Art of Animation Review | Disney World Resorts for Families

If you’re looking for a fun and immersive experience for your family during your stay at Disney World, the Art of Animation Resort might be just what you’re looking for. We have stayed at this resort a number of times and it is a family favorite of ours!

Some of the information below includes affiliate links. When you click these links Moms with Mouse Ears may make a commission from your purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

While it’s classed as a Value Resort, Art of Animation features an array of amenities and features that help make it feel extra special. 

Art of Animation Resort is located in the heart of Disney World at Hourglass Lake and is designed to transport you into the world of animation. Each section of the resort is themed after a beloved Disney movie, with larger-than-life characters and colorful decor that will make you feel like you’re part of the action.

Whether you’re a fan of The Little Mermaid, Cars, Finding Nemo, or The Lion King, you’ll find something to love at this resort.

Art of Animation Highlights

• The Art of Animation Resort is a fun and immersive experience that transports you into the world of animation.
• The resort is located in the heart of Disney World and is themed after beloved Disney movies.
• Each section of the resort features larger-than-life characters and colorful decor that will delight guests of all ages.

Art of Animation Resort Overview

If you’re looking for a fun and whimsical stay at Walt Disney World, Art of Animation Resort is a great choice. This value resort is perfect for families and those who love all things Disney animation. Here’s what you need to know about this resort.

Theme and Design

Art of Animation Resort is all about animation, with larger-than-life characters and sketches everywhere you look. The resort is divided into four sections: The Little Mermaid, Cars, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo. Each section has its own unique design and theming, so you can pick your favorite movie or character and stay in a corresponding room.

Location and Accessibility

Located in the Hourglass Lake area, Art of Animation Resort is close to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The resort is also conveniently located near the Disney Skyliner, which provides easy access to other Disney resorts and parks. Buses are also available to take you to other parks and attractions.

Amenities and Recreation

Art of Animation Resort has three pools: The Big Blue Pool, the Cozy Cone Pool, and the Flippin’ Fins Pool. There’s also an arcade, playground, jogging trail, and movies under the stars. The resort’s gift shop has everything you need, including an ATM and in-room safe.

Shopping and Services

Right off the main lobby, the resort’s gift shop Ink & Paint Shop has a variety of Disney merchandise, including souvenirs and snacks. They carry merchandise that is unique to Art of Animation resort, as well as other items like pins, shirts, bags, and more!

Transportation

The Disney Skyliner provides easy access to other Disney resorts and parks, including Caribbean Beach, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Buses are also available to take you to other parks and attractions.

Resort Room Types and Accommodations

Art of Animation Resort offers a variety of room types, including family suites and standard rooms. The family suites are perfect for larger families or groups, with separate bedrooms and living areas. The standard rooms are decorated with sketches and characters from the movies, and feature either two double beds or one king bed.

On our first stay at Art of Animation, our family of four stayed in the Little Mermaid standard rooms, which sleep 4 Adults with two queen beds. (There is also a configuration with 1 king bed.) These rooms are the ultimate location for any Little Mermaid fan!

The Little Mermaid rooms are a further distance from the main lobby and pool area, however if you don’t mind the walk – this area is absolutely stunning with its Under the Sea details!

If you’ll be staying in the Little Mermaid section during your stay at Art of Animation, check out our Ariel Disneybound ideas to plan outfits for your trip!

Family Suites at Art of Animation

There are three different areas that offer family suites: Nemo suites, Cars suites, and Lion King suites. All of the areas offer rooms that work well for larger families and include a bedroom with a queen bed, pull down Murphy bed, and additional bed space with a pull out couch bed in the living space. 

Another added bonus of the family suite configuration is that they have two separate bathrooms that include both toilets and showers, so that provides additional space for your travel party to get ready more easily. 

Most recently, I had the opportunity to stay in a family suite in the Cars area at the resort. I absolutely loved the theme of the art and it was like stepping into the Cars movie! 

My favorite part of this area was the fantastic theme throughout both the outdoor space and into the room, but I also really enjoyed being able to spread out in our resort room and having the two bathrooms to get ready in the mornings. 

Dining Options at Art of Animation

The Landscape of Flavors is the resort’s food court, offering a variety of options including pizza, burgers, and international cuisine. It has a robust selection of options, making it perfect for families looking to get a good meal before heading to the theme parks. 

The Drop Off Pool Bar is also a great spot to grab a drink and relax by the Big Blue Pool.

Family suites at Art of Animation also have both a mini refrigerator and microwave, making it easy to prepare or reheat meals right in your room. This is a great way to stretch your budget while staying at Walt Disney World and make the most of large meals that you may be able to bring back leftovers to your suite and reuse those for another meal. 

Comparisons with Other Value Resorts

Compared to other value resorts like Pop Century, Art of Animation Resort has larger rooms and more theming. However, it is slightly more expensive than other value resorts. For our family, this is our favorite pick out of the value resorts, and it also works for both small and large families. 

This resort feels different from both the All Stars Resorts and Pop Century, putting it almost in a category of its own. 

With both family suites that can sleep 6 Adults and standard rooms that sleep 4 Adults, there is a good selection of rooms at Art of Animation to fit a variety of families. 

Would I Stay at Art of Animation Again?

Art of Animation Resort is a great choice for families and those who love Disney animation. With its larger-than-life characters and sketches, fun pools, and convenient transportation options, it’s sure to be a memorable stay at Walt Disney World. We absolutely would return to this resort again and also rated it one of the best resort picks for families when visiting Walt Disney World.

This resort has a unique feeling when you’re staying there, and if your family loves Disney animation – this resort is sure to be a big hit with your family. From the minute you step foot in the lobby with the larger than life animation features, you are immersed in a world of Disney animation.

Our family loves the strong Disney character themes throughout the resort, and if you’re looking for a resort experience that is uniquely Disney, this resort will be a great fit for you! 

If you’d like to see an in-depth comparison of the Value Resorts and standout features for families, check out our Ranking of Value Resorts for Families post. 

Want to compare other resorts to this one? Check our rankings of Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts for families!

• Why Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort
• Best Disney World Value Resorts with Rankings for Families
• Best Disney World Moderate Resorts with Rankings for Families
• Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts with Rankings for Families