Staying on-site at a Walt Disney World resort is one of the best ways to experience all the magic Disney has to offer while on your vacation. Not only do you get access to perks like Extra Magic Hours and Disney’s transportation, you also are able to book your Fastpass+ reservations 60 days in advance (as opposed to 30); hello Flight of Passage!

There is so much to consider when deciding which Walt Disney World resort will be best suited for your family. If you are traveling with toddlers or preschoolers in tow, I highly recommend the resorts I’ve outlined below.

Best Walt Disney World Resorts for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Value:

Art of Animation Resort

The Art of Animation Resort is my family’s absolute favorite. Not only does it feature fantastic theming (you can choose from Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Cars, and The Little Mermaid) but the rooms are also family suites (excluding The Little Mermaid, those are your traditional 2 beds in one large room style). The Finding Nemo, Lion King, and Cars suites have kitchenettes (mini fridge, coffee pot, and microwave), a private bedroom, two bathrooms (one with a tub for bathing the little ones!), a pull-out-couch, and a murphy bed. We love how much space these rooms have and that we can let our toddler sleep in her own room — no more lights out for everyone at 8pm. The Art of Animation also offers multiple pools and play areas and dining right on-site. This resort certainly doesn’t feel like a Value resort with all of the amenities it has to offer.

Moderate:

Cabins at Fort Wilderness

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness are an absolute gem for families. The cabins offer so much more than a traditional hotel room; you’ll find a full kitchen, dining area, living room, bathroom and separate bedroom equipped with a standard bed as well as bunk beds. You also have a private driveway, a deck with a picnic table for outdoor dining, and a grill for affordable family dinners or nightly s’mores! The extra space the Cabins offer allows your toddler room to play when you’re relaxing at the resort. The full kitchen is a must have if you’re planning on ordering groceries; the fridge has an actual freezer so don’t forget the ice cream! Not only are the Cabins well suited for families with little ones, but all that Fort Wilderness has to offer does not disappoint. Your preschooler can visit the ponies (or even go for a ride!), enjoy Mickey’s Backyard Barbecue, or attend the nightly campfire with Chip ‘n’ Dale!

Deluxe:

Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian Village Resort offers so much for adults and children alike, but there are standouts of this resort over the others in the Deluxe category if you have young children. Being on the monorail line, this resort is as convenient as it gets when traveling to and from the Magic Kingdom. Walk right on the monorail from your resort without having to even fold your stroller (this is amazing when you’re headed back to your room and your little one has fallen asleep in their stroller!). If you plan on taking advantage of the Children’s Activity Centers that Disney offers, then you’ve hit the jackpot with Lilo’s Playhouse right at your doorstep. The Lava Pool at the Polynesian Village is a favorite for children and the Magic Kingdom fireworks show can be enjoyed in pajamas right from the resort. Finally, if your toddler loves Lilo and Stitch as much as mine does, they will absolutely enjoy breakfast at ‘Ohana with the Lilo and Stitch character experience.