Choosing a Disney World resort can be an overwhelming process. There are many factors to consider. Should you stay on or off property? Are Disney resorts really worth the price? Whether you are traveling as a couple or as a family with kids, one of the best options to consider is Disney’s Art of Animation resort. This popular hotel is the perfect choice for many Disney visitors, including you! Here are 5 reasons to book a stay at Art of Animation.
1. BUDGET-FRIENDLY VALUE
Art of Animation is considered a “Value resort”, which is the cheapest category of Disney hotels below Moderate and Deluxe resorts. However, it is generally the most expensive of the Value resorts. This is partly due to the fact that most rooms here are family suites, which can sleep up to 6 guests and have 2 bathrooms. So the actual room rate may be higher than an All-Star or Pop Century, or even similar to a Moderate resort room. But if you compare it to two separate room reservations, an Art of Animation family suite can be a great deal.
2. BEST DISNEY THEMING
You may be surprised to hear that most Disney resorts don’t have theming that’s overtly “Disney”. In fact, at most Disney hotels, you probably wouldn’t even realize you’re at Disney World. That doesn’t mean these resorts have awful theming. Quite the opposite actually. Whether it’s the Polynesian, Yacht Club, or Caribbean Beach resort, Disney hotels do a great job whisking you away to another world with their immersive theming.
But if you’re looking for Disney-specific theming, look no further than Art of Animation. Sure, All-Star Movies has really good Disney theming as well. But Art of Animation takes it to a whole new level. There are 4 themes represented throughout the resort, each based on a Disney film: Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Cars, and The Little Mermaid. The rooms are themed based on which building you are in. And don’t forget about the huge character statues, which are a big hit, especially with kids!
It’s important to note that The Little Mermaid area is the only one with standard rooms. The other 3 areas (Nemo, Lion King, and Cars) are all family suites. The pool and playground are also themed after Finding Nemo. And speaking of the pool…
3. SWIM IN THE LARGEST DISNEY POOL
The Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation is the largest hotel pool in all of Disney World! It can hold over 308,527 gallons, so there’s plenty of aquatic fun available. You may not have known that they actually used to play music from Finding Nemo underwater, but removed that feature due to safety concerns. There is also a splash pad for young ones who want a safer alternative to playing in the water. In addition to the main pool, there are also two smaller pools available if you’re looking for a quieter or closer option from your room.
4. TAKE FLIGHT WITH THE SKYLINER
Arguably the best perk of Art of Animation is Skyliner access. This gondola system takes you high above the Disney World grounds and is a great alternative to bus transportation. In fact, this is our toddler’s favorite ride at Disney World and we’re pretty sure he’d just be happy riding the Skyliner all day.
The Skyliner station is located on Hourglass Lake and is shared with the neighboring Pop Century resort. If you want the closest rooms to the Skyliner, stay in the Finding Nemo area. The Lion King and Cars areas are the second closest. If you are staying in a standard room, then unfortunately, the Little Mermaid area is the furthest from the Skyliner. (It’s also the furthest from the Big Blue Pool, the main lobby, and the food court.)
With the Skyliner, you can access both Hollywood Studios and Epcot. You can also easily get to Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Boardwalk and Yacht & Beach Club resorts if you have dining reservations at those hotels. (Or if you just want to hang out at those resorts, that’s cool too. We’re a big fan of resort-hopping on our days off from the park!)
5. SOLID DINING OPTIONS
Generally, Value resorts aren’t known for dining options. You’re not going to find sit-down table service restaurants like you would at a Deluxe resort. However, the food court at Art of Animation does not disappoint. Landscape of Flavors, located in the main “Animation Hall”, has plenty of options beyond the typical cafeteria menu of pizza, burgers, and chicken tenders. We’ve enjoyed diverse options including tandoori chicken, sesame chicken stir fry, and salmon.
And Art of Animation isn’t just for kids! The Drop Off Pool Bar is also a great place to grab a drink. Whether you want a beer or a unique cocktail, be sure to check out this bar located right by the big pool.
SO LET'S BOOK A STAY!
As you can tell, we’re huge fans of Art of Animation. We’ve stayed there twice: once in a Cars family suite, and once in a Lion King suite. From photo opportunities with the giant characters to splashing around in the huge pool before flying off on the Skyliner, this resort should be a top consideration for your next Disney trip.
If you have any questions about Art of Animation, let us know in the comments below. We hope you have a great time at the most magical place on Earth! Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out our other posts on Disney World, including our 5 Tips on How to Choose a Disney Resort.