Walk under giant Nemo, Dory, and Crush statues. This section is home to the legendary Big Blue Pool with underwater speakers playing ocean sounds — it's magical. Closest to the Skyliner station.
Walt Disney World - The Most Immersive Value Resort
From $175/night
Is Art of Animation right for you?
Bottom Line: The most fun Value resort at Disney World — kids go crazy for it, and the family suites are genuinely one of the best budget options on property.
Everything you need to know at a glance
Art of Animation is Disney's most IMMERSIVE value resort — and many argue it rivals moderate resorts. The theming is absolutely next-level: you walk through scenes from Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.
More than half the rooms are FAMILY SUITES (sleeping 6 with a kitchenette), and it has SKYLINER access — a gondola system that whisks you directly to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios in minutes. The Big Blue Pool is one of the best pools at ANY Disney resort.
This is the value resort that doesn't feel like a value resort.
✨ World-class theming
Life-size character statues (30-40 feet tall) make every section feel like stepping into a movie.
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly
Over 1,120 family suites that sleep 6 with kitchenettes save money on dining.
🚡 Fast parks access
Skyliner puts you at EPCOT in 15 mins and Hollywood Studios in 5 mins (via transfer).
🏊 Epic pool scene
Big Blue Pool features underwater speakers and zero-entry pools—the best value resort pool.
Choose your perfect accommodation
The ONLY standard rooms at Art of Animation. These are refurbished classics with whimsical Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder theming. Located in the most peaceful section of the resort, furthest from the Skyliner but closest to the quietest pool.
⚠️ Note: 10+ minute walk to Skyliner. Consider this if park-hopping frequently.
THE most popular suite at the resort. Master bedroom + living area with pull-down beds, kitchenette, ocean-themed décor. Giant Nemo, Dory, and Crush statues dominate the grounds. CLOSEST TO SKYLINER — pure convenience. Home to the legendary Big Blue Pool with underwater speakers.
⭐ Pro tip: Request this section for fastest park access!
Same layout as Nemo suites but with Route 66 theming that kids GO CRAZY for. Life-size Lightning McQueen, Mater, and a Cozy Cone Motel replica. A photo op paradise. Master bedroom + living area with kitchenette and pull-down beds. The Cozy Cone Pool has fun cone-shaped cabanas.
⭐ Best for car-loving families!
African savanna theming with massive Simba, Mufasa, Timon & Pumbaa statues. The most peaceful and mature-feeling section. Master bedroom + living area with kitchenette and pull-down beds. Two bathrooms make mornings easier. Hakuna Matata pool area.
⭐ Best for those wanting serene theming!
| Room Type | Sleeps | Sq Ft | Bathrooms | Kitchenette | Price/Night | Distance to Skyliner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Mermaid Standard | 4 | ~260 | 1 | No | $175–280 | 10+ min walk |
| Finding Nemo Suite | 6 | ~520 | 2 | Yes | $340–600 | 2 min walk |
| Cars Suite | 6 | ~520 | 2 | Yes | $340–600 | 5 min walk |
| Lion King Suite | 6 | ~520 | 2 | Yes | $340–600 | 7 min walk |
This is what makes Art of Animation special
The SCALE of the statues is what makes this resort extraordinary — these are 30-40 foot tall characters. You're not just seeing theming; you're walking through scenes from the movies.
Walk under giant Nemo, Dory, and Crush statues. This section is home to the legendary Big Blue Pool with underwater speakers playing ocean sounds — it's magical. Closest to the Skyliner station.
Life-size Lightning McQueen and Mater figures. The Cozy Cone Motel replica is a photo op goldmine — kids lose their minds. The Cozy Cone Pool has cone-shaped cabanas. Pure Route 66 nostalgia.
Massive Simba, Mufasa, Timon & Pumbaa statues. The most peaceful and contemplative section. African savanna landscaping. The vibe is more mature and serene than the other areas — perfect for families wanting a quieter experience.
Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder statues. The most whimsical and colorful section. Home to the standard rooms and the quietest pool. Furthest from the Skyliner, but the aesthetic is unmatched — pure ocean magic.
Square Footage: 260-300 sq ft | Occupancy: 2-4 | Beds: Varies by building
Best Buildings: Animation Courtyard (closest to Skyliner). Avoid Music hall if possible.
Booking tip: "Animation Courtyard preferred, higher floor, away from elevators."
Square Footage: 565 sq ft | Occupancy: 6 | Layout: Full kitchen, 2 bedrooms!
Perfect For: Families, groups. Kitchen saves on dining. Best value for 6-person groups.
Pro Tip: Family Suites are often cheaper per person than other resorts for larger families.
Location: Skyliner to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios is RIGHT THERE.
Advantage: No bus lines, no transfers. Direct, scenic route. Often under 10 min.
Pro Tip: This alone makes Art of Animation a top value choice.
| Season | Standard | Family Suite | Best Value? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value Season | $249-$319 | $379-$499 | ✓ BEST |
| Regular Season | $319-$399 | $499-$649 | Great |
| Peak Season | $449-$599 | $699-$899 | Plan |
💡 Tip: BEST VALUE budget resort. Family suites are unbeatable for groups. Skyliner access is huge.
1. Budget is your priority?
2. Visiting EPCOT & Hollywood Studios?
3. Family with 4+ people?
Fuel your day with incredible food court dining
The BEST food court on Disney property. Enormous variety, excellent quality, fresh ingredients. Multiple stations including Asian, Mexican, American, Mediterranean, and more. Seriously rivals some table-service restaurants.
Located at the Big Blue Pool. Perfect for grabbing drinks and light snacks while enjoying the resort's best pool. Great place to cool off between park days.
Family suites include kitchenettes, so you can prepare meals, store snacks, and save money on dining. Perfect for families with dietary restrictions or young kids who need consistent meal times.
Four amazing pools across the resort
Finding Nemo section
One of the BEST pools at ANY Disney resort. Zero-entry with underwater speakers playing ocean music. Enormous zero-entry design perfect for young kids. Lounge chairs, cabanas, and shade structures. This pool is legendary.
Cars section
Fun cone-shaped cabanas. Medium-sized pool with lots of character and theming. Great for families wanting something a bit more intimate than Big Blue.
Little Mermaid section
The quietest pool on the resort. Perfect for families wanting a calm, peaceful swimming experience away from the crowds. Less crowded than the other pools.
Nightly Entertainment
Select evenings feature outdoor movies by the pools. Great family activity. Check the resort map upon arrival for the schedule.
How guests rate Art of Animation
Multiple ways to reach the parks
Pro strategies for maximizing your stay
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