Hi Kristen! Thanks for asking such a fun question to answer! Finding the "just right" Disney Resort Hotel is an important part of your vacation planning! I'm happy to share some advice from previous experiences!
I am going to recommend that you consider
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa! This deluxe resort hotel checks all of the boxes that you mentioned as a priority! With multiple preschoolers making the visit, I am sure you will want to visit Magic Kingdom Park! Transportation options from this resort to the park include the Monorail and boat service - which all of my kids considered "rides" when they were young! Additionally, the resort just opened a walking path from the resort hotel to Magic Kingdom Park! During a recent visit, I timed this (leisurely) stroll at 12 minutes. Bus transportation is also available to the other three parks!
There are two pools at this resort! However, one is much more kid-friendly featuring a Mad Hatter play zone for younger children. This same pool has a great water slide that my children just couldn't get enough of during our visits! They actually asked when we were having a "pool day" because they enjoyed the slide so much! My wife and I were always able to find seating close enough to the pool to watch the kids as they played. There are also lifeguards on duty for added safety. During our visits there has also been a DJ present to play music and fun trivia games with the kids (and adults)!
And, of course, you want Disney vibes when staying at a Disney Resort Hotel! Nothing can be more Disney than a visit from some of your favorite Disney Characters! During my recent stay, we saw Goofy and Pluto as they walked around and waved to Guests in the hotel! When they appeared at the balcony kids and adults (including me) got so excited! Another unique aspect of this resort hotel is that you can look to the ground in the main building to find beautiful designs of the characters etched into the floor! My kids and I would search to see how many characters we could find and identify!
Another resort to consider is
Disney's Art of Animation Resort! This resort is full of Disney vibes from start to finish! From Disney-themed rooms to Disney-themed pools, your children will be surrounded by the familiar characters that they love from films such as Cars, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Finding Nemo! I am a huge fan of the character statues in The Lion King area of this resort! You feel like you are in the movie! From this resort, transportation to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios is conveniently accessed via the
Disney Skyliner. Like the Monorail, this too feels like a "ride" itself!
Kristen, I hope this is helpful information as you plan for your visit with your family! I don't think you can go wrong with either of these two Disney Resort Hotels! Your kids are going to have a great visit!
Hakuna Matata! Jonathan