Art of Animation Resort Review

If you’re planning a Disney World vacation and are looking for a unique, budget-friendly resort with big charm, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort should be at the top of your list. This vibrant and fun hotel brings the magic of Disney movies to life, offering immersive themed rooms, fun pools, convenient access to Disney’s Skyliner transportation, and valuable perks like early park entry. Here’s a closer look at our Art of Animation Resort Review…

Themed Rooms: Immersive and Colorful

One of the standout features of Art of Animation Resort is its super fun themed rooms, which are designed to transport you straight into the world of your favorite Disney and Pixar films. There are four distinct room categories, each paying homage to a beloved Disney movie:

1. The Little Mermaid: The standard rooms in this section feature charming touches inspired by Ariel’s underwater world. Think colorful decor featuring flounder, Sebastian, and, of course, Ariel herself. It’s a great option for families who want to experience a more traditional Disney hotel without splurging on a deluxe option. We opted for this theme because we knew we were not going to be in our room much at all this trip. These are the most basic rooms on property.
2. Finding Nemo: The Finding Nemo suites are one of the most popular room types at the resort. These family suites are perfect for larger groups, offering plenty of space and playful ocean-themed details. From the carpet that mimics the ocean floor to the art on the walls featuring Nemo and his friends, this area feels like you’ve entered a giant coral reef.
3. Cars: Fans of Lightning McQueen and his pals will love the Cars section. The suites here are decorated with bright reds, yellows, and blues, with fun touches like oversized tires and road signs. The cozy, yet dynamic design makes it feel like you’ve pulled into Radiator Springs for a fun, colorful stay.
4. The Lion King: The Lion King suites offer a warm, earthy feel inspired by the African savannah. The décor includes elements from the film, like murals of the iconic characters (Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, and Mufasa), making it feel as though you’ve been transported to Pride Rock.

Pools: Splashing Fun for the Whole Family

Art of Animation boasts two fantastic pool areas, both inspired by the films that make the resort so special.

• The Big Blue Pool: This is the resort’s main pool, located in the Finding Nemo section, and it’s the largest hotel pool at Disney World. It features underwater speakers that play music and sounds from the movie, making it a truly immersive experience. The pool area also has a splash zone for younger kids. Plus, plenty of lounge chairs for parents to relax while watching the fun unfold.
• The Flippin’ Fins Pool: Located in The Little Mermaid section, this pool is a bit smaller but just as charming. It’s shaped like a giant fish and features character statues that will make you feel like you’re diving into the world of Ariel and her friends.

Both pools are equipped with heated water, which is great for year-round use. Plus, there are ample shaded areas for relaxing with a cool drink. Whether you want to swim, splash, or just lounge by the pool, Art of Animation provides a fun water experience for guests of all ages. Just adjacent to the Nemo pool you will also find a small playground, perfect for ages 3-8.

Access to Disney’s Skyliner: Effortless Transportation

One of the key advantages of staying at Art of Animation Resort is its prime access to Disney’s Skyliner. This is our FAVORITE mode of Disney transportation! Staying at a resort that has easy access to the Skyliner was a must for us. The Skyliner is a scenic gondola transportation system that connects several Disney resorts and theme parks, including Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. From Art of Animation, you can easily hop on the Skyliner and be whisked away to the parks in a matter of minutes.

This provides a much faster and more fun alternative to buses, and it offers stunning aerial views of Disney World as you glide over the resort. It’s an easy and efficient way to get around, just beware of longer lines in the evening. Plus, the Skyliner stations are conveniently located near the resort’s main building, making access to transportation quick and simple.

Early Park Entry: A Magical Perk

As a Disney World hotel guest, staying at Art of Animation comes with an additional perk—Early Park Entry. This allows you to enter the theme parks 30 minutes before the general public each day. This can make a huge difference in avoiding the crowds and maximizing your time in the parks.

This is valuable for those looking to experience popular rides like Rise of the Resistance or Avatar Flight of Passage. These rides tend to have longer wait times as the day goes on. With early entry, you’ll have a chance to ride some of the most popular attractions without spending too much time in line.

Conclusion: A Colorful, Convenient, and Comfortable Stay

What did you think of our Art of Animation Resort Review? Did I mention there is also a cafeteria type restaurant on property? Super fast and convenient when going to and from the park. We felt as though the resort had the best of both worlds: immersive theming and practicality. The vibrant, movie-inspired rooms provide a fun atmosphere for families, while the spacious family suites are both functional and comfortable. Add in the pools, quick access to the Skyliner, and valuable perks like early park entry, and you’ve got a wonderful experience that enhances your time at Disney World.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a wonderful choice for families looking to immerse themselves in the magic of Disney without breaking the bank. In case you are looking for a more upscale resort on the Skyliner, we have also stayed at the Riviera, which you can read about HERE. If you have the budget for it, we highly recommend it.