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On-Site Magical Disney Stays: Disney's Art of Animation

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Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Contributed by

Kelly Westbrook and our AMAAB Blogging Crew

Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Where does value meet convenient transportation meet decorative theming that your younger kids will love? Look no further than Disney's Art of Animation, a resort that holds true to its name showcasing the evolution of animation, while providing families quick transportation to all four theme parks... all at a value that cannot be ignored!


Keep reading to explore more about this resort option in Walt Disney World, and why our AMAAB travel advisors think it may be a hit for your next family trip.



Resort Theming 

Think big, oversized, and definitely loud in design. This resort helps bring to life the animated movies you love, including The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid. Large, eye-catching statues with bright colors are scattered throughout the property, and while some may find the theming a bit bold compared to other resorts around Disney property, it is certain to make kids (and big time Disney fans) smile while walking by-- not to mention the great photo ops they provide!




Room Types

When choosing a room type at Disney's Art of Animation, you have two sizing options and four themes. 


Standard Room- “Little Mermaid” theme, Sleeps 4 adults 

No sense of subtleness here, these rooms are decked out in The Little Mermaid theming, from the shell bed down to the shower curtain. While young kids and hardcore Disney fans are sure to love the in-your-face theming, some may find it a little over the top. 


These rooms come with 1 King bed or 2 Queens. When booking the Little Mermaid rooms, it is important to keep in mind that these rooms are the furthest away from the lobby and bus stop, so expect at least a 5-10 minute walk to the lobby, buses, SkyLiner, or main pool. While this may not be an issue for some, it’s best to know this information ahead of time so you can prepare yourself for this walk after a full day in the parks. 



Family Suites, Sleeps 6 adults 

The Family Suites have 3 different themes to choose from: Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King. The Nemo suites are centrally located in the middle of the resort around the main pool, splash pad area, lobby and Skyliner, putting you closest to transportation and food and will typically cost the most out of the suite options due to location.


Aside from the theme, all suites are set up the same. The Family Suites have a main bedroom with a queen bed and a full bathroom. This layout gives parents extra space and a separate place to relax and watch TV while kids are sleeping. If the adults are early risers, it also gives them the opportunity to wake up early and get ready without disturbing the whole crew. 





The living area is very spacious and also has its own full bathroom. For larger families, the two bathrooms are an excellent addition to your resort stay! As far as sleeping arrangements, there is a couch that pulls out to a full sized bed, and there is a table with 4 chairs that doubles in use and pulls down into a murphy style full sized bed. There is a small kitchenette with a sink, beverage cooler, and cabinets for storing pantry food. There is plenty of space to walk around, even when all the beds are pulled out - this is especially great if you have a stroller. 




Resort Facts: Dining Options, Pools, Transportation

Dining:

Arguably the best food court at any Disney Value Resort, Landscape of Flavors provides breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack quick service options, grab and go, and mobile ordering. 




The Drop Off Pool Bar is also open daily with frozen cocktails, beverages, and quick service meals and snacks, and conveniently located right next to the Big Blue Pool. 






Pools:

Art of Animation has a total of 3 pools, including the largest hotel pool of any Walt Disney World resort.  The largest is the Big Blue Pool, themed to Finding Nemo and offers zero-entry. The Schoolyard Sprayground is also nearby, which is a large splash pad and perfect for younger kids. 




Cozy Cone Pool is in the cars section and offers first-come, first-served cozy cone cabanas. The third pool, Flippin’ Fins, is located in the Little Mermaid section of the resort. 


Life jackets and towels are provided at each pool. As a value resort, these pools do not offer water slides or hot tubs. 


Transportation:

A big game changer for Art of Animation is the addition of Disney’s Skyliner as a mode of transportation. The Skyliner goes to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot. This makes it very convenient to take a break in your room mid-afternoon and quickly be back in the parks for the evening. The Skyliner from AOA takes you to the hub at Caribbean Beach then from there you choose Hollywood Studios or Epcot. Travel time to Hollywood Studios is less than 10 minutes from Caribbean Beach’s hub, and to Epcot, it is about 15 minutes. The Skyliner is constantly moving (weather permitting) and allows Disney to move people quickly from place to place. 



If you are planning to go to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs, you would catch a bus from the centralized bus stop, near the lobby. 


TA Tip- When going to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, or Disney Springs, it is easy to walk through the dining area and grab what you need on your way to the buses! We always take this opportunity to fill up our resort mugs with coffee on the way to the parks! 



Resort Amenities 

When choosing which resort to stay during your Walt Disney World vacation, it’s important to also think about what amenities you would like to do or what would be fun for your family. Art of Animation provides additional entertainment for families including

  • Roasting marshmallows by the campfire;

  • Movies under the stars, located near the Big Blue Pool; 

  • Jogging Trail; 

  • Righteous Reef Playground; and

  • Pixel Play Arcade, located in the Animation Hall building. 


Our personal favorite is the movie under the stars! It's a nice way to end the night if we leave the parks early enough to enjoy a film outdoors. 





This would be the ideal resort for you if…

You are a family who wants or needs more space, but who may also be traveling on a budget. Art of Animation Family Suites gives you the feel of extra space like a villa without the deluxe price tag. This resort is great for multi-generational families or larger families because the suites hold up to 6 people. This resort is also great for families with smaller kids, with its colorful, eye-catching decor, zero-entry pool and large splashpad. If you are traveling with other families with different budgets, it is a short walk to Pop Century and a short Skyliner ride to Caribbean Beach or the Riviera to meet them. We are big fans and I hope you’ll consider AOA for your next vacation! 


Check out why Kelly Westbrook, one of our AMAAB travel advisors, loves Art of Animation:

"Art of Animation is the perfect fit for many families. My own family has now stayed there for three separate trips and would gladly return over and over again. This resort is perfect for families who like more space, or for those who love the big Disney decor!  We love so many aspects of it, and I would be glad to share them with you if you are thinking about this resort option for your next magical vacation! "


AMAAB Travel Advisor


You can check out an overview of all Disney resorts here, or connect with one of our travel advisors to find your perfect match! 


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