Family Resorts at Disney World include the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Art of Animation Resort as the best ones. These resorts have distinct themes and unparalleled services.
Disney World is the ultimate family vacation spot in the USA. Whether you are planning your first trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” or returning for another one, it can be difficult to choose from the 32 Disney Resort hotels.
There are several advantages to choosing an on-site Disney World resort for a better value and experience than an off-site one. They sure know how to cater to families with various services, including pools, transportation, and many special perks.
Disney World resorts are classified into five categories: Deluxe, Moderate, Value, Disney Vacation Club, and Campground. Each has its perks and amenities.
Here is the list of the ten best family resorts at Disney World.
10. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is one of the nine Deluxe hotels at Walt Disney World. It is a New England-style club at the lakeside hotel.
The resort is relaxing, has an inviting elegance, and is best known for its location, service, and cleanliness.
Location:
Because of its fantastic location, it is considered one of the best resorts on the property. It is about 22 miles from Orlando International Airport.
Yacht Club is a walking distance of Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is just a boat ride away. There are about 82 restaurants and 49 attractions within 0.75 miles.
Attractions such as Soarin’, Fantasmic!, Epcot, and Test Track Presented by Chevrolet are also within 10-15 minutes of walking.
Rooms:
Yacht Club has 21 suites and 635 guest rooms. There are several types of rooms you can book, such as Garden or Woods View, Standard View, Water View, King Bed, 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access. Club-level service rooms and suites are also available.
You could bring your furry friend along as the resort has dog-friendly rooms.
Recreation Activities For Family:
This resort is kid/family friendly and has many children’s activities. Some of them are Pirate Adventure Cruise, Kids club, renting motorized boats, kayaks, canoes, gaming arcades, and nightly campfires.
You can explore the whimsical Stormalong Bay, which is regarded as the best pool on Disney property. It features a sand-bottom zone, a water slide, and a lazy river.
Babysitting options are also available here.
Food:
The popular Ale & Compass Restaurant is located in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The Market at Ale & Compass is for anyone looking for a grab-and-go spot, quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Restaurants such as Karamell Kuche, Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, and Shula’s Steak House are within 15 minutes of walking.
Review:
This resort has been rated 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor, 8.8/10 on Hotels.com, 9/10 on Trivago.com, and 4.7/5 on Google reviews.
9. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a deluxe resort that is a celebration of the South Pacific spirit.
The outdoor island ambiance and world-class restaurants are here in the oasis of tropical plants and lush vegetation. Monorail transportation, exclusive kid-friendly activities, and excellent dining on Disney property are why your family should stay here.
Location:
It is in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. Polynesian Village Resort is a minute’s walk from Walt Disney World Resort and about 9 minutes from Disney’s Palm Golf Course.
Orlando International Airport is about 23.6 miles away. This resort is rated somewhat walkable.
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show, Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station, and Basin White is just about 6-10 minutes walking distance.
Rooms:
There are rooms and suites, rooms and suites with Club-level service, deluxe studios that sleep up to 5 adults, and bungalows that sleep up to 8 adults.
There are Disney Polynesian Moana rooms, and some of them come with balconies.
Recreation Activities For Family:
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has water activities and resorts special experiences such as campfires, fishing locations, motorized boat rentals, poolside patios, running trails, volleyball, and specialty cruises.
This resort has a supervised kids club and a “volcano-themed” swimming pool.
Food:
They offer various tropical specialties from the South Pacific, American classics, and Asian-infused dishes.
Restaurants such as Pineapple Lanai, Victoria & Albert’s, Narcoossee’s, and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto are about 3-10 minutes walking distance from this resort.
Reviews:
It is rated 4/5 on Tripadvisor, 8.6/10 on Hotels.com, 8.5/10 on Trivago.com, and 4.7/5 on Google Reviews.
8. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is a river-view and family hotel under the moderate category. It is a display of New Orleans’ historic French Quarter.
Their pool with waterslide, Scat Cat’s Club, and Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides are what make this place different than other ones. This resort is rather compact and easier to navigate compared to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
Location:
The Orlando International Airport is just 19.7 miles away.
Epcot World Showcase, Gurgling Suitcase, Voices of Liberty, and Serveur Amusant are all within 9-14 minutes away.
Rooms:
Garden View, River View, Standard View, and Pool View rooms can sleep up to 4 adults. Their King Bed rooms sleep up to 2 adults.
Recreation Activities For Family:
Pools at both French Quarter and Riverside are accessible and have fun themes. Families would definitely love Cajun Campfire activities and movies under the stars.
You could go fishing or rent bikes and surrey bikes here. There is a Medicine Show Aracde, South Quarter Games for the kids.
Playground at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter has slides and a courtyard playground adjacent to Doubloon Lagoon. The Riverside one is also accessible and has a themed playground with a water wheel.
Food:
Restaurants within walking distance of nine minutes include Olivia’s Cafe, The River Roost Lounge, Boatwright’s Dining Hall, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory.
Reviews:
Rated 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor, 8.8/10 on Hotels.com, 8.8/10 on Tripadvisor, and 4.6/5 on Google Reviews, this 3-star hotel is a family favorite due to its location, cleanliness, service, and value.
7. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is a value resort with the World Premiere food court and a Fantasia-themed pool.
This resort pays homage to legendary Disney movies such as Toy Story, Mighty Ducks, and 101 Dalmatians. With its larger-than-life decor, this place is a hit among kids.
Location:
The Great Magic Hall, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Fantasmic!, and Epcot World Showcase are all within 3.6 miles. There is complimentary Disney transportation available which is buses.
It has two sister hotels located nearby: Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort.
Orlando International Airport is 21.9 miles away.
Rooms:
There are two types of rooms available to book at this resort. The standard room and Preferred room both sleep up to 4 adults.
Recreation Activities For Family:
All-Star Movies Resort’s pools have fun themes and Disney characters. A playground with slides is located just between Toy Story and Fantasia sections.
You could also jog around Disney’s All-Star Resort and play at the Reel Fun arcade. Do catch movies under the stars right outside the food court.
All-Star movies campfire activities are a must to gather with your family the old-fashioned way while roasting marshmallows.
Food:
World Premiere Food Court serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with its hit menu. The Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar is located by the Fantasia Pool.
Restaurants such as Villa Italiano Chophouse, Express Cafe, Sear + Sea, and illume are within 3.3 miles.
Reviews:
This resort is rated 4/5 on Tripadvisor, 8.6/10 on Hotels.com, 8.5/10 on Trivago.com, and 4.4/5 on Google Reviews.
6. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a deluxe hotel with beachy elegance and exquisite dining. It is a New England-style Resort hotel popular due to its location.
This charming resort has amazing pools, lagoons, and Stormalong Bay spas. It shares many amenities with its sister hotel, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.
Location:
EPCOT is about 5-10 minutes walking distance from the beach club. You could also ride a water ferry to get to Hollywood Studios.
This harbor-view family resort is within walking distance of Living with the Land, Jellyrolls, Behind the Seeds, and Impressions de France.
Orlando International Airport is 20.4 miles away.
Rooms:
There are 576 guestrooms, including Garden or Woods View, Standard View, and Water View, that sleep up to 5 adults. Deluxe Room sleeps up to 6 adults, and King Bed sleeps up to 2.
Beach Club Resort has rooms and suites with club-level service as well. It also includes Newport Presidential Suite and Nantucket VP Suite.
The Deluxe Studio and one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas located at Disney’s Beach Club Villas are great options for families.
Recreation Activities For Family:
Pools with fun themes and Disney characters are a hit among kids of all ages. Resort Campfire Activities and Movies Under the Stars are also amazing here.
You could also enjoy the Poolside Cabanas Rentals, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf, Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness, and Lafferty Place Arcade here.
Volleyball, tennis, fishing, and motorized boat rentals are some fun activities for families.
Food:
Some restaurants include Cape May Cafe, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, Martha’s Vineyard, Ale & Compass Restaurant, Ale & Compass, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Beach Club Marketplace.
Les Halles Boulangerie – Patisserie, Monsieur Paul, L’Artisan des Glaces, and Yorkshire County Fish Shop are all 6 minutes’ walking distance from the resort.
Reviews:
The 4-star resort is rated 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor, 8.8/10 on Hotels.com, 8.8/10 on Trivago, and 4.7/5 on Google Reviews.
5. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a 65-acre deluxe villa hotel. It is inspired by the late 1800s New York retreat Saratoga Springs, known for horse racing and spas.
The Victorian-style Resort hotel is famous for its pool with waterslide, treehouse villas, and spas.
Location:
It is located between the beautiful Lake Buena Vista and the green golf course. Disney Springs is just a boat ride away.
World of Disney is within 12 mins’ walking distance, whereas The LEGO Store is 11. There are 30 attractions in less than 0.75 miles.
Rooms:
The deluxe studios include standard and preferred room that sleeps up to 4. The villas, however, have varieties. There are one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom in standard and preferred rooms.
The Treehouse villa is one of the favorites that can sleep up to 9.
Recreation Activities For Family:
There are two fantastic pools, three leisure pools, whirlpool spas, and an aqua-play area.
Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is close to the resort. Sunrise Yoga, jogging trails, playgrounds, health club tennis, and basketball courts are also all available.
Families can enjoy shuffleboard, horsing around, renting bikes, fishing, Saratoga Springs Campfire activities, and Win, Place, or Show Arcade.
Food:
This resort offers casual dining at The Turf Club Bar and Grill, quick service at The Artist’s Palette, The Paddock Grill, and Backstretch Pool Bar, and lounges at On the Rocks and The Turf Club Lounge.
63 restaurants are within a distance of 0.75 miles.
Reviews:
It is rated 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor, 8.8/10 on Hotels.com, 8.7/10 on Trivago, and 4.6/5 on Google Reviews.
4. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a deluxe lakefront hotel inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges.
It is popular among visitors because of the whimsical pools and exceptional dining. Wilderness Lodge celebrates American craftsmanship and has a rustic look.
Location:
Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue are all 15 minutes walking distance.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is rated somewhat walkable.
Rooms:
There are many options here, including villas, cabins, studios, rooms, and suites.
Rooms and suites with and without club-level service are located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and can sleep 2 – 6 adults depending on the number of beds.
The villas and studios are located at Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and can sleep 4 – 12 adults depending on the number of bedrooms. The Cabin is located at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and sleeps up to 8.
Recreation Activities For Family:
There are two distinctive pool areas that feature relaxing and fun-filled amenities. Wilderness Lodge Campfire activities and Movies Under the Stars are excellent for families.
There are jogging trails and the Sturdy Branches Health Club here. Buttons and Bells Arcade, Backstage Magic, and Electrical Water Pageant are hit among families here.
Food:
The dining options include Territory Lounge, Roaring Fork, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Geyser Point Bar & Grill, and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White.
There are 21 restaurants within 0.75 miles.
Reviews:
This Wilderness Lodge is rated 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor, 9/10 on Hotels.com, 9/10 on Trivago, and 4.8/5 on Google Reviews.
3. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is ranked deluxe and is famed as one of the most affluent resorts.
It has modern sophistication with Victorian grace. Known for its exquisite dining and unbeatable spas, this resort kindles Palm Beach’s golden era.
Location:
Rated somewhat walkable, this resort is close to about 36 attractions. Happily Ever After Fireworks, Cinderella Castle, Splash Mountain, and Magic Kingdom Park are all about 14 minutes’ walk.
You could even watch the evening fireworks light up the sky just over Cinderella Castle.
Rooms:
Your family can comfortably stay at one of their studios, villas, rooms, and suites.
The rooms and suites are available with or without club-level service and sleep anywhere from 4 – 8 adults depending on the number of beds.
Villas and studios are located at The Villas and can sleep up to 5 – 12 adults depending on the number of beds and bedrooms.
Recreation Activities For Family:
The pools here have fun themes with Disney characters. Poolside Cabanas at the whimsical Beach Pool is right next to the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon.
Electrical Water Pagent is a must-see here. Grand Floridian Campfire activities, Movies under the stars, and Speciality cruises are a hit among families.
The Grand Floridan Spa offers relaxing massages and body treatments at its full-service spa, salon, and health club.
Health club, basketball courts, Arcadia games, motorized boat rents, and fishing are fun family activities.
Food:
This resort offers exceptional dining selections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some places to check out include Citricos, 1900 Park Fare, Narcoossee’s, Victoria & Albert’s Grand Floridan Cafe, Enchanted Rose, and Gasparilla Island Grill.
40 exceptional restaurants are located within 0.75 miles of the property.
Reviews:
This Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is rated 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor, 9/10 on Hotels.com, 8.7/10 on Trivago, and 4.7/5 on Google Reviews.
2. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a value resort with delightfully themed family suites. It pulls you to become part of some of your favorite movies.
This resort is popular among visitors because of Disney Skyliner Transportation and their popular character themes: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo.
Location:
Fantasmic! is just 20 minutes’ walking distance. EPCOT World Showcase is 2.3 miles, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is 2.7 miles, and The Great Magic Hall is 2.4 miles.
Not the most walkable resort here; you could use the skyliner and bus services provided by the resort.
Rooms:
The rooms here are all named after Disney and Pixar movies. The Little Mermaid Standard room sleeps up to 4. Finding Nemo Family Suites, Cars Family Suites, and The Lion King Family Suites all sleep up to 6 adults.
There are dog-friendly accommodations available.
Recreation Activities For Family:
Art of Animation has the largest resort pool in the Walt Disney World Resort.
The Pixel Play Arcade and playground is a hit among kids of all ages. You could even go fishing in the nearby marinas or jog on their 1.38-mile trail.
Art of Animation Campfire activities and Movies under the Stars is definitely some fun family activities here.
Food:
The Landscape of Flavors and The Drop-Off Pool Bar will please your palette with their wide selection of foods and drinks.
Other than that, there are amazing restaurants such as Express Cafe, illume, Sear + Sea, and Villa Italiano Chophouse, all located close to the resort.
Reviews:
Art of Animation is rated 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor, 8.8/10 on Hotels.com, 8.7/10 on Trivago, and 4.6/5 on Google Reviews.
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe resort inspired by the traditional African kraal.
With over 200 species of animals, award-winning dining, and countless activities, it tops the list of all Disney resorts. Your family can experience an African safari adventure along with Disney magic at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Location:
It is located just 15 minutes walk from Avatar Flight of Passage, Pandora – The World of Avatar, Na’vi River Journey, and Studio Movie Grill (Sunset Walk).
It is considered a walkable resort as there are over 11 attractions within 0.75 miles.
Rooms:
You could stay at their Deluxe studios, Villas, rooms, or suites, all of which come with and without club-level service.
There are rooms that accommodate special needs guests.
Savanna-view rooms let you see the animals right outside the porch and windows.
Recreation Activities For Family:
The pools Uzima Springs and Samawati Springs here are overflowing with fun themes and Disney characters. They feature waterslides as well.
You can also see the wildlife just outside the windows, making it feel like the African savanna.
Jambo House Campfire activities, Wild About Painting, and Movies Under the Stars are some recreations here. Hakuna Matata Playground and Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade are popular among kids.
The spa and fitness center is well-equipped.
Food:
Jiko – The Cooking Place, Boma – Flavors of Africa, The Mara, Victoria Falls Lounge, and Sanaa are some restaurants serving African-inspired specialties and classic American favorites at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
There are over 59 restaurants within walking distance from the resort.
Reviews:
Animal Kingdom Lodge is rated 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor, 8.8/10 on Hotels.com, 8.8/10 on Trivago, and 4.7/5 on Google Reviews.