WDW Hotels

[Tink76]

If you have stayed at WDW which hotel would you recommend that would appeal to families with young children versus adults?
What is your absolute favorite?

 

[Hakunamatata]

Art of Animation for younger kids.

Wilderness Lodge if you dont need theming after characters.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Animal Kingdom Lodge. Whether just adults or adults with children, my answer is the same.

 

[John park hopper]

My granddaughters loved the pool at POFQ

 

[Weather_Lady]

I'm afraid this is a bit of a non-answer, but it kind of depends on what the kids in question are "into." However, in general, if you're committed to an onsite hotel stay at WDW, I'd recommend:
- For toddler-aged kids with a love of cartoons, Art of Animation.
- For kids who love camping (or whose families just happen to own a sweet camper or RV) and aren't looking for constant character infusions, Fort Wilderness Campground.
- For kids who love princesses, the princess-themed rooms at Port Orleans Riverside.
- For slightly older kids with a love of the outdoors (and dislike for walking long distances), Wilderness Lodge.
- For kids who love animals and will be delighted to see real, live ones out the windows of the hotel (or even their own room), Animal Kingdom Lodge.
- For kids who are strong enough swimmers that they don't need their parents' eyes on them every second* but who love pools, slides and lazy rivers: Beach Club/Yacht Club. (*Stormalong Bay, the pool complex at Beach/Yacht Club, is fun, but it's also maddeningly spread out and covered with bridges and decor that block the view, so I wouldn't recommend it for kids who need constant supervision.)

Note: For all of the deluxes recommended above, I'd suggest looking into DVC points rental, by which you can save 25% or more by staying in a studio on rented points instead of a standard room. The rack rates for the deluxes are totally out of bounds in my opinion.

My favorite onsite hotel has been the Polynesian.

 

[KaliSplash]

I'd go with The Wilderness Lodge.
(I could recommend Grand Floridian, as well.)
If the children are young and into some specific characters, there is Art of Animation.

 

[Raxel7851]

Animal Kingdom Lodge. Whether just adults or adults with children, my answer is the same.

Having stayed only at WDW sites since 1973, I’m definitely going to try a stay at AKL. It’s the only Deluxe resort we’ve never stayed at. As a Non DVC member, any suggestions for 2 retired adults?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Having stayed only at WDW sites since 1973, I’m definitely going to try a stay at AKL. It’s the only Deluxe resort we’ve never stayed at. As a Non DVC member, any suggestions for 2 retired adults?

Definitely Jambo House over Kidani Village, and don't pay extra for Savanna View unless you have giant piles of money. Many of the Standard View rooms have partial, slightly obstructed, or otherwise less-than-perfect views of the Savanna without being categorized as such. Reserve plenty of time just to explore the resort and eat at all of the restaurants.

I'd also recommend waiting until the Cultural Representative program is back in session. The resort brings in a ton of staff from sub-Saharan Africa and they're awesome to talk to and learn from. The program is currently suspended due to COVID immigration restrictions.

 

[DisneyDreamer08]

For little kids, we like the All Stars. The resorts are small so you are always a quick walk to the bus and food court. They all have super fun, kid friendly themes. And the refurbished rooms are great. There’s a Murphy bed that folds up into a table, there’s tons of storage, outlets and USBs everywhere. We love the All Stars!

 

[aliceismad]

I would second Animal Kingdom Lodge. Most enjoyable hotel I've ever stayed in. Beautiful, great food, lovely staff members, nice pools. Watching animals with your morning tea is such a wonderful way to start the day.

 

[Lilofan]

Fort Wilderness in Dec and Jan have their own version of DHS Osborne Christmas lights courtesy of guests RVs. Go through the RV loops and get treated to a very neat light show with many RVs decked out with holiday lights.