12/02/2018
The last category of resorts we have is the deluxe resorts which also includes the deluxe villas. These resorts tend to have the most amenities, including close proximity to parks and other destinations. There are still some activities for the kids, but there are not playgrounds at all of the deluxe resorts. I have included the Swan and Dolphin resorts in this category because while they are not technically Disney resorts, they are on the property and the amenities here are closest to the deluxe level. You can find the following playgrounds at deluxe resort hotels:
The Animal Kingdom Lodge has the Hakuna Matata playground located in the Jambo House (main resort building) side of the resort. This playground is decorated to fit in an African safari, and has a lot of space around the actual climbing areas to run around. This playground is for the use of guests staying at both the Jambo House and Kidani Village sides of the resort, but the walk from Kidani Village is a bit far so you may want to take the shuttle. Beyond the amenities for guests, there is a 46 acre safari with over 20 species of animals running and playing. Unfortunately guests cannot play IN the safari with the animals, but there are observation decks throughout the resort, and it is even visible from many guest rooms!
At Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas, you will find the Crazy Horse Playground. This playground is a bit smaller than at the other resorts, it has two sets of double slides, with a couple of areas to climb up to them, and there is a small section of the play area meant for toddlers not yet climbing. There is space to run around in this play area, but children may get bored of this play space quickly. As is the case with the Caribbean Beach resort, the playground in the pool area of this resort is much more extensive than the dry playground, so while this playground may be great to get the kids to burn out some energy in a short period of time, if you want a longer stretch of play at the Boardwalk Inn and Villas, I recommend you focus on the pool area.
The playgrounds at Disney’s Old Key West fits the resort theme by placing you on a sandy beach in paradise. There is sand surrounding the playground (where there is not safety padding) so even the parents can imagine they are on the beach, while they supervise their children climbing on the playground at Sandcastle Pool. The playgrounds here are close to the pool areas, so it may be best to combine pool play with the playground play, and the Sandcastle Pool is truly larger than life. Your children will climb and play in a giant sandcastle with shovels and plastic sand toys towering around you. The theming of these play areas is incredible! There is also a playground by the South Point Pool which tends to be a little quieter than the main playground and pool area.
The Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa (themed after our very own Saratoga Springs, NY) has an adorable playground called the Paddock. This playground is not large, but it is very beautifully built and feels like a playhouse more than a playground. There are a few different ways to climb up and around the playground, so children of different ages can enjoy playing in the same space. This resort also has two water playgrounds, at the Congress Park and Grandstand pools.
The playground at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel is the largest playground on the property. This playground is also on a sandy beach, and there are hammocks nearby for easy relaxation while the kids play. This resort hotel can be walked to from the Swan hotel, if you are a guest of either of these resorts you can enjoy the amenities at both. If you were to choose a resort hotel based on only the playground, this may be the one to choose. The space is large enough to keep children occupied for longer periods of time, and is not located in the pool area so you won’t have to worry about keeping children away from the water while they are playing.
The photo you see is the Paddock playground at the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa.
