Traveling with a child under 5?

MwM Recommends: Monorail or Epcot Resorts

If you have little kids then your best bet is to be close to the parks so you can go back and forth easier. Skip the Misery - don’t depend on a stroller nap. For that reason, we recommend staying at a Monorail Resort (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary) or an Epcot Resort (Yacht/Beach or Boardwalk). I’ve included some pro (Magic) and cons (Misery) for each resort below. Of course there are dozens of other options but these are our tried and true favorites for the toddler cohort.

Our favorite resorts with little kids all have DVC options and regular rooms:

Beach Club/Yacht Club 

Magic Index: 8.5/10

• Sand bottom pool! There is a zero entry/sand bottom area for kids that is especially great for toddlers.

• There is also an amazing slide for big kids and kids at heart.

• There is a lot to do at the resort itself including arcade, ice cream shop, movies on the beach, large market shop and it is a short walk to the Boardwalk  

• Short walk to Epcot (especially at Beach Club villas) and boat to HS. See more content about why Epcot is our favorite park with littles

• Beaches and Cream - pickup window option can’t be beat after a long day

Misery Index: 2/10

• You have to take a bus to Magic Kingdom so skip this is you think your kids will want to spend most of their time at MK

• Needs quick service food options

• $$$

Boardwalk

Magic Index: 8/10

• Another great pool and a slide better for younger kids (W was going down it independently at 3).

• The Boardwalk itself is super fun! Lots of games and activities at night plus great restaurants like Flying Fish!

• We love to go to the pizza window and then sit on the lawn and watch the movies on the green at night.

• Walk or Boat to Epcot and Hollywood Studios

Misery Index: 2.5/10

• Another bus to MK and AK situation.

• Sometimes the walk back from Epcot feels like an eternity.

• Boardwalk can get loud at night

• $$$

Polynesian 

A classic for a reason.

Magic Index: 9/10

• Great pool options for little kids: Zero entry main pool, splash pad area, and the new Moana splash pad too.

• Monorail and boat to MK make frequent trips easy!

• So many resort activities on property.

• Your boomer dad will get really excited about the Beatles connection.

• Great sit down and quick service food choices (the nachos at Captain Cooks are a favorite) plus Dole Whips!

• Trader Sams is SO MUCH FUN! Though you need a plan on how to get in (especially with kids not being allowed in past 8) 

• MK fireworks on the beach! 

• Pro tip: If not in DVC, we recommend requesting the Raratonga building, first floor room (best for getting where you need to go with a stroller)

Misery Index: 3/10

• The Polynesian is VERY crowded in the main lobby and the pool. My sensory kid had to wear headphones at times just to walk through the lobby. It can be overwhelming and not relaxing.

• Can be overwhelming for sensory issue kids. 

• If not in DVC, request the Raratonga building, first floor room (best for getting where you need to go with a stroller) 

• Take a (comparatively) long time to get to Epcot, HK, and AK

• $$$$

Grand Floridian

I will admit that I never expected to enjoy this resort with little kids. We were moved there for a vacation in 2024 and fell in love with it. The vibe was not stuffy and it lives up to the hype.

Magic Index: 10/10

• Gorgeous, classic, fun. Very quintessential Disney and magical. This place even smells wonderful. 

• Alice in Wonderland splash area is great for little kids.

• Lobby bar is fantastic

• Magic Kingdom in 5 minutes by monorail

• Gingerbread House at Christmas time

• Fireworks at night are so close

• Tons of food options including character dining and the only Michilen Star restaurant on property

• Only resort on property with room service. It was so nice to order after a long park day!

Misery Index: 3/10

• Pool is fun, though nothing special. Slide is better for big kids.

• Long travel to Epcot, HS, and AK.

• $$$$$ I love this place, but not sure I love it enough to justify how much more expensive it is!

Contemporary 

Full disclosure: I (Meg) have not stayed here yet.

I am including it here because it is a 5 minute walk to Magic Kingdom, which is hard to beat with little kids. I have been here many times for dinner at California Grill and breakfast at Chef Mickeys. Based on what I know, I would not hesitate to recommend this for a trip with littles. I will update this section after my December 2026 trip.