Welcome to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, where the vibrant worlds of Disney and Pixar films come to life! Nestled in the heart of Walt Disney World, Orlando, this Value Resort offers an enchanting blend of affordability, immersive theming, and family-friendly amenities. From the moment you step into the lobby, you’re surrounded by sketches and storyboards celebrating animation’s artistry. Whether you’re a fan of The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, or The Little Mermaid, this resort promises a magical stay. In this guide, we’ll explore its history, rooms, dining, pools, and more to help you plan an unforgettable Disney vacation.
A Brief History of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opened in 2012, but its story began years earlier. Originally, the land was slated for the second phase of Disney’s Pop Century Resort, themed around the “Legendary Years” (1900–1940). Construction started in 1999 but halted after the September 11 attacks due to declining tourism. In 2005, Disney tested family suites at All-Star Music Resort, paving the way for Art of Animation’s concept. Announced in 2010, the resort was reimagined to celebrate Disney animation, with phased openings from May to September 2012. Today, it stands as a tribute to beloved films, offering a unique experience (Wikipaedia).
Immersive Theming and Room Types
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort shines with its thematic design, immersing guests in iconic animated worlds. The resort features two main room types, each with distinct theming. Family suites, themed to The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars, accommodate up to six guests. These 565-square-foot suites include a living room, a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette. For example, Cars suites transport you to Radiator Springs with desert-inspired decor. Standard rooms, themed to The Little Mermaid, are smaller but vibrant, ideal for couples or smaller families. The theming, while whimsical, may feel bold for some adults (Disney Tourist Blog).
Family Suites: Spacious and Thematic
The family suites are a highlight, offering ample space for larger groups. Each suite features a pull-down queen bed in the living area, a master bedroom, and two bathrooms, ensuring comfort and privacy. The Finding Nemo suites, for instance, surround you with underwater scenes, complete with clownfish and coral. Meanwhile, The Lion King suites bring the savanna to life with Simba and friends. Guests rave about the immersive details, though some note the decor can feel playful rather than sophisticated. These suites are perfect for families seeking a magical, spacious retreat (Undercover Tourist).
Standard Rooms: Compact Disney Charm
For smaller groups, the Little Mermaid-themed standard rooms offer a cozy yet enchanting stay. Located in a separate building, these rooms feature colorful decor inspired by Ariel’s underwater world. While smaller than the suites, they include essentials like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators. However, their distance from the lobby (8–12 minutes) may require more walking. Guests appreciate the vibrant theming but note the rooms’ compact size. These rooms suit couples or small families looking for affordability without sacrificing Disney magic (Tripadvisor).
Amenities for All Ages
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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers a range of amenities that cater to families and solo travelers alike. The resort boasts three pools, with the Big Blue Pool, themed to Finding Nemo, being the largest at any Disney resort. It features underwater music and a splash pad for kids. The Cars pool offers a quieter retreat, while the Little Mermaid area has a cozy vibe. Additionally, the Pixel Play Arcade provides fun for all ages, and nightly “Movies Under the Stars” screenings bring Disney classics to life. Free WiFi and a jogging trail add convenience (Disney Food Blog).
Pools and Recreation
The Big Blue Pool is a standout, offering a saltwater swimming experience with Finding Nemo characters like Crush and Dory. It’s a hit with kids, though it can get crowded. The Cars pool, with its Cozy Cone cabanas, provides a calmer atmosphere. Families also enjoy the splash pad and outdoor play areas. For indoor fun, the Pixel Play Arcade features games like air hockey and basketball hoops. Evening activities, such as outdoor movie screenings, create a festive vibe. These amenities ensure there’s always something to do, making downtime as exciting as park visits (Ocean Florida).
Dining at Landscape of Flavors
The resort’s main dining option, Landscape of Flavors, is a food court offering diverse choices. From pizza and pasta to Asian-inspired dishes and desserts, there’s something for every palate. Guests praise its quality, noting it surpasses typical food courts. A poolside bar serves refreshing drinks, and a 24-hour convenience store stocks snacks. While there’s no table-service restaurant, Room Service is available for in-room dining. The food court’s variety and affordability make it a convenient choice for families, though some wish for more upscale dining options nearby (Disney Tourist Blog).
Convenient Location and Transportation
Located in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Resort Area, Art of Animation is near Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Its proximity to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (0.5 miles) and Epcot (1.5 miles) makes it ideal for park-goers. The Disney Skyliner gondola system offers a scenic ride to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, while buses connect to all Disney parks and water parks. Free parking and valet services are available for drivers, and the resort is a 20-minute drive from Orlando International Airport. However, its location may feel isolated for non-Disney dining (Tripadvisor).
Disney Skyliner and Bus Services
The Disney Skyliner, opened in 2019, is a game-changer for Art of Animation guests. This gondola system connects to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via Caribbean Beach Resort, offering quick and scenic transport. Buses provide access to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and water parks, with Art of Animation sharing efficient service with Pop Century. Guests appreciate the Skyliner’s convenience but note it doesn’t serve all parks, and those with a fear of heights may prefer buses. Free airport shuttles are available with advance booking, enhancing accessibility (Disney Tourist Blog).
Why Stay at Art of Animation Resort?
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers a compelling mix of value and magic. As a Value Resort, it provides moderate pricing, with family suites ranging from $400–$650 per night, often more economical than booking multiple standard rooms. The immersive theming appeals to kids and Disney enthusiasts, while amenities like the Big Blue Pool rival Deluxe Resorts. Its location and transportation options ensure easy park access. However, some guests find the theming overly playful, and the lack of nearby dining variety can be a drawback. Overall, it’s a top choice for families seeking a memorable, budget-friendly Disney experience (Undercover Tourist).
Pros and Cons
Aspect | Pros | Cons |
Theming | Immersive Disney and Pixar designs, especially in family suites | May feel tacky or overly whimsical for some adults |
Rooms | Spacious family suites for up to six, well-themed standard rooms | Standard rooms are smaller, farther from lobby |
Amenities | Large pools, arcade, outdoor movies, Skyliner access | Crowded pools, no table-service dining |
Pricing | Affordable for a Value Resort, suites cost-effective for large groups | Suites pricier than other Value Resort rooms |
Location | Close to Hollywood Studios and Epcot, efficient transportation | Isolated for non-Disney dining options |
Tips for a Magical Stay
To maximize your experience, book early to secure preferred room types, especially family suites. Use the MyDisneyExperience app for online check-in to save time. Arrive early at the Cars pool for free cabanas. For dining, explore Landscape of Flavors’ diverse menu, and consider nearby resorts for additional options. Take advantage of the Skyliner for quick park access, but plan for bus travel to Magic Kingdom. Check the resort’s schedule for “Movies Under the Stars” to enjoy a free evening activity. Finally, visit the lobby’s animation mural to appreciate Disney’s artistic legacy (Touring Plans).
FAQs
Is Art of Animation Resort suitable for adults without children?
While the resort’s vibrant theming appeals to kids, adults can enjoy its unique design, comfortable rooms, and convenient park access. The Big Blue Pool and Landscape of Flavors offer relaxation and dining options for all ages. However, some adults may find the whimsical decor less sophisticated (Tripadvisor).
How does the Disney Skyliner work at Art of Animation?
The Skyliner is a gondola system connecting Art of Animation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via Caribbean Beach Resort. It’s a quick, scenic option, but it doesn’t serve Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom, where buses are needed (Disney Tourist Blog).
What are the dining options at the resort?
Landscape of Flavors, the main food court, offers pizza, pasta, Asian dishes, and desserts. A poolside bar and convenience store provide additional options. Room Service is available, but there’s no table-service restaurant (Disney Food Blog).
How does pricing compare to other Disney Value Resorts?
Family suites ($400–$650/night) are pricier than standard rooms at resorts like All-Star Music but offer more space. Standard rooms at Art of Animation are comparably priced to other Value Resorts, making it a cost-effective choice for families (Disney Tourist Blog).
Conclusion:
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort blends affordability, immersive theming, and family-friendly amenities for an unforgettable Walt Disney World vacation. From spacious family suites to the massive Big Blue Pool, it offers a magical experience for guests of all ages. While its playful decor may not suit everyone, its value pricing and convenient transportation make it a top choice. Ready to step into your favorite Disney story? Book your stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort today (Disney World) and let the magic begin!