Pros and Cons of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

One of the most popular Disney world Resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a fan favorite for good reason. With theming that could bring out anyone’s inner child, it features Little Mermaid, Cars, Lion King and Finding Nemo elements that both kids and adults recognize. By far the epitome of a Disney resort, Art of Animation “looks” quite perfect. But with limited room options and sprawling grounds, is it right for your next Disney trip? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of staying at Disney’s Art of Animation resort.

As a Disney Travel Planner, Art of Animation is one of the resorts I get most asked about.  Especially for families with smaller kids. Take a look at some of the photos in this post and it’s easy to see why! Art of Animation is a value resort, but a unique one at that. Though it tends to be the resort I book the most for clients, it’s not necessarily for everyone. Read on for the pros and cons of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

Pros of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Let’s start with the good stuff! As one of the most Disney-themed hotels at Disney World, this resort is perfect for families and Disney Adults alike! Featuring Cars, Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo and Lion King, there is something here for everyone. There are many pros of Art of Animation Resort. So let’s dive in. 

Art of Animation Resort has Family Suites

Art of Animation is home to the largest number of family suites on Disney property. And they’re all themed! Guests can choose from Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo. There is also a small number of standard rooms available to book at Art of animation as well and these are all themed to The Little Mermaid. 

The Family Suites at Art of Animation are quite spacious. With two full bathrooms, a separate bedroom, dining table that transitions into a bed and a pullout couch, these rooms are great for larger parties, or those that just want a little extra room. You can take a look at the Lion King Suites in this video to get an idea of what to expect in terms of space and layout.

Art of Animation Resort has Fun Decor and Theming

Of all of the Disney resorts, Art of Animation is easily the most “Disney” themed. With larger-than-life Disney icons, all separated into sections to maintain a theme, it could almost feel like you’re walking into your favorite Disney movie. Not only are these areas super fun for kids and adults alike, but they make for excellent photo opps. So, whether you’re capturing your favorite family memories, or trying to match an outfit to a background, Art of Animation is one of the best places to take pictures on Disney property.

Art of Animation has Access to Disney’s Skyliner 

Being on Disney’s Skyliner line makes traveling to the Parks so much easier. With lines going to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, getting to and from those parks is quite convenient if you’re staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The Skyliner really added value to the resorts it was installed in because it not only makes it easier to get to these two parks, but it also makes it easy to travel between other Skyliner Resorts.

We love a good non-park day to escape the crowds, explore other areas and save some money. Having access to the Skyliner makes it easy to enjoy other resorts during days away from the parks. 

Art of Animation has a Good Food Court

For a Value Resort, Art of Animation’s food court is pretty good! Though you’re not likely to find as good of food as say, Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian Resort, Landscape of Flavors often has unique options that actually taste pretty good too. The resort recently installed a latte counter as well. Which makes grabbing a pastry and coffee in the mornings a little more magical.

Cons of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Of course, no resort is perfect. So like any Disney hotel, there are Art of Animation Pros and Cons to consider. Let’s take a look at some the Cons and some reasons this trip might not be best for your Disney Vacation. 

Most Rooms at Art of Animation are Suites

While the suites are appealing for larger parties, not everyone wants or needs a family suite. We loved our room when we stayed in the Lion King Family Suites because not only did it have plenty of living space, but also two full bathrooms.  That being said, we don’t often need that much space. And since they can be quite pricey, if we plan to be in the Parks most of the time, we would likely opt for a standard room somewhere else.

Though suites are nice, many people don’t need that kind of room. And since most of the rooms are suites, it’s usually more difficult to find a good deal on the standard rooms at this resort.

Art of Animation is Expensive for a Value Resort

Lets just say it. Art of Animation is EXPENSIVE! Yes, it is considered a Value Resort. But one look at their website might make you wonder why those prices aren’t in line with most other Value Resorts at Disney. Why is Art of Animation so expensive? There are a few reasons. First being the “demand.” Everyone loves staying a cute Disney Resort and AOA is the cutest! Second is the Little Mermaid theme. Again, who doesn’t love staying in a Little Mermaid themed room? So, of course they’re pricey. And third, back to the previous point, most of these rooms are Family Suites. So of course they’re going to be more expensive. The chance for multiple rooms and the ability to sleep 5-6 people is huge! But even compared to the suites at say, All Star Music, these suites are on the pricey side. Some people even say you’re better off just staying at a suite in a deluxe resort as the prices can be comparable at times. 

Art of Animation is Often Not Included in Promotions

And if the price doesn’t have you running, know that you won’t be getting any discounts either! Mainly because there are so few standard rooms. As such it’s usually difficult to find a really good deal on them.

Art of Animation Resort Little Mermaid Rooms are Small

Though the Little Mermaid rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation do come with two queen beds, the room itself is a bit cramped. I am not sure why these rooms are smaller, but they are, even for a value resort. So if you’re staying here and are used to other Value Resorts at Disney, just be prepared for them to be a little tighter of living quarters.

Additionally, these rooms are the furthest away from the main building. Each section except for the Lion King section does have its own pool, so you won’t need to trek all the way towards the front unless you want to use the Finding Nemo pool or splash area. But the food court, front desk, busses and even the Skyliner are all a decent walk from the Little Mermaid section. 

Art of Animation Resort is about 30 minutes from Magic Kingdom

Being close to the parks is important. And while the Disney Skyliner gets you close to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, if you’re headed to Magic Kingdom often, you may want to try another resort. The Distance from Art of Animation is about 6 miles, or a 20 minute drive. In a Disney Bus, this can sometimes be closer to a 30 minute ride, and that doesn’t include the waiting time for the bus prior. 

Art of Animation is about 40 minutes from Disney Springs

Another con of staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the distance from Disney Springs. Close to a 40 minute bus ride, if you’re hoping to visit Disney Springs often we’d recommend considering a Disney Boardwalk Resort instead. 

Availability at Art of Animation Can be Limited

Regardless of price, Art of Animation is popular. This is a good thing of course. Except for when you want to book a room and can’t find any availability. During the busiest times of year at Disney World,  you can expect this resort to be fully booked, and well in advance at that.  Even when it’s not fully booked, finding availability for your desired theme can be tricky.

If this resort is on your Disney wishlist, plan to book it early! Not only will you get the best pricing, but you’ll also be sure to get the room type you want. 

Is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort right for you?

That depends! Hopefully this list of Art of Animation Pros and Cons are helpful in making that decision. If you’re looking for a resort that has excellent Disney theming, want some extra space in your room, and is on the Skyliner Route then Art of Animation is a good one to consider!