If you’re planning a trip to Disney World and researching value resorts, this review of Art of Animation Resort will give you a grounded, personal look at what it’s really like to stay at a Disney resort. I recently spent five nights at the resort, and while it definitely has some high points, there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand.
Whether you're considering it for the family suites, theming, or Skyliner access, here’s what stood out to me—the good, the not-so-great, and everything in between.
Review of Art of Animation Resort: What You Should Know First
Let’s start with the basics: Art of Animation is a Disney Value Resort, but it definitely stands apart from the other value options. The larger-than-life theming is incredibly immersive for kids, and the family suites are spacious and practical for groups. That said, there are some trade-offs that come with staying at a value resort—even a themed one like this.
This resort is designed to feel animated in every sense of the word. It leans heavily into Disney and Pixar films, with sections themed after The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid. If you love these films or are traveling with someone who does, that alone may tip the scale in favor of staying here. But there's more to consider.
I’ll walk you through my experience, share some personal highlights, and give you realistic tips so you can decide if it’s worth it for your Disney trip.
Key Points from My Stay
- The Cars section is the quietest and best located for both pool access and the Skyliner. Avoid Little Mermaid rooms if you don’t want long walks.
- Family suites are fantastic for groups of 4–6, especially with two bathrooms and a kitchenette.
- Skyliner access is a game-changer for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, but buses are still the only option for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
What I Loved: Family Suites and Theming
I stayed in one of the Cars family suites, and it genuinely felt like a good value. The suite had a queen bed, a pull-out couch, and a murphy bed that converted from the dining table. Two bathrooms made mornings much smoother with kids. There's also a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, so you can save money by eating a few meals in your room.
The layout is perfect for families or groups who want to be together but also need privacy. The main bedroom is separated by a door, and having two separate bathrooms really helped us avoid morning traffic jams.
The theming is over-the-top in the best way for kids. Each section of the resort is filled with larger-than-life characters and detailed outdoor areas that encourage wandering and photos. My kids ran around spotting all the characters and loved playing in the themed courtyards. It gave us some downtime outside the parks without the need to spend more money.
If you're trying to compare this to other family-friendly options, check out best Walt Disney World resorts for families.
What I Didn’t Love: Distance and Food Options
Not everything was perfect. If you’re in the Little Mermaid standard rooms, be prepared to walk. It’s the farthest section from the main lobby, food court, and transportation. I saw families with strollers struggling late at night after a long day in the parks. It can easily add 10–15 minutes each way, and that adds up over a week.
This distance becomes even more noticeable when you’re carrying sleeping kids, trying to get to the lobby quickly for a ride-share, or needing something from the main store. Unless you're on a strict budget, the family suites closer to the center of the resort are well worth the upgrade.
Also, the food at Landscape of Flavors was just okay. It has variety—burgers, pasta, some international dishes—but it didn’t feel very inspired. After the second day, we found ourselves wanting to eat elsewhere. The grab-and-go options were convenient, but not much stood out. If you're someone who values better dining options, you might want to explore Disney World deluxe resorts or even Marriott hotels near Disney World that offer better on-site restaurants.
Skyliner Access: A Big Win
One of the best parts of staying here is easy access to the Skyliner. It connects you to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios in a way that's fast, scenic, and far more pleasant than bus rides. It cuts down on wait times and lets you avoid the sardine-can feeling of peak-hour buses.
The station is shared with Disney's Pop Century Resort, and service is generally fast and frequent. It allowed us to easily take a mid-day break, return for fireworks, or even hop over to EPCOT for dinner without overthinking transportation.
You can learn more about how the transit system works in this Art of Animation bus schedule breakdown.
If Skyliner access is important to you, here's a full list of Disney World resorts with Skyliner access.
Pool Time and Amenities
The Big Blue Pool in the Finding Nemo section is the largest on Disney property and is great for kids. It even has underwater music, which is a neat touch. There are also two quieter pools in the Cars and Little Mermaid sections, which I actually preferred because they were less crowded and felt more relaxing after a long park day.
There's a playground near the Nemo pool and plenty of seating in shaded areas. Towels are provided, and lifeguards are always present. I didn’t see a ton of adults-only lounging, though, so if you’re traveling without kids, this might feel a bit hectic during peak hours.
Laundry facilities were clean, and I appreciated the ability to track machine availability through Disney's app. It might seem small, but it's helpful on longer stays. The Ink & Paint Shop in the lobby also had a solid selection of souvenirs and travel essentials, which came in handy when we forgot sunscreen.
Is It Worth the Price Compared to Other Value Resorts?
Art of Animation is definitely at the top of the value category. Compared to All-Star Music or Movies (here’s a breakdown of those), it offers more space, better transportation, and stronger theming.
That said, it’s also more expensive than other value resorts. If your budget is tight, check out the best Disney World value resorts for some affordable options that may still meet your needs.
Or, if you’re considering a split stay or want something a bit more scenic and relaxed, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort could be a good moderate option. It offers some of the same benefits (like Skyliner access) with a different vibe and price point.
Final Thoughts: Who This Resort Is Best For
If you're traveling with young kids, extended family, or just want a suite with extra space and easy access to the Skyliner, Art of Animation is a smart pick. It’s not the most relaxing or quiet resort on property, but it’s designed to be fun, bold, and practical. You’re paying for the theming, the convenience of multiple beds and bathrooms, and access to a fast transportation option.
Before booking, I recommend reading through a few guides like how to choose a Disney World resort and benefits of staying at a Disney World resort. They helped me set realistic expectations and make the most of our stay.
If you want a peek inside the room setup before deciding, this Art of Animation family suite floor plan will help you visualize the space.
For more details on pricing, availability, and official amenities, you can visit the official Disney World Art of Animation Resort page.
