Heigh-Ho Kim!
Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside has one feature pool and 5 smaller quiet pools. The feature pool on 'Ol Man Island is themed after an old swimmin' hole with a sawmill water slide. All of the pools minimum depth (at entry) is 3 feet. There is a small wading pool for small children next to the feature pool.
I also have small children similar in ages to yours. They, unfortunately, are not little Nemos with lucky fins, and are not strong swimmers. So a zero-depth entry pool is important to me. However, whether the added expense would be worth it would depend on the time of year visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, and the way you tour the theme parks. If you are visiting in the summer when it is very hot and you will use the swimming pools every day, then I would choose a different resort. If you are planning to visit during a season with a more mild climate like December or January, or if you are in the theme parks all day and just come back to your resort to sleep, then I would not make the change.
I would suggest the family suites at
Disney's Art of Animation Resort. Not only would you get a zero-depth entry pool, but it is the largest pool in Walt Disney World Resort. Another bonus would be extra space in the suite and another bathroom, plus a kitchenette. Have I mentioned Landscape of Flavors? This casual dining venue is amazing with many healthy options. The station with the pasta made-to-order is my favorite. With my small children, we spend the majority of our time dining at quick-service locations.
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, please come back and visit us again at the Disney Parks Moms Panel. We hope to 'see ya real soon!'
Tania