Hello Sherry!
I love this question because there are so many amazing choices in the
Disney Resort Collection, it is challenging to narrow it down. For many families, budget is an important consideration. Since I am not sure what your budget is, I’m going to recommend a few options at different price points.
If value is the top priority, I recommend Disney’s Pop Century Resort or
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. These resorts are almost “sister” resorts as they are connected via a footbridge. At Pop Century you’ll find standard rooms at a budget-friendly price, and at Art of Animation you’ll find standard rooms and Family Suites that sleep up to 6 Guests, and feature a separate master bedroom and kitchenette. Additionally, these resorts are along the Disney Skyliner route, making travel to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios even more fun! Each of these resorts offers larger-than-life decor and themes that are fun for all ages.
If you’re looking for a resort with a few more amenities such as table service dining, waterslides, and hot tubs at the pool area, I would consider
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, or Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort you can stay in the original buildings around the lake, or for a touch of elegance, the Gran Destino Tower is gorgeous! Both of these resorts have touches of whimsy and delight for the kids, but also feel grown-up and relaxing for adults.
Do you want to be in the heart of it all? Be able to walk or Monorail to Magic Kingdom? Then check out either Disney’s Contemporary Resort,
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. These three are some of the most popular with Guests, though my favorite is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The theme here makes you feel as if you are in a tropical paradise, the dining is excellent, and you have gorgeous views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. You’ll find standard rooms, suites, and villas at all three of these resorts.
With a larger group, typically families split into smaller units and book multiple rooms. If you’d prefer a larger room with some of the comforts of home, check out
Disney’s Deluxe Villa Accommodations. Villas come as Deluxe Studios with a kitchenette, or 1, 2, or 3 Bedroom Villas. A 2 Bedroom Villa sleeps 8, with some sleeping up to 9, has a full kitchen, and a washer and dryer. My family of 6 prefers the villas for the extra space and amenities. With children, I would consider
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village. At this resort, feel transported to a far-off continent, learn about different cultures, and wake up to view giraffes and zebra right outside your balcony! Kids of all ages love this resort, and it is an experience unlike any other.
Sherry, there are still other amazing resorts I haven’t mentioned. So if you see one that catches your eye that I didn’t talk about, don’t rule that one out! Check out videos of the resort online, or send me questions about that resort and let’s see if we can help narrow down your choices. I hope these suggestions are helpful and get you started with your planning!
- Kate