Hello Stephanie!
Choosing from the fantastic Walt Disney World Resort Hotels can be a daunting task! Each one has its own set of great features and decor. While your initial choice of
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a favorite among many due to its cool theme and The Big Blue Pool, it does sit further from the Magic Kingdom than other resorts, but it is very close to
Disney's Hollywood Studios and
Epcot.
With that said, if you want to be close to the Magic Kingdom and budget is a concern, I recommend you consider
Disney's Wilderness Lodge. It is a lovely boat ride to the Magic Kingdom, and the resort itself is stunning! If space is a big concern, you may also want to take a look at the
Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. These stand-alone cabins can sleep six and include a full kitchen. While neither of these would be considered budget resorts, their location and amenities make them worth the extra cost.
I hope this helps with your planning. If you have more questions, come on back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
See ya real soon,
Anne