So you're thinking about staying at Disney's Art of Animation Resort? Good choice. I stayed there last spring with my family, and let me tell you – walking into that lobby feels like jumping straight into a Pixar movie. But is it worth the price? How do the rooms really stack up? And what don't they tell you on the official website? I'll break it all down based on my experience and extensive research.
What Exactly is Disney's Art of Animation Resort?
Imagine stepping into a life-sized sketchbook where Finding Nemo characters swim past your window and Lion King statues tower over palm trees. That's Art of Animation Resort in a nutshell. Opened in 2012, it's one of Disney World's value-tier resorts with a twist – it celebrates Disney and Pixar animation through immersive themed areas. What surprised me? How massive it is. The resort sprawls across 65 acres with over 2,000 rooms. You'll find sections dedicated to:
- Finding Nemo (where the huge pool is)
- Cars (hello, life-sized Lightning McQueen!)
- The Lion King (perfect for photo ops)
- The Little Mermaid (standalone buildings)
Personal gripe: The Little Mermaid rooms are a solid 10-15 minute walk from the main building. After a 20,000-step park day, that feels like a marathon. Request a closer building if you have little ones or mobility issues.
2024 Pricing Breakdown (What You'll Actually Pay)
| Room Type | Themed Movies | Sleeps | Avg. Nightly Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Suite | Cars, Lion King, Finding Nemo | Up to 6 | $450-$650 | Families of 4+ |
| Standard Room | The Little Mermaid | Up to 4 | $200-$350 | Couples/small families |
Rates fluctuate wildly. Midweek in September? Maybe $220/night. Christmas week? Brace for $650+. They hit you with a $20/night parking fee too – something I wish Disney would include.
Hands Down the Best Features (And Where It Falls Short)
What They Nail:
- The Big Blue Pool: Largest resort pool in Disney World with underwater speakers playing "Beyond the Sea" – kids go nuts.
- Skyliner Access: Direct gondola to Hollywood Studios and Epcot (game-changer for rope drop).
- Family Suite Layout: Separate bedroom and living area with kitchenette (microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker).
- Photo Ops Everywhere: Larger-than-life characters from Cars, Lion King, etc.
Where They Miss:
- No Hot Tubs: Seriously, zero hot tubs on property after long park days.
- Thin Walls: Heard our neighbors' alarm clock like it was in our room.
- Bus Chaos: Shared buses with Pop Century resort during peak hours.
- Limited Dining: Just one food court (Landscape of Flavors) – gets swamped at 7AM.
Dining: What's Actually Edible
Let's talk Landscape of Flavors – the resort's only real food spot. Open 6AM-11PM daily. They do breakfast bowls better than expected, but dinner? Hit-or-miss pasta stations. Must-try items:
- Create-Your-Own-Pasta (~$14): Fresh noodles with pesto or alfredo
- Banana Bread Pancakes (~$11): Surprisingly delicious
- Gelato Station (~$6): Real Italian-style
Pro tip? Mobile order through the My Disney Experience app. Saw families waiting 25+ minutes in line while I walked up to the pickup counter.
Nearby Food Options Worth Leaving For
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Travel Time | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastian's Bistro (Caribbean Beach) | Tropical family-style | 8 min via Skyliner | $$ ($35/person) |
| River Roost Lounge (Port Orleans) | Southern bites & cocktails | 15 min bus ride | $ ($12-20) |
Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind
The Skyliner is why I'd pick Animation Resort over other value resorts. These enclosed gondolas run until 11PM and connect you to:
- Epcot: 12 minutes
- Hollywood Studios: 8 minutes
- Caribbean Beach: Transfer hub (5 minutes)
Now the bad news: Buses to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. During my stay, waits averaged 25 minutes at peak times. One morning we waited 45 minutes – missed Early Entry entirely. Pro strategy? Schedule MK days for non-park-hopping days and Uber ($12-15) if running late.
Transportation Comparison
| Destination | Transport Option | Avg. Travel Time | Peak Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epcot | Skyliner | 12 min | 10-15 min |
| Hollywood Studios | Skyliner | 8 min | 5-10 min |
| Magic Kingdom | Bus | 20 min | 25-45 min |
| Disney Springs | Bus | 25 min | 20-30 min |
Who Should (And Shouldn't) Book Animation Resort Disney
Perfect for:
- Families needing space (those suites save you)
- First-time Disney visitors wanting "wow" factor
- Epcot/Hollywood Studios fans (Skyliner access is gold)
- Budget travelers wanting more than basic motel vibes
Skip if:
- You want romantic/quiet atmosphere (this place buzzes)
- Need multiple dining options (only 1 food court)
- Prefer upscale amenities (no spa, club lounge, etc.)
- Hate walking (distances between sections are no joke)
Insider Tips They Don't Tell You
- Room Request Hack: Ask for "Building 5 or 6 near elevator" for Nemo suites – closest to lobby/food
- Secret Path: Behind Finding Nemo buildings leads directly to Skyliner in 3 minutes flat
- Free Souvenir: Do the Animation Academy drawing class (schedule at lobby)
- Early Coffee: Starbucks in lobby opens at 6AM – beat the 7AM rush
- Pool Hopping: Use Skyliner to visit Caribbean Beach's quiet pools midday
My biggest takeaway? Animation Resort Disney shines for families craving immersion without deluxe prices. But manage expectations – it's still a value resort. Theming is 10/10, but amenities are basic. Worth it for the Skyliner alone if you strategize park days right.
Answers to Your Burning Questions
Is Disney's Art of Animation Resort worth the cost?
Yes – if you book a suite for 4+ people. At $450/night split four ways, it's competitive vs. two hotel rooms. Little Mermaid rooms? Only worth it during under-$250 discounts.
How far in advance should I book?
6-8 months for suites (they sell out first). Standard rooms? 3-4 months. Disney drops discounts 4-6 months out – set alerts.
Can I see fireworks from the resort?
Not really. Some upper-floor Epcot-facing suites catch glimpses of Harmonious, but don't expect Magic Kingdom views. Head to Contemporary Resort's observation deck instead.
Are there laundry facilities?
Yes, in every section. $3 wash/$3 dry per load. Mobile alerts via LaundryView app tell you when machines free up.
What separates Art of Animation from Pop Century?
Three things: Family suites (Pop has limited), more immersive theming, and slightly better Skyliner access. Otherwise, same bus system, same food court quality. Pop's rooms got renovated more recently though.
Is the noise really that bad?
It varies. Little Mermaid rooms face parking lots (quieter). Nemo suites overlook pools – you'll hear splashing until 11PM. Bring white noise apps if light sleeping.
Final Straight Talk
Would I stay at Animation Resort Disney again? With kids – absolutely. The look on my niece's face when she saw Crush's pool? Priceless. As a couple? Probably not. The noise and walking got old after day three.
Bottom line: It delivers Disney magic on a budget, but only if you leverage its strengths – Skyliner access, suite layouts, and pure visual fun. Just pack patience for transportation hiccups and bring snacks for those long hallway treks.
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