Level: Value
Theme: Walt Disney Characters
Room Size: 277 sq ft, Suites 565 sq ft
Review
It can be hard to get a reservation for Disney World The Art of Animation. Why? It’s Disney’s newest value resort and it shows. Amazing main pool and awesome décor in themes of Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Cars and The Little Mermaid.
Deciding to stay at The Art of Animation is just your first step in the process. What’s next? Standard room or suite? There are fewer standard rooms, but plenty of suites. Suites sleep 6 and contain two bathrooms and a kitchenette. But that’s not where the decision making stops! There are four areas to this resort, each decorated with a different Disney movie theme, and you get to choose which to stay in!
Finding Nemo
The Finding Nemo suites are best for those who don’t want to walk far to get to the main pool, the gift shop, or food court. In fact, these buildings surround the main pool, which is also Nemo themed. In the suites and pool, you’ll see huge versions of Nemo and friends. There are plenty of places to get great pictures. These buildings have suites only.
Lion King
When you walk to the Lion King suites you’ll feel as if you’re stepping into the jungle thanks to the copious amounts of vegetation and the life-sized statues of your favorite Lion King characters. If you love the Lion King, are an animal lover, or just want to feel as if you’re in the jungle, stay here! The only negative? This area doesn’t have its own pool so you’ll have to walk to another. Suites Only.
Car’s Land
The Car’s Land suite area is truly magical! Even people who don’t care for cars will appreciate the Radiator Springs décor. Get your picture near your favorite cars character, or just walk down state road 66 and get your kicks! Even better, Car’s Land has its own pool, complete with shaded areas made out of construction cones! Suites only.
The Little Mermaid
This is the only section that has the much lower priced single rooms. Because of this, the area books up super fast. It’s hard to get a room here. But if your child is a Little Mermaid fan, it’s a must! I admit, the décor isn’t as extensive as the other areas, but you’ll still see some pretty cool things, including a massive King Triton and Ariel statue. Downside? It’s pretty far from the main pool and the check-in area, including gift shop and dining. But on the plus side, it does have its own pool so you won’t have to walk far for a swim. Single rooms only.
Animation Hall (Main Check In Building)
You can’t miss the main building as you drive into the hotel area. The décor inside is filled with drawings and animation from different Disney movies. The gift shop is large, with quite a bit Disney goodness to choose from. There is only one eating area so it can get crowded, but the variety is great! From pizza, to pasta, to burgers and even Asian food, you’re sure to find something you like. This main building also contains an arcade. And for an extra cost (of course) you’ll find a variety of video and interactive games to keep the kids busy.
Pools: The Art of Animation is known for their great pool area. In all there are three pools: One small pool near the Car’s Suites, one small pool near The Little Mermaid rooms, and the massive main pool right outside the check-in building and between the Finding Nemo Suites. While the smaller pools aren’t super impressive, the main pool is pretty darn neat. Make sure to dunk your head underwater to hear a variety of Disney songs! Pools do not have slides.
+ Pros: Great main pool and incredible outside décor that kids will love! If you’re driving to the parks, it’s a quick drive to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Kids will adore the life-sized décor that makes this hotel truly magical. You really will feel as if you’re in the movie! Good sized gift shop and great dining area with lots of variety. And if you want to check out the Pop Century hotel, they’re connected with a bridge, only a short walk away!
– Cons: Beds are not comfortable and the quality of the furniture and rooms just aren’t great. Is it super noticeable? Not really, but if you want high quality, these aren’t for you. This hotel area has mostly suites, which can be costly. Standard rooms are hard to find. It’s also been said that the Disney transportation takes a little longer at the value resorts.
Will we stay again? Because our son loved the décor (okay, and we did too), and the main pool is so neat, we will definitely give it another try, despite the lumpy beds.
The room included:
- Hair dryer
- Iron and full size ironing board
- Free Wireless Internet Access
- Safe
- Alarm Clock