The hype
Families love the space and theming, but the price tag often shocks people expecting a budget stay.
Disney's Art Of Animation Resort
$200-650/ night
Book this if You need a family suite that sleeps six, refuse to rent a car, and want the Skyliner at your doorstep.
Why People Love It
- Direct Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
- The Big Blue Pool is the largest hotel pool at Disney World
- Family suites have two full bathrooms (a rare find on property)
Quick Take: A 'Value' resort with Deluxe prices, where you pay for the cartoon statues and the second bathroom, not the thread count.
Reviewed by @Sevenseasprod: I honestly think this is the best value spot at Disney. The theming blew my mind—especially the Cars area—and having the Skyliner right there made getting to Epcot for dinner so easy. It feels way more expensive than it actually is.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Little Mermaid' standard rooms feel like a motel and are excluded from most discounts, making them a poor value compared to Pop Century next door.
- You are a family of 5 or 6 who needs two bathrooms
- You want to stay in a room that feels like living inside a Pixar movie
- You plan to spend most of your time at Hollywood Studios or Epcot
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Every other day service by default. Generally reliable, but high turnover means rushed jobs.
- Bathroom hygiene: Usually sparkling, but watch for mold in grout lines in older Little Mermaid rooms.
- Maintenance: Heavily themed props are well-maintained, but room interiors show wear (scuffed furniture, carpet stains).
- Linens & towels: Standard Disney issue. Check immediately for cleanliness upon arrival due to isolated reports of issues.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like 'Disney water' and sugar; rooms are generally neutral but can smell musty in humid months.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thin walls between rooms (conversations, TV)
- Turbo-flush toilets from neighbors
- Hallway noise in suite buildings
Before you book
Good to know
- Parking is now complimentary for resort guests (no more nightly fee)
- There are no elevators in the Little Mermaid buildings (motel-style stairs), but suites have elevators
- The Skyliner shuts down for weather (lightning/wind), so always have a backup plan
What to pack
- White noise machine (essential for thin walls)
- Power strip (outlets can be scarce in older standard rooms)
- Ponchos (for the long outdoor walk to the lobby in rain)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Finding Nemo Family Suites (Buildings 4 & 5) for closest access to Skyliner and Lobby
- Cars Family Suites (Buildings 1 & 3) for excellent theming and a quieter pool
Rooms to avoid
- Little Mermaid Standard Rooms (Buildings 7, 8, 9) — furthest walk, motel-style entry, often excluded from promos
- Ground floor rooms near the Big Blue Pool if you want to nap during the day
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Request a top-floor room in the Cars section (Building 1 or 3) facing the Radiator Springs courtyard for a balance of quiet and immersion.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the Skyliner reliable?
Mostly yes, but it closes for lightning and annual maintenance (usually late January). When down, buses are the only option.
Can I walk to Epcot?
No, it's too far. You must take the Skyliner or bus. You can walk to Pop Century Resort via the bridge.
Do the rooms have microwaves?
Family Suites have a kitchenette with a microwave, sink, and full-size fridge. Little Mermaid standard rooms do NOT.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, all Disney pools are heated to roughly 82°F year-round.
Can I see fireworks from the resort?
You can see some high fireworks from Epcot/Hollywood Studios from the bridge to Pop Century, but it's not a prime view.
Is there a gym?
No. Value resorts do not have fitness centers. You can jog around Hourglass Lake (approx. 1.3 miles).
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk over to Pop Century's food court for different menu options; it's often less chaotic.
- ✨
Take the Skyliner to Disney's Riviera Resort for a high-end coffee or breakfast at Primo Piatto.
- ✨
The 'Table Bed' in the suites is surprisingly comfortable and has a real mattress, not a thin pad.
5 things to know before you go
💡The Little Mermaid rooms are basically the same as All-Star rooms but cost $50+ more per night.
💡The 'Cars' section is the best photo op on property, even if you aren't staying there.
💡There is no hot tub at this resort (Value resorts don't get them).
💡The underwater speakers in the Big Blue Pool are often broken or barely audible.
💡Uber/Lyft pickup is at the main building only, which is a hike from the Little Mermaid rooms.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Disney's Art Of Animation Resort is located and what's nearby.