Best Disney World Resort and Hotels for Families

Disney World is the number one destination for families with young children. Most visitors like staying in a Disney resort for the atmosphere and close proximity to the theme park itself (even though shuttle rides are often still necessary to get from the resort to the park.) Here's some of the best Disney hotels and resorts that accommodate families of many sizes.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Reminiscent of Colorado mountains and streams, Disney's Wilderness Lodge couples pine trees and rustic lanterns with an enormous cabin design for the resort. Families requiring more room than the typical foursome accommodation can look into the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge, located in the same place but with connecting rooms, full-service kitchen or kitchenetts and two bathrooms per accommodation. On-site activities include a pool with waterslide, video game room, bike rental and baby-sitting services for parents who want to visit Downtown Disney by themselves.

Standard room rates begin around $250 while villa rates begin around $330 per night. Expect to pay over $500 per night for two-bedroom villas.

Transportation to and from the park is complimentary, so you don't have to worry about renting a car. This lodge is located closest to the Magic Kingdom section of the park.

Disney's All-Star Music Resort

From Beauty and the Beast and other Broadway musicals to rock, jazz and country, there's a theme for everyone at the Disney All-Star Music Resort. This whimsical resort is less expensive than the Wilderness Lodge (it's actually considered one of the "Value" buys) and ideal for families with several occupants. On-site activities include swimming pools, pinball games and an arcade.

Room amenities include satellite TV with Disney movies and Internet access (for a fee, of course). You can request a refrigerator for an extra fee as well. Expect to pay between $28 and $100 for a standard room.

The All-Star Music Resort is located close to the Animal Kingdom section of Disney World.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

If you love the island feel as much as I do, book your reservations at the Caribbean Beach Resort. This pink and blue island-themed resort features rooms with pirate ship-shaped beds and tropical decor. On-site activities for young swashbucklers include Parrot Cay Island, home to fabulous tropical birds, and a children's water area with hoses and waterslides. Older kids can play at the video game arcade.

Room amenities include satellite TV with Disney movies, additional-fee Internet access and a refrigerator. Room rates begin around $150 per night.

The Caribbean Beach Resort is located near Epcot Center.

Sources:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/