The Art of Animation Resort is the newest at Walt Disney World and is classified in the value category. If you are a big Disney or Pixar animated film fan this is going to be a place you will want to stay. While the Art of Animation does offer standard hotel rooms the resort is largely comprised of family suites that can sleep up to six people.
Classification Value Resort with Family Suites
Located Next to Pop Century, ESPN Wide World of Sports and Hollywood Studios
Check-In: 3:00 p.m. / Check Out: 11:00 a.m.
As soon as you step into the lobby of the Art of Animation you will get a glimpse of the filmmaking process. The lobby is brightly decorated and shows the animated filmmaking process. Once you enter into the main resort grounds you will be amazed at the oversized decor from your favorite animated flicks. It is very reminiscent of the oversized decor at the All-Star Resorts and Pop Century. There are four films featured at this resort and they each have their own section. The animated films featured here are Finding Nemo, Cars, the Lion King and the Little Mermaid. The Little Mermaid rooms are only available with a standard room layout. The rest of the movie themed rooms are in family suite style layout.
Art of Animation Rooms
Family Suites are a larger styled room that we are seeing at more and more Disney World resorts. The family suites have a master bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a living room with a double sized sleeper sofa and another double sized bed that is hidden in the table in the room. There are two televisions, two full bathrooms and a mini kitchen that includes a small refrigerator, microwave, and a coffeemaker. The total size is around 525 square feet for a family suite.
The standard Little Mermaid rooms have either two double beds or one king bed. As well the rooms have a television, a small table with two chairs and drawers. These rooms are small at only 260 square feet but they are the largest out of all the value resort options.
A popular pick for a room is staying in the Finding Nemo section due to its proximity to the pool which is a priority for many guests. Of course, the downside to staying near the main pool is the noise level. If noise is a big concern I would stay in the Lion King section of the resort since it doesn’t have any pool in its section.
Dining Options at the Art of Animation
There is only one dining option at the resort, Landscape of Flavors. The highlight of this quick service location is the Mongolian grill and make your own burger station. If you are looking to eat here it’s right next to the lobby and gift shop in the main building. The seating area has four sections decorated with the four films featured at the resort.
Also, it’s important to talk about just how much Disney upped their game at this resort. The Landscape of Flavors food court features five food stations along with a market, a gelato counter and fresh smoothie and beverage stations. You will also notice that you are eating on real plates and use silverware, versus the paper and plastic at other Disney resort food courts. Fun fact, the flooring is made from all recyclable materials so be sure to take a look when you stop in. The Landscape of Flavors is open from 6 a.m. to midnight but note that certain stations may have differing hours.
When my husband and I ate here we were really surprised how much we enjoyed our meal. We didn’t expect much from a value resort cafeteria but the food quality is really good. I highly recommend the Tandoori Chicken. Even more surprising was the wide selection of options on the menu. One thing is for sure you aren’t going to be limited to your standard fare of burgers and chicken tenders here.
If you want you can also opt to order pizza. The pizza delivery service is available in the afternoon and evenings only.
Resort Recreation at the Art of Animation
The Big Blue Pool
The pool is a highlight of the Art of Animation Resort. It is located just off the lobby in the Finding Nemo area. Be sure to take a dip underwater and hear the sounds of your favorite Finding Nemo characters. In the back area of the pool, there is a splash and soak zone for little ones. If you looking for a quiet pool experience there are two smaller pools – one in the Little Mermaid courtyard and the other in the Cars courtyard.
The Verdict on Disney’s Art of Animation
If you are a large family and looking for a value this is the resort for you. The large rooms here and the theming is top-notch. It is a good idea to note that at the standard pricing you could get two standard rooms for less than one family suite. I recommend keeping your eyes peeled for the room discounts Disney will run periodically throughout the year.
Unfortunately, if you have a tiny party like I most often do this isn’t the ideal resort to stay at. The Little Mermaid rooms are ALL the way in the back and I do mean ALL THE WAY. It’s a hike, I thought it would be fine but man it’s a haul with my overpacked bags since I can never decide on one outfit per day 😳. The whole resort with its animated theme and oversized decor is targeted for kids and that makes it a great family resort. If you are trying to avoid kids then this isn’t the resort for you.
We love the food here as stated in the dining section above. Plus the bus system here is great. Always has plenty of buses at the one central bus spot just outside the lobby. Also since there is a walking path between the Pop Century Resort and the Art of Animation you could easily take that resorts bus and walk back to your room across the lake.
Have you stayed at the Art of Animation before? Share your experiences and review in the comments below.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!