Hi Sarah,
My family also enjoys having access to the Disney Skyliner. It is one of my favorite modes of Disney World transportation because it feels like you get to experience a theme park attraction before you ever step into the theme park.
If you prioritize a balcony and close access to a pool, my recommendation would be to stay at
Disney's Riviera Resort. This resort has gorgeous balconies off of their rooms, and it is more compact than the other Resort hotels on the Skyliner line, so you are pretty close to the pool no matter which room you get. The pool here is gorgeous, with a super fun slide for the kids and a gelato cart to help you cool down while you play in the sun. This Resort hotel is themed after the Mediterranean, and the food is top-notch!
Topolino's Terrace is one of our favorite restaurants in all of Disney World and is worth a stop even if you don't stay here.
Bar Riva also has some fabulous bites and drinks, and there is no reservation required to dine here.
No matter where you stay at Disney World, adjoining rooms are not guaranteed. They are considered a room request that Disney will do their best to accommodate, but they can not guarantee it. If this is a must for you because you will have young people staying in the adjoining room, I recommend checking out the
1-bedroom and 2-bedroom villas available at Disney's Riviera Resort. They are fabulous for larger families that need accommodations together and even have living and dining rooms so you have space to spread out while on vacation. We have stayed in these rooms a few times, and they are fabulous!
Happy Planning,
Jenna