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Complete Guide to Art of Animation Resort (w/ review)

Complete Guide to Art of Animation Resort (w/ review)

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is 1 of 5 value resorts on the Walt Disney World Resort property.

It is also one of only 2 resorts that have affordable family suite options. Plus, it is incredibly themed with easy access to Disney’s Skyliner system.

Here’s everything to know about the resort that’s all about the wonderful world of Disney and Pixar animation. 

Pros and Cons

Pros: Some of the best theming in all of Disney World, dedicated buses (meaning they do not share with other resorts), most rooms are suites, bigger and better food court than other Values, dog-friendly, access to the Disney Skyliner gondola system, can walk to Pop Century

Cons: Spread out, spotty cell phone service and wifi, most expensive of the Value Resorts, Little Mermaid rooms are rarely part of promotions

Overview

Resort category: Value

Resort area: Wide World of Sports

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

You can find Art of Animation in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area located within walking distance of Disney’s Pop Century Resort. 

The resort’s theme honors animation and the movies thanks to the artistry of all the thousands of creators who have brought our favorite characters to life.

art of animation resort lobby

Guests can explore a variety of storybook landscapes, including Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.

Art of Animation is perfect for families, kids, and, yes, even adults. Oh, and if you want some stellar Disney pictures, this resort has some pretty great backdrops.

Guest Rooms And Bathrooms

Art of Animation offers both standard rooms and a variety of family suites that are themed after the Disney and Pixar animation movies previously mentioned. Each offers views of either the pool, the parking area, or the courtyard.

Both the suites and the standard rooms have plenty of space to store luggage, clothing, and other items. There are closet bars with hangars and dressers to hang whatever you need. Plus, there is room underneath the beds to place suitcases, if needed.

That said, the standard rooms and family suites do vary signficantly.

Standard Room (The Little Mermaid theme)

There is only one themed Standard Room — The Little Mermaid. It’s the typical standard room seen at most Value Resorts and can fit up to 4 people.

little mermaid standard room - art of animation resort

There’s one big room with a table and chairs, 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed, a dresser, and a TV.

little mermaid standard room - art of animation resort

As for the bathroom, it’s comparable to the standard hotel bathroom. There’s a sink and mirror separate from the shower/tub combo and toilet. 

little mermaid standard room - art of animation resort
little mermaid standard room - art of animation resort
little mermaid standard room - art of animation resort

The following amenities are also included: hairdryer, in-rooms safe, mini-refrigerator, free WiFi, telephone, and iron and ironing board.

Family Suites (Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King theme)

The Family Suites come in 3 themes: Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King. They are all beautifully designed and perfect for families. Both kids and adults will love them. Better yet, they can accommodate up to 6 guests.

There is a sitting area with a couch, dresser, and TV. There’s also a table for eating with chairs that doubles as a pull-down bed.

Each family suite comes with 1 Queen Bed, 1 Double-Size Table Bed, and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa. The room with the Queen Bed also has another TV, dresser, a place to hang clothes, and a bathroom attached.

cars area art of animation resort

The room with the Queen Bed also has space underneath the bed to place luggage.

Yes, you read that right. What makes the family suites even better is that they have two bathrooms. As previously stated, there is one connected to the main bedroom and one right off the main living area. 

There’s even a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, and a mini-fridge. Other amenities include: hairdryer, microwave, free WiFi, telephone, iron and ironing board, an in-room safe, and plenty of outlets to plug in whatever you need.

There are also room layouts below that give a better idea of each room.

Note: There are also both wheelchair and hearing accessible rooms available that include roll-in accessibility and visual alarms.

Cars Suite

The living area (the sofa pulls out into a bed)

living space cars suite art of animation

Kitchenette and sofa

kitchenette cars suite art of animation

The table (or Murphy) bed pulled down

murphy bed cars suite art of animation

The bathroom in the main living area

bathroom cars suite art of animation

The main bedroom with the Queen bed

queen bed cars suite art of animation

The bathroom in the Queen bedroom

bathroom cars suite art of animation

Finding Nemo Suites

The living area (the sofa pulls out into a bed)

finding nemo suite living area art of animation

Kitchenette and sofa

finding nemo suite kitchenette area art of animation

This table pulls down into a bed

table and murphy bed finding nemo suite art of animation

The bathroom in the main living area

finding nemo suite bathroom art of animation

The main bedroom with the Queen bed

finding nemo suite queen bedroom art of animation

The bathroom in the Queen bedroom

finding nemo suite bathroom art of animation

Lion King Suites

The living area (the sofa pulls out into a bed)

lion king family suite living area art of animation

Kitchenette and sofa

lion king suite kitchenette art of animation

The table pulls down into a bed

lion king suite murphy bed art of animation

The bathroom in the main living area

lion king suite bathroom art of animation

The main bedroom with the Queen bed

lion king suite queen bed art of animation

The bathroom in the Queen bedroom

lion king suite bathroom art of animation

Dog-Friendly Accommodations

Another perk is that Art of Animation has dog-friendly accommodations. There is a limit of 2 dogs per room. To book, call (407) 939-7539. 

During your stay, Best Friends Pet Care offers day care and other pet services for guests. Call (877) 493-9738 for more details or you can visit the official website

Note: some restrictions on certain pets may apply, so make sure you check Disney World’s official dog policy prior to your visit.

You can check out room layouts below.

Art of Animation Resort Room Options

Room typeBed sizeMax people per roomFloor plan
Little Mermaid Standard Room
Views of the Courtyard, Pool or Parking Area
Queen4
Little Mermaid Standard Room – King
Views of the Courtyard, Pool or Parking Area
King2
Lion King Family Suite
Views of the Courtyard, Pool or Parking Area
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Double-Size Table Bed6
Finding Nemo Family Suite
Views of the Courtyard, Pool or Parking Area
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Double-Size Table Bed6
Cars Family Suite1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Double-Size Table Bed6

VIDEO: All about Art of Animation Resort (rooms, pools, dining)

Checking In And Checking Out

There are few options for checking in and checking out, including: at the front desk, online through the official Walt Disney World website, or via the My Disney Experience (MDE) app.

Even though the front desk in Animation Hall (the lobby/main building) is there to assist guests, especially with checking in and checking out, all Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check-in online or by using MDE.

art of animation resort lobby
  • Checking-In: After you check-in online or using the app, you’ll receive a room-ready notification via next. You can then use your MagicBand or MDE’s digital key feature to unlock your room door.
  • Checking-Out: Currently, guests will automatically be checked out of their rooms. You can also check out directly in the MDE app. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk.

Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance. 

bell services art of animation resort

Animation Hall isn’t just where you’ll find the lobby. The gift shop, Ink & Paint Shop, the food court, Landscape of Flavors, and the arcade, Pixel Play Arcade can also be found here.

The pickup and dropoff location for Mears Connect (which is the replacement for Magical Express) and bus transportation are also right outside the main lobby, along with luggage storage for those who have checked out or are waiting to check in.

animation hall art of animation resort

Note: Resort Airline Check-In and Magical Express are no longer available.

Package Delivery & Pick Up

You can have packages and groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel, along with shipping select items home.

Disney used to have a service where you were able to purchase items in the parks and then have them delivered to your resort’s gift shop. However, that service has been unavailable for several years now.

Parking

Although parking at Disney World resort hotels used to cost a nightly fee for resort guests, Disney has changed their policy so that parking is now free for all on-site resort guests. This change was implemented on January 10, 2023.

Complimentary standard self-parking is also available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.

We have a complete Walt Disney World parking guide you can browse.

art of animation resort parking

Resort Map

Art of Animation Room Type Map

Art of Animation Buildings

Cars (Family Suites only)

cars family suite art of animation

Buildings: 1, 2, and 3
Location Tips: Buildings 1 and 3 are the closest in the Cars section to Animation Hall. If you drive, both buildings are close to the parking lot, too.

Finding Nemo (Family Suites only)

finding nemo family suite art of animation

Buildings: 4 & 5 (Preferred room location)
Location Tips: The Finding Nemo rooms cost a bit more because they are all considered “preferred” meaning they are the closest of any buildings to Animation Hall, the Skyliner, and the main pool.

Lion King (Family Suites only)

lion king suite building art of animation

Buildings: 6 & 10
Location Tips: The Lion King rooms are a bit further away from the main pool and Animation Hall, but they are closer to bus transportation.

Little Mermaid (Standard rooms only)

little mermaid building art of animation resort

Buildings: 7, 8, and 9
Location Tips: The Little Mermaid rooms are the furthest away. Buildings 7 & 9 will get you slightly closer to Animation Hall and the bus stop.

Amenities And Shops

There are several amenities offered to guests at Art of Animation, including an arcade, a gift shop, on-site laundry services, and even the chance to watch movies outside on a big screen! 

ink and pain shop art of animation resort

Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.

  • Ink & Paint Shop: The gift shop located in Animation Hall.
  • Laundry Services: There are 24-hour self-service laundry facilities available near The Big Blue Pool, Flippin’ Fins Pool, and Cozy Cone Pool. 
laundry room art of animation
  • Dry Cleaning Services: For dry cleaning and valet laundry service, select “Housekeeping” on your room phone.
  • Movies Under the Stars: Watch complimentary Disney movies on the grassy area found between The Lion King building and Finding Nemo building.
  • Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children 6 months to 12 years old.

Pools And Recreation

There are three pools at Art of Animation — and one is the largest Disney Resort pool on Walt Disney World property!

Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.

The pools available and their locations:

  • The Big Blue Pool: This is the largest hotel pool at Disney World and is themed after Finding Nemo. It’s a zero-entry pool with 308, 527 gallons of water. There’s also a Schoolyard Sprayground for little ones.
the big blue pool art of animation
  • Cozy Cone Pool: A 74,740-gallon pool surrounded by life-sized models of Cars characters and featuring cone-shaped cabanas. Pool lifts and other accessibility is availability for those who need assistance.
cozy zone pool art of animation
  • Flippin’ Fins Pool: Inspired by The Little Mermaid, this pool has 103 642 gallons of water and features the “Under the Sea Orchestra” conducted by Sebastian. This pool also has lifts and other accessibility for guests with disabilities or limited mobility.
flippin fins pool art of animation

Some other recreational options include:

  • Jogging trail
  • Squirt’s Righteous Reef playground (in the Finding Nemo courtyard)
  • Pixel Play Arcade (located in the Animation Hall building near the food court)
campfire art of animation resort

Restaurant & Dining Options

There is only one main dining location on property, a Quick Service food court called Landscape of Flavors food. Note: Mobile Ordering is available at Landscape of Flavors.

There’s also The Drop Off pool bar by The Big Blue Pool where you can get snacks and drinks.

Below are all the dining options in more detail.

Quick Service

Landscape of Flavors

landscape of flavors art of animation

This is a food court-style restaurant with several stations that serve burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more.

landscape of flavors art of animation

Location type: Food Court
Type of food: American
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
  • Pros: More options than most food court, actual plates and silverware used here (no plastic or paper!), nicely themed dining rooms, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
  • Cons: Not all food is great, can be really crowded

Everything Else

If you want to grab a beverage to drink by the pool or while you’re hanging at the resort, you may want to try the outdoor bar.

The Drop Off Pool Bar

drop off pool bar art of animation

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: A pool bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

drop off pool bar art of animation
  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No, 0 Quick Service credit(s)
  • Pros: Great place to get a drink while spending time by the pool
  • Cons: No food items are available here; you’ll have to go to the food court if you get hungry

How to get from Art of Animation Resort to anywhere at Disney World

There are two main forms of transportation available at Art of Animation: Walt Disney World buses and the Disney Skyliner.

art of animation resort buses

Regarding the latter, Art of Animation shares a Skyliner station with Pop Century that travels to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

disney skyliner art of animation

You can see all of the different ways to get from Art of Animation to anywhere at Disney World below.

wdt_ID Starting Point Ending Point How to get there
1 All-Star Movies All-Star Music Follow these steps:
  • Walk (takes about 5-7 minutes)
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
2 All-Star Movies All-Star Sports Follow these steps:
  • Walk (takes about 15 minutes)
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
3 All-Star Movies Animal Kingdom Follow these steps:
  • Bus to Animal Kingdom
  • Arrive at your destination
Headed to an early morning breakfast reservation at Animal Kingdom? Buses to Animal Kingdom from Disney resorts usually start running around 7-7:15 a.m. daily.
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
4 All-Star Movies Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House (main bldg) Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (both resorts are closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village bus stop
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
5 All-Star Movies Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village
Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (both resorts are closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village bus stop
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
6 All-Star Movies Art of Animation Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (All-Star Movies is closest to Animal Kingdom, and Art of Animation is closest to Hollywood Studios, so those buses will likely be your best choices)
  • Skyliner (from Hollywood Studios) or    Bus to Art of Animation
  • Arrive at your destination
7 All-Star Movies Bay Lake Tower Follow these steps:
  • Bus to Magic Kingdom
  • Walk (takes about 10 minutes) or    monorail to Bay Lake Tower
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
8 All-Star Movies Beach Club Villas Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (All-Star Movies is closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Beach Club
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
9 All-Star Movies Beach Club Follow these steps:
  • Bus to a theme park or Disney Springs
    (All-Star Movies is closest to Animal Kingdom, so that bus will likely be your best option)
  • Bus to Beach Club
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
10 All-Star Movies Blizzard Beach Follow these steps:
  • Bus to Blizzard Beach
  • Arrive at your destination
Want to get there faster?
Or have feedback about a route for us?
Starting Point Ending Point

Scheduled Refurbishments

Other Info

Art of Animation Trip Reports

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Shannon Albert

terela cambron

Thursday 17th of November 2022

is parking 15 a Night

Jennifer Ferguson

Thursday 30th of December 2021

Hi are there certain buses that we need to take to get to magic kingdom from art of animation? Are there rides in magic kingdom that you can hold an infant in your lap on? Which rides should you go to first to avoid long waits traveling with a 5 yr old? Any helpful tips or must does? We arrive on the 9th for the week. Thanks!!