Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: The Disney Bubble Champion… With One Big Disclaimer
If there’s one Walt Disney World resort that practically grabs you by the shoulders and shouts, “YOU ARE IN DISNEY!”, it’s Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
From giant characters towering over the buildings to immersive themed courtyards inspired by your favorite movies, Art of Animation isn’t just a hotel. It’s a full-blown Disney experience from the moment you pull into the parking lot.
But before you hit that “book now” button, there’s one important disclaimer I always share with my clients.
Let’s dive in.
Why Families Love Disney’s Art of Animation
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is one of the most visually impressive resorts at Walt Disney World.
Every section of the resort is themed around beloved Disney films:
- Finding Nemo
- Cars
- The Lion King
- The Little Mermaid
Walking through the resort feels like stepping into the movies themselves.
Kids are constantly pointing out oversized characters, taking photos, and discovering new details around every corner.
If your family loves Disney theming, this resort delivers in a way few others can.
The Skyliner Advantage
One of the biggest reasons I recommend Art of Animation is the transportation. Guests have direct access to the Disney Skyliner, which provides quick transportation to:
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
For many families, the Skyliner becomes an attraction itself. Instead of waiting for buses, you’re gliding above Walt Disney World with incredible views. It can save a surprising amount of time during your vacation and makes mid-day breaks much easier. Not to mention not having to fold up those strollers, especially when kids are lulled to sleep by the ride!
The Real Star: Family Suites
If you’re considering Art of Animation, my strongest recommendation is simple:
Book a Family Suite if your budget allows.
The suites sleep up to six guests and offer:
✅ Separate bedroom for parents
✅ Two bathrooms
✅ Kitchenette with microwave and mini-fridge
✅ Extra storage space
✅ Multiple sleeping surfaces
✅ Room for everyone to spread out
For larger families, these rooms are game changers.
The Cars Family Suites are some of my personal favorites because the theming is fantastic while still feeling comfortable for adults.
The Finding Nemo suites also put you closest to transportation, dining, and the pool.
The Big Blue Pool
The resort’s main pool is the famous Big Blue Pool.
It’s the largest resort pool at Walt Disney World and is packed with fun details inspired by Finding Nemo. The atmosphere here feels energetic and family-focused throughout the day, making it a favorite for kids.
My One Big Disclaimer
Now for the part that surprises some guests.
The Little Mermaid Rooms
The standard rooms at Art of Animation are located in the Little Mermaid section. While the theming is adorable, these rooms come with two major drawbacks:
1. They’re Small
Compared to the Family Suites, the standard rooms feel very tight. Once luggage, strollers, souvenirs, and tired family members start accumulating, space disappears quickly. For couples, they’re manageable. For families, they can feel cramped.
2. The Walk Is Real
This is the disclaimer I always mention. The Little Mermaid buildings are located at the very back of the resort. Depending on your room location, you’re looking at roughly a 7 to 10 minute walk to:
- The lobby
- Transportation
- Dining
- The Skyliner station
That might not sound terrible right now. After a 12-hour park day in the Florida heat with sleepy kids, it suddenly feels much longer. I’ve had many clients tell me they loved the resort but wished they’d realized just how far the walk would be before booking. Even after my warnings...
Who Should Stay Here?
Perfect For:
- Families needing space
- Guests who plan to use the Skyliner often
- Disney fans who love immersive theming
- Families of 5 or 6
- First-time visitors wanting maximum Disney magic
Consider Another Resort If:
- You want a standard room and dislike long walks
- You prefer a quieter atmosphere
- You need quick access to your room throughout the day
Final Thoughts
Disney’s Art of Animation checks almost every box for families.
Amazing theming. Great transportation. Fantastic pools. Spacious Family Suites.
In many ways, it’s one of the best resorts for fully experiencing the Disney bubble without paying deluxe resort prices.
Just remember my one disclaimer:
The Family Suites are absolutely worth the hype. The Little Mermaid standard rooms… not so much.
If you’re considering Art of Animation, I always recommend comparing the Family Suites against other resort options.
Sometimes the extra space and convenience make a much bigger difference than guests expect.
And after a long park day, those extra few minutes of walking can feel like crossing the entire Kingdom of Arendelle.
Need help deciding if Art of Animation is the right fit for your family?
I’d love to help compare resorts and find the perfect Walt Disney World stay for your next vacation!
