We stayed at the Grand Floridian on a club floor. The kids still talk about it 10 years later.

Also really liked the Wilderness Lodge but its not as lux as the GF.

Look into Concierge level at the Deluxe resorts. The rooms aren't different but you have someone to help make meal reservations etc. and there is a lounge with snacks, drinks,etc. Animal Kingdom Lodge Concierge used to have a special safari experience that you could only do if you were staying Concierge there. I love Animal Kingdom Lodge - the animals are awesome, the theming is cool and the whole hotel is beautiful, pool is lovely, and the restaurants are great. Check out www.allearsnet.com for reviews, all the info you might need.

The Grand Floridian. My top choice is money isn't an issue. Full service resort elegance close to Magic Kingdom.

My second choice: Yacht & Beach Club or possibly Boardwalk Inn. Great venues close to Epcot.

If you can commit 100% to your dates and want to get a DVC villa at considerable savings, look into renting points from a DVC owner. I did it via David's Vacation Rentals (google it + DVC). There is pretty much no ability to cancel, though, and you'll need to book very early if you want Bay Lake Tower, but worth checking out if those constraints work for you. I saved about half on my Bay Lake Tower stay, compared to booking via Disney.
PS: I agree with Contemporary/BLT with little kids; without little kids, I would go Boardwalk area.

Op here. Thank you for the helpful replies!

Boardwalk Villas or Inn

We stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village with Savannah View

The theme is really cool and the rooms look right out onto the Savannah. While we were there we saw animals all day long right off of our balcony including giraffes, ankle cattle, zebra, ostricha anymore that I can't remember.

Agree about Contemporary or Bay Lake Suites. Being within walking distance of MK is golden.

I always go off Disney property to the Waldorf-Astoria. I don't mind the complimentary shuttle at all and it works better for my family with the access to all the amenities.

Boardwalk Inn is my favorite. If you stay Club level, they have suites. Last time we went, my family stayed in a 2 bedroom suite--it had 2 Queen beds in one room, a King bed in another, and a living area with a sleeper sofa and small kitchenette (micro, small fridge, sink). There was a total of 2.5 baths. We had a huge balcony (off all 3 rooms) with garden view. We could see the fireworks at Epcot at night.

My SIL stayed in the vice presidential suite (it has a name, can't remember it). Similar to our room except her living room was much larger and she had a full size dining table (I think it was for 8?). Also, her balcony faced the Boardwalk.

Contemporary. Walking distance. On the monorail. And great food.

If money isn't a factor then I'd choose Beach Club Villas for the following reasons:

1) fabulous pool, the best on property

2) walking distance to lots of great restaurants and 2 parks I don't mind taking the bus to a park in the a.m. but it was really nice to be able to.spend the late afternoon in the pool and then walk someplace close for dinner.

3) apartment style means more space and a full size fridge and washer/dryer.

If money is a factor you can get an alnost as nice pool and the same location at the Swan or Dolphin.

The only exception to this is if you have very young kids (too young to appreciate the pool) and a short trip.(so.Magic Kingdpm is your focus). Then I might choose the viillas at the Contemporary)

World or Land?

wilderness lodge

Thank you