Planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Make it even more magical with a stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort! This colorful Value Resort brings Disney stories and imagination to life, surrounding guests with the creativity and charm that define Disney animation. With its vibrant atmosphere, family-friendly comforts, and convenient access to the parks, the resort adds an extra layer of wonder to your trip—making every moment of your vacation feel like part of the story.
Pros and Cons
Table of Contents
Pros:
- Larger than life theming
- Great for families with kids
- Great for larger families
- Access to Disney’s Skyliner
- Great value
- Recently refurbished rooms
- Outstanding food court options
Cons:
- Limited amounts of room types
- Large & spread out resort
- Can be a noisier more crowded resort
- No table-service dining
- Limited resort amenities compared to Moderate & Deluxe Resorts
Resort Overview
Location Benefits
Staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort comes with plenty of location perks that make your Disney vacation both convenient and magical. Located in the Wide World of Sports Resort area, Art of Animation offers easy access to the Disney Skyliner, providing a quick and scenic ride to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Complimentary bus transportation also makes it simple to reach Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs for even more dining, shopping, and entertainment throughout your stay.
The resort’s colorful animation-inspired theming brings beloved Disney and Pixar stories to life, creating a playful and imaginative atmosphere that’s full of Disney charm. While the energy is lively and family-friendly, there are also plenty of relaxing spots to unwind—whether you’re lounging by the pool or taking a peaceful stroll through beautifully themed pathways. Its blend of creativity, comfort, and whimsy makes Disney’s Art of Animation Resort a truly magical place to stay.
Resort Category: Value
Resort Area: Hollywood Studios
Guest Rooms
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers spacious accommodations designed with families in mind. Rooms and suites feature bright, imaginative décor inspired by beloved Disney and Pixar films, immersing guests in the stories they love. Standard rooms comfortably sleep up to 4 adults, while family suites provide extra space for larger groups. Each room includes practical features, like multiple bed options and smart layouts, to ensure both comfort and convenience throughout your stay.
Standard Amenities in each standard room include:
- Hairdryer
- TV
- Free WiFi
- Coffee maker
- In-room beverage cooler
- Telephone
- In-room safe
- Iron & ironing board
- Outlets and USB ports are scattered throughout the rooms for your convenience
- Ample storage space; closets, drawers, bathroom counter space, & under the bed storage.
It’s worth noting that the vanity/sink area is separated by a door from the shower & toilet. A curtain separates the bathroom area from the bedroom area, providing some privacy.
Room Types
Standard Rooms
- Standard Room: Views of courtyard, pool, or parking area
- 2 Queen Beds -OR- 1 King Bed
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Little Mermaid theming
Family Suites
- Family Suite: Views of courtyard, pool, or parking area
- 1 Queen Bed, 1 Double-Size Table Bed & 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
- 2 bathrooms
- Kitchenette
- Sleeps up to 6 adults
- Cars, Finding Nemo, or The Lion King theming
Note that you can book a Family Suite & receive your room theming upon check-in.
Checking In and Out
There are multiple ways to check in for your stay; all being very easy. You can use the front desk, check-in online through the official Walt Disney World website, or utilize the My Disney Experience app.
After online check-in, you’ll receive a room-ready notification and can use your MagicBand or the digital key feature in the app to unlock your room door.
Using the app tends to be the quickest way to check in; it means you never have to wait in line to check in at the front desk. The MDE app can also be used virtually to chat with a cast member should you need any assistance.
Guests will be automatically checked out of their rooms upon completion of their stay. Any unresolved charges will be put on the credit card on file & a final statement will be emailed to you. You may also visit the front desk if you wish.
Should you need assistance with your bags you’ll call bell services from your room phone and they will come to your room to assist you with your luggage.
Resort Shop
The resort shop at Art of Animation is a charming retail spot perfect for picking up Disney souvenirs, snacks, and essentials during your stay. With a colorful, whimsical design inspired by classic animation, the shop offers everything from plush toys and apparel to artwork and unique collectibles. Whether you need a last-minute gift, a fun keepsake, or just a sweet treat, this stop makes it easy to bring a little extra Disney magic back home.
The shop is:
- Ink & Paint Shop: A shop with apparel, accessories, pins, gifts, snacks, home goods, and other sundries.
Amenities
- Laundry Services: A 24-hour self-service laundry facility is available near Lilo’s Playhouse.
- Parking: Complimentary parking is available to guests. Valet parking is available at a nightly rate.
- “Hey Disney!”: Stay up to date on daily park info, play games, make requests in your resort with your in-room virtual assistant.
- Dry Cleaning Services: Offers dry cleaning and valet laundry services.
- Movies Under the Stars: Enjoy screenings of your favorite Disney movies on select nights.
Lounges
- The Drop Off Pool Bar: Located beside the massive Big Blue Pool, this bar is a laid-back, tropical-inspired spot perfect for relaxing with a drink or snack. Guests can enjoy refreshing cocktails, craft beers, or non-alcoholic beverages, including fun specialty drinks like the “Big Blue Ocean” complete with a glowing souvenir cube. Light bites such as sandwiches, pizza slices, and ice cream bars are also available, making it easy to grab a casual poolside snack. With its family-friendly vibe and sunny atmosphere, The Drop Off is an ideal place to unwind during your resort stay.
Dining Options
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers a variety of dining options to satisfy every craving. From quick-service meals and classic comfort foods to refreshing drinks and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re fueling up for a day in the parks or grabbing a snack by the pool.
Quick Service
Disney World’s Quick Service restaurants provide a convenient and efficient dining option for guests on the go. Perfect for a quick bite between attractions, these restaurants offer diverse menus, from an afternoon sweet treat to an on theme small plate.
No reservations are needed; simply order at the counter or on your My Disney Experience app and find a seat. Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience app lets you skip lines and customize your meal in advance. Quick Service options ensure you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the magic of Disney.
- Landscape of Flavors: This main dining spot at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, offers a lively mix of international and American favorites in a convenient quick-service format. Located in Animation Hall, the restaurant features four themed seating areas inspired by beloved Disney animated films. With five food stations serving everything from burgers and pasta to tandoori chicken and Mongolian grilled fish, there’s something for every taste. Open from early morning through late evening, Landscape of Flavors makes it easy to grab a meal before heading to the parks or to relax with dinner after a fun-filled day.
Recreation
For guests looking to relax and have fun, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers a selection of recreational activities:
- Swimming: A highlight for guests of all ages, this resort features multiple themed pools, including the massive Big Blue Pool inspired by Finding Nemo, which is perfect for families and includes a splash area for little ones. There are also smaller, quieter pools in the Cozy, Lion King, and Cars sections, ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Poolside activities and loungers make it easy to spend the day enjoying the water and the vibrant, playful atmosphere of the resort.
- Fishing: While you cannot fish in Hourglass Lake, take the Skyliner to Caribbean Beach Resort, where guided catch-and-release fishing excursions are available.
- Jogging: Jog or walk along this 1.38 mile scenic path surrounded by colorful, larger-than-life animated movie icons.
- Art of Animation Campfire Activities: Gather around for a good old fashioned campfire with complimentary marshmallows and S’mores bags for purchase.
- Playground: Head to the 70’s section for a fun, safe space for kids to play and burn off energy amid the resort’s colorful, retro-themed surroundings.
- Pixel Play Arcade: Features classic and modern games, offering fun for all ages right inside Animation Hall.
Transportation
Getting around from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a breeze with several transportation options:
- Skyliner: Guests have access to a large Skyliner station & can travel to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, & Pop Century Resort.
- Buses: Disney buses are available for transportation to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Buses only run to Epcot & Hollywood Studios if the Skyliner is not running.
- Minnie Van: Run by Lyft, these festive vehicles are comfortable ways to get around Disney property. Car seats can be included, which may be helpful.
Getting From Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
To Anywhere At Disney World
- Magic Kingdom – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Magic Kingdom.
- Epcot – Take the Skyliner or Minnie Van to Epcot.
- Hollywood Studios – Take the Skyliner or Minnie Van to Hollywood Studios. Uber/Lyft is also an option, however you will not be dropped off at the main entrance anymore.
- Animal Kingdom – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Animal Kingdom. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate.
- Disney Springs – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Disney Springs. Uber/Lyft are an option but they will drop you off at the far end of Disney Springs close to the Rain Forest Cafe area. It can be a long walk to more central locations. The bus and Minnie Van will drop you off in a central location.
Resorts
Magic Kingdom Area Resorts – including Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Polynesian Village Resort, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Saratoga Springs and Old Key West –
- Take a bus to Magic Kingdom
- Use Magic Kingdom transportation to the resort of choice.
- Walk to Contemporary or Grand Floridian
- Monorail or Ferry to Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary
- Water Taxi to Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness
- Bus to all resorts.
- Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from Pop Century Resort to any Magic Kingdom area resort.
Epcot Area Resorts – including Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve.
- Skyliner
- Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft.
Hollywood Studios Area Resorts – including Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resort.
- Skyliner
- Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft.
- Walk
Animal Kingdom Area Resorts – including Animal Kingdom Lodge, All Stars – Movie, Music and Sports and Coronado Springs
- Bus to Animal Kingdom.
- Take the resort bus from Animal Kingdom to the resort of your choice.
- Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Pop Century Resort to any Animal Kingdom area resort.
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Typhoon Lagoon. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate. Note that you will take a resort bus to Disney Springs and transfer to the Typhoon Lagoon bus there.
- Blizzard Beach – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Blizzard Beach. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate. Note that you will take a resort bus to Animal Kingdom and transfer to the Blizzard Beach bus there.
Mini Golf
- Winter Summerland – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Blizzard Beach. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate of Blizzard Beach. Winter Summerland is next to Blizzard Beach.
- Fantasia Gardens – Take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios and walk to Fantasia Gardens. Fantasia Gardens is next to the Swan Reserve. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off at Fantasia Gardens.
Tips for Your Stay
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- Make Dining Reservations Early: You’ll want to make dining reservations at any Disney restaurants 60 days prior to arrival, especially for character dining experiences. Table service dining does fill up and it’s not recommended to try to walk up to your favorite restaurant the day of. Instructions on how to use the My Disney Experience app are here.
- Consider a Family Suite: Larger family? Want more space? Two bathrooms? A kitchenette? Consider upgrading to an exciting themed family suite.
- Use Mobile Ordering: To save time and avoid lines, use the My Disney Experience app’s mobile ordering feature for quick-service meals. Best tips on mobile ordering and some of our favorites can be found here.
- Watch Epcot Fireworks from the Neighboring: Head on over to the Caribbean Beach Resort at night; some areas along the lake offer partial views of Epcot’s nighttime fireworks, so be sure to check the schedule and plan to watch from the resort.
- Plan for Rainy Days: Pack ponchos or umbrellas, as Florida weather can be unpredictable. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor activities at the resort to keep you entertained.
- Use the Disney Transportation System: Take advantage of the complimentary Disney transportation options to access all the parks and Disney Springs with ease. Make sure to visit neighboring resorts along the Skyliner or hop on the Skyliner at night for lit of views of the parks or fireworks!
- Purchase a Refillable Mug: If you’ll be spending time at your resort, this one time purchase allows you unlimited refills on soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Address & Phone Number
1850 Animation Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8400
(407) 934-7639
Conclusion
Staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort immerses you in a vibrant world inspired by some of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved films. From larger-than-life characters and colorful, movie-themed courtyards to imaginative family suites and playful pools, every corner of the resort celebrates the magic of animation. With the Disney Skyliner just steps away, it’s easy to glide over to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios in minutes. Whether you’re dining at Landscape of Flavors, splashing in the Big Blue Pool, or strolling through the themed areas, Art of Animation offers a perfect blend of creativity, convenience, and Disney magic for an unforgettable stay.
Ready to book?! Request a complimentary, no-obligation quote from the Love of the Magic Vacations team here.