In the famed words of Rafiki, “it is time”—to take your tyke to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” While some parents get their babies on a flight to Orlando before they can even coo, some might hang tight until their kids reach toddler age. There’s no “wrong” age for a Disney trip, but there’s one thing you’ll want to avoid: choosing the wrong resort.
Resort Criteria for Your Little One
When selecting a Disney Resort for little ones, you’ll want this to be your top priority: location. Expecting the unexpected during a hectic Park day can spare you frustration, and quick access to your Resort for snack stops, diaper changes, and any other bumps in the road is crucial.
That means walking, monorail-riding, skylining, and boating options will be the bare necessities. Prime locations can come with tip-top prices, so if you’re in the business of budgeting, it’s wise to consider a Value Resort as a more wallet-friendly option.
Finally, for the vital breaks between Park-hopping, you’ll want a Resort with a pool that your kiddo(s) can bask in for hours. The good news is most Disney Resorts nail the tiny details in their pool areas, continuing the magic long after you exit the Parks.
With location, transportation, and pools in mind, these are the top five Disney Resorts for toddlers (and kids of all ages).
Related: 8 Disney Resorts With The Best Restaurants
1. Art of Animation
The sky’s the limit at Art of Animation—and we’re not just talking about the over-the-top themed areas featuring Disney/Pixar films: Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. The Art of Animation Resort has access to Disney’s Skyliner, which means you and your toddler can soar to some of Disney’s hottest spots. This Resort is also considered a Value hotel, which means it’s wallet-friendly. It features an imaginative pool and memorable keepsakes that your whole family will love.
2. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Ahoy! With island vibes, Pirates of the Caribbean-themed rooms, and a lake to explore, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort packs island dreams into a Moderate Disney hotel—making it a more feasible option financially. Another perk? Disney’s Skyliner can take you where you need to go from Caribbean Beach. With a playful pool, a small beach, and a playground, this hotel is ideal for tiny tykes.
3. Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts
A two-for-one mention since Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts are side-by-side, this option is ideal for any toddler. They’ll have a ball with the famous Beaches and Cream, pirate ship water slide, and Disney’s Boardwalk at their tiny fingertips. Not only is Disney’s Skyliner a transportation option, but EPCOT is within walking distance, which helps to justify the Deluxe Resort prices.
4. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Whether your toddler is a Moana enthusiast or can’t get enough of Stitch, the Polynesian is a pint-sized Park-hopper’s dream. The Polynesian Village Resort checks all the toddler-travel boxes with its spacious rooms, ample dining options, a volcanic pool slide, and a monorail in its front yard. After all, it is a Deluxe Resort—meaning it’s on the pricier end of the Resort spectrum. With all the Polynesian perks, it might be worth springing for.
5. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Alright, geys(ers), Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is here to round out the traveling toddler list. Although this Resort doesn’t have monorail access, it’s within (Mickey) earshot of Magic Kingdom, and you can quickly get there by boat. Inspired by Yellowstone National Park, your little one can enjoy campfires, geysers, and cowboy roundups at breakfast. Since it’s a Deluxe Resort, you’ll have top-tier dining options, although it’ll be an overall pricer option for your stay.
Related: Five Packing Essentials for Your Summer Disney Vacation
There you have it! No matter where you book your Walt Disney World vacation, your toddler is guaranteed to get a taste of the Disney magic.