When we booked our first DVC trip with our 2-year-old, I made every mistake in the book. We stayed at a resort with a 15-minute walk to the food court. We booked a room with a view nobody actually saw. And we didn't think once about nap logistics until our daughter melted down at 2 PM on day two.
Two hundred dollars of DVC points later, I learned what actually matters when traveling to Disney with little ones: proximity to food and nap spots, decent splash pads, and honest-to-god room space for pack-n-plays and strollers.
After staying at five different DVC resorts with my family, here's the ranking. This isn't about marble bathrooms or turndown service — it's about which resorts actually work for families with babies and toddlers in tow. For more on how renting points works, see my DVC Savings Guide.
Quick Ranking Table
| Rank | Resort | Best For | Nap Proximity |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bay Lake Tower | Walk-back naps, toddler pools | Excellent |
| #2 | AKL – Kidani Village | Epic splash pads, animal magic | Good |
| #3 | Polynesian Village | Fun atmosphere, monorail access | Good |
| #4 | Beach Club Villas | Best pools, EPCOT walking distance | Moderate |
| #5 | Grand Floridian | Elegant backdrop, kids' water play | Moderate |
#1 Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
This is the resort I'd recommend to any parent flying in with a toddler under three years old. Period.
Bay Lake Tower sits literally one monorail stop from Magic Kingdom. If your toddler hits the wall at 1 PM (and they will), you can be back in your room in about 8 minutes. No distant resort followed by a bus ride where everyone loses their minds. Monorail, walk upstairs, done.
The pool situation is genuinely thoughtful here. Bay Lake Tower has a dedicated family pool area separate from the main resort pools — quieter, less overwhelming, perfect for toddlers. The shallow areas are actually shallow, and there's shade.
Room layout is another win. You can fit a pack-n-play without it becoming the only piece of furniture in the sleeping area. Bathrooms are modern and spacious — yes, that matters when you're changing a toddler.
The main caveat: Contemporary is slightly less 'Disney magical' than other resorts in terms of theming. With toddlers you're not sitting in lobbies anyway.
#2 Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village
Walk outside your room and there are actual giraffes on your balcony. My toddler said the word 'zebra' approximately 17,000 times during our stay.
Kidani is the dedicated family section of Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the splash area here is genuinely the most elaborate kids' water park at any DVC property. Two zero-entry pools, multiple toddler-sized slides, fountains, splash zones — it's like someone designed a pool specifically for young kids.
The savanna view rooms are the real magic. Yes, they cost more points. Yes, it's worth it. Watching a giraffe amble across your balcony while you're eating Mickey pancakes is the kind of specific Disney memory that sticks.
The trade-off: Kidani is NOT close to a park entrance. You'll be bussing. You get the amazing splash pad and animal magic, but you're not escaping to a nap in 8 minutes.
#3 Polynesian Village
There's a reason Polynesian Village has a cult following. The resort actually feels like a vacation, which is harder to find at Disney than you'd think.
The splash pad here is legit fun — slide, zero-entry, warm water. Monorail access is huge: Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, and the Grand Floridian without ever touching a bus. For a toddler parent, this flexibility is gold.
Captain Cook's is a solid quick-service spot where the food is actually good — not every resort can say that. Toddlers pick up on the relaxed energy here. Less frantic, more chill.
The real consideration: Polynesian is one of the pricier DVC resorts. You're paying for atmosphere, and you're paying well.
#4 Beach Club Villas
Stormalong Bay is legitimately one of the best pools at all of Walt Disney World. Lazy river, shipwreck playground, multiple depth zones that actually accommodate toddlers (zero-entry beach area, separate quiet pool).
Beach Club is walking distance to EPCOT — about 10 minutes with a stroller. Huge for families with mixed ages. Your older kid can hit Test Track while you post up at the pool with the toddler.
Skyliner access to Hollywood Studios is another bonus. No buses, just a straight shot — the least-exhausting Disney transportation option.
The reality check: Beach Club is pricey. You're essentially paying extra for Stormalong Bay access. If you're not planning to spend significant time at the pool, you might not recoup that cost in points.
#5 Grand Floridian
I'm including Grand Floridian because it IS phenomenal for families, even though it's the most expensive option.
The water playground for children is solid — not Kidani-level elaborate, but thoughtful. Zero-entry, shallow, designed for young kids.
Fireworks viewing from a Theme Park View room is unmatched. Your 2-year-old gets to see the fireworks without being crushed by crowds, you get a drink in hand, and bedtime is 10 feet away. Worth the room splurge if you can swing it.
The complications: Point costs are steep. Bus access to most non-Magic-Kingdom parks is the weakest link, and with a toddler buses are suboptimal.
Which Resort Wins for Specific Needs
| Need | Best Resort | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest nap exit | Bay Lake Tower | 8-minute monorail |
| Best splash pad | Animal Kingdom Lodge | Two zero-entry pools, slides |
| Best atmosphere | Polynesian Village | Peaceful, tropical, special |
| Best pools overall | Beach Club | Stormalong Bay is legendary |
| Best room space | Bay Lake Tower | Modern, generous layouts |
| Best park access | Beach Club (EPCOT walk) | 10-minute walk |
| Best for photos | Grand Floridian | Elegant, fireworks views |
The Bottom Line
After five DVC trips with toddlers and young kids, here's what I'd tell a parent heading to Disney for the first time with little ones: Pick Bay Lake Tower. The nap proximity alone changes the entire trip. You get more family time, fewer meltdowns, and the ability to actually enjoy the magic instead of just surviving it.
If you can't get Bay Lake Tower, Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village is the best "experience" resort for young kids. Those animals on the balcony and the splash pad alone make it worth it. Want more on hotel perks before you book? Read 9 Disney Hotel Perks Worth Knowing.
Ready to Book? Get Your DVC Points Sorted
Renting DVC points is a great way to stay at these resorts without buying into DVC. I recommend DVC Rental Store for transparent pricing and reliable rentals. (Affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)