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11 Best Disney World Resort Hotels for Families in 2021

See recent posts by Amanda Norcross

Disney World certainly knows how to cater to families, especially when it comes to onsite accommodations. Most Disney World hotels—all of which are themed—provide swimming pools, restaurants, transportation, special park privileges and more.

So how do you decide which hotel is best for your family? Consider our top picks, based on family ratings.

Editor’s Note: Some services and amenities at the following properties may be altered/halted due to the pandemic. To learn more about the phased reopening of Disney hotels, parks, and other facilities, click here.

1. Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Part of Disney Vacation Club, Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge provide ample space, with 2-Bedroom Villas—the largest variation—sleeping up to eight people. They also have kitchenettes or full kitchens for in-room meals. Guests enjoy views of the woodlands, courtyard, pools (one with a waterslide) or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, where they have access to all onsite amenities, such as the children’s activity center and restaurants.

2. The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Want to camp—or shall we say glamp—in Disney World? You can do that at this budget-friendly favorite. The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort provide 799 campsites, some of which are fully equipped with electrical hook-ups, cable TV, picnic tables, charcoal grills and even privacy-enhancing landscaping. They sleep up to 10 people. Extra perks include a playground, bike rentals, canoe rentals, horseback riding, archery and a pool with a waterslide.

3. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom (though also accessible by complimentary monorail), Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort features an unparalleled backdrop that includes Cinderella’s Castle and Space Mountain. Another Disney Vacation Club Property, the 295-room resort offers up to three-bedroom villas with kitchenettes (available to the general public), accommodating up to nine people—the maximum occupancy at Disney’s Villa Properties. It also has a restaurant and pool with a waterslide, so you and your family won’t be bored when taking a break from gallivanting around the Disney parks.

Related: The 17 Best East Coast Family Vacations

4. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

Two Port Orleans properties are available at Disney World, but it’s the smaller property—modeled after New Orleans’ French Quarter—that wins with families. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter has 1,008 accommodations, most of which sleep up to four or five guests. Guests have access to bikes, boats, carriage rides, cane pole fishing and a pool, at this property that feel worlds away from the theme parks.

5. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Disney World vacations can be stressful to plan, but once you arrive at this property, you can kiss all that stress goodbye. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge resembles a classic national park lodge, yet features added perks such as a beautiful pool and Disney films screened outdoors on the front lawn. Rustic, yet luxurious rooms sleep up to four guests, and some include bunk beds. Onsite dining and waterfront views are available at Artist Point.

6. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney's BoardWalk

The best feature at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is, of course, a boardwalk. Situated along Crescent Lake, the boardwalk features carnival games, restaurants and shops, plus bike rentals. Other hotel perks include a pool with a waterslide and guestrooms that sleep up to five or six guests.

Related: 12 Best U.S. Beach Boardwalks for Families

7. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney's Art of Animation Resort; Courtesy of Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which debuted in 2012, has something few Disney World Resort Hotels offer: Family Suites. It’s also the only Disney Value Resort Hotel to offer accommodations that sleep up to six guests. Themed Family Suites (Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King) include kitchenettes and two bathrooms, while added hotel perks include three swimming pools (including the largest one in Disney World), an arcade, food court and drawing classes.

8. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

You won’t find horses roaming the grounds of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, inspired by Saratoga Springs, New York, but you will find an old-fashioned, relaxed environment. The campus-style property, located on 107 acres, offers 1,320 units, from studios to three-bedroom Treehouse Villas. Many villas provide fully equipped kitchens and washers and dryers, with the largest variation sleeping up to nine guests. The hotel, decorated in horse-inspired flare, also features a full-service spa and pool with a waterslide.

Related: 8 Most Magical Treehouse Hotels in the U.S.

9. Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Disney's BoardWalk Villas

At Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, families share amenities with guests at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn—bike rentals, a swimming pool and the boardwalk, of course, lined with amusements, restaurants and shops. The difference, however, is Disney’s Boardwalk Villas provide more amenities such as full kitchens, balconies and more space, sleeping up to four (Deluxe Studio) or twelve (3 Bedroom Grand Villa) guests.

10. Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Disney's Beach Club Villas

Guests at Disney’s Beach Club Villas receive exclusive access to Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, a 3-acre park with pools, lagoons, waterslides, a “shipwreck” and more. Disney’s Beach Club Villas also provides Sandcastle Club, a supervised activity center for kids, as well as villas with fully equipped kitchens and in some cases, room for up to eight people. Nightly clambakes, volleyball and campfires round out the fun for families.

11. Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Inspired by Walt and Lillian Disney’s trips to the Mediterranean, Disney’s Riviera Resort connects guests to Disney World, but with a European feel. There’s a rooftop restaurant with fantastic fireworks views, a pool with a S’il Vous Play interactive water play area, and extended hours at the theme parks. Don’t miss Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends at  Topolino’s Terrace, one of the best character dining experiences at Disney World! You’ll be connected to the parks via the Disney Skyliner, which has a station at the resort, linking guests directly to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

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