I’ve stayed in plenty of Disney hotels over the years, but few setups have been as practical (and surprisingly spacious) as the family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. If you’re planning a trip with a larger group, knowing the Art of Animation family suite floor plan ahead of time can help you pack smarter, plan better, and avoid the chaos that sometimes comes with squeezing everyone into a standard room.
We recently stayed in a Cars-themed suite, and while the decor charmed my kids, it was the layout that truly saved our sanity. These suites are a great option for families who want space to spread out without jumping all the way to a deluxe resort price tag.
They bridge the gap between affordability and functionality in a way that makes a real difference when you're spending long days at the parks and just need a peaceful place to regroup.
- The three separate sleeping areas can comfortably fit up to six people, with real beds (no sleeping bags required).
- There are two bathrooms, which is a rare and welcome luxury in a value resort.
- The mini kitchen setup (microwave, fridge, sink) is perfect for prepping simple meals or late-night snacks.
Art of Animation Family Suite Floor Plan Breakdown
Each suite includes:
- A separate master bedroom with a queen bed and its own bathroom.
- A living area with a pull-out double sofa bed.
- A dining area with a table that converts into a double Murphy bed.
- A second full bathroom next to the living/dining area.
- A small kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge, sink, and some storage.
The design is surprisingly thoughtful. You can close the door to the master bedroom for privacy (ideal for naps or if you're working remotely), and the convertible furniture means that during the day, the room feels open and functional. The layout gives you clear zones, a place to sleep, a place to eat, and a place to unwind.
You can see the official room layout on the Disney Art of Animation Resort page, which gives you a visual if you’re trying to imagine the exact configuration.
How It Feels in Real Life
We had two adults, two kids, and one grandma in our suite, and no one felt like they were sleeping on top of each other. The Murphy bed is surprisingly comfortable, and since it folds up into a table during the day, it doesn’t dominate the room.
The second bathroom made getting ready in the morning way faster. If you’ve ever had to coordinate showers with a group of tired park-goers, you’ll know what a big deal this is. It allowed us to split up the schedule: one adult could shower while another helped kids get dressed, and there was no waiting in line just to brush your teeth.
Storage is limited, but manageable. There are drawers under the TV and a small closet in the master bedroom. We brought packing cubes and collapsible storage bins to help stay organized.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Layout
Don’t treat the Murphy bed like an afterthought. If you have younger kids who go to bed early, it can be helpful to give them that space so adults can still hang out in the living area or bedroom without disturbing them. In our case, we gave the Murphy bed to the kids so they could crash early while the grown-ups relaxed or caught up on planning for the next day.
If you're traveling with friends instead of family, consider assigning the Murphy bed to the person who likes to get up the earliest, since it's in the most active part of the suite.
Store Your Luggage Under the Queen Bed
There isn’t a ton of drawer space, but the raised queen bed in the main bedroom has ample space underneath for suitcases. It helped keep the suite from feeling cluttered. We slid in two large roller bags and still had room left for shoes and extra bags. Packing cubes made it even easier to pull out what we needed without digging through everything.
Make Use of the Kitchenette
We kept cereal, fruit, and yogurt in the fridge and had quick breakfasts in the room before heading to the parks. It saved time and money. We also used the microwave to reheat leftovers from the food court or nearby quick-service restaurants. If you have dietary needs, it's especially useful for prepping safe snacks and meals. You can even get groceries delivered to your resort using services like Instacart or Garden Grocer, which we did on our last trip.
If kitchen access is a major perk for you, consider looking into one of the best Disney World value resorts that offers similar features.
Why This Suite Layout Beats a Standard Room
For families of five or six, standard Disney hotel rooms often feel like a compromise. But the Art of Animation family suite floor plan gives you:
- Space to spread out and unwind
- Separate areas for different bedtimes
- Two bathrooms, which honestly changes everything when you’re rushing to catch a Genie+ window
It’s the little things, like having a door to close, or being able to brush your teeth while someone else showers, that make a big difference during a full-throttle Disney trip.
And you still get the Disney perks like complimentary transportation, themed pools, and early theme park entry. If you're weighing other options, check out our reviews of Disney World hotels for a broader comparison.
Choosing the Right Section: Cars, Lion King, or Finding Nemo
Each suite section has the same floor plan, but the buildings are in different locations. Finding Nemo suites are closest to the main pool and food court (and also the Art of Animation bus schedule), while Cars and Lion King are a little quieter.
If you want walkability and convenience, Nemo wins. But know that you may also hear more pool noise and general foot traffic. If you want a calmer vibe, Cars or Lion King might be better. The Cars section has its own themed courtyard and is closer to parking, which helped us when we drove to Disney Springs one evening. Lion King has fewer distractions for younger kids, which can be helpful at bedtime.
And if you’re debating between resorts, this comparison of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort or even resorts near Disney World with shuttle service might help you decide what’s best for your trip.
Who This Setup Is Perfect For
These suites aren’t just for families with kids. I’d also recommend them for:
- Adult friend groups who want space but don’t want to splurge on a deluxe
- Grandparent trips where someone wants their own room
- Anyone weighing how to choose a Disney World resort and wants room for six
It’s also a great option compared to offsite hotels. Even though Marriott hotels near Disney World might save you a few bucks, the convenience of staying on Disney property and getting perks like early entry often makes the suite worth it. Plus, there's something to be said for being fully immersed in the Disney bubble, especially when you have access to fun theming, a great pool area, and the benefits of staying at a Disney World resort.
If you’re traveling with a group and want a setup that balances comfort, privacy, and function, the Art of Animation family suite floor plan delivers in ways that surprised me. It's not just cute theming, it’s a smart, flexible design that makes a busy Disney trip much more manageable.
For families, groups, or multi-generational travel, it’s one of the best values on Disney property.
