Welcome back to planDisney, Michelle!
I am so thrilled to hear that you are planning your first visit to the Walt Disney World Resort! My oldest daughter was 5-years-old when she visited The Most Magical Place on Earth for the first time and I will forever cherish the memories that were made during that family vacation.
I always recommend staying at a Disney Resort hotel to enjoy benefits including complimentary transportation to all four theme parks. Since you are planning on visiting in January, I am going to focus on Disney Resort hotels currently open or accepting reservations that I would personally select for a winter visit with my girls.
Considering resorts in the value category, I highly recommend
Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Your girls will love exploring the fun resort grounds at this hotel that is connected to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort by Generation Gap Bridge. Guest rooms were renovated and options feature one queen bed plus a queen-size table bed – just perfect for your girls. I love how much storage space there is in the room and how you can keep suitcases out of the way under the queen bed. My daughter thinks the table bed is a lot of fun! Speaking of transportation options, by staying at this Disney Resort hotel you will be able to use the Disney Skyliner to travel to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and enjoy gorgeous views as you glide across the sky. Moving on to the moderate category, I suggest checking the amazing accommodation options available in Gran Destino Tower at the reimagined
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The hotel is stunning and offers several dining and recreation options for your family. Complimentary transportation to the parks is also available via bus service.
If you are contemplating a stay at a deluxe resort hotel and would like easy access to the theme parks, considering the ages of your girls I believe you would enjoy a stay at
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This iconic hotel is located within walking distance of Magic Kingdom Park, you can travel to EPCOT by monorail and use bus transportation to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The hotel also offers dining options that will appeal to the appetites of your little ones and you can take a quick walk over to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to explore other dining locations like Kona Cafe. If your girls love animals just like my youngest daughter, you might consider booking Savanna View accommodations at
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village. I am by no means an animal expert, but based on previous stays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, it seems to me that animals in the hotel savanna were more active during the winter. I was able to spot giraffes, zebras, and many other animals, so if you are animal lovers this may be a great option. Also, by staying at this hotel you will have the chance to experience
Sanaa, one of my favorite restaurants – be sure to try their famous Indian-style bread service.
It was a pleasure answering your question, Michelle! I hope this information is helpful, and be sure to check our Panel Extras including the
best tips for selecting a Disney Resort hotel.
Best magical wishes,
Thiana