Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Cars-themed pool and Cozy Cone rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort
The quick answer

Art of Animation is a Value resort where you stay inside Disney and Pixar films: The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars and The Lion King. Its family suites sleep up to six, and its Skyliner station gets you to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios fast, making it one of the best picks for families on a budget.

Each three-story building is designed to make you feel like part of a beloved animated film, with giant characters, themed courtyards and pools to match.

🎨
Resort type
Value (with family suites)
📍
Location
Next to Pop Century on Hourglass Lake
🚡
Getting there
Skyliner and bus
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Best for
Families with kids who love Disney and Pixar
Jump to
DiningPools & ActivitiesGetting AroundGood to KnowIs It Right for You?

Dining

Art of Animation has one of the best food courts on Disney property, and Pop Century’s is just a short walk away.

quick service
Landscape of Flavors
A food court with five shops and Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo and Little Mermaid seating areas, from international fare to all-American favorites.
Don’t miss: Gelato for dessert
pool bar
The Drop Off Pool Bar
Drinks and snacks right by the Big Blue Pool.
Best for: An afternoon break by the pool
nearby
Everything POP
Pop Century‘s food court is a short walk across the Generation Gap Bridge.
Best for: Mixing up your meals
WYWT Tip
On the dining plan? Tell the cashier you want gelato for dessert. They’ll give you a token so you can pick it up after your meal instead of letting it melt.
The Drop Off pool bar at Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Cars-themed pool and Cozy Cone rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Finding Nemo dessert at Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Disney Skyliner gondola passing Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Pools & Activities

main pool
Big Blue Pool
A Finding Nemo–themed pool with the Schoolyard spray ground for little ones.
quiet pools
Quiet Pools
The Flippin’ Fins Pool in the Little Mermaid courtyard and the Cozy Cone Pool in the Cars courtyard.
🛝Two playgrounds: Righteous Reef (Finding Nemo) and The Boneyard (The Lion King).
🕹️Pixel Play Arcade in Animation Hall.
🎬Movies Under the Stars in the evenings.
🚗Cars area at night, all lit up and perfect for photos.
✏️Animation sketches to see in the lobby.

Getting Around

🚡
Skyliner
EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
🚌
Bus
Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and the water parks
🚶
Walkway
To Pop Century across the Generation Gap Bridge
EPCOT18 min by Skyliner · 20 min by bus
Hollywood Studios12 min by Skyliner · 18 min by bus
Magic Kingdom24 min by bus
Animal Kingdom22 min by bus
Disney Springs20 min by bus
Water parksAbout 20 min by bus
WYWT Insider Tip
Waiting at a park for the Art of Animation bus and the Pop Century bus comes first? Hop on and walk the short path between the two resorts.

Good to Know

Shopping

Ink & Paint Shop: pins, autograph books, snacks and essentials. A Character Artist is often on hand for custom sketches.

Rooms vs. family suites
The Little Mermaid section has standard rooms, while the Cars, Finding Nemo and Lion King sections have family suites that sleep up to six. Little Mermaid rooms are closest to Pop Century.
Photo tip
The giant icons make great photos. Go early in the morning or later at night to beat the crowds.

Is Art of Animation Right for You?

Perfect for
✔ Families with kids who love Disney and Pixar
✔ Larger families who need a suite
✔ Trips focused on EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
✔ Families looking for value
Maybe skip it if
✘ You want a quiet, grown-up resort
✘ You want to be close to Magic Kingdom
✘ You want table-service dining at your resort
WYWT Tip
Take an evening walk along the water and across the Generation Gap Bridge. It’s one of the most relaxing strolls at Disney World.

Art of Animation FAQ

Yes. Art of Animation shares a Skyliner station with Pop Century, with gondolas to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Family suites in the Cars, Finding Nemo and Lion King sections sleep up to six.

Yes. The Generation Gap Bridge connects the two resorts.

Yes. It’s one of Disney’s Value resorts, with both standard rooms and family suites.

Thinking about Art of Animation?

We’ll help you choose between a standard room and a family suite, and plan your park days around the Skyliner. Still comparing? Read On Site vs. Off Site or Which Disney Resort Is Right for Your Family?

Plan your trip

Picture of Ashley Flowers

Ashley Flowers

Ashley Flowers is the owner of When You Wish Travel and has been helping families plan vacations since 2016. A wife, mom, and frequent Disney traveler, she combines firsthand experience at Disney destinations, Universal Orlando, and aboard cruise ships with practical advice for busy families. She believes the best vacations leave room for both the must-do experiences and the little moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

Picture of Sarah Barrette

Sarah Barrette

Sarah Barrette has loved travel since she was 15, with adventures spanning France, Panama, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Alaska, and the Southern Caribbean. After visiting Walt Disney World with her husband in 2018, she’s returned every year, including a special trip with their children. While Disney is her specialty, Sarah enjoys planning everything from adults-only retreats to family vacations, bringing personal experience and thoughtful attention to every trip.

Picture of Madison Fariss

Madison Fariss

Madison Fariss is a When You Wish Travel dream designer specializing in Disney destinations, Universal Studios, all-inclusive resorts and cruising. A mom of two toddlers in Western Kentucky, she heads back to the Disney parks year after year, whether she's on a cruise, hugging Minnie at Disneyland or park-hopping at Walt Disney World with a Mickey pretzel in hand. She loves taking the stress out of planning so families can focus on the magic.

Madison Fariss

Madison Fariss is a When You Wish Travel dream designer specializing in Disney destinations, Universal Studios, all-inclusive resorts and cruising. A mom of two toddlers in Western Kentucky, she heads back to the Disney parks year after year, whether she's on a cruise, hugging Minnie at Disneyland or park-hopping at Walt Disney World with a Mickey pretzel in hand. She loves taking the stress out of planning so families can focus on the magic.