What are the Best Disney World Hotels for Families 2024?

What are the Best Disney World Hotels for Families 2024?

best-value-disney-resort-art-of-animation

What are the Best Disney World Hotels for Families 2024?

hat This article is your guide to the best Disney World hotels for families in 2024. We’ve got the scoop on the best Disney resorts for families for 2024, like Art of Animation, which is cheap and has large suites to fit a big group. If you’re looking for something a bit more fancy, we’re even going to cover the Polynesian, which is a deluxe Disney hotel option for families. Whatever your budget is, keep reading to find the best Disney World hotels for families in 2024.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disney World check out our Disney Crowd calendar! 

 Disney World Crowd Calendar

Best Places to Stay in Disney World for Families 2024

Do you have a kid who loves Pixar or even visiting Walt Disney World for the first time with the family? Disney World has over 25 different on-site hotels, which means hotels that are on Disney property, use Disney transportation and have special perks. Each Disney World hotel has unique theming and options for families, which can be overwhelming to choose the very best one for you.

So, with that being said, we are going to recommend the best Disney hotels for families with our top categories that guests are searching for. We have visited every single Disney World hotel multiple times, and have even taken our families on multiple trips and know the ins and outs of what makes a great hotel. So based on the overall theme, recreation options, access to the parks, and overall magic, here are the best Disney family resorts for 2024!

What are the best Disney World hotels for families in 2024?

  • Art of Animation
  • All Stars Resorts
  • Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Resort
  • Cabins at Fort Wilderness
  • Disney’s Contemporary
  • Beach Club Resort
  • Port Orleans – French Quarter
  • Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Wilderness Lodge

Related post: The Best Hotels at Disney World

What is the Best Disney World Hotel for Kids 2024?

best-value-disney-resort-art-of-animation

Art of Animation is our choice for the best Disney World hotel for kids. It is no secret that when you’re looking to visit Disney World with kids, you’re going to want to go big and bold with Disney magic. Art of Animation Resort is the home to over-the-top, bright Disney character theming, with larger-than-life statues, pool decor, and even room theming. If you’re bringing little ones who love Disney, Art of Animation is going to put them alongside their favorite characters. That’s why it is one of the best places to stay in Disney World for families.

Starting Rates: Starting at $200 per night

Rooms:

  • The Little Mermaid Standard Room – Sleeps up to 4 with bold Little Mermaid theming
  • Finding Nemo Suite – Sleeps up to 6 with one queen, one sleeper sofa and one table bed
  • Cars Family Suites – Sleeps up to 6 with one queen, one sleeper sofa and one table bed
  • The Lion King Family Suites – Sleeps up to 6 with one queen, one sleeper sofa and one table bed

What are the dining options at Art of Animation?

  1. Soup-Salad-Sandwich: Serves a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches, allowing guests to customize their meals according to their preferences.
  2. World Flavors: Here, guests can enjoy international dishes from around the world, including Asian, European, and Latin American flavors.
  3. The Market: Offers grab-and-go options such as snacks, pastries, and beverages, including coffee and smoothies.
  4. Pizza and Pasta: Serves freshly made pizzas and pasta dishes, including customizable options.
  5. The Grill: Specializes in grilled items such as burgers, chicken, and fish, accompanied by sides like fries or vegetables.

Important to know: Another reason why we’ve made Art of Animation the best Disney World hotel for families and kids is that the transportation is incredible. Attached to this value hotel is the Disney Skyliner, which is the easier mode of transportation to take into the parks if you have kids. The Disney Skyliner is running constantly and can fit up to 10 people inside, which means the whole family and stroller can fit right in.

Related post: Complete Guide to the Best Disney World Hotels for Adults

What is the Best Disney Resort For Families in the Value Tier?

While Art of Animation is the best Disney resort for families overall, All Stars would be the second-best resort in the value tier. Rooms start at $123 a night, and while they are rather standard and small, kids will love the Disney theme throughout. There are three different themes to choose from, Music, Sports, and Movies with All-Star Movies even having family suites for those wanting more space. You won’t miss out on a pool, because each of them has its own pool and food court.

Just keep in mind while they are some of the best Walt Disney World hotels for families for price, they are not the best for transportation. The All Stars Resorts are quite far from most of the theme parks and only offer bus transportation to the parks and Disney Springs.

What are the best Disney World hotels for families in the moderate tier?

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the best Disney World resort for families in the moderate tier for so many reasons. First off, it is a huge resort with 5 different Caribbean-themed villages with lush landscapes, colonial forts, beaches, and more. The dining isn’t the most exciting out of all of the Disney hotels, but kids will love the Fuentes del Morro pool with two waterslides, water cannons, a kids’ play area, and more. Each village has its private pool too, which is much more quiet but still perfect for relaxing.

What is the best family Disney resort in the deluxe tier?

The Polynesian already has its spot for our best Disney World hotels for families, but we would choose that for this category too. The Polynesian Resort is truly the most magical hotel on the property, which any kid would remember forever. Whether it’s sliding down a massive Volcano slide, or watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks with your toes in the sand. The Polynesian is one of the best Disney hotels for a family looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Related post: What are the Best Desserts at Disney World?

What is the Best Disney Resort for Kids’ First Trip?

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The best Disney resort for kids’ first trip would have to be the Contemporary Resort because it is SO close to the Magic Kingdom, it feels like you’re staying there! While the Contemporary is one of the more expensive deluxe resorts, you are quite literally steps from Magic Kingdom’s entrance. It is also one of the best Disney resort hotels for families with the new Incredibles room makeovers, which is a plus for Pixar lovers.

Starting Rates: Rooms start at $531 a night

Rooms:

  • Standard rooms – Sleeps up to 4 with 2 queen beds
  • Main Tower – Sleeps up to 5 with 1 king, 1 day bed or 2 queens and 1 day bed
  • Deluxe Studio – Sleeps up to 4 adults with 1 queen and 1 double sleeper
  • 1 Bedroom Villa – Sleeps up to 5 adults with 1 king 1 queen and 1 twin sleeper
  • 2 Bedroom Villa – Sleeps up to 9 adults with 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, 1 queen sleeper, and 1 twin sleeper
  • 3 Bedroom Villa – Sleeps up to 12 adults with 1 king bed, 4 queen beds, and 1 queen sleeper

Dining:

  • Steakhouse 71 – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Steakhouse
  • California Grill – Epic views and award-winning menus
  • Chef Mickey’s – Character buffet
  • Contempo Cafe – American quick service

Important to know: The reason the Contemporary is our number one Disney World hotel for families for the first time is that there are so many iconic things inside! First, the monorail runs right through the main floor of shops and dining, which you can even see if you’re dining at Chef Mickey’s. Meet Mickey Mouse or Goofy at the character breakfast, or even watch Magic Kingdom fireworks without leaving your hotel.

Related post: Complete Guide to Early Entry Disney World

What is the Most Themed Deluxe Resort for Younger Kids?

hotels near Disney Springs

This may come as a shock, but our favorite Disney resort for younger kids is Port Orleans French Quarter. The theming is super fun, with Princess and the Frog details throughout, and even alligators that have turned jazz musicians in the pool area. Grab a beignet at Scat Cat’s Club listen to live jazz, or bring the kids to the pool which has an enormous alligator water slide. It is always Mardi Gras at the French Quarter, and you are guaranteed to have a blast.

You can also take a ferry boat to Disney Springs, which is a huge hit among families, as it is unique to Disney Springs hotels.

Starting Rates: Rooms start at $266 per night

Rooms:

  • Standard Rooms – Sleeps up to 4 adults with 2 queen beds

Dining:

  • Sassagoula Floatworks Food Factory – Cajun and Creole-inspired quick service
  • Scat Cat’s Club Cafe – Mickey-shaped beignets

Attached to Port Orleans – French Quarter is Port Orleans – Riverside which has its own set of bars and restaurants only a small boat ride or walk away.

Important to know: All of the moderate resorts at Disney World are huge, but Port Orleans is the smallest one, making it easier to get kids around. That’s why we think it is one of the best places to stay with a family at Disney World because everything is pretty centrally located and easy to get to! Find transportation, dining, shopping, and entertainment all in one area close to the rooms.

Related post: Complete Guide to the Best Disney Springs Hotels

What is the Best Disney Resort with a Toddler and Baby?

fort-wilderness-cabins

If you’re traveling to Disney with a toddler or a baby, we highly recommend the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. Disney’s Fort Wilderness is located on 750 acres of pine forest with trails, pools, entertainment, and more. The cabins offer all the comforts of home, which truly helps if you’re nursing or need a kitchen to prepare food for little ones. That’s why we think the Cabins at Fort Wilderness is one of the best Disney family resorts if you’re looking for a home away from home.

Starting Rates: Starting at $398 per night

Rooms:

The only rooms offered are the cabins, which can sleep up to 6 adults with one queen bed, one double sleeper sofa, and one bunk bed. There is also a kitchen, living and dining area, bathroom with bathtub, and deck for plenty of room.

Dining:

  • P & J’s Southern Takeout – Breakfast, lunch and dinner to go
  • Meadow Snack Bar – Snacks or light meals
  • Crockett’s Tavern – Grab a stiff drink or a light bite
  • The Chuck Wagon – RV Style food truck with burgers, hot dogs and more
  • Trail’s End Restaurant – Southern-style cuisine served family-style
  • Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – Dinner and a show by the Pioneer Hall Players with all-you-care-to-eat Southern food.

Important to know: The Cabins at Fort Wilderness is more than just a campsite, with all of the Disney magic of a regular resort. You can rent a golf cart and cruise around, which is a family favorite or even bring your pet to stay in your cabin. Decorate your cabin for the holidays or a birthday and participate in parades during the festive time of year! Hence, it is one of the best Disney World hotels for families in 2024.

Related postComplete Guide to the Best Disney Moderate Resorts

What is the Best Disney World Hotel for Teens?

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If you have a teen in the family, the best family hotel Disney World has for teens is the Beach Club Resort. First, it is attached to various other resorts, including Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, which has a lot of activities for older kids to do. There isn’t a huge Disney theme, but there is an incredible pool, Stormalong Bay, with a massive pirate ship water slide. There are also plenty of activities like bike rentals, volleyball courts, and a lazy river for teens to have a blast while visiting Disney.

Starting Rates: Rooms starting at $522 per night

Rooms:

  • Standard Room – Sleeps up to 5 with different options of beds
  • Deluxe Room – Sleeps up to 6 with 2 Queens and a queen sleeper sofa
  • Deluxe Suite – Sleeps up to 5 with 1 queen bed 1 double sleeper and one single pull-down
  • 1 Bedroom Villa – Sleeps up to 4 with 1 king and 1 double sleeper
  • 2 Bedroom Villa – Sleeps up to 8 with 1 king, 2 queen beds and 1 queen sleeper sofa

What are the dining options at Beach Club Resort?

  • Cape May Cafe – Buffet with character breakfast or seafood selections
  • Beaches and Cream – Known for ice cream creations and yummy American food
  • Beach Club Marketplace – Quick bites and grab-and-go options

Important to know: Disney’s Beach Club has some of the easiest access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, perfect for teens. The Disney Skyliner runs to Hollywood Studios, as well as Friendship Boats, so you can ensure your teens will be safe if they go off with friends or other family to explore. The Beach Club is also the closest resort to EPCOT, which is great since it’s a great park for teens and one of the best family resorts Disney World has!

Related post: Guide to the Best Disney World Resort Suites

What is the Best Disney Resort for a Family of Four?

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The best Disney hotel for a family of four is Animal Kingdom Lodge due to the sheer level of activities for families to do. If you have any animal lovers in the group, you’ll be delighted to hear that there are real savannas on the property with live exotic animals. You can even book a room with a view overlooking the savannas, which is why we think it’s one of the best Disney resort hotels for families. You’re going to find a lot of Lion King theming around, which is also a huge plus for little ones.

Starting Rates: Rooms start at $450 per night

Rooms:

  • Standard Room – Sleeps up to 4
  • Deluxe Studio – Sleeps up to 4
  • 1 Bedroom Villa – Sleeps up to 5 with 1 King and 1 Queen sleeper sofa and 1 twin sleeper
  • 2 Bedroom Villa – Sleeps up to 9 with 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, 1 queen sleeper and 1 twin sleeper
  • 3 Bedroom Villa – Sleeps up to 12 adults – 3 bedrooms, kitchen, living and dining areas, and balcony

Dining: 

  • Jiko – Fine, fragrant, and bold African dining
  • Boma – African-inspired buffet
  • The Mara – Grab-and-go selections
  • Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar – Appetizers and cocktails
  • Sanaa– East African cuisine and sunset savanna views

Important to know: Animal Kingdom Lodge has our favorite buffet in all of Walt Disney World, and it is even perfect for kids and families. Boma is a rather inexpensive African-themed buffet that we’ve visited several times due to how delicious and how much food it has! If you’re celebrating anything, Sanaa is also one of our favorite restaurants of all time, which is a bit nicer with savanna views.

What are the best Disney World hotels for a family of 5?

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge would be our number one suggestion for a family of 5 looking to travel to Walt Disney World. The Wilderness Lodge has Deluxe Studios, Villas, and even Cabins that can sleep up to 5 guests, which we think are perfect for larger families. The Wilderness Lodge is also home to one of our favorite character dining experiences where kids can meet Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, and the Evil Queen.

Related post: Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Characters

What is the Best Disney World Hotel for Large Family?

polynesian-pool-disney

While we do have an entire guide on the best Disney suites for large families, we like to recommend Disney’s Polynesian Resort for this category. Just on size alone, it is the best Disney hotel for families that need a lot of space. The Polynesian offers a variety of large suites for families and plenty of recreation for everyone.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort has been a favorite for years, as it not only boasts an incredible tropical theme, it also is one of the only resorts to serve Dole Whip! Right by the famous Lava Pool, you can serve up some of our favorite frozen pineapple treats for the whole family.

Starting Rates: Rooms start at $633 per night

Rooms:

  • Standard – Sleeps up to 5 with 2 Queen beds and a day bed
  • Bungalow – Right on the water, sleep up to 8 guests with a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and private deck and pool.
  • Club Level Rooms and Suites – Personalized guest services and access to the Kamehameha Club
  • Deluxe Studios – Sleeps up to 5 with 2 queens and a pull-down bed

Dining: 

  • ‘Ohana
  • Capt. Cook’s
  • Pineapple Lanai
  • Kona Cafe
  • Tambu Lounge
  • Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Important to know: The Polynesian is one of the best Disney World family resorts for dining, therefore, there are plenty of quick service options and a character breakfast that the kids will love. Make sure to stop by ‘Ohana to meet Lilo and Stitch and have some of the best all-you-care-to-eat Polynesian-inspired cuisine. Magic Kingdom is just steps away and we highly suggest catching fireworks from the beach, or even inside of ‘Ohana for a late dinner.

Related post: What are the Best Desserts at Disney World?

Best Disney World Resort for Families FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Disney resort is known for its family suites?

A: The Polynesian Resort is known for its family suites, and is one of our number one best Disney World hotels for families that we suggest to book at. Many different choices are perfect for large families looking to visit Disney and even some great hotels near Walt Disney World! 

Q: What are the best Disney World hotels for families in 2024?

A: The best Disney World hotels for families in 2024 are:

  1. Art of Animation
  2. All Stars Resorts
  3. Caribbean Beach Resort
  4. Disney’s Polynesian Resort
  5. Cabins at Fort Wilderness
  6. Disney’s Contemporary
  7. Beach Club Resort
  8. Port Orleans – French Quarter
  9. Animal Kingdom Lodge
  10. Wilderness Lodge

Q: What is the best Disney World hotel for kids in 2024?

A: The best Disney World hotel for kids in 2024 is Art of Animation. It features bold Disney character theming, larger-than-life statues, pool decor, and room theming.

Q: What is the best Disney resort for families in the Value tier?

A: The best Disney resort for families in the Value tier is All Stars Resorts. It offers affordable rooms with Disney theming and each of the three (Music, Sports, and Movies) has its pool and dining hall!

Q: What is the best Disney World hotel for families in the Moderate tier?

A: The best Disney World hotel for families in the Moderate tier is Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. It offers a Caribbean theme, multiple villages, private pools, and a fun Fuentes del Morro pool.

Q: What is the best Disney resort for families in the Deluxe tier?

A: The best Disney resort for families in the Deluxe tier is Disney’s Polynesian Resort. It offers a magical experience with its tropical theme, proximity to Magic Kingdom, and features like the Volcano slide and fireworks view from the beach.

Q: What is the best Disney resort for a kid’s first trip?

A: The best Disney resort for a kid’s first trip is Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It offers proximity to Magic Kingdom, Incredibles-themed rooms, monorail access, and iconic experiences like character breakfast and views of Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Q: What is the most themed Deluxe resort for younger kids?

A: The most themed Deluxe resort for younger kids is Port Orleans – French Quarter. It features Princess and the Frog theming, an alligator water slide, live jazz, and easy access to Disney Springs.

Q: What is the best Disney resort for a toddler and baby?

A: The best Disney resort for a toddler and baby is the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. It offers a home-like environment with cabins, kitchen facilities, and amenities like trails, pools, and entertainment.

Q: What is the best Disney resort for teens?

A: The best Disney resort for teens is the Beach Club Resort. It is located near other resorts with activities for older kids, offers an exciting pool with a pirate ship water slide, and provides access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Q: What is the best Disney resort for a family of four?

A: The best Disney resort for a family of four is Animal Kingdom Lodge. It offers activities and savannas with live exotic animals, Lion King theming, and rooms with savanna views.

Q: What is the best Disney World hotel for a family of five?

A: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the best Disney World hotel for a family of five. It offers Deluxe Studios, Villas, and Cabins that can accommodate larger families.

Q: What is the best Disney World hotel for a large family?

A: The best Disney World hotel for a large family is Disney’s Polynesian Resort. It offers a variety of large suites and ample recreation options for everyone.

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

Our Disney  World Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down the best time to visit Disney World based on specific times of the year and special events.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a Disney World Travel Agent for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a Free Quote for all Disney World Vacation Packages. The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your Walt Disney World Tickets, and we offer promotional discounts for special events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets.

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well

Nik Chapman

Nik Chapman is the executive editor and one of the main content creators for The Park Prodigy blog and social media pages. With a lifelong love for Disney and Universal, Nik immersed themselves in the Orlando area for three years to fully indulge in the magic of the theme parks. In between going to the parks and creating content for The Park Prodigy, Nik also hosted a Disney themed podcast with her two best friends and helps run multiple Disney-themed social media accounts which help over one million people per year. Drawing from their experience as a local Florida resident, Nik brings a unique perspective to the world of theme parks.