private cabanas and poolside bars and grills.

Venture to the Bayside Marina for motorized boat rentals and teach the kids to fish! Moreover, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways offers 36 holes among Fantasia-inspired greenery, fountains, and statues. And if you’re looking for some family competition, head to Lafferty Place Arcade or stop by the volleyball or tennis courts.

But the real sweet spot of this Disney resort is the delicious dining options. Dig into some Mickey Mouse waffles at the Beach Club Marketplace, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or sit down for a buffet-style breakfast or surf-n-turf dinner at Cape May Cafe. Ready for dessert? Stroll down the boardwalk to the 50s-inspired Beaches & Cream Soda Shop for a sundae, flavored soda, milkshake, or juicy burger.

But wait, there’s more. Once you’re ready to head to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, consider taking a ride on the Disney Skyliner, a Disney-bedecked gondola system that offers stunning aerial views of the landscape.

Traveler Tip: Consider visiting in the spring to experience EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival!

Best Disney Resort for Kids Honorable Mention: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Get a taste of the South Pacific with Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This resort simply couldn’t go ignored as a best Disney resort for kids. Not only do the spacious, tropical-themed suites accommodate families of all sizes, but the grand on-site amenities spark excitement in kids of all ages.

Your children will marvel at the towering volcano at the Lava Pool. This zero-entry pool gently slopes into deeper water like a beach, but the thrill continues with a rushing waterfall and a 142-foot-long waterslide into refreshing blue waters. Similar to other Disney resorts, Polynesian Village also hosts poolside activities like relays, pool games, and more.

What’s more, Magic Kingdom is located just across the Seven Seas Lagoon, so grab the kiddos and sail away by water taxi to the splendor that awaits within the theme park. This Disney resort hotel is unmatched in its island ambiance and culture-infused dining that even the kids will love.

Rent a Disney Vacation Club Timeshare with Timeshares Only

Like we always say, sometimes you have to try before you buy. With Timeshares Only, you can rent DVC points. So, once you browse our DVC rentals marketplace and discover the resort of your dreams, simply reserve your rental, checkout, and begin your magical vacation! If you’re ready to rent but require assistance, please reach out to us via email at [email protected], or call us at 1-800-610-2734.

Buy a Disney Vacation Club Timeshare with Timeshares Only

Did any of these deluxe resorts catch your eye? We’ve got you covered. Our timeshare resale market provides top-notch deals on Disney Vacation Club timeshare resales. This way, you can buy a DVC timeshare or add to your existing ownership without breaking the bank. Browse our DVC resale market today and get your own personal piece of the Walt Disney World magic!