We’ve previously covered the top 5 kid-friendly DVC resorts. For this article, let’s tackle the youngest Disney guests in our lives – the under 4 set! As anyone who has traveled with a baby or toddler knows, having the right combination of location, room set up and amenities can truly make or break a trip. While all Disney resorts are appropriate for the littlest guests, some stand out more than others. Let’s count down the top 5 baby and toddler-friendly DVC resorts.
5. Villas at Grand Floridian
The Villas at Grand Floridian offer luxury combined with thoughtful amenities that appeal to families with young children. Located just a monorail ride (or walk) from the Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian offers numerous dining options, including room service (the only DVC resort on property to currently offer this!) As a mom, having the ability to order a quick meal during an early bedtime can be a lifesaver. VGF also offers a zero entry pool, splash pad, and expansive grounds for young toddlers to run around.
- Pros: convenient monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom; room service; kid-friendly pools
- Cons: lobby can feel chaotic; upscale vibe can feel stuffy to some; transportation to parks other than Magic Kingdom can take a long time
4. Riviera Resort
The Riviera Resort’s quiet elegance may not immediately scream “toddler friendly”, but here’s my argument for it being on the list.
The tower design means dining and other amenities are easily accessible, and with Skyliner connections to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, you can reach two theme parks without folding a stroller. The splash pad and pools never feel overly crowded and allow the littlest guests a chance to splash around without being overwhelmed by bigger children. Riviera’s calm serenity can also be soothing to an overstimulated child after a long day at the parks.
- Pros: large villa sizes; calmer splash pad (perfect for young guests); Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios without folding a stroller
- Cons: theming isn’t particularly appealing to toddlers; during storms, the Skyliner closes and you must rely on bus transportation
3. Beach Club Villas
The New England seaside theme, walking distance to Epcot, and access to the Boardwalk (perfect for stroller walks) make the Beach Club Villas an obvious choice for infants and toddlers. Young children can enjoy the beach pool at Stormalong Bay or play in the sand along Crescent Lake. On the cons list, the quick service dining is more limited, so this resort may be better suited to those staying in 1 or 2 bedroom villas.
- Pros: walking distance to Epcot and Skyliner for Hollywood Studios access; walking path around Boardwalk is perfect for evening stroller strolls; beach pool at Stormalong Bay
- Cons: Stormalong Bay can get quite crowded; limited dining options at the resort
2. Polynesian Village Resort
The Polynesian shines for theming, convenience, and amenities. With monorail and boat access to the Magic Kingdom, multiple splash pads, and plenty of kid-friendly dining options, the Polynesian is a great option for younger children. Families can enjoy fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant right from the resort’s beach, making bedtimes easier. The new addition of the Island Tower has opened up more room types, but with the longhouse studios being among the largest in DVC, all room types are baby-friendly.
- Pros: convenient monorail transportation; splash pads; kid friendly dining and activities
- Cons: the Polynesian can feel extremely overcrowded and overstimulating at times
1. Bay Lake Tower
Located just a short stroller ride from the Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake Tower ranks top on my list for babies and toddlers. In addition to the easy walk, the dining and amenities of the Contemporary Resort are just a skybridge walk away. With a baby, I’ll trade convenience over strong theming any day of the week. The lake view, Community Hall, and amenities in the Contemporary Resort all make BLT convenient for families with young children.
- Pros: easily accessible walk to Magic Kingdom; kid-friendly dining (Chef Mickey’s and Contempo Café); two splash pads; Community Hall is full of activities
- Cons: Bay Lake Tower studio villas are tiny – but the 1 bedrooms are generously sized and sleep 5; lack of strong Disney theme
We’d love to hear from you in the DVC Fan Facebook Community. What are your favorite resorts for infants and toddlers?
