Best Deluxe Disney World Resorts for Families: Why These 4 Are Worth the Stay

Making the Most of Your Disney Family Vacation

Planning a Disney vacation with kids is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing where to stay. With so many hotel options, it’s easy to get stuck in decision making. If you’re looking for more space, great pools, family-friendly perks, and convenience, a Disney Deluxe resort will no disappoint.

Our tried and tested resorts for families at Disney World are:

✨ Bay Lake Tower
🦒 Animal Kingdom Lodge
🌴 Old Key West
🐎 Saratoga Springs

Each offers something unique, whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, staying for a few nights or a week.  Our family have stayed in these resorts without even going to the parks and loved them just the same!  Let’s dive into what makes each of these resorts a top choice for families.

1. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

🚶‍♀️ Steps from Magic Kingdom (literally) which makes it perfect for little legs

I am not sure about your family but on most of our Disney trips we spend most of our time at Magic Kingdom.  If your kids are under 10 years old then you probably will too.  Bay Lake Tower is perfect for Magic Kingdom, you can walk right over to the park in little to no

time at all.   This is perfect if you have strollers with you- no need to fold them on the Disney Buses.  It is also easy to just head back to the hotel for an afternoon rest before heading back over to the park for night time fun.

👨‍👩‍👧 Why Families Love It:

• Fireworks views from your room or the Top of the World Lounge (for eligible DVC members). This

•  was one of the best parts of the hotel for our family.  On our hotel days we could still enjoy the fireworks.

• Full kitchens and washers/dryers in 1-bedroom and larger villas.  This is a game changer when you are close enough to head back to the room for lunch or dinner.

• Access to the monorail, which makes park hopping much easier with kids

🛝 Kid-Friendly Perks:

• Pool with a 148-foot waterslide and splash area

• Character dining at Chef Mickey’s

• Quick service options at Contempo Café — easy and convenient for picky eaters

2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

🦓 Wake Up to Giraffes? Yes, you can.

If you want your Disney resort

 to feel like part of the adventure, Animal Kingdom Lodge is pure magic. It’s not just themed — it’s immersive, with real African animals roaming the savannas outside many guest rooms. This resort is more than a place to sleep — it’s an experience.  Imagine sitting outside on your patio enjoying a coffee and seeing a giraffe out for a morning stroll-  so beautiful!

👨‍👩‍👦 Why Families Love It:

• Savanna-view rooms with giraffes, zebras, and more just outside

• Two sections: Jambo House (main resort) and Kidani Village (villa-style and quieter).  Our family favorite is Kidani Village for the quieter vibe.

• Unique cultural activities, like storytelling, drum circles, and animal talks

🛝 Kid-Friendly Perks:

• Giant zero-entry pool with waterslide and playground- Kidani Village has a great splash pad for the kids.

• Fantastic family dining: Boma (buffet) and Sanaa (views of the animals!)

• Family-focused atmosphere that encourages exploration

3. Disney’s Old Key West Resort

🌞 Spacious, Laid-Back, and Full of Charm

Old Key West is one of Disney’s best-kept secrets for families. It’s peaceful, quiet, and has the largest villas on Disney property. If your kids need space to stretch out or you’re traveling with a big group, this is your spot.

The pastel buildings and tropical landscaping transport you straight to the Florida Keys.

👨‍👩‍👧 Why Families Love It:

• Largest suites on the Disney Property so there is space for the whole family.

• Plenty of dining options and and easy to access Disney Springs for more choices

• Peaceful, relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle.

🛝 Kid-Friendly Perks:

• The sandy play areas and large main pool with a giant sandcastle slide are kid favorites.

• Giant waterslides at the Feature pools.

• Boat Transportation for added adventure when getting around.

4. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

It’s peaceful, relaxing, and a short stroll to shopping, dining, and entertainment at Disney Springs.  Saratoga Springs has the charm of a quiet retreat while still being close to the magic. The spacious villas are perfect for families who like to spread out and enjoy downtime between park days.

👨‍👩‍👧 Why Families Love It:

• Large suites with large bathrooms to keep everyone comfortable.

• Villas with kitchens and laundry—lifesavers for families with young kids

• Families will love the decor making them feel like they could be at the horse races.

🛝 Kid-Friendly Perks:

• The two feature pools are so much fun for the kids.

• Waterslides and large splash park at the back pool are a hit for kids of all ages.

• The colorful playgrounds and fun pool slides keep little ones entertained for hours.

Final Thoughts

For families, a Disney resort is more than just a place to sleep—it’s part of the vacation magic. Whether you want to be steps from Magic Kingdom, wake up to animals outside your window, enjoy the serenity of a lakeside retreat, or spread out in a spacious villa, these four Deluxe Resorts deliver comfort, fun, and unforgettable memories.

For more family travel tips and ideas be sure to check out our other posts at Blog – Together We Can Travel.