If you have been scrolling through disney animation resort reviews and you keep seeing the same two opinions, “it’s perfect for families” and “it’s a long walk,” you’re not alone. Art of Animation is one of those Disney resorts that people remember vividly, because it leans hard into the theme, and it’s built in a way that can feel either magical or mildly exhausting depending on your travel style.
This guide is meant to feel like advice from someone who has actually tried to make it work with real humans, real tired feet, and real park days. I’ll walk through what the resort does incredibly well, what tends to surprise people after check in, and how to decide if it is the right fit for your trip. I’ll keep it practical, not salesy, and I’ll focus on the stuff that matters when you’re choosing where to sleep after a 14 hour theme park day.
Resort vibe in one sentence: Art of Animation is loud in the best way, comforting in a kid friendly way, and a little spread out, so it rewards people who plan small details.
What Art of Animation Actually Is, and Why People Book It
Art of Animation is a Disney Value Resort that feels like it is trying to be more than “value.” The theming is the headline. You’re not getting subtle design choices here. You are getting giant characters, immersive courtyards, and sections that make kids feel like they stepped into a movie.
A big reason families choose it is the room setup. Beyond standard rooms, the resort is known for disney’s art of animation resort suites, which are designed for families who need more than two beds and a prayer. These suites are one of the easiest ways to keep everyone together without moving up to a more expensive resort category.
Another reason is convenience. It is on the Disney Skyliner route for certain parks, which can be a huge win for mornings and mid day breaks. But convenience comes with nuance, because you’ll still use buses for some parks, and the resort layout affects how easy it feels.
The Layout: The Best Part and the Most Complained About Part
Art of Animation is split into themed areas based on popular films. Most people recognize the big four sections: Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. The main building, Animation Hall, is where you’ll find the front desk, the food court, and the gift shop. The Big Blue Pool is nearby and acts like the heart of the resort.
Here’s the truth that gets buried in glossy summaries: where you stay within the resort changes your experience a lot.
If you are in a suite section like Finding Nemo, you are generally closer to the main hub. That usually means less walking for food, refillable drinks, and transportation. If you are in a standard room section like The Little Mermaid, you may end up farther away. For some people that is fine, especially if you like quieter evenings or you do not mind the walk. For others, it becomes the thing they complain about most, especially after fireworks when everyone is tired and the sidewalks feel endless.
It’s not a dealbreaker. It’s just something you want to know upfront so you’re not shocked by it.
The Theming: Why Kids Lose Their Minds Here
If you’re booking this resort for the “Disney feeling,” Art of Animation delivers. The theming is not just decorative. It’s immersive, and it can genuinely make the resort feel like part of the vacation instead of a place you sleep.
Finding Nemo is the most visually impressive for most families. The colors are bright, the characters are huge, and it feels like you are surrounded by the movie. Cars is also a favorite because the Cozy Cone area looks like Radiator Springs, and it hits that sweet spot of being playful and recognizable.
The Lion King section feels a bit more nature focused and has a different tone, which some parents like because it is still themed but slightly less “in your face.” The Little Mermaid section is popular because standard rooms are located there, but theming wise it can feel more like a long walk to get to the action.
If you are traveling with young kids, the theming is not a small perk. It can be the difference between a cranky walk and a fun walk. When your child thinks the resort is a character playground, your mornings get easier.
Rooms and Suites: What You’re Really Paying For
When people talk about this resort, the conversation usually comes down to one question. Are you getting a suite, or are you getting a standard room?
If you are reading disney animation resort reviews, you’ll notice that most glowing reviews come from families staying in suites, and most “it was fine but…” reviews come from standard rooms, mainly because of location and space.
Standard Rooms: The Little Mermaid Rooms
The standard rooms are themed to The Little Mermaid and designed for smaller parties. If you are a couple, a solo traveler, or a family with one child, it can work. The room is bright, the theming is cute, and the resort is still fun.
But standard rooms do not have the same flexibility as the suites. Space is tighter, and if you’re the type who likes to spread out, keep snacks handy, or have a kid nap while another person watches TV, it can feel limited.
Also, these rooms are usually farther from Animation Hall and the main pool. That distance is the thing to weigh, because it impacts how likely you are to do mid day breaks. If you love returning to the room for naps or cooling off, you may want to think hard about the walk.
Family Suites: The Main Reason This Resort Wins for Groups
If your group is bigger, if you want a second bathroom, or if you do not want your entire evening to happen on a single bed, you are looking at suites. This is where art of animation family suite review conversations usually land: it is one of the most practical “family first” room types at Disney World.
Family suites are designed for groups that need to sleep more people comfortably. You get a bedroom plus a living area, and there are extra sleeping surfaces. The layout creates a little separation so someone can be asleep while someone else is still moving around.
The other huge perk is the mini kitchen setup. Even if you are not cooking real meals, the ability to store cold drinks, keep breakfast items, and have a table is a quality of life upgrade. It saves money, yes, but it also saves time and stress.
If you have ever tried to get everyone ready for rope drop in a single standard room, you already understand why the suite matters.
Sleep Quality: Quiet vs. Convenience
One thing people rarely mention clearly is how much sound and foot traffic can vary depending on your room location. Rooms closer to central pathways can feel more active. Rooms farther out can feel quieter but require more walking.
If you are a light sleeper, request a room that is not facing a busy courtyard path if possible. If you are traveling with kids who crash hard no matter what, you might care more about being close to transportation and food.
The bedding experience can be perfectly fine, but what makes sleep better is controlling the little things: keeping the room cool, having space to lay out park gear, and not having to climb over luggage to reach the bathroom at midnight.
Pools: The Real Midday Break Strategy
Art of Animation’s pool situation is a big part of why families love it. The Big Blue Pool is the star. It is themed to Finding Nemo and it is lively. For kids, it feels like an attraction. For parents, it can feel like a win or a lot depending on your energy level.
If your family enjoys pool days, this resort is strong. The pool area is not an afterthought. It is central and it often becomes the “we’ll rest here today” plan.
There are also smaller pools in other sections that can be calmer. If you like a quieter dip at night, those can be easier than the main pool during peak hours.
A practical note: pool time is when many families do a reset. It is a way to avoid the 3 pm meltdown, eat something casual after swimming, and head back out for evening rides. This is where resort layout matters again, because the easier it is to get back to your room, the more likely you are to actually take that break.
Dining: Simple, Convenient, and Better Than You Expect for Value
Art of Animation is not a fine dining resort. But it is a solid option if you want easy meals without overthinking it. The food court, Landscape of Flavors, is typically where most guests eat. You’ll find a mix of standard kid friendly options and a few items that can surprise you in a good way.
The biggest advantage is convenience. You can grab breakfast, refill drinks, pick up snacks for the room, and feed a picky child without turning it into a huge event.
If you are trying to keep your trip smoother, think about using the resort dining for at least one meal a day. You do not have to do it every day, but having that option removes stress when you return tired and hungry.
You also have the ability to do simple groceries if you are in a suite. That can cut down on “we need to find food right now” moments, especially for early mornings.
Transportation: What’s Easy, What’s Not, and How to Make It Work
Transportation is one of the most important parts of any Disney resort experience, and it is also where people can feel misled if they assume everything is the same.
You will use buses and you may use the Skyliner depending on where you’re going. When people talk about art of animation transportation to parks, they are usually praising the Skyliner while also mentioning that buses can get crowded at peak times.
The Skyliner: The Game Changer for the Right Parks
The Disney Skyliner can be a huge advantage, especially for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It can feel faster, more relaxing, and more predictable than a crowded bus after a long day. It also makes mid day breaks easier because you can pop back to the resort without feeling like you’re committing to a long commute.
The Skyliner is not perfect. It can have weather impacts, and it can get busy at opening and closing times. But as a general rule, if you’re staying at Art of Animation and you love EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, you will likely appreciate this.
Buses: Still Part of Your Trip
You’ll typically use buses for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Bus experiences can vary. Sometimes it is smooth. Sometimes it is crowded. What makes it easier is timing. If you head to transportation slightly earlier than the crowd, your experience improves.
A good strategy is planning which park days matter most. If you have one “big Magic Kingdom day,” you might consider leaving earlier and returning later to avoid the most chaotic bus times. If you are flexible, you can plan that day around breaks that keep you away from peak rush.
Transportation is also where suite location can matter again, because being closer to the main hub means less walking just to get to the bus line.
Art of Animation vs Pop Century: The Comparison Everyone Makes
A lot of guests consider Pop Century at the same time. That is why art of animation vs pop century is such a common debate.
Here is the practical breakdown in plain language.
Pop Century can be a better value if you are okay with a standard room and you want Skyliner access. It is often cheaper, it is also on the Skyliner, and it has a fun theme.
Art of Animation wins when you want the immersive theme and, most importantly, you want family suites. If your group needs that extra space, Pop’s standard rooms may not solve the problem the same way.
If you are a couple or a small family and you plan to be in the parks from morning to night, Pop Century often makes more financial sense. If you are a family that needs naps, needs space, and wants the resort to feel like part of the magic, Art of Animation usually feels worth it.
Who This Resort Is Best For
Art of Animation shines for families with kids who care about Disney movies. It also shines for groups who need more space but do not want to pay deluxe resort prices.
If you are traveling with toddlers, the resort theming can make your days easier because kids feel entertained even outside the parks. If you have a child who loves Finding Nemo or Cars, it can feel like you added extra “Disney moments” without paying for extra tickets.
It is also strong for multi generation trips where you want to keep everyone together. Suites can make it easier to share a room without feeling cramped.
If you are a couple looking for a calm and quiet resort vibe, you might prefer something with a more relaxed theme. You can still enjoy Art of Animation, but it will not feel tranquil in the same way some other resorts can.
Common Surprises People Mention in Disney Animation Resort Reviews
Even when guests love their stay, certain things come up again and again. Knowing them ahead of time makes your experience smoother.
One surprise is how much walking there can be. The resort is spread out, and the distance from some rooms to the main building can feel long after a park day. Good shoes matter. So does planning. If you think you’ll be returning to the room often, consider a room location request that prioritizes being closer to the hub.
Another surprise is how lively it feels at night. It can be active, especially in popular courtyards. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but if your family needs quiet early evenings, try to plan for it by choosing a calmer location.
A third surprise is how much the suite layout changes the trip. People often underestimate how valuable it is to have more space, a table, and a second bathroom setup. It is not glamorous, but it can reduce stress in ways you feel every morning.
Practical Tips That Make Your Stay Better
The easiest way to enjoy Art of Animation is to treat the resort like a system. If you plan a few small things, you avoid the biggest frustrations.
Think about your morning routine. If you want breakfast quickly, plan what you are doing the night before so you’re not scrambling. If you are using the Skyliner, aim to arrive a bit earlier than peak rope drop crowds.
Think about your mid day break. If you are going back for naps or pool time, plan it intentionally. The resort is built for families to take breaks, and using that can make your evening park time more enjoyable.
Think about evening return time. If fireworks are a must, expect crowds. If fireworks are optional, consider coming back slightly earlier to avoid the biggest rush and let kids wind down.
Also, build in “resort fun” time. This resort is one of the few value options where the theming feels like an activity. Taking 30 minutes to walk through the courtyards and let kids explore can be a highlight, not wasted time.
Is It Worth It?
Most people who love Art of Animation love it for one of two reasons. The theme makes their kids happy, or the suite makes their family trip function.
Most people who are lukewarm about it usually wanted a cheaper room and ended up feeling the walking distance, or they were hoping for a quieter vibe and found it too energetic.
So the answer depends on what you value.
If you want a resort that feels like Disney even before you enter a park, Art of Animation is a strong choice. If you want space without going deluxe, the suites are a genuinely practical option. If you want the cheapest way to get Skyliner access, Pop Century might make more sense.
If you know what you’re booking and you book it for the right reasons, Art of Animation tends to deliver.
FAQs
Are the family suites worth the extra cost compared to standard rooms?
If you need more sleeping space, if you want more room to move around, or if you want a layout that makes mornings easier, most families feel the suites are worth it. The value is not just comfort, it is stress reduction.
Which section is best to request?
Many guests prefer being close to Animation Hall and the main pool area, especially if they plan to take breaks during the day. If you prioritize quiet, a farther location may feel calmer, but it usually comes with more walking.
Is the resort good for adults without kids?
It can be, especially if you love Disney animation and you want a playful atmosphere. If you want a calmer, more romantic vibe, you might prefer a different resort style.
How reliable is transportation to the parks?
Transportation can be very convenient, especially with Skyliner access for certain parks, but buses are still part of the experience for others. Timing and planning make a big difference in how smooth it feels.
What’s the biggest downside people mention?
The resort is spread out, and the walking distance from some rooms can feel long at the end of the day. If that is a concern, consider room location preferences and plan breaks wisely.
Hi, I’m Bruno. I’ve worked in the aviation industry for over 6 years as a B1.1 Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. This blog is where I share insights on aviation and travel globally.