Art of Animation is one of the most immersive resorts at Walt Disney World, and a great choice when traveling with kids or groups. The larger-than-life theming, family-sized suites, and easy Skyliner access make it feel more like an experience than just a place to sleep. It’s technically a value resort, but with prices and perks that place it somewhere between value and moderate. That said, if you’re looking for bold theming, extra space, and fast access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, this resort checks all the boxes.
Where Is Art of Animation?
Art of Animation is located in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area, adjacent to Pop Century Resort and across Hourglass Lake. It’s just a short Skyliner ride from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and within easy reach of all four Disney parks.
How Much Is Art of Animation?
The Little Mermaid standard rooms typically range from $180 to $300 per night, while the family suites run from $400 to $650 per night, depending on the season. It’s easily the priciest value resort, but its theming is more akin to the even more expensive moderate resorts.
Why Is Art of Animation So Expensive?
There are a few reasons that may contribute to Disney charging more for Art of Animation:
- Most of the resort is made up of family suites, which sleep six and have two bathrooms and a kitchenette.
- It features interior hallways, more like a moderate or deluxe resort.
- It’s on the Skyliner route, which is a premium feature for Disney transportation.
- The theming is next-level, with huge character statues and immersive courtyard designs.
Art of Animation Rooms
There are two main types of rooms:
- Family Suites (Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King) that sleep 6, with one queen bed, one double sleeper sofa, and one Murphy bed.
- Standard Rooms (Little Mermaid section), which sleep 4 with two queen beds or one king.
All rooms have been updated with wood-style floors, USB ports, and bright, cartoon-inspired decor.
Which Art of Animation Suite Is Best?
The best suite at Art of Animation is a bit subjective. If you’re looking at location, the Finding Nemo suites are closest to the lobby, pool, and Skyliner. But if you’re after theming, it’s a toss-up. Cars lovers will adore Radiator Springs, while Lion King fans will feel like they’re walking into the Pride Lands.
Art of Animation Finding Nemo Suite
- Closest to the Skyliner and the main lobby
- Features include under-the-sea decor and themed furniture
- Near the Big Blue Pool
Art of Animation Cars Suite
- Themed after Radiator Springs, complete with cone-shaped structures
- Close to the Cozy Cone Pool
- Great for Pixar fans and fun photo ops
Art of Animation Lion King Suite
- Jungle-themed decor and character murals
- Quiet and centrally located between the Nemo and Cars buildings
- Ideal if you want distance from pools and noise
Art of Animation Little Mermaid Room
- The only standard rooms in the resort
- Located the farthest from the Skyliner and the lobby
- Still beautifully themed with Ursula, Ariel, and King Triton icons
Art of Animation Pools
Art of Animation has three pools throughout its complex:
- Big Blue Pool (main pool): Largest pool on Disney property, with underwater music
- Cozy Cone Pool (Cars): Quieter, with cone-shaped cabanas
- Flippin’ Fins Pool (Little Mermaid): Themed with sea creatures and music
The main pool is very large, with plenty of room for everyone on the busiest days. However, you may want to check out the smaller and quieter pools in the Little Mermaid and Cars sections.
Are the Art of Animation Pools Heated?
Yes, all three Art of Animation pools are heated. However, the pools may close during inclement weather, including very cold days during the winter.
What to Eat at Art of Animation?
Like the other value resorts, there’s no table service restaurant, but Landscape of Flavors is one of the better food courts among Disney’s value resorts. You’ll find:
- Pasta and burgers
- Plant-based dishes
- Mickey waffles, pastries, and snacks
- A decent grab-and-go selection
There’s also the Drop Off Pool Bar, right outside the Big Blue Pool. Offerings are similar to Pop Century, but you can also go across Hourglass Lake to eat over there if you would like a change of scenery.
Art of Animation Transportation
| Art of Animation to Magic Kingdom | Bus |
| Art of Animation to Epcot | Skyliner |
| Art of Animation to Hollywood Studios | Skyliner |
| Art of Animation to Animal Kingdom | Bus |
| Art of Animation to Disney Springs | Bus |
| Art of Animation to Blizzard Beach | Bus |
| Art of Animation to Typhoon Lagoon | Bus |
Which Art of Animation Rooms Are Closest to Skyliner?
The Finding Nemo building is closest to the Skyliner station on the Hourglass Lake bridge. Cars and Lion King aren’t far, but Little Mermaid is a trek if quick transit is a priority.
What Park Is Art of Animation Closest to?
Technically, Art of Animation is closest to Hollywood Studios, followed closely by EPCOT, which both connect via the Skyliner. Despite their relative closeness, it is not possible to walk from Art of Animation to any of the theme parks.
Are Pop Century and Art of Animation Connected?
There is a bridge over Hourglass Lake that connects the two resorts. You can walk from one to the other in about 5–10 minutes, making it easy to grab food or catch the Skyliner from either side.
To find the bridge, head straight back from Animation Hall, past the Big Blue pool. You will see the Skyliner station in the middle of the bridge, and Pop Century is just beyond it.
Comparisons
Art of Animation Vs. Pop Century
Pop Century is slightly cheaper and has standard rooms throughout. Art of Animation wins for families with its spacious suites and immersive theming. Pop Century has great theming, but it’s not quite at the level of Art of Animation. Both share the Skyliner benefits, so it ultimately comes down to whether you need the extra space.
Art of Animation Vs. All Stars
All Stars are more affordable, but lack family suites (except All Star Music). Art of Animation is usually quieter and more themed. Plus, the Skyliner adds a lot of convenience.
Art of Animation Vs. Port Orleans
Port Orleans has more elegant theming, boat access to Disney Springs, and table service dining. Art of Animation wins with family-friendliness and easier transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Port Orleans, particularly Riverside, is very spread out with an internal bus loop that can make getting around tedious.
Art of Animation Vs. Caribbean Beach
Caribbean Beach is a Skyliner hub and has a great main pool, but it’s massive and can feel hard to navigate. AoA is more compact and has better suite options for larger groups. Caribbean Beach also comes with a higher price tag (when comparing standard rooms).
Art of Animation Map
We’re working on adding a custom map to this page. Until then, check out the interactive version on Disney’s official site or the My Disney Experience app.
Art of Animation FAQs
What Was Art of Animation Before?
Art of Animation was originally planned as the second phase of Pop Century Resort in the early 2000s. It would have focused on the 1900s–1940s and be known as the “Legendary Years.” You may notice the existing Pop Century complex is still adorned with signs that say “Classic Years.” After delays, stemming from a downturn in attendance after 9/11, followed by the recession in 2008, the unfinished Legendary Years were redesigned into Art of Animation and finally opened in 2012.
What Is Art of Animation?
Art of Animation is a Disney value resort with some of the most extensive themed environments. It celebrates Disney and Pixar animated films with immersive rooms, courtyards, and decor.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort should not be confused with the defunct Hollywood Studios attraction, The Art of Disney Animation, which closed to make way for the Star Wars Launch Bay.
Is Art of Animation Worth It?
If you need a family suite, crave Disney theming, and want Skyliner access, it’s absolutely worth the splurge. For solo or couple travelers on a budget, the price might be hard to justify, unless you score a deal on a Little Mermaid room. In that case, I would just opt for Pop Century across the lake.
