“The Rooms Are Starting to Look Dingy” — Will This Popular Hotel Be Next on Disney World’s Refurbishment List?

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is one of the most popular hotels at Disney World. Still, some Disney fans are pointing to a problem that is growing here.

The Art of Animation Resort opened in 2012 and quickly became a favorite among families and animation enthusiasts. The resort features themed wings dedicated to Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid, along with spacious family suites and playful pools that reflect Disney’s signature attention to detail. However, some of our readers think it might be time for an update.

Guests love staying here because it is connected to the Disney Skyliner, making transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios a breeze, as well as the lower price points compared to other Disney resorts. Over the years, however, some of the rooms have begun to show signs of wear, a natural result of heavy guest use over a decade.

One of our readers, Grant Gregory, recently shared his experience, saying: “I’ve only stayed at All-Star Movies and Art of Animation… I love AoA, and literally my only negative remark about it is that the rooms are starting to look dingy. Not enough to keep me away, but I’m simple. I think my wife and daughter were disappointed in the upkeep. And then if you have to stay in the Little Mermaid section, it looks like it would take FOREVER to get to transportation and the main building with the only on-site food. But if you stay at Cars, Lion King, or Nemo, I think AoA is awesome. Great themed pools, great themed buildings & grounds, good cafeteria, Skyliner is awesome.”

Because this resort is now over ten years old, it’s not surprising that some areas might be due for a refresh. Disney has shown a pattern with its value resorts: Disney’s Pop Century, for example, is currently undergoing room refurbishments that update soft goods, décor, and furnishings, while keeping the resort fully operational. The lobby at Pop Century is also getting a reimagined design through Fall 2025. Given this approach, it’s reasonable to expect that Art of Animation could be next on the refurbishment list once neighboring resorts complete their updates.

Art of Animation is still ideal for guests who love immersive theming, character touches, and family-friendly suites. However, travelers who are highly sensitive to wear and tear in rooms, or who want to be close to transportation and dining, might prefer to wait for a future refurb or consider Pop Century as an alternative. Moderate resorts are also a good option if your budget allows. In short, this resort remains a unique and beloved resort, but a future refresh could make it even better for new guests and returning fans alike.

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