Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Review: Is It Worth the Stay?
- Ryan Jones
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
An In-Depth Guide to the Best Themed Value Resort at Walt Disney World
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Review
If you’re looking for a Disney hotel that brings animated movies to life, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is one of the most immersive places to stay. As a Value Resort, it offers a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere with over-the-top theming inspired by The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Little Mermaid. While it’s labeled as a budget-friendly resort, it stands out from other Disney Value Resorts by offering family suites, which provide more space for larger groups. The Skyliner gondola system is a major perk, making transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios quick and easy. But is staying at the Art of Animation worth the price? In this review, we’ll cover room options, pools, dining, transportation, and value for money so you can decide if this Disney resort is right for you.
What is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort?
A Unique Disney Value Resort Experience
Opened in 2012, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is one of the newest Value Resorts at Walt Disney World. Unlike the All-Star Resorts or Pop Century, Art of Animation is heavily themed around Disney and Pixar animation, with life-sized characters and environments straight from the films. While it’s technically a Value Resort, the family suitesmake it stand apart, as these rooms are significantly larger and cost more than standard Value Resort accommodations.
Location & Accessibility
The resort’s prime location near Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT makes it an attractive choice for park-goers. The Disney Skyliner, a gondola system connecting Art of Animation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, is a huge benefit that allows for fast and scenic transportation without relying on buses. Guests can also walk to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, another Value Resort, for additional dining options.
Room Options at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Family Suites – Themed for Larger Groups
For families or groups needing extra space, the family suites at Art of Animation are a major highlight. These 565-square-foot suites accommodate up to six guests and feature a separate bedroom, a living area with a sleeper sofa, a Murphy bed, a kitchenette, and two bathrooms—a huge perk for morning routines before heading to the parks.
Finding Nemo Suites
The Finding Nemo suites are the closest to the lobby, food court, and Big Blue Pool. These rooms are heavily themed with oceanic blues, coral designs, and beloved characters like Crush and Dory.
Cars Suites
For Cars fans, this section is the most immersive, with rooms designed to resemble Radiator Springs, complete with automotive-themed furniture and decor. The Cozy Cone Pool, exclusive to this section, offers a quieter poolside retreat.
The Lion King Suites
Jungle-inspired and filled with familiar characters, The Lion King suites are great for those who love this classic film. This section is quieter than the others but lacks its own pool.
Standard Rooms – The Little Mermaid Section
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Little Mermaid standard rooms sleep up to four guests and are themed around Ariel, Ursula, and undersea decor. However, these rooms are farthest from the lobby and transportation (about an 8-12 minute walk). Unlike the family suites, these rooms only have one bathroom and an exterior entrance, similar to Disney’s All-Star Resorts.
Amenities & Recreation at Art of Animation
Disney’s Largest Pool – The Big Blue Pool
One of the biggest perks of staying at Art of Animation is The Big Blue Pool, the largest pool at Walt Disney World. Inspired by Finding Nemo, it features a zero-entry side and underwater speakers playing Disney music—a unique feature that makes swimming extra fun.
Additional Pools
Guests can also enjoy two quieter pools:
Cozy Cone Pool (Cars Section) – Features cone-shaped cabanas for lounging.
Flippin’ Fins Pool (Little Mermaid Section) – Smaller and themed after The Little Mermaid.
Other Resort Activities
Movies Under the Stars – Watch Disney films outdoors at night.
Pixel Play Arcade – Classic video games and entertainment for kids and adults.
Themed Playgrounds & Jogging Trails – Great for non-park days.
Dining at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Landscape of Flavors Food Court
Art of Animation’s only dining location, Landscape of Flavors, serves American and international cuisine with options like:
Custom create-your-own pasta dishes
Burgers, sandwiches, and pizza
Simba & Lightning McQueen waffles for breakfast
Drop Off Pool Bar
This poolside bar offers cocktails, wine, beer, and sangria, as well as light snacks like pretzels and chips.
Nearby Dining Options
If you want more variety, you can take the Skyliner to Disney’s Riviera Resort for upscale dining at Topolino’s Terraceor walk to Pop Century’s food court.
Transportation at Art of Animation
Disney Skyliner – The Fastest Way to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios
One of the biggest perks of staying at Art of Animation is the Disney Skyliner, which connects to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and other resorts. It’s faster and more enjoyable than buses.
Disney Bus Transportation
For guests heading to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs, buses are available. Unlike the All-Star Resorts, Art of Animation does not share bus routes with any other hotels, which means faster service.
Is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Worth It?
Pros
✅ Best Disney theming of any Value Resort
✅ Skyliner transportation for easy access to parks
✅ Family suites with two bathrooms and extra space
✅ Largest pool at Walt Disney World
Cons
❌ Higher price than other Value Resorts
❌ Little Mermaid rooms are far from the lobby
❌ No table-service restaurant
Final Thoughts on Staying at Art of Animation Value Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the best Disney Value Resort for families, thanks to its immersive theming, spacious suites, and Skyliner access. While it’s more expensive than other Value Resorts, the family-friendly atmosphere and convenient transportation make it a great choice for larger groups or Disney fans who love Pixar and classic animated movies.
Would you stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort? Let us know in the comments!
Plan Your Dream Disney Vacation With Ease
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can feel overwhelming with so many options for hotels, park tickets, and dining reservations—but I’m here to help.
As a Disney Travel Advisor, I specialize in crafting personalized Disney vacations tailored to your budget, travel style, and preferences. Whether you're visiting Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, I’ll help you design a stress-free and seamless trip from start to finish.
Start Planning in Just 6 Minutes
Fill out my quick Disney Vacation Planning Form, and I’ll take care of the details for you. The form covers:
Travel Dates & Party Size
Preferred Disney Hotels & Resorts
Theme Park Ticket Options
Dining & Special Experiences
Budget & Must-Do Attractions
Get Started Today
Click the link below to fill out the form, and I’ll be in touch with a customized plan for your Disney vacation.
Let’s make your Disney trip a reality—without the stress.
Comments