Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. Florida (FL)
  4. Central Florida
  5. Orlando

Best Resort for MK/AK

Hi everyone,

I was looking for advice for which Disney Resort would be best for easiest/fastest transportation with two toddlers to both Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom?

Thanks so much!

That’s a great question! Choosing a Disney Resort that gives you really good access to both Magic Kingdom (MK) and Animal Kingdom (AK) – especially with toddlers – means balancing convenience, transport mode, and how much time you want to spend traveling. There’s no perfect resort that’s *equally close* to both parks, because AK is more remote on property, but some are much more convenient than others.

Here are some top resort recommendations, plus pros and cons, based on transportation to those two parks:

  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort / Bay Lake Tower
    • Magic Kingdom: You can *walk* to MK (about 10–15 minutes), which is huge with toddlers because you can avoid loading/unloading buses.
    • Animal Kingdom: You’ll rely on Disney bus service.
    • Why it’s good for toddlers: The walking option to MK is likely the fastest and easiest. Plus, you get the perks of a deluxe property.
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
    • Magic Kingdom: Accessible via monorail, walking path, *or* boat.
    • Animal Kingdom: Via Disney bus.
    • Why it’s good: Very flexible transport options, and the tropical theming is great for kids. Monorail is often easy with strollers.
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
    • Magic Kingdom: Monorail access, very close walk or monorail from TTC.
    • Animal Kingdom: By bus.
    • Why it’s good: Very upscale, elegant, great amenities — ideal if you don’t mind paying more and want a relaxing “home base” between parks.
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
    • Magic Kingdom: You can take a boat or bus.
    • Animal Kingdom: Bus service.
    • Why it’s good: Rustic, relaxing atmosphere and less “buzz” of the monorail loop. The boat ride to MK is fun and scenic for kids.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL)
    • Animal Kingdom: Very convenient — bus directly to AK.
    • Magic Kingdom: You’ll take a bus from AKL, then may transfer to monorail or walk from one of the monorail loop resorts.
    • Why it’s good: If AK is a big part of your trip, staying here gives you short travel times for that park. Plus, the resort itself is amazing for kids (animals, culture, big pools).
  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
    • Magic Kingdom: Boat or bus.
    • Animal Kingdom: Bus.
    • Why it’s good: Great for families who like a more laid-back, outdoorsy stay. Big cabins, space to roam, and the resort has lots of kid-friendly charm.

My recommendation for you with toddlers:

  • If Magic Kingdom is your top priority, go for Contemporary or Polynesian, so you can *walk or monorail* to MK easily and minimize stress with little ones.
  • If Animal Kingdom is equally important, AK Lodge is strong for AK but adds more travel time for MK — so consider whether you’re okay with that trade-off and bus rides with toddlers.
  • If you want a relaxing, scenic resort with decent access to both parks, Wilderness Lodge is a beautiful middle ground.

In practical terms: because AK is physically farther out, no resort is super “fast” to both parks, but the monorail loop and boat-access resorts minimize hassle for MK, and good bus service connects to AK. Plan for some transit time, especially in the morning or during busy pick-up times, but staying on property will give you solid, kid-friendly options.

More Orlando Travel Questions

Popular Destinations

Saint Blas
Weitou Village
Ji County
Yellow River Scenic Line

Popular Travel Questions