Art of Animation- The Most Magical Resort on Earth

Looking for the ultimate family-friendly Disney resort that brings the magic of your favorite Disney movies to life? Well, look no further, because Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is here to make your Disney dreams come true! This resort is near to my heart because it was where we stayed on our very first trip to Disney World! I’ll never forget the excitement in my boys’ eyes when they saw Mater outside of our hotel room! This resort is the perfect blend of fun, comfort, and Disney magic. It is one I continue to refer families to over and over again! Continue reading (or let’s be real, skimming) to learn why!

On our first family trip to Disney World we stayed at Art of Animation! This was over 5 years ago. We were in our “Cars” era!

1. Larger Than Life Theming From Your Favorite Disney Classics

If there’s one resort at Walt Disney World that screams magic, it’s Art of Animation. Everywhere you turn, you’re reminded that you’ve entered the enchanting world of Disney. The resort is divided into four sections: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Radiator Springs (Cars), and Finding Nemo. You won’t find another resort on Disney property that makes you feel a part of your favorite characters’ world like Art of Animation. 

This resort has special themed areas that feature the movies: Cars, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo and The Lion King!

2. The Big Blue Pool – Where You Can Just Keep Swimming!

Not only does Art of Animation have three different, incredibly themed pools for your kids to enjoy, but it also has the largest pool in all of Walt Disney World—The Big Blue Pool! Located in the Finding Nemo section of the resort, this pool is full-on Finding Nemo-themed and includes a splash pad and pool bar in the same area. The splash pad, Squirt’s Righteous Reef, gives your little ones a chance to play safely while you can sitter-vise from your pool chair. If you wish, you can add an adult beverage of choice from The Drop Off pool bar, and everyone is saying “Hakuna Matata”. 

The seagulls are a fun theming piece and will even call out “Mine” throughout the day!
There is nothing better to me than a splash pad for little ones! I love not having to worry about them like I do when they are in the pool!

3. The Disney Skyliner Where Life Is a Highway–In the Sky!

We know Lightning McQueen likes to go fast and there’s no faster way to Epcot and Hollywood Studios than via the Skyliner! Starting or ending your day at the parks with a ride on this highway in the sky will make you wish you never had to drive on the roads again! Not only is the Skyliner a quicker way to the parks than the bus, but it also means you likely won’t have to break down your stroller (unless you have a double side-by-side). Kiddos who have fallen asleep at the parks can be rolled right on and whisked away to their hotel room. For additional important tips and information about riding the Skyliner check out this post with the 7 Things You Must Know BEFORE Riding The Skyliner!

The Skyliner station is a short walk from the rooms at Art of Animation!
I love how each gondola is decorated with different characters!

4. Variety of Room Types For Every Family to Make You Feel Like a King

Art of Animation has two different room types depending on how much you’d like to spend. If you’re looking for the least expensive option, you’ll want a Little Mermaid standard room with two queen beds. The Little Mermaid rooms are the only standard rooms on the resort property that sleep four guests. And while these rooms can be a bit of a walk from the cafeteria and transportation areas, you’ll have no shortage of Disney magic to enjoy on your walk to your room. And there’s a smaller, quieter pool located in the Little Mermaid section so you don’t have to make the walk to the Big Blue Pool in the Finding Nemo section if you don’t want to be where the people are!

The Little Mermaid section has a pool all to itself!

All of the other themed sections are Family Suites. Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and the Radiator Springs area are all suites that sleep 6 guests. They have one bedroom with a queen bed, two bathrooms, and two double beds (one is a Murphy bed that pulls down from the wall, and the other is a traditional fold-out sleeper sofa). The Finding Nemo section is the most expensive of the family suites due to its close proximity to The Big Blue Pool, and transportation. 

The entrance to the Cars section, Radiator Springs!
Walk under Simba and Pumba to get to where the lion sleeps tonight!

Ready for a Magical Stay?

When it comes to fun, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort truly checks all the boxes. The theming, pools, Skyliner access, and variety of room types make it the perfect place for families to stay while enjoying the magic of Walt Disney World. Do you have questions about your stay at this resort or are you interested in help to book this for an upcoming trip? Reach out to your Smart Moms Travel agent today or contact the blog team here for free planning help!

To stay in the loop of all the latest Disney news and get even more family travel tips and tricks subscribe to the Smart Moms Plan Disney Blog and follow me on Instagram at @katiekinleytravels to add a little more joy to your journey!

  • Katie's love for Disney began as a child visiting the parks with her family and kayaking with her mom at Castaway Cay. She will never forget taking her own boys for the first time and the memories they made as a family. Katie loves being a Disney Travel Advisor and helping other families create their own magical moments. Click HERE to book with Katie!

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