Welcome to planDisney, Becci! Planning your
Walt Disney World Resort visit can be challenging but in a good way! Choosing a hotel from the
Disney Resort Collection can be as important as deciding which park to visit in the morning.
To answer your question about which resort is great for young children, I would say that all the resorts are great, it depends on your preference for theming, what characters your children may be most interested in, and if you plan on enjoying the resort pools and splash pads.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and
Disney’s Art of Animation Resorts are in the value category, the former is themed with legends of Disney films like 101 Dalmatians, Toy Story, and Fantasia while the latter is themed with classics such as The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Cars.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge boasts four savannas that are home to over 200 animals and birds, so it feels like you are staying at Pride Rock.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has a tropical ambiance that makes you feel like you are in Hawaii with Lilo & Stitch or Motunui with Moana.
My family recently visited
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, and we decided that our next vacation would include a couple of nights there so the kids could enjoy the waterslide that resembles a roller coaster from the Mid-Atlantic coastal towns and the boardwalk games after dinner.
So, it boils down to what Disney-theming you want to immerse yourself in. My family likes to enjoy split stays, meaning we stay at one resort for a couple of days and then move to a different resort to close out our vacation. We first choose a resort with a great pool for our three boys, like
Disney’s Beach Club Resort which features Stormalong Bay, a sand bottom pool with a lazy river, a shipwreck water slide, and Beaches and Cream nearby (for my sweet tooth), before moving to our personal favorite,
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, so my wife and I can enjoy a more grown-up feeling luxurious resort. The best of both worlds!
As for your second question, I confirmed with a Cast Member that Disney Characters make surprise visits at all Disney Resort Collection hotels. I recently saw Mickey at the Grand Floridian and Goofy at the Beach Club. You never know when they will pop out to greet their guests, so have your camera and autograph book ready!
I hope this answers your questions, Becci. Please feel free to
ask me directly if you have any additional resort questions. Over my 30 years of visits, I have stayed at most resorts and visited others for dining research!
Brent