On this page

• Overview →
• What’s New at Art of Animation →
• Layout and Theming →
• Rooms →
• The Little Mermaid Rooms →
• Family Suites →
• Dining →
• Transportation →
• Pools and Recreation →
• Amenities and Services →
• Dog-Friendly Accommodations →
• Disney Resort Guest Benefits →
• AllEars Tips →
• Is Art of Animation Right for You? →
• Frequently Asked Questions →

Overview

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is located in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area at:

1850 Animation Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8400
Phone: (407) 938-7000

Art of Animation is officially a Value Resort, placing it in the same general hotel category as Disney’s Pop Century Resort and the three All-Star Resorts. But Art of Animation is a bit of an odd duck within that category.

Most of the resort is made up of Family Suites that sleep up to six adults. Only The Little Mermaid section offers traditional Value Resort rooms for parties of up to four.

The resort also has its own Disney Skyliner station, three swimming pools, a large quick-service food court, and some of the most elaborate character theming of any Disney World hotel.

Its biggest strengths are Disney theming, accommodations for larger groups, and transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Its biggest weakness? Price. Those Family Suites can cost considerably more than a traditional Value Resort room, so the word “Value” can start doing some serious linguistic gymnastics.

What’s New at Art of Animation

The most important thing to know is that current Little Mermaid Standard Rooms generally feature either one king bed or two queen beds. The resort’s Family Suites continue to offer a separate queen bedroom, additional sleeping surfaces in the living area, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette.

Disney also periodically conducts refurbishment work throughout its Resort hotels. That may affect guest rooms, pools, restaurants, shops, landscaping, transportation areas, or other facilities. Before an upcoming stay, check Disney’s official Art of Animation Resort page for current refurbishment notices. A hotel construction schedule is not the sort of information you want to preserve in amber.

Layout and Theming

Art of Animation is divided into four themed sections based on Disney and Pixar animated movies.

Finding Nemo

The Finding Nemo section surrounds the resort’s Big Blue Pool and puts guests into a larger-than-life underwater world filled with characters including Nemo, Marlin, Crush, and Mr. Ray.

This section contains Family Suites and is one of the most centrally located areas of the resort, with easy access to Animation Hall and the Disney Skyliner station. Convenience and one giant blue pool come at a price, though. Finding Nemo suites can be popular, particularly for guests who want to minimize walking.

Cars

The Cars section is basically a tiny slice of Radiator Springs dropped into Florida. You’ll find familiar characters from the film parked throughout the area, including Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally, Luigi, Guido, and others.

The Cozy Cone Pool sits in the middle of the section, complete with giant orange traffic-cone cabanas surrounding the pool deck. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth walking through. This is one of those places where Disney really committed to the bit.

The Lion King

The Lion King section recreates scenes and characters from the animated film with enormous versions of Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Scar, and other familiar faces. There’s even an Elephant Graveyard area surrounded by larger-than-life bones and hyenas.

Unlike the resort’s other three themed areas, The Lion King section does not have its own swimming pool. Guests staying here can use any of Art of Animation’s three pools.

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid section features giant versions of Ariel, Ursula, King Triton, Sebastian, and other characters from the movie. It’s also home to Flippin’ Fins Pool.

This section is especially important because it’s the only area of Art of Animation with traditional Standard Rooms rather than Family Suites. It’s also farther from Animation Hall and the Skyliner station than some of the Family Suite sections. Keep that in mind if you’re booking Art of Animation specifically because you want quick access to transportation.

Animation Hall

Animation Hall is the resort’s main building. You’ll find the lobby and Front Desk, Landscape of Flavors, Ink & Paint Shop, Pixel Play Arcade, and other guest services here.

The Disney bus stop is located outside Animation Hall, while the Skyliner station is located across the resort toward Hourglass Lake. Art of Animation is large enough that location matters. A room that looks wonderfully peaceful on a map may feel considerably less wonderful after you’ve spent 13 hours walking around EPCOT.

Rooms

Art of Animation has two fundamentally different types of accommodations:

• The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms
• Family Suites

This is not just a matter of choosing different decor. The Little Mermaid rooms sleep up to four adults and function more like traditional Disney Value Resort rooms.

The Family Suites sleep up to six adults and include a separate bedroom, living area, two bathrooms, and kitchenette. That means your choice dramatically changes both the space and the price of your stay.

The Little Mermaid Rooms

The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms are Art of Animation’s traditional hotel rooms and generally sleep up to four adults. Current room configurations include:

• 1 King Bed
• OR 2 Queen Beds

Views may include courtyards, pool areas, or parking areas.

Typical room amenities include:

• Beverage cooler
• Coffee machine
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Hairdryer
• In-room safe
• Iron and ironing board
• Television

The rooms lean hard into The Little Mermaid theme, with colorful undersea details inspired by Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, and the rest of the film. These rooms are generally the least expensive way to stay at Art of Animation, but they come with one notable tradeoff: location.

The Little Mermaid buildings sit toward the far end of the resort. The walk to Animation Hall and the Skyliner isn’t outrageous, but it can feel significantly longer when you’re carrying a sleeping child, three souvenir bags, and whatever remained of your dignity after closing down EPCOT.

What Do Little Mermaid Rooms Cost?

Disney Resort hotel rates vary based on travel dates, weekends, holidays, demand, discounts, and room availability.

Check Disney’s booking system using your actual travel dates for the most useful comparison.

Family Suites

Family Suites are one of Art of Animation’s defining features. They sleep up to six adults and are available in three themed areas:

• Finding Nemo
• Cars
• The Lion King

Disney may also offer a general Family Suite booking category where the theme is assigned rather than selected in advance.

Current Family Suites generally include:

• 1 Queen Bed in a separate bedroom
• 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
• 1 Double-Size Pull-Down Bed
• 2 Full Bathrooms
• Living area
• Kitchenette
• Microwave
• Beverage cooler
• Coffee machine
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Hairdryer
• In-room safe
• Iron and ironing board

For a group of five or six people, those two bathrooms may be one of the most valuable amenities in Walt Disney World. It doesn’t sound glamorous now. Wait until six people need to shower, brush their teeth, locate their MagicBands, argue about sunscreen, and leave for Early Theme Park Entry at the same time.

Finding Nemo Family Suites

The Finding Nemo Family Suites put you in the resort’s most centrally located themed area. You’ll be near The Big Blue Pool, Animation Hall, and the path toward the Disney Skyliner station.

The suites themselves feature colorful underwater decor inspired by Nemo and friends. If proximity is one of your biggest concerns, Finding Nemo is usually the first suite section we’d consider.

Cars Family Suites

The Cars Family Suites put you inside Art of Animation’s version of Radiator Springs. The room design continues the automotive theme, while the surrounding buildings and courtyards are packed with characters and locations inspired by the movie.

You also have convenient access to the Cozy Cone Pool. If your kid is currently in a phase where every waking thought involves Lightning McQueen, prepare to become extremely popular with that kid.

The Lion King Family Suites

The Lion King Family Suites feature characters and scenes inspired by Simba’s adventures. The surrounding courtyard includes giant character sculptures and environments based on locations from the film.

This section does not have its own swimming pool, but guests are free to use Art of Animation’s other pools.

What Do Family Suites Cost?

Family Suites typically cost significantly more than a traditional Value Resort room. Instead of relying on an old fixed price range, compare the current suite price against your other options for the same travel dates.

That could include:

• Two standard Value Resort rooms
• A Family Suite at All-Star Music
• A room at another Disney Resort
• Other accommodations that fit your party size

Don’t look only at the nightly price. Two bathrooms, a separate bedroom, a kitchenette, and room for six people can change the math considerably. Then again, sometimes two separate hotel rooms provide something no kitchenette can: a door you can close between yourself and your relatives.

Dining

Art of Animation has two primary dining locations.

Landscape of Flavors

Landscape of Flavors is the resort’s main quick-service restaurant and is located inside Animation Hall. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and includes several Disney-themed dining areas and multiple quick-service counters. Menus change, but you’ll generally find a mixture of familiar quick-service food, entrees, breakfast items, snacks, desserts, and grab-and-go selections.

Mobile Order is generally available through the My Disney Experience app, which can be particularly useful when you’re heading back to the resort from the parks. This is also where you’ll typically find the resort’s refillable mug beverage stations.

The Drop Off Pool Bar

The Drop Off Pool Bar is located beside The Big Blue Pool. The bar generally serves frozen cocktails, beer, other alcoholic beverages, nonalcoholic drinks, and select snacks or food items.

Menus and operating hours can change, so check the My Disney Experience app during your stay.

Is There a Table-Service Restaurant?

No. Art of Animation does not have a traditional table-service restaurant. If your idea of a good resort evening involves a lounge, appetizers, and a slow dinner, you’ll need to leave the resort. Fortunately, the Skyliner makes it relatively easy to reach other Disney Resort dining options along the gondola route.

Don’t Forget Pop Century

Disney’s Pop Century Resort sits directly across Hourglass Lake from Art of Animation. The resorts are connected near the Disney Skyliner station, making it easy to walk over to Everything POP Shopping & Dining if you want another quick-service option.

It’s essentially bonus food court territory, and we’re never going to complain about that.

Transportation

Transportation is one of Art of Animation’s strongest arguments. The resort offers both Disney Skyliner and Disney bus transportation.

Disney Skyliner

Art of Animation has access to the Disney Skyliner gondola system near Hourglass Lake. The station serves both Art of Animation and neighboring Pop Century Resort.

From the resort, guests travel toward Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, which serves as a central transfer point for the system.

From Caribbean Beach, guests can continue toward:

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• EPCOT’s International Gateway

The EPCOT line also travels through Disney’s Riviera Resort. That International Gateway arrival is especially convenient because it brings you into EPCOT between the United Kingdom and France pavilions in World Showcase rather than through the park’s main entrance.

If EPCOT and Hollywood Studios are major parts of your vacation, Skyliner access is a significant advantage over the All-Star Resorts. Keep in mind that Skyliner operations can be affected by weather, maintenance, and scheduled closures. Disney generally provides alternate transportation when the system isn’t operating, but always check current transportation information during your trip.

Disney Buses

The Disney bus stop is located outside Animation Hall. Complimentary bus transportation connects Art of Animation with Walt Disney World destinations that aren’t reached directly by the Skyliner, including Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

Other routes, including water park transportation, can depend on current Disney operations. Always give yourself extra transportation time for park opening, dining reservations, or anything else where your carefully constructed Disney spreadsheet has assigned you an arrival time down to the minute.

Rideshare and Minnie Van Service

Rideshare services can be useful when Disney transportation isn’t the most convenient option for your destination. Disney’s Minnie Van service, when available, also provides transportation around Walt Disney World through the Lyft app for an additional charge.

Pools and Recreation

Art of Animation has three themed swimming pools.

The Big Blue Pool

The Big Blue Pool is the resort’s main feature pool and is located in the Finding Nemo section. It’s also Disney World’s largest Resort hotel swimming pool.

The zero-entry pool is surrounded by enormous Finding Nemo characters and set pieces, including Nemo, Crush, and other familiar faces. A separate interactive water-play area for younger guests is located nearby.

The Drop Off Pool Bar is also located beside The Big Blue Pool. Unsurprisingly, this can be one of the resort’s busiest areas. Nobody builds a pool this blue and this enormous and expects people to ignore it.

Cozy Cone Pool

The Cozy Cone Pool is located in the Cars section. The pool area continues the Radiator Springs theme and features giant traffic cones around the deck.

It’s smaller and more tucked away than The Big Blue Pool, making it a convenient choice for guests staying in the Cars buildings.

Flippin’ Fins Pool

The Flippin’ Fins Pool is located in The Little Mermaid section. The pool is themed around Sebastian and his “Under the Sea Orchestra,” with colorful details pulled straight from Ariel’s world.

It’s especially convenient for Little Mermaid guests who would prefer not to make the longer walk back toward The Big Blue Pool every time somebody says, “Can we go swimming?”

Other Recreation

Recreation offerings may include:

• Movies Under the Stars
• Campfire activities
• Poolside games and activities
• Children’s play areas
• Pixel Play Arcade in Animation Hall
• A roughly 1.4-mile jogging and walking trail around the resort area
• Interactive experiences through the Play Disney Parks app

Activities and schedules can change, so check the current recreation schedule during your stay.

Amenities and Services

Here’s the practical stuff in one place because we don’t believe an ATM deserves its own three-act narrative.

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Online Check-In and Direct-to-Room features
• Complimentary self-parking for registered Resort guests under current Disney policy
• Housekeeping service
• 24-hour self-service laundry facilities near all three pool areas
• ATM near the Front Desk
• Mail services
• Designated outdoor smoking areas
• Pixel Play Arcade
• Front Desk and Guest Services in Animation Hall
• Ink & Paint Shop

Individual amenities and policies can change, so check Disney’s current Resort information if a particular service is important to your stay.

Ink & Paint Shop

Ink & Paint Shop is Art of Animation’s primary merchandise location. You’ll generally find Disney souvenirs, character merchandise, snacks, beverages, clothing, and practical vacation supplies.

This is where you go after discovering that someone packed six pairs of Minnie ears but apparently believed toothpaste would spontaneously materialize in the room.

Laundry

Self-service laundry facilities are available near The Big Blue Pool, Cozy Cone Pool, and Flippin’ Fins Pool.

That’s particularly useful at Art of Animation because the resort covers a decent amount of ground. Nobody staying in The Little Mermaid section wants laundry day to include a cross-country expedition.

Online Check-In and Direct-to-Room Service

Guests can use the My Disney Experience app to begin Online Check-In before arrival. Eligible guests may receive their room number through the app when their room becomes available and can use supported digital room-entry options without necessarily visiting the Front Desk.

You can still visit the Front Desk for room requests, reservation problems, accessibility questions, billing issues, or anything else that would benefit from talking to an actual Cast Member instead of aggressively refreshing an app.

Check-In and Check-Out

Disney Resort hotel rooms generally have a 3 PM check-in time and an 11 AM check-out time.

You can arrive before your room is ready and begin using many Resort amenities. Guests using Online Check-In may receive a notification through the My Disney Experience app once their room is available.

Dog-Friendly Accommodations

Art of Animation is one of the Disney Resort hotels that may offer dog-friendly accommodations. Under Disney’s current program, restrictions, availability requirements, and additional fees apply. Disney also limits the number of dogs permitted in a room.

If bringing a dog is an important part of your trip, contact Disney or review the current dog-friendly Resort policy before booking. Don’t assume every room or every reservation at Art of Animation automatically qualifies. And yes, this technically means your dog can also have stronger Disney hotel opinions than most people on the internet. Use that power responsibly.

Disney Resort Guest Benefits

Because Art of Animation is part of the Disney Resorts Collection, eligible guests receive many of the standard benefits offered to Disney Resort hotel guests.

Early Theme Park Entry

Eligible Disney Resort hotel guests currently receive Early Theme Park Entry at Walt Disney World’s theme parks. This benefit generally allows qualifying guests to enter participating parks before the regular opening time. Valid theme park admission is required, and schedules or eligibility rules can change. Check Disney’s current park hours before your visit.

Lightning Lane Planning

Guests staying at eligible Disney Resort hotels generally receive an earlier opportunity to purchase and plan Lightning Lane passes than most off-site guests. Disney has changed Lightning Lane systems and booking procedures before, so check current rules before your trip instead of relying on a booking window from an older vacation.

Advance Dining Reservations

Disney Resort hotel guests can generally begin making dining reservations 60 days before arrival and may receive the ability to book eligible reservations across their Resort stay when that booking window opens. Reservation policies can change, so confirm the current rules before your booking date.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

Art of Animation guests generally do not qualify for Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. That benefit is typically reserved for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villas, and certain other eligible hotels.

Seasonal Resort Benefits

Disney sometimes offers additional limited-time benefits for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. Because those perks may be tied to specific dates, seasons, or Resort categories, check Disney’s current Resort hotel benefits before your vacation rather than assuming something offered during a previous trip will still be available.

AllEars Tips

Know what you’re booking when you see “Art of Animation.” A Little Mermaid Standard Room and a Finding Nemo Family Suite are very different hotel experiences, even though they’re at the same Resort.

Little Mermaid rooms come with extra walking. They’re generally farther from Animation Hall and the Skyliner than the Family Suite sections. If minimizing walking is a priority, factor that into your decision before grabbing the cheapest Art of Animation rate you see.

Finding Nemo wins on location. Its Family Suites are conveniently positioned near Animation Hall, The Big Blue Pool, and the Skyliner route.

Don’t sleep on the Cars section. Even if you’re not a massive Cars fan, the Radiator Springs courtyard is some of the best immersive theming at any Disney Value Resort.

Two bathrooms are a bigger perk than they sound. For a party of five or six, the Family Suite bathrooms alone can save a surprising amount of time in the morning.

Compare Family Suites with other accommodations. Art of Animation suites are convenient, but they’re not always the least expensive option for six people. Compare the price with two standard rooms, All-Star Music Family Suites, and other Disney Resort options.

Use Pop Century as bonus territory. It’s right across Hourglass Lake, so you can easily walk over for another food court or simply wander through its retro-themed areas.

The Skyliner is a major perk, but don’t treat it like an indestructible transportation robot. Weather, maintenance, or scheduled closures can affect service. Have a little flexibility built into your plans.

If your room faces a busy pool, expect noise. Being close to The Big Blue Pool can be incredibly convenient right up until your afternoon nap gets scored by 47 simultaneous cannonballs.

Check refurbishment notices shortly before your trip. Disney routinely works on its hotels, and the latest Resort notice will always be more useful than a construction schedule preserved in an old vacation-planning post.

Is Art of Animation Right for You?

Art of Animation is one of Disney World’s strongest options for families who want bold Disney theming and need more space than a traditional Value Resort room provides.

The Family Suites are especially useful for parties of five or six, offering separate sleeping areas, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette without leaving the Value Resort category.

Families with younger kids may also love just how aggressively Disney this place is. Art of Animation does not ask whether you enjoy animated characters. It installs a 35-foot Ursula outside your hotel room and considers the matter settled.

The Skyliner is another major advantage, particularly for trips with a lot of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios time.

Family Suites can be expensive. The Little Mermaid rooms involve more walking. Dining is limited to quick service and a pool bar. And guests looking for elegant lounges, waterside restaurants, quiet lobbies, or understated theming should probably keep browsing.

This isn’t Wilderness Lodge quietly glowing beside the water at dusk. This is Lightning McQueen, Simba, Sebastian, and Crush all yelling “VACATION!” in four different visual languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of resort is Disney’s Art of Animation?

Art of Animation is a Disney Value Resort located in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area.

Does Art of Animation have regular hotel rooms?

Yes. The Little Mermaid section contains Standard Rooms that sleep up to four adults. The Finding Nemo, Cars, and Lion King sections contain Family Suites.

What beds are in The Little Mermaid rooms?

Disney currently lists Little Mermaid Standard Rooms with either one king bed or two queen beds.

How many people can stay in an Art of Animation Family Suite?

Family Suites generally sleep up to six adults.

What beds are in an Art of Animation Family Suite?

Current Family Suites generally include one queen bed in the separate bedroom, one double-size sleeper sofa, and one double-size pull-down bed.

How many bathrooms are in an Art of Animation Family Suite?

Family Suites include two full bathrooms.

Do Art of Animation Family Suites have kitchens?

They have kitchenettes rather than full kitchens. Current suite amenities generally include a microwave, beverage cooler, coffee machine, sink, and storage area.

Which sections have Family Suites?

Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King all offer Family Suites.

Which section has standard rooms?

The Little Mermaid section contains Art of Animation’s traditional Standard Rooms.

Does Art of Animation have Skyliner service?

Yes. Art of Animation is connected to the Disney Skyliner system, providing gondola transportation toward EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Does Art of Animation share a Skyliner station with Pop Century?

Yes. The station is located near Hourglass Lake between the two Resorts.

Can I walk from Art of Animation to Pop Century?

Yes. Art of Animation and Pop Century sit across Hourglass Lake from one another and are connected near the Disney Skyliner station.

How many pools does Art of Animation have?

Art of Animation has three swimming pools: The Big Blue Pool, Cozy Cone Pool, and Flippin’ Fins Pool.

What is the main pool at Art of Animation?

The Big Blue Pool in the Finding Nemo section is the resort’s main pool and is currently the largest Resort hotel swimming pool at Walt Disney World.

Does The Lion King section have a pool?

No. The Lion King section does not have its own pool, but guests staying there can use Art of Animation’s other Resort pools.

Does Art of Animation have a table-service restaurant?

No. Landscape of Flavors is the resort’s main quick-service dining location, and The Drop Off Pool Bar serves beverages and select food near The Big Blue Pool.

Does Art of Animation have an arcade?

Yes. Pixel Play Arcade is located inside Animation Hall.

Is Art of Animation dog-friendly?

Disney currently offers dog-friendly accommodations at Art of Animation under a program with restrictions, availability requirements, and additional fees. Check Disney’s current dog policy before booking.

Can I use Online Check-In at Art of Animation?

Yes. Eligible guests can use Online Check-In and supported Direct-to-Room features through the My Disney Experience app.

Is parking free at Art of Animation?

Under Disney’s current policy, complimentary overnight self-parking is available to registered guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. Parking policies are subject to change, so check current information before your stay.

What time are check-in and check-out?

Disney Resort hotel rooms generally have a 3 PM check-in time and an 11 AM check-out time.

Is Art of Animation good for large families?

Yes. The Family Suites are designed for parties of up to six adults and include two bathrooms, a separate bedroom, a living area, and a kitchenette.

Is Art of Animation good for adults?

It can be, particularly for adults who prioritize Skyliner access, extra space, and playful Disney theming. Adults looking for lounges, table-service dining, quieter surroundings, or more sophisticated Resort amenities may prefer another Disney hotel.

Is Art of Animation better than Pop Century?

It depends on what you need. Art of Animation offers Family Suites and especially immersive Disney and Pixar theming, while Pop Century typically offers more traditional rooms throughout the Resort. Both have Disney Skyliner access, so compare current rates, party size, room configuration, and which atmosphere appeals more to your group.