How to choose the Right Disney Resort for Your Family
Choosing where to stay at Walt Disney World can feel overwhelming, especially when every family looks a little different. The best Disney resort for your family depends on more than price or theme. Age ranges, energy levels, travel style, and how you plan to spend your days all play an important role in finding the right fit.
Some families are traveling with toddlers who need stroller-friendly transportation and easy dining. Others have pre-teens who want fun pools and activities, teens who want independence and walkable entertainment, or multiple generations traveling together who need space and flexibility. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a best option for your family.
This guide will help you understand how to choose the right Disney resort for your family by walking through the best options based on age and travel style. Each section explains what to look for and why certain resorts work especially well for that stage of family life.
How to Choose a Disney Resort for Families With Toddlers and Young Children
When deciding how to choose the right Disney resort for your family, age plays a major role. Families traveling with toddlers and young children benefit most from resorts that are easy to navigate, visually engaging, and designed to reduce stress around transportation, meals, and downtime.
One of the best Disney resorts for families with young children is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, thanks to its immersive theming, stroller-friendly transportation, and thoughtful family-focused features.
Why Art of Animation Works Well for Families With Toddlers
Immersive theming that feels like playtime
Art of Animation brings movies like Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid to life with oversized characters and colorful courtyards. These open spaces give toddlers room to explore and make resort time feel just as fun as time in the parks.
This level of theming is one reason many parents consider it one of the best Disney resorts for families with young children.
Family suites that make traveling with little ones easier
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Art of Animation is the availability of family suites. These suites are designed specifically for families who need more space and flexibility.
They include separate sleeping areas, multiple beds, a kitchenette, and extra room to spread out. This setup is especially helpful for nap schedules and early bedtimes, making it easier for parents to relax in the evenings.
A toddler-friendly pool and splash area
The Finding Nemo themed Big Blue Pool is the largest pool on Disney property and is a favorite for families with young kids. Its playful design and splash-friendly environment make it ideal for cooling off on warm Florida days or enjoying a break from the parks.
Easy dining for picky eaters and busy parents
Landscape of Flavors offers a wide variety of meal options that work well for toddlers while still giving parents plenty of choice. Mobile ordering and ample seating help make mealtimes simple and low stress. There is also a nearby pool bar that parents often appreciate during relaxed afternoons.
Stroller-friendly transportation with the Skyliner
Art of Animation has access to the Disney Skyliner, which allows strollers to roll on without being folded. This makes travel to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios much easier with young children. While buses are still required for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, many families find the Skyliner access to be a major convenience.
Because of its theming, family suites, easy dining, and transportation perks, Art of Animation consistently earns its place among the best Disney resorts for families with toddlers and young children.
How to Choose a Disney Resort for Families With Pre-Teens
As kids grow out of the toddler stage, families often look for resorts that offer more activities, more independence, and more variety. When deciding how to choose the right Disney resort for your family with pre-teens, it helps to look for resorts that balance fun, comfort, and flexibility.
One of the best Disney resorts for families with pre-teens is Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
Why Caribbean Beach Works Well for Families With Pre-Teens
A pool area that feels like a mini water park
The Fuentes del Morro Pool is a highlight for families with pre-teens. With a pirate-themed waterslide and plenty of space to swim and play, it feels more exciting than a standard hotel pool. This makes it a great option for kids who have outgrown splash pads but still love water fun.
Dining options that go beyond the basics
By this age, many kids are ready to move past chicken tenders and mac and cheese. Caribbean Beach offers dining options that feel more grown up while still being approachable for families. Centertown Market offers variety, and Sebastian’s Bistro provides a relaxed table service option that works well for family meals.
Resort activities that encourage independence
Caribbean Beach offers extra amenities that appeal to pre-teens, including hammocks, ping pong tables, open spaces to explore, and Movies Under the Stars. These features help kids feel more independent while still staying safely within the resort.
Room options with extra space
Some rooms at Caribbean Beach include a fifth sleeper, which gives families more flexibility and room to spread out. This can make a noticeable difference when traveling with multiple children.
Skyliner access for easy transportation
Like Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach has access to the Disney Skyliner. This makes getting to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios easier and more enjoyable. The Skyliner often becomes part of the fun for kids in this age group.
All of these features make Caribbean Beach one of the best Disney resorts for families with pre-teens, especially for families looking for a balance between fun and comfort.
How to Choose a Disney Resort for Families With Teens
When families reach the teen years, independence, freedom, and variety become more important. Teens often want space to explore, fun places to hang out, and easy access to entertainment. When thinking about how to choose the right Disney resort for your family at this stage, location and amenities matter more than heavy theming.
One of the best Disney resorts for families with teens is Disney’s Beach Club Resort, especially because of its walkable access to the BoardWalk area.
Why Disney’s Beach Club Works Well for Families With Teens
Walkable access to BoardWalk entertainment
Beach Club guests can easily walk to Disney’s BoardWalk, where teens can enjoy arcades, live entertainment, evening snacks, and a more grown-up atmosphere. This walkable area gives teens a sense of independence while still keeping everything close and safe.
A pool that feels like a water park
Stormalong Bay, shared with Yacht Club, is often considered the best pool complex at Walt Disney World. With a lazy river, sand-bottom pool, and long waterslide, it gives teens plenty to do without needing to go to a park.
Dining options that feel more mature
The Beach Club area offers a mix of casual and sit-down dining that appeals to older kids and teens. Families can enjoy quick meals or take advantage of the nearby BoardWalk restaurants for more variety.
Easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
Beach Club guests can walk or take a short boat ride to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. This makes park hopping easier and gives teens more freedom to come and go with the family.
Because of its location, amenities, and energy, Beach Club consistently ranks among the best Disney resorts for families with teens.
How to Choose a Disney Resort for Multigenerational Families
When traveling with grandparents, adult children, and kids together, the right resort can make or break the experience. Multigenerational trips work best when everyone has space to relax, privacy when needed, and easy ways to spend time together.
One of the best Disney resorts for multigenerational families is Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa.
Why Saratoga Springs Works Well for Multigenerational Families
Spacious villas for comfort and flexibility
Saratoga Springs offers studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom villas. These layouts provide separate bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, full kitchens, and shared living areas, making it easier for families to stay together without feeling crowded.
This flexibility is one of the biggest reasons Saratoga Springs is often listed among the best Disney resorts for multigenerational families.
A calm and relaxed atmosphere
Compared to more high-energy resorts, Saratoga Springs has a quieter, more peaceful feel. This is especially appealing for grandparents or family members who prefer slower mornings or downtime during the day.
Walking paths, open green spaces, and multiple pool areas help create a calm environment where everyone can move at their own pace.
Easy access to Disney Springs
Guests can walk or take a boat to Disney Springs, which offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options for adults and older teens. This gives families flexibility to split up and regroup without complicated transportation plans.
A Resort That Feels Like a Home Base, Not Just a Hotel
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa for multigenerational travel is that it truly feels more like a vacation home than a traditional hotel. This can make a huge difference when traveling with grandparents, adult children, and kids all together.
Saratoga Springs offers spacious villa-style accommodations with full kitchens, living areas, multiple bathrooms, and separate bedrooms. These layouts make it easier for families to share meals, relax together, and still enjoy privacy when needed. Having space to spread out helps everyone recharge, especially on longer trips or busy park days.
Full kitchens and in-room laundry also add an extra layer of comfort and flexibility. Families can prepare simple breakfasts, store snacks, or take care of laundry without needing to pack extra or rely on dining out for every meal. These small conveniences often make multigenerational trips feel smoother and more enjoyable.
Because of this home-like setup, Saratoga Springs is often considered one of the best Disney resorts for multigenerational families, especially for those who value comfort, space, and flexibility just as much as location or theming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Right Disney Resort for Your Family
What is the best Disney resort for families?
The best Disney resort for families depends on your children’s ages, travel style, and how you plan to spend your time. Families with toddlers often prefer Disney’s Art of Animation, families with pre-teens may enjoy Caribbean Beach, families with teens often love Beach Club, and multigenerational groups often do best at Saratoga Springs.
How do I choose the right Disney resort for my family?
To choose the right Disney resort for your family, consider your children’s ages, how much space you need, transportation preferences, and whether you want a quieter or more active atmosphere. Matching the resort to your family’s lifestyle can make your trip much more enjoyable. Not every family is the same, so it is important to consider what is right for you, not someone else.
What Disney resort is best for families with young children?
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a popular choice for families with young children because of its immersive theming, family suites, stroller-friendly transportation, and playful pool areas.
Which Disney resort is best for teens?
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is often a favorite for families with teens thanks to its walkable access to the BoardWalk, water-park-style pool, and proximity to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Which Walt resort is best for multigenerational families?
Disney’s Saratoga Springs is perfect for families spanning multiple generations thanks to the proximity to Disney Springs, the larger villa options, and the more homey feel of the resort itself.
Do I need a travel agent to book a Disney resort?
You are not required to use a travel agent, but working with a travel professional who specializes in Disney destinations can help you compare resorts, watch for discounts, and create a vacation plan that fits your family’s needs. I have helped many families decide the best route for their Walt Disney World trip, and I would be honored to help you as well.
Choosing the Right Disney Resort for Your Family
The best Disney resorts for families are the ones that fit your specific needs, travel style, and stage of life. Whether you are traveling with toddlers, pre-teens, teens, or multiple generations, choosing the right resort can make your vacation more relaxed, more enjoyable, and more memorable.
Taking the time to match your resort to your family’s priorities can lead to:
- Less stress getting around
- More built-in downtime
- Happier kids and adults
- A smoother overall vacation
✨ If you are still not sure which Disney resort is right for your family, you can fill out my planning form to connect with a travel professional who specializes in Disney destinations. I help families compare options, narrow down the best fit, and create a vacation plan that truly works for their travel style.
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