Hi Lynn,
Thanks for joining us here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Choosing a resort for your upcoming stay can be such a challenge. I would like to ask you not to completely count out the pool despite your December arrival date-all Walt Disney World Resort pools are heated and December can be warm, so bring your swimwear and jump on in!
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is what I would call just right for both resort size and for my budget. The Landscape of Flavors restaurant has a great variety of food at excellent prices. My favorite feature of this resort is the family suites that sleep six. They have a little extra elbow room plus two bathrooms, which are great when you have more than two guests.
Disney's Pop Century Resort has recently gone from my 'no' list to my 'absolute go' list. The rooms are newly renovated and now have two queen beds each, which makes all the difference in the world when two grown adults are sharing a bed. The food at Everything Pop is fantastic (make sure you sample the Tie Dye Cheesecake), and the resort theming is so much fun to see as you walk around. Fun photo opportunities abound at this resort-my favorite is the Mickey Phone.
Finally, Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside is a lovely resort that takes you back in time to the era of Southern Charm; its beauty practically begs you to take a walk and look around. This resort is expansive, so if walking a reasonable distance to the main hall isn't your thing, you may reconsider. This resort has two restaurants and two bars, offering many choices for both food and drink.
Lynn, I hope I've made your decision a bit easier. Happy vacationing!
Best Wishes,
Amy S.