Best Disney Resorts Near Animal Kingdom for Kids (2026)
6 Disney World resorts near Animal Kingdom work well for kids (6–9). Here's what each offers in terms of price, pools, and transportation — ranked from most to least recommended.
Top Picks Near Animal Kingdom
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
ValueWhy it works for kids
- +Giant Disney character icons make it feel like you're inside a movie
- +Family suites sleep 6 with kitchenette — huge value for larger families
- +Lowest price point on Disney property
Know before you book
- –Bus-only transportation means longer travel times to all parks
- –Basic amenities — don't expect full-service dining or a spa
Disney's All-Star Music Resort
ValueWhy it works for kids
- +Music-themed rooms and giant instrument sculptures throughout
- +Family suites sleep 6 with kitchenette
- +Calypso pool is fun for kids
Know before you book
- –Bus-only to all parks
- –Limited dining — one food court
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
ValueWhy it works for kids
- +Sports-themed decor appeals to older kids and sports fans
- +Least expensive resort on Disney property
- +Surfboard City pool is a fun hangout
Know before you book
- –No family suites — standard rooms only
- –Bus-only transportation
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
DeluxeWhy it works for kids
- +Savanna-view rooms look out on real African animals — giraffes, zebras, and more
- +Most unique theme park resort in the world — nothing else like it
- +Jiko and Boma are two of the best restaurants at Disney World
Know before you book
- –Bus-only transportation — furthest deluxe from most parks
- –Savanna-view rooms cost a significant premium over standard rooms
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo House
Deluxe VillaWhy it works for kids
- +Savanna-view DVC rooms — unique in the DVC portfolio
- +Inherits Jiko, Boma, and Sanaa dining
- +Cultural representatives programming
Know before you book
- –Bus-only transportation
- –Savanna-view rooms are a premium DVC booking
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village
Deluxe VillaWhy it works for kids
- +Samawati Springs pool is separate from Jambo — less crowded
- +Sanaa restaurant for savanna-view dining
- +Most two- and three-bedroom villas of any DVC
Know before you book
- –Separate from Jambo main building — shuttle between buildings
- –Bus-only transportation
Also Consider
These resorts are near other parks but are excellent choices for kids (6–9) at Disney World.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Deluxe Villa$450–900/night · boat
Inherits Wilderness Lodge theming and amenities
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Deluxe Villa$500–2800/night · boat
Cascade Cabins are lakefront standalone — unique to Copper Creek
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Value$185–320/night · skyliner
Big Blue Pool is enormous and spectacular — one of the best pools on property
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Deluxe$510–950/night · walking
Stormalong Bay is the single best pool at any Disney resort — a mini water park
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best budget resort near Animal Kingdom for kids (6–9)?
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort ($120–200/night) is the best budget option near Animal Kingdom for kids (6–9). Giant Disney character icons make it feel like you're inside a movie.
Is it worth staying deluxe at Animal Kingdom with kids (6–9)?
Staying deluxe near Animal Kingdom pays off when transportation convenience matters. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offers savanna-view rooms look out on real african animals — giraffes, zebras, and more. For kids (6–9), the main benefits are bus access and higher-quality pools and dining.
Which resorts near Animal Kingdom have the best pools for kids (6–9)?
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge have the best pool options near Animal Kingdom. Samawati Springs pool is separate from Jambo — less crowded.
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