Magic on a Budget? Yes Please! Walt Disney World Value Resort Series, Part 2 – Art of Animation: Where Disney Stories Come to Life!
After grooving through the decades at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, it’s time to take a giant leap off the page and into the heart of Disney storytelling! Next up in our journey through the Disney Value Resorts is Disney’s Art of Animation, a place where larger than life characters and immersive movie magic come together to create an unforgettable stay. It’s like stepping right into your favorite animated film. So, pack your Mickey ears and get ready to explore a world full of imagination and fun!
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a full on experience. It’s a place where the magic of Disney animation leaps off the screen and into real life. From the moment you step onto the property, you're greeted by characters and scenes from Disney and Pixar movies: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars. A dream come true for children and grown ups alike.
Whether it’s your very first visit or your hundredth magical stay, Art of Animation is a fan favorite for anyone who wants the full Disney experience without stretching the budget. Here, every moment is designed to make you feel like part of the story, and the memories you make are sure to be unforgettable.
The Rooms at Art of Animation: Family Suites and Mermaid Vibes
When it comes to staying at Art of Animation, your room isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s part of the story! Art of Animation offers two main room options to choose from. If you’re travelling with a larger crew, the Family Suites in the Finding Nemo, Cars and Lion King sections are pure magic. These spacious suites sleep up to six guests and include a separate bedroom, two bathrooms (yay!), a living area, and a kitchenette. There’s plenty of room for the whole family to spread out after a big day in the parks. And the highlight? A super clever Murphy bed that transforms into a dining table.
For smaller families or those looking for extra value, the Standard Rooms in the Little Mermaid section are a true under the sea delight. With seashell shaped headboards, colorful ocean themed decor, and appearances from Flounder, Sebastian, and Ariel herself, these rooms sleep up to four guests and are the perfect budget friendly way to stay surrounded by Disney magic. Just note that they’re located the farthest from Animation Hall and the main pool, but that also gives you a chance to enjoy a scenic stroll through some of the resort’s fun and enjoyable theming along the way.
Art of Animation Pools
Ready to make a splash? The pools at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are some of the most exciting and imaginative in all of Walt Disney World’s value resort category. At the center of the resort is the The Big Blue Pool, inspired by Finding Nemo. It’s not just BIG, it’s the biggest pool on Disney property! It holds over 308,527 gallons of water. Diving in you’ll discover a fun surprise – underwater speakers that play music and even character voices while you swim, how cool is that? Nearby, there’s also a splash pad and playground that’s perfect for young kiddos who want to stay close to shore.
Over in Radiator Springs, the Cozy Cone Pool in the Cars section is quieter. It’s surrounded by giant orange traffic cones that double as shady cabanas, making you feel like you’ve zoomed right into the movie for a relaxing pit stop. And for those who dream about being a part of Ariel’s world, the Flippin’ Fins Pool in the Little Mermaid section offers a more peaceful setting, with King Triton and his musical sea crew watching over the fun. It’s the perfect place to cool off, snap a few magical photos, and soak up the sunshine in true Disney style.
Dining
When it’s time to refuel, head on over to the resort’s main dining area, Landscape of Flavors food court, located in Animation Hall. It’s bright, colorful, and packed with tasty, customizable options. There are plenty of kid and adult friendly meals and snacks. There’s a refillable drink station and a grab and go section to bring with you to the parks. Items like fruit cups, yogurt, oatmeal cups, muffins, danishes and more can be picked up quickly. And yes, there’s plenty of seating for families, plus some quieter areas to relax and wind down in the air conditioning.
While Art of Animation shares some menu similarities with other value resorts, it does have a few magical treats and tasty dishes that make it special. Be on the lookout for the Mermaid Tail Cupcake. This colorful cupcake is topped with swirls of buttercream, edible pearls, and a chocolate mermaid tail that is just so fun! It’s a splash of magic that’s almost too cute to eat.
While the menu at Landscape of Flavors changes now and then, it often features a variety of international flavors and healthier options too, which makes it stand out among the Value Resorts. Unique offerings like their flavorful Tandoori Chicken and a customizable pasta station where you can mix and match noodles, sauces, and proteins, brings a fresh and elevated twist to the typical value resort dining experience. Whether you’re at Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, or even Riviera Resort, it’s a quick and scenic ride to grab a tasty bite at one of Disney’s most imaginative food courts.
Another great perk when dining at a Walt Disney resort like Art of Animation is the Mobile Order feature through the My Disney Experience app. It’s a huge time saver, especially in the mornings when everyone’s rushing out to the parks. Just order ahead, skip the line, and your food will be ready when you are!
It's also important to note that the food court (like most value resorts) tends to be busiest first thing in the morning and right after the parks close.
Activities at AOA
There’s way more to do at Art of Animation than just swim and sleep. This resort is packed with extra magic around every corner! When the sun sets, gather your family and cozy up under the stars for Movies Under the Stars, where your favorite Disney films light up the night on a big outdoor screen. It's the perfect way to wind down after a day of hopping around the parks. If you’re looking for some indoor fun, you can head over to The Pixel Play Arcade, a cool, air conditioned hangout spot full of games that both kids, teens and even adults will love. Throughout the resort, you’ll also find giant character statues and themed backdrops that are practically made for pictures and selfies. Keep those cameras ready! If you’ve got a budding artist in the family, be sure to check out the sketch art classes occasionally offered in the lobby, where you can learn to draw some of your favorite Disney characters. It’s just one more way this resort brings the magic of animation to life.
Transportation
Just like its sister resort, Pop Century, getting around Walt Disney World from Art of Animation is a total breeze, and a whole lot of fun, too! One of the most magical perks is the Disney Skyliner, where you can hop aboard your very own gondola and soar above the treetops on your way to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and a few nearby resorts. It’s fast, fun, and feels like an attraction all on its own.
For trips to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs, the resort also offers complimentary bus transportation, with stops right outside the main Animation Hall. And here’s a fun bonus: Art of Animation is just a quick stroll across Generation Gap Bridge from Pop Century, making it easy to explore both resorts or hop on the Skyliner from either side. Whether you’re headed to the parks or just enjoying the view, transportation here is part of the adventure!
And there you have it, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is bursting with stories, creativity, and character magic everywhere. From swimming with Nemo to relaxing in Radiator Springs and sleeping under the sea, this resort is a dream come true for families looking to stay immersed in the magic without breaking the budget.
But the adventure doesn’t stop here! I’ll be back soon with the next edition in our Walt Disney World Value Resort Series, where I’ll explore another fun and affordable Disney destination perfect for your next magical stay.
Thank you to Walt Disney World for the images.