If you haven’t had a chance to visit Disney’s Art of Animation Resort yet, you should really try to squeeze an hour or two out of your schedule to go visit. It’s really pretty spectacular, especially if you have little ones who are fans of Pixar and Disney favorites like Cars, Finding Nemo, the Lion King and the Little Mermaid. One of Disney’s most colorful resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (DAAR for the balance of this article) is chock FULL of great places to take pictures–so if you’re looking for some different places to take family pictures, DAAR is a terrific location for some really fun backgrounds and props–and the bright colors really POP.
We used DAAR as one of the locations for our engagement pictures, and loved the resort! It was so much fun to wander around! Some of our favorite shots come from ones we took there. Here are some of them. Photographs were taken by David and Vicki Arndt Photography.
See what I mean? FUN. And this is only from PART of the Cars section!! I’ll show you some more later…
Here’s a quick video tour of the resort from Disney:
DAAR falls in the category of Disney’s Value Resorts, which are priced more affordably than the moderates or the deluxe resorts, but also tend to be limited in amenities, room size, and dining options. Most of the value resorts have two double beds in each room and there are a few rooms at each value resort that have one king size bed. While the two double beds option works for small families, as the kids get a little bigger, or a third child joins the family, the value resorts end up not being a great solution for families–which is bummer, because families are exactly who the Values were originally designed for! Room capacity is limited to 4, and in most value rooms, once all four are bigger than 4′ , it can be very cramped in those rooms. Of course, for many people, values remain an ideal solution, even if not the most comfortable one–if the intention is to spend the majority of your time at the parks and not at the resort or in your room, it may not really matter much to you. But one bathroom can also be a limitation, especially if your family includes one or more of those challenging and wild creatures–the teenage girl!
Potential solutions have included booking two rooms (putting older kids in a room by themselves, and younger kids in with mom and dad), or staying off property to get more space without spending a lot more money–but then incurring additional costs for rental cars and parking–and missing out on benefits exclusive to resort guests like extra magic hours and package delivery.
With DAAR, Disney attempted to offer a solution that was still affordable enough to belong in the value resort category, but had more space and some more of the Disney “specialness” that some of these families were looking for.
Here’s a map of the Art of Animation resort that you would get upon check in:
The Little Mermaid buildings, 7, 8, and 9 are very similar to what you would be used to if you’ve stayed at a Value resort before. The rooms are designed for no more than 4 people, ideally 1-2 adults and 2 children. These rooms are priced pretty closely to what you would find for value rooms at other value resorts, like Pop Century or All Star Movies. However, because the resort is newer and more popular, the Little Mermaid rooms are often excluded from any “special offers”, and these rooms tend to sell out early–they’re more economical than the Family Suites, and they’re at the most popular of the value resorts, with arguably the best food court (more on that later)–so if you want a Little Mermaid room, be prepared to plan and book as early as possible, and know that you may not get any discounts.
Here’s what a typical Little Mermaid room looks like:
The other sets of buildings, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars are comprised exclusively of what Disney is calling their “Family Suites”.
In the family suites, the room layout is bigger and a bit creative to accommodate families a little more comfortably. The most noticeable differences are that the Family Suite contains one bedroom with a queen size bed with a door that closes–AND the Family Suite has two bathrooms. One, off the bedroom with the queen size bed, and the other off the main “living” area.
The secret sauce is that main “living” area can be cleverly converted at bedtime into sleeping spaces for the kids. The sofa is a double-size sofa sleeper–I guess that’s not too surprising by itself. But the dining area houses a double-size murphy bed that folds down into another sleeping space. The Family Suite can sleep up to six! Disney says up to 6 adults, but I think you’d have to be pretty friendly adults to be cozy in that double murphy bed :-)!
Here are the standard amenities in a Family Suite (some of these are common to all values, and some are unique to Family Suites):
- Kitchenette with Microwave, Coffeemaker and Mini-Fridge
- Telephone with Voicemail
- Alarm clock with Radio
- Hair Dryer
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Complimentary WiFi Service.
Here’s a look at the Finding Nemo Family Suite:
Family Suites at DAAR are not priced as economically as the regular value rooms, for obvious reasons–at 520 square feet, they’re about double the size of a standard value room (260 square feet). And that extra bathroom is worth its weight in gold to a lot of people. Add in the microwave and the mini fridge (most of the values have a limited number of mini fridges available–but it can be difficult to make sure you get one) and you’ve added more than double the value without doubling the price. The Family Suites at DAAR are priced in some cases than some standard moderate resort rooms…but here again, a second bathroom and an additional 200 square feet add a lot of value. We’ve seen the same challenge with standard moderate rooms that we see with value rooms–moderate rooms are slightly bigger, but they still have a max capacity of 4 persons–very occasionally 5 can be accommodated in special themed rooms, but usually that fifth person needs to be pretty small. So, for some families, it makes sense to consider the Family Suites at DAAR–especially when considering the other benefits of the overall resort as a whole. It just depends on your individual needs and priorities. Interestingly enough, while the Family Suites are pretty popular, they do not sell out as quickly as the Little Mermaid rooms, so are usually included in Disney promotions and specials–you might be surprised at what a great deal your travel agent can find for you on one of these rooms. *
Here’s a look at a Cars Family Suite:
Here’s a walking tour of the Lion King Family Suite that Destinations in Florida, the travel agency I’m affiliated with, provided me.
Dining Options
Landscape of Flavors
All value resorts are somewhat limited in the dining options available, and DAAR is no exception to this rule. You will NOT find a table service restaurant at DAAR. However, you will find one of the best quick service options available at any of the Disney resorts. All the values have a “food courts” sort of design…at DAAR, it’s called the Landscape of Flavors, and it’s five “mini-restaurants”, all quick service, of course. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you’ve been reading me for awhile, you’ve most likely picked up on the fact that I don’t LOVE quick service. I much prefer table service. I like to sit down with my family and take a break and order. I think quick service is stressful and I think the whole hunting for a table thing dredges up bad high school lunchroom memories or something….
But, Landscape of Flavors does at least have some unique items and a bit more variety available than you generally find at quick service places…and many, many people that stay at DAAR frequently rave about how good it is. Lines can be long in the mornings, as with most places as guests are scrambling to get to the parks, so if you can get moving earlier and pack your patience, you’ll be happier.
Disney Resorts In-Room Dining
DAAR also offers in-room dining (room service) at this resort from 4 p.m. to midnight. You can order from a limited menu and get sandwiches, salads, wings, etc. You can even get pizza! I’m not much of a pizza person, and at Disney, that’s probably the LAST thing on my wish list, but I know there are many of you that would rather stay home than go without pizza for a week, so I promise you can get it here. You can also order beer and wine, as long as you are 21 years of age or older. Typical exorbitant room service prices and delivery charges apply, as with room service at any hotel or resort.
The Drop Off Pool Bar
What’s an afternoon in the sun by the pool without a wonderful poolside bar where you can pickup beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and some tasty snacks?
Recreation
Can we talk about the POOLS?? Of which there are SEVERAL, including The Big Blue Pool, which just happens to be the LARGEST pool at any Walt Disney World resort. It’s the “main” pool, right at the center of the resort, and did I mention, GIANT? It’s pretty hard to miss, I think you’ll be able to find it. It’s got a zero entry, and plays Disney songs and characters on speakers underwater to entertain swimmers. The Big Blue Pool is themed to Finding Nemo, and is surrounded by giant colorful set pieces featuring characters from that movie.
Nearby is the Schoolyard Sprayground for the little kids to run around and get sprayed by pop-up jets and gushing water. Note: LOTS of screaming is generally heard in this vicinity. Do not panic. They apparently LIKE getting wet…and then screaming to make sure you know that.
For the days you don’t have time for them to get wet, there is also a DRY playground nearby, Squirt’s Righteous Reef. I know his name is Squirt, but he doesn’t, I promise.
At the Cars end of the Resort, we have the Cozy Cone Pool, which is so cute…there are cone shaped “cabanas” around the pool! Lots of Cars characters around the pool too, so tons of great photo ops, and not as big or as busy as the BIG main pool.
The other end of the resort is the Little Mermaid area. The Flippin’ Fins pool is at this end. While it is larger than the Cozy Cone pool, it’s still about 1/3 the size of the GIANT Big Blue Pool.
Yes, I know, these aren’t actually pool pictures. I realized too late I didn’t have Flippin’ Fins pool pictures but these were taken in that area, so hey, more engagement pictures. Aren’t you excited? I figured.
Movies Under the Stars
I think all the resorts are doing this now, and it’s a pretty fun idea, especially if you have a non-resort day on your calendar. Disney puts up a big projection screen in the evening on the grassy area between the Lion King building and the Finding Nemo building, and will show a Disney movie on it. All resort guests are welcome to come hang out, watch the movie, enjoy the atmosphere.
Pixel Play Arcade
Another standard feature at most Disney Resorts, an Arcade is located in the Animation Hall at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Called Pixel Play Arcade, the DAAR Arcade features both classic games and new video games.
Jogging/Running/Walking Trail
There’s a scenic 1.38 mile trail that goes around Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is consistently rated highest among Disney’s Value Resorts. Trip Advisor currently has more than 7,800 reviews for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and averages a score of 4.5 (Excellent is 5.0).
Overall, I think this resort has been a great addition to the Disney resort family. I think the Family Suites fill a much needed gap, and I’m hopeful that Disney will include more Family Suites in future resorts going forward.
The new Skyliner will have a station located between Pop Century and Art of Animation (these resorts are walking distance apart; originally, Art of Animation’s property was planned for an expansion of Pop Century). I think that will make this resort even MORE appealing. As with all Disney resorts, Magical Express and Disney bus transportation is free from this resort to the Parks, Disney Springs and the Airport. Note: If you bring a car, they do charge $13 per day for parking.
I want to hear from YOU…Have you ever stayed here? What did you think? Would you want to stay here again? Would you recommend it to a friend? If you haven’t stayed here yet, was it on your radar?
Happy Dreaming,
Brooke
* In addition to being a lifelong Disney fan and a self confessed Cinderella Castle junkie (it IS so a thing), I am also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and Travel Agent. I can help you book a vacation to this or any other Disney resort or destination–there are no fees to you, and I will make your trip planning SO much easier! Please email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com today to learn more. You can also reach me on Instagram HERE or on Facebook HERE . Hope to talk to you soon!