Disney's Art of Animation Resort
- 11 hours ago
- 5 min read
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort feels like stepping directly into your favorite animated films. Bright colors, oversized characters, and playful landscapes make this one of the most visually immersive resorts at Walt Disney World. From Cars to The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King, every section feels like its own themed world.
While still classified as a Value Resort, Art of Animation stands apart thanks to its incredibly popular Family Suites and direct Skyliner access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s a top choice for families who want space to spread out without stepping into Moderate or Deluxe pricing.
From January 24, 2027, through January 30, 2027, Disney Skyliner will be closed for refurbishment. Complimentary bus service will be available.
Resort at a Glance
Resort Category: Value Resort
Best For: Families, larger groups, Disney and Pixar fans, Skyliner access, guests needing family suites
Price Range: $ to $$
Location: Wide World of Sports Resort Area (across Hourglass Lake from Pop Century)
Transportation Highlight:
Disney Skyliner: EPCOT & Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Buses: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs
Room Style: Exterior corridors (motel-style buildings)
Sleeps:
Up to 6 guests in Family Suites (ages 3+)
Up to 4 in Standard Rooms (ages 3+)
Standout Feature: Immersive, larger-than-life Disney and Pixar theming paired with spacious Family Suites
Who Should Stay Here and Why
Art of Animation Resort is ideal for:
Families & Larger Groups: Family Suites sleep up to six and include multiple bathrooms and a kitchenette.
Disney & Pixar Fans: Immersive theming makes the resort itself part of the vacation.
First-Time Visitors: Clear layout, fun visuals, and Skyliner access simplify getting around property.
Skyliner-Lovers: Quick, scenic transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Value-Conscious Travelers Who Need Space: A strong alternative to booking two standard rooms at a higher-category resort.
Who Should Consider Another Resort
This resort may not be ideal for:
Couples or adults seeking a quiet, refined, or romantic atmosphere
Guests who prefer interior hallways or deluxe-style amenities
Travelers planning to spend most of their time at Magic Kingdom (bus-only transportation)
Guests wanting a water slide at the pool
Resort Theming
Art of Animation is divided into four distinct sections, each inspired by a beloved Disney or Pixar film:
Cars: A full walk-through of Radiator Springs, complete with life-size characters and desert scenery
Finding Nemo: Bright, colorful underwater theming with playful sea life and coral-inspired buildings
The Lion King: African savanna-style landscapes and iconic character statues
The Little Mermaid: Beachy tones and larger than life characters (home to all Standard Rooms)
Every section features larger-than-life characters and photo-worthy moments, making this one of the most Instagram-friendly resorts on property.
Room Types Available
Standard Room (The Little Mermaid Section)
Bed Configuration: One Queen bed plus one Queen-size Murphy table bed
Approximate Size: ~277 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 4 guests (ages 3+)
Location: Farthest from Skyliner, buses, lobby, and dining
Family Suite
Bed Configuration: One Queen bed, one Queen-size Murphy bed, and one Double-Size sleeper sofa
Room Configuration: Queen bed in bedroom, 2 bathrooms, kitchenette
Approximate Size: ~565 sq. ft.
Capacity: Sleeps up to 6 guests
Location: Cars, Lion King, and Finding Nemo Areas
Finding Nemo Suites are the closest to the food court and transportation
Sofa Bed:
Table Bed:
Accessible Rooms
Widened doorways, roll-in showers, and other accessibility features
Building or room requests are never guaranteed.
Room Tours
Lion King Suite:
Finding Nemo Suite with all beds down:
Little Mermaid Room
Room Amenities
Mini fridge
Cuisinart single-serve coffee maker
Joffrey’s coffee pods
H2O shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Complimentary cribs or Pack ’n Plays (upon request, subject to availability)
Microwaves
Communal microwaves available at the dining location
In-room microwave included in Family Suites
Under-bed storage
Multiple outlets and USB ports
Why Choose a Family Suite?
Family Suites provide the comfort of a one-bedroom-style layout at a lower price point than most Moderate and Deluxe resorts. The second bathroom is a major perk for mornings and bedtime routines, and the kitchenette allows for easy breakfasts and snacks without leaving the room. For many families, this setup offers better value than booking two separate standard rooms.
Location
Nestled in the Wide World of Sports Area, near EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios,
Art of Animation shares a Skyliner station with Pop Century Resort. This gives guests a direct aerial route to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the Caribbean Beach transfer hub.
While Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom require bus transportation, the resort’s strong Skyliner access makes dining at EPCOT’s World Showcase and visiting Hollywood Studios especially convenient.
Transportation Options
Getting around Walt Disney World is easy from Art of Animation.
Disney Skyliner: EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (via Caribbean Beach transfer hub)
Buses: Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs
Estimated Travel Times (Once Onboard)
Magic Kingdom: ~20 minutes (bus)
EPCOT: ~20 minutes (Skyliner)
Hollywood Studios: ~15 minutes (Skyliner)
Animal Kingdom: ~20 minutes (bus)
Dining Options
Landscape of Flavors
Type: Quick Service
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Mobile Order: Available
Dining Plan Accepted: Quick Service & Snack Credits
Known For: Wide variety of global-inspired stations, Strong allergy-friendly and customizable meal options, Solid breakfast and late-night grab-and-go choices
The Drop Off Pool Bar
Type: Pool Bar
Meals: Snacks (Lunch and Dinner) and Drinks
Menu Highlights: Cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks
Dining Plan: Some plans accepted
Pools at Art of Animation
Big Blue Pool (Finding Nemo)
Largest resort pool at Walt Disney World
Zero-entry design
Underwater music
Kiddie splash area
Cozy Cone Pool (Cars)
Cone-shaped pool inspired by the Cozy Cone Motel
Quieter and more relaxed atmosphere
Flippin’ Fins Pool (The Little Mermaid)
Fish-themed pool
Convenient for guests staying in Standard Rooms
Poolside Activities
Themed games and trivia hosted daily at Big Blue Pool
Other Activities at the Resort
Movies Under the Stars: Outdoor movies near Big Blue Pool on select nights
Campfire S’mores: Evening marshmallow roasting
Arcade: Pixel Play Arcade
Playgrounds: Located in the Finding Nemo and Cars sections
Shopping: Ink & Paint gift shop for Disney merchandise and travel essentials
Jogging Path: Walking path around Hourglass Lake with fun facts
Laundry & Dry Cleaning: 24-hour self-service laundry near pools; valet dry cleaning via Housekeeping
Final Thoughts
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is one of the most immersive and family-friendly resorts on Disney property. With its bold theming, spacious Family Suites, and Skyliner access, it’s a standout choice for guests who want the resort itself to feel like part of the attraction.
For families who need space, love Disney storytelling, and want strong transportation access without deluxe pricing, Art of Animation delivers exceptional value and unforgettable atmosphere.
Need help deciding if this is the right resort for your trip? Get in touch with our friends at Willow + Wand. They are always happy to help match you with the perfect fit based on your travel style, group size, and priorities.
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