Disney Resort Snapshots: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

I don’t have to tell you, nobody does animation like Disney, and it’s the very thing that keeps us enamored year after year. So, what could be more fun than stepping right into one of Disney’s beloved animated movies?

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort invites you to immerse yourself in one of their most popular animated films. Each one of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort’s 3-story buildings is designed to make you feel like you are really a part of one of 4 beloved animated films.

Building themes include:

The Lion King
The Little Mermaid
Disney·Pixar’s Finding Nemo
Cars animated films

Are any of these films a favorite childhood movie? Mine was The Little Mermaid, Sebastian was the voice of reason that I wished everyone listened to.

Kids and kids at heart will enjoy romping through one of the 4 courtyards—one courtyard for each film—where there are icons and sculptures to interact with and play around with. These provide perfect photo opportunities, so you can begin capturing the magic right there at the resort!

The Art of Animation Resort features room types for almost every party size and preference—including 1,984 themed standard rooms or family suites. And in true Disney style, check out the landscaping designed specifically for the courtyards featured film.

DINING

Feeding a hungry crowd is easy at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. With several options for fast yet delicious, family-friendly fare, you’ll be able to fuel up quickly and without breaking the bank.

The Landscape of Flavors Food Court

Divided into Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo, and Little Mermaid-themed seating areas, Landscape of Flavors features five distinctive food shops. From international fare to All-American favorites, there’s something to satisfy every taste at this quick and casual dining venue at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. You can also purchase your Rapid-Fill (refillable) Mugs here to use with meals or while relaxing at the resort.

Enter the restaurant through the Ink & Paint Shop.

Pop Art Pizza Delivery

Simplify dinner after a long day at the parks with a pizza delivered to your room! Pizza Delivery is shared between the Art of Animation Resort and Pop Century Resort and offers a menu that also includes starters, desserts, and beverages.

The Drop-Off Pool Bar

After an afternoon of fun in the sun, pull up a chair at The Drop Off Pool Bar and chill! Relax poolside with a thirst-quenching beverage and a snack!

ACTIVITIES

Three pools: Including the main Big Blue Pool with Schoolyard Sprayground water play area and two quiet pools that include the Flippin’ Fins Pool in The Little Mermaid courtyard and the Cozy Cone Pool in the Cars courtyard.

Two playgrounds: Righteous Reef playground in the Finding Nemo courtyard and The Boneyard playground in The Lion King courtyard.

Arcade: The Pixel Play Arcade, located in Animation Hall, provides loads of fun via both new and classic arcade games.

Movies: Relax and keep everyone entertained with Movies Under the Stars playing by the Big Blue Pool.

Look for an activities board near the pool or food court, or check your tv for the schedule during your stay.

Although the activities vary by day, you can expect to find trivia, arts and crafts, dance parties, games, bingo, and more available throughout your stay.

SERVICES & AMENITIES

There are three laundry rooms available at Art of Animation, one located opposite each of the pools.

Each cycle at the self-service laundry facilities costs $3 per wash; the dryers are also $3 for 30 minutes. Credit and debit cards are now accepted at all laundry locations for washers, dryers, and soap vending at most Walt Disney World Resort hotels. In addition, all laundry rooms have the ability to request a text message when a laundry cycle is complete!

Please note: While some locations still contain a limited number of coin-operated washers (with a change machine made available), other locations accept credit and debit cards only.

Walt Disney World Resort hotels also offer dry cleaning and valet laundry services. Select “Housekeeping” on your in-room phone to schedule a pick-up.

SHOPPING

Ink and Paint Shop is a wonderful place to pick out some great Disney souvenirs and vacation necessities. Here you’ll find popular items like:

Pins for trading
Autograph books
Sundries
Satisfying snacks

A Character Artist will often be on hand for custom sketches. A great memento to have!

There’s also a package pick-up counter for you to conveniently pick up the items you have purchased in the parks.

TRANSPORTATION

You have two Disney transportation options at Art of Animation

Motorcoach Bus
Skyliner (to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios)

These travel times are approximate and provided to give you an idea of the average travel time from the resort to the park.

Please plan on up to a 20-minute wait for Disney transportation in addition to walking time to resort, or theme park transportation stops.

Magic Kingdom – 24 minutes by bus, 31 minutes by car (with transfers)
Epcot – 20 minutes by bus, 19 by car, 18 minutes by Skyliner
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 18 minutes by bus, 18 by car, and 12 minutes by Skyliner
Animal Kingdom – 22 minutes, 18 by car
Disney Springs – 20 minutes by bus, 15 by car
Blizzard Beach Water Park – 19 minutes by bus, 11 minutes by car
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – 20 minutes by bus, 13 minutes by car

PRO TIPS

The standard (Little Mermaid) rooms at Art of Animation are right on the edge of the Pop Century Resort. Just take the path across the bridge, and you will be there!
At Art of Animation, make sure to walk around the Cars area at night. It’s very cool, all lit up, and will surely be a hit with Cars fans of all ages!
If you’re on the dining plan and eating at Landscape of Flavors at Art of Animation, and you want a gelato for dessert, let them know at the register. They will either mark your receipt or give you a token to go back and get your gelato after dinner, so it doesn’t melt while you’re eating your meal.
The food courts at both Pop Century and Art of Animation are some of the best food courts on Disney property. They both offer some really unique things. Since the resorts are so close in proximity, you can always walk to the other resort to enjoy its food court.
The path near the water and across the Generation Gap Bridge is a very refreshing and enjoyable walk.
Many icons make for great photo ops! Take advantage of these opportunities to snap great pictures without a crowd!
If you are at a park waiting for a bus for Art of Animation and one for Pop Century comes first (or vice versa), take the bus and just walk the short distance from one resort to the other.
The Art of Animation Resort is a magical place to stay for any Disney animation fan! Featuring unique decor, displays, and amenities that will make your vacation truly unforgettable! Even if you complete your check-in online – stop by the front desk/lobby area to see sketches from the films.