John:
My children (ages 4 to 13) simply view bus rides as another Disney attraction! But if you liked the proximity to the parks that the Contemporary provided, I'd recommend looking at the "Epcot" resorts of Boardwalk and Beach & Yacht Club, simply to mix it up a bit! These resort provide easy access to Epcot and Disney Studios either by foot or by boat, leaving only a bus ride to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, similar to the bus rides you'd have to take to Disney Studios and Animal Kingdom from the monorail resorts.
The reason for my recommendation: I just returned home from a stay at the
Beach Club, and boy, was I pleased. As a budget mom of four children, staying Deluxe isn't always at the top of my list, but after experiencing the close walk to two parks along with the amazing pool at the Beach Club, I may be rethinking some future trips!
You didn't mention what time of year you are visiting, but I can only imagine my own elementary-age kids enjoying the sandy bottoms of the Beach Club pools (yes, they're covered with sand for an ocean-feel!) as well as its slide, boardwalk views, movies on the beach, and an ice cream from Beaches and Cream. (And the pools' water is heated in the off-seasons!) The lobby and rooms are cozier than the Contemporary, and I think both you AND her would enjoy it!
Wishing y'all a magical vacation!
Whitney