Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is one of many Resort hotels on Walt Disney World property. This Resort is family-friendly, is home to the largest pool on Walt Disney World property, is considered a Disney Skyliner hotel, and more.
Here is everything you need to know about Disney’s Art of Animation Resort hotel.
Be surrounded in the artistry, enchantment and magic of Walt Disney and Disney and Pixar movies. Stay at a Disney Resort hotel that invites you to explore the storybook landscapes seen in such classics as Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. From delightfully themed family suites to wondrously detailed courtyards, Disney’s Art of Animation “draws” you and your family in to become a part of some of your animated favorites.
Disney’s Art of Animation brings Guests into the world of Disney animation. In fact, you may have the chance to stay inside a room themed entirely to The Little Mermaid! Guests also have the opportunity to upgrade to a family-suite, which could be The Lion King-themed, Car-themed, or Finding Nemo-themed.
Additionally, Disney’s Art of Animation is considered a sister Resort to Disney’s Pop Century and they are actually in walking distance of one another!
Why you should stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Credit: Disney
Disney’s Art of Animation has many unique features and offerings, making this one of Disney World’s top-rated Resort hotels on property.
What makes Disney’s Art of Animation Resort so special?
For starters, Disney’s Art of Animation is home to the Disney Skyliner, meaning you can take this mode of transportation to and from EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or one of the other Resort hotels on property including Disney’s Caribbean Beach or Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Additionally, Disney’s Art of Animation offers family-suites, which Disney describes as:
Immerse yourself in the magic of spacious accommodations for parties up to 6—with room for the whole family to spread out—inspired by some of your favorite animated movies.
Family suites include a bedroom with one queen-size bed; one double-size convertible TableBed; one double-size sleeper sofa; living room; 2 bathrooms and a kitchenette.
Credit: Disney
If that’s not enough to convince you, what about the fact that Disney’s Art of Animation is home to the largest pool at Walt Disney World Resort? Walt Disney World describes the Big Blue Pool as:
Take the plunge in the largest resort pool in Walt Disney World Resort.
Cool, dude! Make a splash at the Big Blue Pool, inspired by the Disney and Pixar movie Finding Nemo. You’ll also find an interactive water play area, perfect for the little ones.
Two more pools—Cozy Cone Pool, inspired by the Disney and Pixar film Cars, and Flippin’ Fins Pool, featuring the “Under the Sea Orchestra” conducted by Sebastian from The Little Mermaid—are also available to Guests looking to cool off.
Credit: Disney
And lastly, Disney’s Art of Animation is dog-friendly! When speaking to the accommodations this Resort hotel as, Disney World’s website states:
Dog-Friendly Accommodations
Bring your pampered pooch to stay with you at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we know that dogs aren’t simply pets—they’re members of your family. And since family is at the heart of everything we do, for a limited time, your furry friends are welcome to join you at select Disney Resort hotels. Let the tail wagging commence!
Note: Limit 2 dogs per room. Restrictions and fees apply.
How to Book To bring your dog along on your upcoming visit, please call (407) 939-7539. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
Services for Guests with Dogs During your stay, Best Friends Pet Care can provide assistance with day care and other pet services (fees apply). For details, please call (877) 4-WDW-PETS or (877) 493-9738, or visit bestfriendspetcare.com. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
What are some restaurants close to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort?
Credit: Disney
If you are staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, you can dine at the Quick Service location called Landscape of Flavors, which Disney describes as:
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Landscape of Flavors features 5 distinctive food shops serving fresh, made-to-order cuisine. From tasty international fare to classic American favorites, there’s something to satisfy everyone at this casual dining venue.
Guests can also check out the pool bar located at Disney’s Art of Animation called The Drop Off Bar, which Disney describes as:
After an afternoon of fun in the sun, pull up a chair and chill! Relax poolside with a thirst-quenching frozen cocktail, ice-cold draft or bottled beer or non-alcoholic beverage. Snacks are also available for those craving a quick nibble!
Set your sights on a casual-cool menu featuring American fare with a Caribbean twist for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This convenient walk-up counter is nestled in the Trinidad pool area, with a patio overlooking Barefoot Bay.
Or if you are looking for something a bit more formal, check out Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach! Here, you will feel as though you walked into a tropical beachfront home! Disney Parks Blog describes Sebastian’s Bistro as:
Caribbean-inspired table-service restaurant featuring warm island hospitality and waterfront views. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical beachfront home offering tantalizing Latin and Caribbean flavors. Highlights include a skirt steak “chimichurri,” sautéed shrimp and tamales, a crispy avocado-and-bacon burger and much more.
Disney’s Riviera Resort is another great nearby Resort hotel that offers delicious and unique dining options. One of the top-rated Table Service restaurants at Disney’s Riviera Resort is Topolino’s Terrace — the amazing new addition in rooftop restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort!
How does Disney’s Art of Animation Resort compare to other Disney World Resorts?
Because this Resort is family-friendly, is home to the largest pool on Walt Disney World property, and is considered a Disney Skyliner hotel, Disney’s Art of Animation offers a wide variety of amenities for its Guests that you won’t find at any other Disney World hotel on property.
Which popular attractions are close to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort?
Because Disney’s Art of Animation is a Disney Skyliner Resort, it is located only minutes away from two of the theme parks on property!
In case you aren’t familiar, Guests can board Disney’s Skyliner — a complementary mode of transportation — and glide past one-of-a-kind views of waterways, woodlands, and two Walt Disney World theme parks — Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. The new Skyliner transposition is in constant motion, which means Guests arrive at their destination within minutes! Relax along the way, take in the views, and you will be there before you know it.
What this means is that Disney’s Art of Animation is just a few minutes away from top-rated attractions such as Tower of Terror, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well as Spaceship Earth, Frozen Ever After, and Test Track at EPCOT.
Tips for Exploring Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Credit: Disney
As we mentioned before, Disney’s Art of Animation has a variety of unique amenities and things to do. So if you are looking to take advantage of everything this Resort hotel has to offer, here is what you should know!
What children’s activities does Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offer?
One of our favorite family-friendly activities is Movies Under the Stars, which is available at select Disney World Resort hotels. Families can gather around to watch some of the fan-favorite Disney films over the years, and at Disney’s Art of Animation, this can be done near the Big Blue Pool!
Watch some of your favorite Disney films outside in the fresh evening air—located on the grassy area found between The Lion King building and Finding Nemo building.
Additionally, Disney’s Art of Animation offers a Pixel Play Arcade, where children and families can compete against one another in video games — both classic and new! The Pixel Play Arcade is located in the Animation Hall building.
And, of course, the pools located at Disney’s Art of Animation are perfected for children of all ages!
How many pools does Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offer to Guests?
Just keep swimming in the largest hotel pool in all of Walt Disney World Resort.
Inspired by the Disney•Pixar “splash hit” Finding Nemo, this huge, zero-entry pool contains over 308,527 gallons! Guests can relive the story of their favorite clown fish alongside giant set pieces of Nemo, Crush and other beloved characters from the film.
For the little ones, Schoolyard Sprayground is home to pop-up jets, gushing water and more familiar faces from Finding Nemo, while Squirt’s Righteous Reef is a Nemo-themed playground perfect for kids who prefer to stay dry during playtime.
For refreshing snacks and beverages, drop by The Drop Off pool bar conveniently located nearby.
Check in and chill in cone-shaped cabanas around the Cozy Cone Motel swimming pool! Inspired by the Disney•Pixar mega-hit Cars, the this is the perfect place for families looking to cool their jets.
Surrounded by life-sized models of beloved Cars characters—Doc, Sally, Mater, McQueen and more—your crew can make a splash in this kid-friendly 74,740-gallon watering hole, while you blissfully “idle” in the shade of our unique, orange-cone cabanas. Ka-chow!
Pool lifts and other access options are available for guests with disabilities or limited mobility. Pool hours and lifeguard availability vary by pool and are subject to change.
Make a splash in the Flippin’ Fins Pool—or let your cares drift away as you lounge poolside. Based on the Disney animated classic The Little Mermaid, this 103,642-gallon pool features the “Under the Sea Orchestra” conducted by Sebastian and whimsical set pieces based on popular characters from the film.
Pool lifts and other access options are available for guests with disabilities or limited mobility. Pool hours and lifeguard availability vary by pool and are subject to change.
What amenities are available to Guests of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort?
One of the biggest amenities at Disney’s Art of Animation is, of course, the Disney Skyliner. Because Disney’s Art of Animation is a Disney Skyliner Resort, it is located only minutes away from two of the theme parks on property — Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT!
Other amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, parking, AMT, online check-in, housekeeping services, merchandise delivery and pickup, and more.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort room rates
Credit: Disney
Room rates at Disney’s Art of Animation vary depending on which room you stay in, what time of year you visit, and what days during the week you book.
How much do themed rooms cost at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort?
The Little Mermaid Standard Room — $193.67 Avg/Night
Family Suites — $424.17 Avg/Night
The Lion King Family Suites — $438.67 Avg/Night
Cars Family Suites — $438.67 Avg/Night
Finding Nemo Family Suites — $460.67 Avg/Night
What types of suites and rooms are available at the Art and Animation Resort?
Credit: Disney
Disney’s Art of Animation offers both standard rooms and family suites. For the The Little Mermaid standard room, here is what’s included:
Views of the Courtyard, Pool or Parking Area
2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed
Sleeps up to 4 Adults
In regards to the family suites, here is what’s included:
Views of the Courtyard, Pool or Parking Area
Theme Assigned upon Check-In
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Table Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
Or, if you want to choose your theme ahead of time, you can book a specific family suite (including The Lion King, Cars, or Finding Nemo) for an extra cost.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort reviews
Credit: Disney
Guests love staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. In fact, TripAdvisor currently rates the Disney World Resort hotel as a 4.5-star.
One user (FinickyNewYorker) left a 4-star review, which reads in part:
Hotel is beautiful. If you love The Little Mermaid or The Lion King (I didn’t see the Cars section), then you will love how the property looks. The way it is decorated is magnificent. I stayed in a Little Mermaid standard room which I loved. It was such a happy room. Visiting during COVID made me very nervous but the room was spotless. The decor was great.
Another user (Will1989) left a 5-star review, writing:
We had a fantastic stay at AOM. Our Disney Travel Consultant recommended this property as well as the Nemo family suites. It was a family trip and included our two sons who are aged 21 and 16. This property was perfect for our trip. We stayed 5 nights. During our stay we went to Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and two days at Universal Studios. The bus took us to Magic Kingdom, our cast member who checked us in recommended us drive (we drove down from SC) to Hollywood Studios. We were only in our room to sleep, because we usually opened and closed the parks. The pullout couch and Murphy bed were perfect for the boys, both who are over 6’1” tall. Having two full baths kept frustration low. Nemo is the closest building to the bus pickup, cafeteria, and Skyliner. Note: If you drive a POV, you will not be real close to Nemo. We got a great value for our time there. And was probably our best visit to Disney. Remember, August in Central Florida is HOT, Humid and subject to off and on rain. We will stay here again on our future trips.
Credit: Disney
If you need help planning your next Walt Disney World vacation to visit Disney’s Art of Animation, the Authorized Planners at Academy Travel have you covered! Academy Travel has earned the highest designation that Disney can bestow upon a travel agency, EarMarked Diamond.
As long as you book your trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can rest assured that you will be working with an agency that Disney has vetted and is willing to associate their brand with that agency due to the knowledge and service level you will find at that particular agency.
Credit: Disney 
