Hello Nicholas,
It is so exciting to hear that you will be celebrating several occasions with your upcoming Walt Disney World vacation. Having spent my honeymoon there years ago, it can offer a romantic backdrop while also providing magic for your daughter's first Disney trip! I am glad you stopped by the Disney Parks Moms Panel to seek our advice. We love helping guests get the most pixie-dust out of their vacations.
I have actually stayed at both of those resort hotels, as well as experienced both of those views. The savanna views at
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offer some truly breathtaking and awe-inspiring views. I will never forget my son's face when he spotted his favorite animal, the giraffe, just yards away from our balcony. He sat for at least an hour each day watching the animals graze on the property. It was over 10 years ago and he still talks about it. The one drawback is that it is quite a distance from Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but in his opinion, it was worth it for that view and experience.
On the other hand,
Disney's Yacht Club Resort has a spectacular pool area, called Stormalong Bay. You can enjoy water slides, a lazy river, as well as the man made beach and sand-bottom pools. My favorite aspect of this resort is its proximity to Epcot. You can walk to the International Gateway entrance of Epcot, no bus transportation required.
Based on my experience with a child that age at both of those resorts, I would recommend Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, but the decision is ultimately yours to base on your needs, expectations and personal travel budget. Feel free to stop back by with more questions as your planning continues.
~Allison L