Choosing the right Disney Vacation Club resort for your trip can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re traveling with children. Fortunately, no matter which property you choose, you’ll experience the magic, signature service, and amenities that define Disney’s brand.
That said, when it comes to school-aged children, some resorts truly stand out from the rest. For this list, I focused specifically on the 5 to 12 age range. Let’s explore the top five kid-friendly DVC resorts for school-aged children. (Stay tuned for future lists featuring the best resorts for infants and toddlers, teenagers, and adults!)
5. Beach Club
At the Beach Club Villas, enjoy a relaxing New England-themed resort while staying next door to Epcot. The Beach Club’s dining (Beaches and Cream and Cape May Cafe are standouts), proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, and iconic pool complex all contribute to making this resort an obvious choice. Older children will love Stormalong Bay, a massive 3 acre pool area complete with lazy river, sand-bottomed pool, and a 230 foot long water slide.
- Pros: pools; kid-friendly dining; beach theming; proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
- Cons: for children who are weaker swimmers, Stormalong Bay can be a parent’s nightmare given the size; lack of full sized quick service restaurant
4. Fort Wilderness
Enjoy a taste of the great outdoors at The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort. The recently opened DVC cabins offer the quiet and beauty of the wilderness with modern comforts including a full kitchen. The cabins are situated somewhere in between a studio and 1-bedroom villa in terms of points. This is fair, given they lack a washer and dryer. Fort Wilderness offers a variety of “only at the Fort” activities. These include trail and pony rides, archery, gem mining, kayaking, and more. Of all of these, my 8-year old’s favorite activity was simply riding in the golf cart around the sprawling resort.
- Pros: relaxing, quieter resort; large list of activities; boat transportation to Magic Kingdom; the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue
- Cons: the cabin layout isn’t optimal for those desiring privacy; a laborious internal transportation system (avoid this by renting a golf cart); the pools are fairly bland
3. Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
With the new Island Tower addition, the Polynesian offers a well-rounded assortment of room types for all families. With prime transportation to both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot and a casual Aloha vibe, children gravitate towards the Polynesian. They can enjoy the famous Lava Pool, along with the two quiet pools, two splash pads and character dining. Fireworks from the Polynesian beach is a classic Disney experience for children of all ages.
- Pros: tropical vibes; multiple pool and splash pad options; easy transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, kid-friendly dining
- Cons: can feel very crowded and loud in the Great Ceremonial House; must walk outdoors to most amenities (not ideal during an afternoon thunderstorm)
2. Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge is the best “all around” DVC resort on Walt Disney World property. While it is technically two separate resorts (Jambo House and Kidani Village), you are able to access all amenities regardless of which resort you stay in. In addition to multiple animal viewing areas, AKL offers an extensive list of kid-friendly amenities. Enjoy cultural activities, two incredible pools, a large splash pad, a Community Hall, two arcades, a playground, and more. The dining offers children a great introduction to African cuisine while still offering many child favorites.
- Pros: unique animal viewing from your own balcony or around the resort; dining options are high quality; immersive cultural activities
- Cons: located fairly remote from all parks apart from Animal Kingdom; the walk to your room or villa can be lengthy due to the layout (which maximizes views of the savannas)
1. Aulani
This might be controversial, but Aulani is my pick for the most kid-friendly of all DVC resorts. Putting aside the flight time, Aulani is kid paradise once you arrive. The Waikolohe Valley pool complex, cultural activities, and a dedicated children’s club all help it take top honors. With characters attired in their beach outfits around every corner, Aulani is the perfect blend of Disney magic and Aloha spirit. Aulani is far and away the resort that my 8 year old asks to come back to again and again.
- Pros: it’s Hawaii!; best pool complex of any DVC resort; ocean-front; property pays tribute to Hawaiian culture and heritage; numerous cultural activities
- Cons: lengthy travel time for most visitors; food costs are higher than Florida resorts; grabbing a prime pool chair can be competitive
Your turn – what are your children’s favorite DVC resorts? Share in the comments below or in the DVC Fan Facebook Community!
Pat
June 24, 2025As a parent with two kids, it’s annoying that the top two on this list have outdated rooms which are due for refurbishment in the next few years. By the time this is completed, my little girls will be tweeners.
Pm
June 24, 2025I’d give boardwalk an honorable mention due to the community hall and all the games they have!
Dr. Edmund A Gunther, III
June 24, 2025I joined DVC in ’93 & raised kids at all of them. My list would be quite different, with the exception of Fort Wilderness which is great for kids. But I guess that’s the beauty of variety – to appeal to different tastes.