Art of Animation Resort Review

Big families will especially have a great time here with Nemo, Simba & friends

Art of Animation is one of the best Value Hotels at Walt Disney World, and that probably explains why it’s also the most expensive Value Hotel in Mickey’s roster. This is a large resort with the biggest swimming pool of all Disney World resorts (yes, even larger than the one at the Grand Floridian), a skyliner service and the signature Disney touch everywhere. The rooms, lobby, and even the exterior of the buildings are designed with classic IPs in mind, such as The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo.

This resort starts at $215 and is packed with features kids will love, with Disney theming everywhere. Designed with families in mind, it even offers “Family Suites” starting at $490, accommodating up to six guests. If you’re traveling with children, enjoy the idea of a resort with a large pool, and want convenient access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via the Skyliner, this might be the perfect choice for you.

What we like about Art of Animation Resort

Art of Animation Resort pool.webp — Walt Disney World©

You’ll likely have a great time here if you’re visiting with family and children. The resort is also ideal for large families or groups, as the Family Suites accommodate up to six guests. These suites are spacious, measuring about 565 square feet - roughly twice the size of a regular room - and offer plenty of room for everyone to spread out. The Cars and Lion King-themed suites are vibrant and extravagant, with characters featured throughout. While it might feel overwhelming to some, kids absolutely love it.

Art of Animation offers a variety of great amenities. While there isn’t a signature blockbuster restaurant, it is home to Landscape of Flavors, a food court featuring several quick-service restaurants for a tasty bite. You can enjoy anything from hamburgers and pizza to ice cream and tacos. In keeping with the overall vibe of Art of Animation, it’s a perfect food court for children and picky eaters. There’s also an area with an arcade and the resort gives you access to the “Movie Under the Stars”.

Art of Animation Resort Little Mermaid Room.webp

One of the best features of this resort is the Skyliner system, which is shared with Pop Century Resort. The Skyliner takes guests to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios, providing an incredibly convenient way to get around Disney World. While it can be busy in the mornings, it’s still preferable to waiting for a bus or driving to the theme parks and paying for parking.

Another great piece of news? Even when you need to use buses, Art of Animation does not share transportation with any other Disney World hotel. This is fantastic because it means you can get to Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom quickly, saving precious time. And we all know that saving time is especially important at Walt Disney World.

There are three pools at this resort, including one themed after Finding Nemo, which is the largest pool at Walt Disney World. If you love pools, this resort might be a lot of fun, offering plenty of options to choose from.

What we don’t like about Art of Animation Resort

Art of Animation Resort Finding Nemo Suite.webp

There’s not much to not like about this resort. It’s a big one, and you might have to walk a lot to explore the entire grounds, but I wouldn’t actually put it as a downside. The main problem here, by the way, is the price. Not the price for the standard The Little Mermaid rooms, but for the family suites based on Cars, Finding Nemo and The Lion King.

A standard The Little Mermaid room for up to four guests starts at $215, while a family suite for six guests begins at $495 - more than double the price! The family suites are spacious and even include a living room, but the steep price difference raises some questions. These suites feature a small kitchenette with a microwave and two bathrooms, but they’re not exactly luxurious for the price difference.