Hi Megan,
Thank you for sending in this question to the Moms Panel. When I read your question, I yelled out "Wilderness Lodge". The Wilderness Lodge is my favorite resort in Walt Disney World; it's probably my favorite resort in the whole world, but I realize I'm biased by my love for Disney. Anyways, in your case, I really believe this is the right answer.
Attached to the Wilderness Lodge is the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) portion, called the
Villas at Wilderness Lodge. You do not have to be a DVC member to stay there. There are 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom Deluxe Villas there. My family loves the 1 bedroom there; we love the whirlpool bath, the washer and dryer, and the full kitchen.
The resort is heavily themed. That includes the pool area. My children, ages 5 and 10, love the pool. They also love an activity that is generally held there on select days -- the duck races! Young guests have the opportunity to race plastic ducks down the stream and into the pool for prizes.
The Whispering Canyon Cafe Table Service restaurant is a "must do". It's a great family restaurant. Be sure to have your 6 year old ask for ketchup if you visit!
There is a boat that runs between the Wilderness Lodge and the Magic Kingdom. It's very relaxing and it runs very often; I love traveling to the Magic Kingdom by boat, especially at night. I don't think it takes that much longer to reach the Wilderness Lodge by boat than it does to reach the Polynesian by monorail from the Magic Kingdom.
Enjoy planning and write back if you have any more questions!