Our Favorite Disney World Resorts for Families
Choosing a Disney resort is not just about where you sleep. It is where mornings begin, afternoons reset, and late nights wind down. The right resort can make your trip feel smooth and magical. The wrong one can feel like you are sprinting a marathon in flip flops.
At JoMar Travel, we do not just know these resorts. We have stayed in them ourselves, studied them, planned around them, and matched hundreds of families to the right fit. Below are our favorite Disney World resorts for families, with real detail, real opinions, and the little things that actually matter.
DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT
JO MAR TRAVEL’S FAVORITE DISNEY RESORT
If we could only recommend one Disney resort for families, it would be the Polynesian. It checks nearly every box. Location, atmosphere, food, and that classic Disney feeling that hits you the second you step off the monorail.
WHY WE LOVE IT FOR FAMILIES
The Polynesian feels like a true vacation resort while still being steps from Magic Kingdom. You can hop on the monorail, take a relaxing boat ride, or simply walk along the grounds while watching fireworks over Cinderella Castle. It is calm, immersive, and somehow still electric.
FOOD YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY PLAN AROUND
This resort is a food powerhouse.
ʻOhana is the star. It is family style dining and one of the most popular restaurants at Disney for a reason. Standout items include the famous sweet noodles, grilled steak, roasted chicken, and the bread pudding with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Breakfast is equally beloved for the all you care to enjoy skillet and the character interactions.
Kona Cafe is a quieter but excellent option, especially for breakfast. The Tonga Toast is iconic. It is banana stuffed sourdough bread, deep fried, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and served with strawberry compote. It is indulgent and unapologetically so.
Capt Cook’s is perfect for quick meals. You will find flatbreads, rice bowls, and Tonga Toast in a portable version for busy mornings.
Pineapple Lanai deserves its own mention. This is where you grab classic Dole Whip, including vanilla and swirl options, without needing a park ticket.
UNIQUE ACTIVITIES THAT SET IT APART
The Polynesian offers boat rentals, and yes, you can book guided catch and release fishing excursions right from the marina. Fishing at Disney World feels like a hidden secret, and families love it. You will also find Movies Under the Stars, evening campfires, and front row views of the Electrical Water Pageant drifting past the beach.
BEST FOR
Families who want classic Disney, unbeatable transportation, and a resort that feels special even on non park days.
DISNEY’S ART OF ANIMATION RESORT
Art of Animation is proof that value does not have to mean boring. It is colorful, playful, and incredibly smart for families who want space.
WHY WE LOVE IT FOR FAMILIES
The family suites sleep up to six and include separate sleeping areas and multiple bathrooms. That alone can save a vacation when everyone is overtired. Add Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and this resort punches far above its price point.
FOOD THAT WORKS FOR REAL FAMILIES
Landscape of Flavors is the main food court, and it is one of the best quick service setups on property. Standout items include made to order pasta bowls, tandoori chicken, build your own burgers, and customizable desserts. This is a great spot when everyone wants something different and nobody wants to negotiate.
The Drop Off Pool Bar serves snacks, kid friendly bites, and drinks for adults while you enjoy pool time.
UNIQUE ACTIVITIES AND RESORT FUN
The Big Blue Pool is the largest pool at Disney World and features a zero entry design that is great for younger kids. The entire resort doubles as an open air gallery with massive character theming from Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. It is one of the most fun resorts to simply walk around.
BEST FOR
Families who want space, immersive theming, and strong transportation value without a deluxe price tag.
DISNEY’S CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORT
Caribbean Beach is the ultimate middle ground resort. It is relaxed, spacious, and extremely practical.
WHY WE LOVE IT FOR FAMILIES
This is a moderate resort with Skyliner access, which is huge. If your plans include EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, transportation alone makes this a strong contender since the Skyliner hub is located right on property. The resort layout feels like a laid back island village, which helps everyone decompress after park days.
FOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Sebastian’s Bistro is a sleeper hit. Dinner is family style and features items like citrus butter shrimp, slow cooked pork, baked fish, and house made bread with guava butter. It is approachable but flavorful, and families are often pleasantly surprised.
Centertown Market is the main quick service option. Standouts include customizable bowls, flatbreads, and Caribbean inspired dishes that go beyond standard theme park food.
Banana Cabana is a great stop for snacks and drinks near the main pool.
UNIQUE RESORT DETAILS
The main pool has a pirate themed waterslide that kids love. Caribbean Beach is also ideal for slower mornings, resort strolls, and planned rest days without feeling bored.
BEST FOR
Families who want balance, space, and Skyliner convenience at a moderate price point.
DISNEY’S WILDERNESS LODGE
Wilderness Lodge feels like a retreat. It is peaceful, cozy, and incredibly well themed. In fact, for many families, this is their absolute favorite resort.
WHY WE LOVE IT FOR FAMILIES
After a long park day, this resort feels like a reset button. The towering lobby, quiet paths, and lakeside setting create a calming contrast to the parks.
FOOD WORTH PLANNING INTO YOUR TRIP
Whispering Canyon Cafe is a favorite for families who enjoy a little personality with their meal. The skillets are hearty, featuring items like smoked pork ribs, roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. The playful atmosphere keeps kids engaged without feeling overwhelming.
Geyser Point Bar and Grill is excellent for more relaxed dining. Standout items include the bison cheeseburger, fish tacos, and handcrafted desserts. It is a great spot for an easy dinner with a view.
UNIQUE ACTIVITIES AND TRANSPORTATION
Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom is a highlight and adds an extra layer of fun. There are also walking trails, campfires, and waterfront views that make this resort feel immersive beyond the parks.
BEST FOR
Families who want a quieter pace, strong theming, and a resort that feels like part of the vacation.
DISNEY’S BEACH CLUB RESORT
Beach Club is for families who believe pool time is not optional. It is essential.
WHY WE LOVE IT FOR FAMILIES
The location near EPCOT is fantastic, but the real draw is the pool complex.
WHY STORMALONG BAY IS UNMATCHED
Stormalong Bay is a three acre pool area that feels more like a water park. It features a sand bottom pool, a lazy river, multiple whirlpool spas, and a 230 foot waterslide that begins at a shipwreck replica. The sand bottom means no rough pool floor, which kids love, and the size means it never feels cramped.
FOOD HIGHLIGHTS AT AND NEAR THE RESORT
Just across the boardwalk, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is iconic. Standout items include the grilled cheese with tomato soup and the Kitchen Sink sundae, which is exactly as ridiculous and fun as it sounds.
Hurricane Hanna’s is perfect for poolside snacks and casual meals.
You are also within walking distance of EPCOT (yes, we said WALKING distance), which opens up world class dining options without needing transportation.
BEST FOR
Families who want amazing pool days, unbeatable EPCOT access, and a resort that feels like a reward.
DISNEY’S ALL STAR MUSIC RESORT
BEST VALUE OPTION FOR LARGER FAMILIES
All Star Music is one of the smartest picks for larger families who want to stay on property and keep costs down.
WHY WE LOVE IT FOR FAMILIES
If Art of Animation is considered a value resort, then we consider the All Star Resorts as the unofficial “ultra” value resorts! All Star Music is the only All Star resort with family suites that sleep up to six. The suites include separate sleeping areas, multiple bathrooms, and extra space that makes mornings and nights far more manageable.
FOOD THAT KEEPS THINGS SIMPLE
Intermission Food Court offers classic quick service options like customizable pasta bowls, flatbreads, burgers, and kid friendly breakfast platters. It is efficient, predictable, and perfect for families focused on park time, and especially those with picky eaters.
UNIQUE RESORT DETAILS
The music themed sections feature oversized instruments and playful decor. You will also find Movies Under the Stars and casual pool time built into the experience.
BEST FOR
Larger families who want a family suite on Disney property and prefer to put their budget toward park experiences rather than resort amenities.
HOW WE HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT RESORT
As fun as it is to get into a debate about which Disney resort is best, frankly there is no universal best resort. There is only the best resort for your family.
We help you choose based on park priorities, room needs, dining preferences, and budget strategy. We also monitor promotions, adjust reservations when better offers appear, and help you plan dining so nothing important gets missed.
READY TO START PLANNING YOUR TRIP?
Use the link below to fill out our inquiry form and let JoMar Travel take care of the details so you can focus on what matters most.
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