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Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Last updated: April 24, 2024

Disney’s Art of Animation is a highly-themed, value-level resort at Walt Disney World. Art of Animation includes both standard hotel rooms and “family suites,” which are indeed perfect for families.

$209 - $963

Lodging Area

Bus, Skyliner

Guest Overall Rating

Based on 379 surveys. (See our Ratings and Research page for details)

Lighting: B

modal#open click->video-modal#modalVideo">Resort Tour

modal#open click->video-modal#modalVideo">Lion King Suite Overview

modal#open click->video-modal#modalVideo">Cars Suite Room Tour

modal#open click->video-modal#modalVideo">Little Mermaid Standard Room Quick Tour

Exceptional theming, particularly Cars and Lion King areas

Skyliner connection to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT

Best pool of the Value resorts

Family Suites are innovatively designed and themed

Interior hallways in some buildings

Walking trail around Hour Glass Lake and connecting bridge to Pop Century

Just one bus stop

Most expensive Value resort

Terrible in-room mobile reception

The number of made-to-order meals available at the food court can mean long waits in line

The resort's standard rooms are rarely discounted

Poor soundproofing

Art of Animation was perfect for us in the Nemo Suites for 6.

February 4, 2020

As a family of six on a moderate budget, Art of Animation was our choice for a larger room. The Skyliner made travel to EPCOT and the Studios easy. And the bus ride to animal Kingdom was short, but the ride to Magic Kingdom could sometimes seem long.

As a family of six on a moderate budget, Art of Animation was our choice for a larger room. The Skyliner made travel to EPCOT and the Studios easy. And the...

November 23, 2019

We found Art of Animation's food court much nicer than Pop Century. AoA's was less busy, cleaner, and provided more dining options.

August 10, 2019

We booked a Little Mermaid standard room. It is woefully due for a renovation. We normally stay at Pop Century and have been spoiled by their revamp.

March 16, 2019

The bus service was great to AOA, and we could always hop on a Pop Century bus and walk across the bridge if needed. Resort was clean and very fun for our young children.

The bus service was great to AOA, and we could always hop on a Pop Century bus and walk across the bridge if needed. Resort was clean and very fun for our...

March 2, 2019

We enjoyed Art of Animation, and for the cost (one of the cheapest resorts but still on Disney property), we would totally stay there again

February 3, 2019

Slightly larger than comparable rooms at other Value resorts, standard rooms are around 277 square feet. All of these rooms are in the Little Mermaid section of the resort.

• Dresser with drawers
• Full-length mirror
• Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi)
• Flat-panel TV
• Coffee maker and starter supply of coffee pods
• Ironing board and iron
• Digital thermostat
• In-room safe
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and bar soap

A curtain divider separates the main sleeping area from sink/bathroom area, and a solid door separates the toilet and shower from these. This allows up to three groups to get ready at the same time.

The suites are a reasonably priced option which include two rooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette If you have a family of five or six, or if you just don't want to sleep in the same room as your kids, the Art of Animation family suites are one of the best lodging options at Walt Disney World.

• Room with Queen Bed(s) and en-suite bathroom
• Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Double-Size Table Bed (table with 4 chairs that converts to a full-size bed)
• Separate Bedroom with Door
• Open clothes hanger bar
• Starter supply of disposable kitchenware: paper plates, bowls, and cups; plastic forks, knives, and spoons

Family Suites at Art of Animation have two bathrooms. One is small and functional, nearly identical to the bathrooms in the standard rooms. The main bathroom is spacious, with a large glass-door shower.

Little Mermaid Bedroom

Litttle Mermaid Sink and Dressing Area

Little Mermaid Tub and Shower

View from Little Mermaid Room 7872

Art of Animation Little Mermaid Room Floor Plan

Lion King Suite Master Bedroom

Lion King Suite Fold-Down Bed

Lion King Suite Fold-Out Couch

Lion King Suite Microwave and Beverage Chiller

Cars Suite Second Bathroom

Lion King Suite Master Bath

Lion King Suite Second Bathroom

View from Finding Nemo Suite 5829

Art of Animation Family Suite Floor Plan

We’ve mapped and taken photographs of the views from every single room on Walt Disney World property! Our Room Finder helps you find the perfect room for you and then request that room from Disney.

There is no full-service restaurant at any Disney value resort, including Art of Animation. The food court, Landscape of Flavors, is organized like a food court at a mall.

Landscape of Flavors Landscape of Flavors offers made to order burgers, sandwiches, and pastas. You'll find an occasional upscale (for a food court) item here, like saffron seafood pasta, a tandoori chicken sandwich on naan, or the "surf and surf" (crab cake and fried shrimp) burger.

The Drop Off Pool Bar The pool bar at the Art of Animation Resort, The Drop Off sits next to the main Big Blue Pool. Despite the existence of some snacks and small bites this is mostly a place for drinks. Like all Disney bars the tropical-themed drinks are very sweet, but they are refreshing on a hot Florida day by the pool.

Ink and Paint Candy, snacks, and drinks.

Art of Animation In Room Delivery

Refillable Mugs Allows guest self-service soft drink refills from quick-service locations in hotels ( NOT in theme parks ) for $21.99 for the length of stay.

SWIPE TO EXPLORE

The largest (and our favorite), The Big Blue Pool, sits directly behind the main lobby and food court. All pools are heated and feature sculptures of characters from various animated films.

Located just off the Animation Hall lobby is the Pixel Play Arcade , which has a decent collection of relatively recent video and arcade games. Most games cost $0.50 to $2.00 per play.

Free Disney Movies Under the Stars are shown most evenings, weather-permitting.

A small business center offers computer and internet access, including printers.

One lap around Hourglass Lake is a scenic 1.20-mile/2 km course. You won't find a gym, fitness center, or spa at Art of Animation.

Disney resort guests get into each theme park 30 minutes earlier than off-site guests, every day.

Disney's Skyliner , an enclosed ski-lift-like gondola system, provides fast access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios with very pretty views.

Practical Matters

Check-in is 3:00pm Check-out is 11:00am

All Disney resorts participate in Disney’s Online Check-In program. If you’ve checked-in online and provided a mobile phone number or email address, you will receive your room number electronically. Then you can go straight to the room and use your smart phone or MagicBand to open the door, skipping the lobby altogether.

These rubber and plastic wrist bands can function as your room key, park admission, charge card, and more! MagicBands cost money, but if you'd like a free option you can use the official Disney World app on your phone or request an RFID-embedded card at the front desk.

Park tickets are best purchased online in advance either directly through Disney or via our Least Expensive Ticket Calculator . However, if you arrive without park tickets, head to the concierge desk in the hotel lobby.

Dining reservation are best made online in advance or on your phone or tablet during your visit. You can also use our Disney World Reservation Finder .

Washers and dryers are availabile in laundry facilities at each Disney World hotel. Cost is $3 per wash, and another $3 per dry cycle. A small selection of soap, fabric softener, and dryer sheets are also sold, for around $1 each. Only credit/debit cards can be used for payment. For more information, see our Disney World Laundry Facilities page.

If you lose something in a theme park or during your stay at a Disney-operated hotel, visit Disney's Lost and Found website or call (407) 824-4245.

Disney hotels have gifts shops near their lobbies with a decent collection of Disney-branded souvenirs. You will also find basic pharmacy items such as sunscreen, aspirin, allergy and cold medicine, baby diapers and formula, shampoo, and the like. Resort hotels with Deluxe Villa rooms offer an assortment of groceries, as well.

Disney recommends a third party company, Kid's Nite Out , to provide babysitting services at the resort hotels. See our Disney World Child Care page for more information.

Art of Animation is located in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area. All modern GPS apps, and Google Maps, will have clear driving directions to it. As a backup, look for Disney road signs directing you toward the Wide World of Sports once you're on property, and then look for signs for Art of Animation once you're close.

Disney Skyliner gondola system has a station on the bridge in between Pop Century and Art of Animation. From the station, the ride to Epcot's International Gateway entrance is about 20 minutes while the ride to Hollywood Studios is about 12 minutes (plus waiting time in line).

Disney provides free bus service from Art of Animation to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney Springs. Art of Animation's bus stops sit along the front wall of the Animation Hall lobby. Buses run about every 20 minutes, but varies through the day.

If you have your own car, it's faster to drive yourself to Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks, and Disney Springs. Disney's transportation system is faster to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

You can walk between the Art of Animation and Pop Century. The Skyliner can take you to the EPCOT resorts, Caribbean Beach, and the Riviera. For all other resort destinations, the fastest option is an Uber, Lyft, or taxi. Disney's bus service is free but slow, and will probably require you to use an intermediate destination like Disney Springs, to get to your destination. And that can take a couple of hours each way if you're unluckly.

if you have a car, the easiest way to get to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and other tourist destinations is to drive. Alternatively, Mears Transportation operates shuttle services between the Disney hotels and other theme parks.

tabs#change">Driving to the Resort

tabs#change">Getting to the Parks and Disney Springs

tabs#change">Getting to Another Hotel from Art of Animation

tabs#change">Getting to Universal Orlando

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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: The Complete 2022 Guide

Disclosure: This Art of Animation Resort page contains affiliate links. Read  full Disclosure Policy .

Have you ever wanted to live in the world of your favorite Disney film ? Then Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the place for you!

Dive into the sea with Ariel , Nemo, and all their friends, traverse the jungles with Simba and the gang, or speed off into the sunset with Lightening McQueen.

You and your family, especially your kiddos, will marvel at the incredible worlds brought to life by Disney’s Art of Animation.

In addition to the grounds and buildings, the films permeate into every aspect of the resort.

The key to Art of Animation is the theming – totally immersive, the design of the resort is to bring you completely into the movie.

You think you know Disney resort theming? You ain’t seen nothing yet!

Table of Contents

• Resort Snapshot
• Resort Amenities

Sports and Recreation

Transportation.

• Resort Location
• Contact Information

The World of Disney’s Art of Animation

One of the value resorts at Walt Disney World , Disney’s Art of Animation Resort brings the best Disney has to offer at affordable prices. Art of Animation is almost a bridge between value and moderate resorts, perfect in so many ways for families with kids or for a weekend jaunt. The resort also has the benefit of being close to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and isn’t too far from Epcot or Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Much like its cousin, Disney’s Pop Century Resort , the buildings have a T -shape facing in towards the common areas for each section. The Little Mermaid and Cars sections each have three buildings, while the Nemo and Lion King areas each have two. Between the four sections, there are 934 rooms in all. In the center of the resort you’ll find Animation Hall, the main building for check-in, transportation, dining , and shopping.

Each area takes on the appearance of a classic Disney or Pixar movie – The Little Mermaid and The Lion King are on the Disney side, with Finding Nemo and the Cars trilogy representing for the Pixar family.

When we say it has the appearance of these movies, we mean it! Every aspect of each section goes all-out with the décor, architecture, and character elements to make you feel like you’ve really entered the worlds of these characters. Not just the finessed touches or special nods that you see at other resorts, but real, movie-set-level components that bring your experience up to ten!

Take a tour of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

History of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Opening May 31, 2012, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort was saw the completion of a project that almost never happened.

Back in the early 2000s, Art of Animation had been designed to be the sister resort to Pop Century with the name The Legendary Years . Covering the beginning of the 1900s up through the 1940s, Pop Century – The Legendary Years was supposed to be across Hourglass Lake and complete the movie-themed resort area.

However, after September 11 th , tourism took a dramatic hit and The Legendary Years never came to fruition. The half-finished resort lay across the lake from Disney Pop Century Resort , abandoned until it the reimagining into Disney’s Art of Animation.

This legacy still had an impact on the building of the resort, which you can see in the Little Mermaid sections. Built like the rooms over at Pop Century , with exterior hallways and smaller room spaces, these three buildings were already in place when the new concept for the resort came into being. As for the remaining sections, they took on the family suite format that took off during the refurbishment of Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. Providing more room for young families without spending the high suite prices, Art of Animation was the perfect place to adopt this format and provide more accommodations geared specifically towards families.

From a forgotten relic to an animated sensation, we’re not the only ones that are glad that Disney’s Art of Animation was born from the ashes of The Legendary Years!  

Disney’s Art of Animation Amenities

As a value resort, there are fewer of the high-end amenities you might get at the moderate or deluxe resorts. You don’t have table service dining locations, a spa, or water sports on the lake, but what you do have is fun for the whole family! With one of the best counter service spots on the property, three incredible pools, and plenty of places for your kids to play, you won’t be disappointed with what Art of Animation has to offer!

Unlike some of the other value resorts, the rooms are a major part of the attraction at Art of Animation. In fact, the design and layout is an integral part of the overall resort experience! In the effort to bring you into the film, each of the rooms for the four sections uses different themed elements to highlight aspects of the movies. Even the floors fit with the theme!

As previously mentioned, there are four distinct sections:

• The Little Mermaid
• The Lion King
• Finding Nemo

Within each, the rooms reflect the overall feel of the movie. As you’re booking, make sure you take that into account.

Definitely watch video tours or check out our page on the rooms to learn more!

Standard Rooms

All the standard rooms are in the Little Mermaid section, and have a layout similar to other value resorts, specifically Pop Century. This is largely because this is the section that converted from the Legendary Years into Art of Animation, so they didn’t have to waste the building space. However, you’re getting a lot out of these rooms!

Available with two queen beds or one king bed, the Little Mermaid rooms have the typical hotel and split-bath layout. Beautiful blue walls and floors, seashell headboards, and film art help to set the scene. You’ll also have a privacy curtain between the rest of the room and bathroom, which can help to distinguish the spaces when you’re getting ready in the morning.

The sink space is separate from the shower and toilet room, again for convenience and privacy. Fun film elements, like an animated coral frame around the mirror, an Ariel shower curtain, and Ariel’s grotto on the shower walls complete the themed elements.

With some recent updates, the beds are the new raised style that allows you to stick luggage or other items underneath the bed. This is a great way to utilize your storage space, especially when you’re travelling with kids.

We recommend these rooms for families with young children or for a small group of adults. Even couples just doing a short trip will love these spaces! Again, since everything is all in one room, you’ll want to be sure that is enough space. However, the Little Mermaid rooms are going to be your economical spaces here at Art of Animation. They can run as low as $150 a night, which is definite deal at Disney!

Family Suites

The remaining three sections at Art of Animation all feature the family suite model, which provides more space for you and everyone in your party. You can actually sleep six people in these rooms! Don’t get me wrong, six people would be a bit tight, but it’s perfect if you’re bringing all your kiddos. You could even give each kid their own bed if you’re in a family of four, with a separate bedroom to give you your own privacy. Is it worth the extra $250-$300 a night? You know your kids…you tell us!

In a family suite, you have two full bathrooms , a queen bed in the main bedroom, and two convertible double beds in the living area. One double bed is in the sofa, and the other is a table bed that also serves as the main dining space. This way, you can pack up the beds during the day and keep the communal spaces clear. Having the extra bathroom is huge, as you can get several people ready for the day at one time…and also keep a bathroom kid-free for yourself!

You also have a small kitchenette in the living room with a mini fridge, microwave, sink, and coffee maker. Just the addition of the microwave makes all the difference, as you can heat and eat your meals in your room. This is a major money and time saver, especially in the morning!

Family suites have either a Lion King, Cars, or Finding Nemo theme. In the Lion King section, bright, warm colors bring you to the African savanna with Simba and all his friends. This isn’t the look of the Animal Kingdom Lodge , which is subtle and authentic to African culture, but rather the colorful animated world of the character. Cars suites put you in Radiator Springs, with nods to Lightening and the gang throughout. Your bathroom is actually a car wash, brightly lit and perfect for your littles. Finally, the Finding Nemo areas show off the serene side of the ocean, with deep-sea nautical touches distinctly different from the Little Mermaid rooms. Don’t forget to look out for sharks!

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Disney’s Art of Animation is one of the four pet-friendly spots at Disney World.

Now, when we say pet-friendly , we do really mean dogs. Sorry – no cats allowed!

You can have two dogs in your room, and they do need to be leashed in all public areas. Pet rooms are on select floors with access to designated areas for your furry friends to do their business.

Please be aware of other guests as well, and remember most common areas are expected to be animal-free (including the pools). For more information, check out the information on Disney’s website .

Disney’s Art of Animation boasts three incredible pools, each fitting with the theme of their area. Nearby to the pools are soft play areas for your kiddos to explore, ideal if they aren’t big swimmers or just need a space to run. We recommend getting to the pools early to maximize the fun!

Flippin’ Fins Pool

This pool is in the Little Mermaid section, featuring Ariel and all her finned friends. Sebastian and his Under the Sea Orchestra take center stage as part of the fun! Right in the middle of the three Little Mermaid buildings, you’ll feel like you’re really under the sea. A collection of palm trees and other beachy items gives that island vibe that rounds out the pool space.

Cozy Cones Pool

Fans of Cars will recognize this spot right away! Sally’s hotel, the Cozy Cone, takes on a new role at Art of Animation as the Radiator Springs pool. Each cone has a set of lounge chairs and an awning, perfect for staying out of the sun and relaxing poolside. Other nods to the traffic cones dot the area, adorable and the perfect touches for the cozy pool.

Big Blue Pool

Over in the Finding Nemo section you’ll find the biggest pool at Walt Disney World – the Big Blue Pool. A zero-entry pool, this behemoth holds 308,527 gallons of water! Splash around under the giant jellyfish or swim in the deeper end with Nemo and his friends. Your littles will love the Schoolyard Sprayground, a splash zone perfect for the kids that aren’t quite ready to get into the big ole blue. Nearby is Squirt’s Righteous Reef, the playground area for your non-swimmers.

#WDW Fact: The largest pool in Walt Disney World can be found at the Art of Animation Resort the Finding Nemo section. It is known as The Big Blue Pool. pic.twitter.com/alJ5qAvAaI — Visiting the Magic (@visthemagic) December 30, 2019

As this pool is popular, you’re going to want to make a point to get here early. Remember, there’s no “spot saving” at Disney pools, so be sure to bring your whole group when you’re setting up camp. Also, please only use the space you need so everyone else can enjoy the area too!

Parking at the Art of Animation is $15 dollars a night for all vehicles, with complimentary self-parking during the day for visitors of the resort. Remember, during peak times, you might not be able to come and just explore the resort. In these instances, if you have a dining reservation at a resort on the Skyliner loop, we suggest using that mode of transportation to come see the sights.

As a value resort, Art of Animation doesn’t necessarily have all the same sports options as some of the higher tier stays. However, there is still plenty to do!

Jogging Trails

Those who love a good walk or run will enjoy this jogging trail around the resort. The trail is one mile long, so you can start your circuit wherever you like and keep track of your distance from there. This is also a great activity in the evening, taking you around the entirety of the resort while giving you the chance to take some great pictures along the way.

The jogging trail takes you all the way around both Art of Animation and Pop Century, so this is a great way to see both resorts!

Playgrounds

Right next to the Big Blue Pool is Squirt’s Righteous Reef, a unique playground experience that is different than the conventional swing set and slide setup. This is the perfect way for your younger kiddos to get out some energy – sometimes kids just need to run around. Especially if you’re taking a break from the parks, you don’t want to just sit in your room during the vacation.

Also in the Lion King section is the Elephant Graveyard, where kids can run through the “caves” and play among the elephant “bones.” It’s not as large as the Finding Nemo playground, and the kids can’t climb up on the rocks, but it’s still nice if they just need to get out of the room for a bit.

Pixel Play Arcade

In the Animation Hall is Pixel Play Arcade, with all of your typical arcade entertainment. This is a great stop on a rainy day, as you can have fun playing the games together without being stuck in your room. This is one of the benefits of a value resort, as many of the higher tier Disney stays are phasing out their arcades.

Movie Under the Stars

Like many of the Disney resorts, Art of Animation offers an outdoor movie night on select evenings. This is a great way to wrap up your day, especially if you’re not in a park or don’t have to get up early the next morning. Bring your own snacks, a blanket or chairs, and of course your whole family! The movies are always Disney favorites and kid-friendly, so you don’t need to worry about the content. One of the benefits of the family atmosphere!

Movie night happens on the grassy space between the Lion King and Finding Nemo sections, giving a fun backdrop to the night. This is also a central location in the resort, making it easy for you to find no matter what section you’re staying in.

Play Disney Parks App

If you’re going to Disney World with kids, you’ll want this app anyway, even more so if you’re staying at Art of Animation! With the games in the app, you can create your own themed art and see it come to life in the worlds of the characters. This is perfect for the budding creative geniuses in your family, or if you’re looking for a rainy day activity.

Disney Skyliner

One of the biggest benefits of staying at Disney’s Art of Animation is that it is right on the Disney Skyliner . With the opening of Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, the need arose for more transportation options to get guests to and from the parks. The newest way to travel, these adorable gondolas form a path that connects Pop Century, Art of Animation, Disney’s Caribbean Beach, and Disney’s Riviera Resort with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

A station right along the edge of Hourglass Lake gives Art of Animation guests direct access to the Skyliner, connecting these resorts to the hub station at Caribbean Beach. From there, you can continue on to any of the other stops along the route. If you’re going to Hollywood Studios, you will have to get off at Caribbean Beach to catch your connecting gondola.

Having the Skyliner also gives you access to the Yacht and Beach Clubs , as well as the whole Disney’s BoardWalk , as these areas are right by the Epcot International Gateway station. This is huge, as it opens more inter-resort travel than we’ve ever had before at Disney World. You really can make a day of just travelling the Skyliner!

Like all the Disney resorts, Art of Animation gives you access to Disney bus transportation. You can use the busses to get to any of the parks and to Disney Springs. However, busses do not travel between resorts, so to do that you’ll first need to get a bus to Disney Springs and then change busses, or use a ride share option. Unless, of course, you’re headed to another Skyliner resort or the BoardWalk area.

Throughout Disney W o rld you can catch a Lyft or Uber using their respective apps. I recommend Lyft, although you should use the one with which you are most comfortable. Ride share is nice because it is a direct route, although of course it is extra cost. However, that has been worth it for me to beat the busses for rope drop or make my dining reservation.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Location

Directions to the resort.

When driving to Art of Animation, you’ll want to get off on the Disney exit for West Osceola Parkway, which will then split into two. Take the right of the split, and turn right onto Victory Way. From there, turn right onto Animation Way, which will lead you to the main entrance and Animation Hall, although later you may choose to keep going to get to the parking lot of your choice.

If you’re coming from Florida 530 or 192, you’ll want to take World Drive to get on West Osceola Parkway, and then onto Victory Way from there.

This may be a point where looking at the map and using the GPS would be helpful. You’ll be able to see the resort from Osceola Parkway long before you’ll actually pull into the parking lot, so getting the right directions will keep you from making mistakes!

Resort Address

1850 Animation Way Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8400

Disney’s Art of Animation Contact Information

If you need to contact Disney’s Art of Animation Resort directly, their number is (407) 938-7000.

However, for questions about your booking, Disney recommends calling (407) 939-5277.

For all dining queries, use their online dining reservation platform.

Jump right in to the world of your favorite characters with Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

Grace Hoyos, Staff Writer

Grace is a life-long lover of all things Disney, particularly the parks at Walt Disney World. She is also an avid Disney Cruise Line enthusiast who regularly dreams of the white sands of Castaway Cay . Grace loves the fact that her Disney trips give her time to spend with her family, enjoy incredible food, and try new experiences.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort Photo Tour

Live in your favorite Disney film

zannaland/Flickr/CC-BY-SA-2.0 

Although there are 864 standard rooms at The Little Mermaid wing of Disney's Art of Animation Resort , the 1,120 themed family suites — Finding Nemo with 320 suites, Cars with 480 suites, and The Lion King with 320 suites — that comfortably sleep up to six, offers an exciting alternative for vacationing families. The four distinctly designed wings showcase Disney and Disney-Pixar films with original sketches, colorful icons and whimsical theming.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort is expansive and not only features regular guest rooms and family suites, but also three pools, a food court and poolside concessions, playgrounds, and a family game room. Staying at the resort, guests can benefit from the best Disney perks, including transportation to Disney theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs and Extra Magic Hours . For those that like to stay connected, all Family Suites and Standard Guest Rooms include free WiFi!

Animation Hall

Step into Disney's Art of Animation Resort and you'll see a wall filled with larger-than-life sketches of popular animated Disney characters by some of Disney's most talented artists. Animation Hall is where guests of the resort will check-in and get their room assignment in one of four themed wings — Finding Nemo , Cars , The Lion King and The Little Mermaid .

Also, inside Animation Hall you will find a whimsical chandelier composed of 77 animation storyboards and a colorful wall of lighted animation slides depicting action scenes from Disney and Disney-Pixar movies represented at the resort.

Located off of Animation Hall is the Ink & Paint Shop, where you can pick up all those souvenirs before heading home; and, the Landscape of Flavors food court.

Landscape of Flavors Food Court

Landscape of Flavors , Disney's Art of Animation Resort food court is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features items such as fresh smoothies, hand-scooped gelato, and Mongolian barbecue. It is located in the Animation Hall building at the front of the resort.

Tip: Save money when you stay in a Disney resort by purchasing a refillable mug.

Finding Nemo Wing

Crush from the Disney-Pixar animated film, Finding Nemo , is just one of the larger-than-life icons that adorn the courtyards at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. Crush looks like he's ready to make a splash at the "Big Blue" pool, the centerpiece of the resort and the largest swimming pool at Disney World Resort. Also see a giant Mr. Ray, whose wings span 27 feet!

Other characters you'll find include Nemo's mates — Pearl, Tad, and Sheldon making a splash at the Schoolyard Sprayground, a wet play area with refreshing sprayers.

Finding Nemo Family Suites

The Walt Disney Company

The spacious 320 Finding Nemo Family Suites are decked out with jellyfish lampshades, a coral reef-themed headboard and cheerful color scheme. The Suites, which sleep a family of six (6) easily, are just steps away from the "Big Blue" pool with lots of action, day and night — hula hoop contests, ping pong, and nighttime movies.

All the Family Suites at Disney's Art of Animation Resort feature kitchenettes with microwaves, mini-fridges and a sink. Family Suite units throughout the resort feature tables for dining and activities and then easily fold-up to make a Murphy bed at night. Sleeping arrangements for six include a queen bed in a separate bedroom (with a door), the double-size table bed and one double-size sleeper sofa. The bedrooms also include a dresser and a door for privacy. There are two (2) bathrooms per unit as well!

Big Blue Pool

Hey, Dude! Crush is calling kids of all ages that are sure to have a splish-splashing good time in the "Big Blue" pool at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. The zero-entry pool is the centerpiece of the resort and it's the largest resort swimming pool at Disney World Resort — measuring 11,859 square feet. As guests explore the colorful reef and East Australian Current with a giant-sized Mr. Ray, underwater speakers occasionally pipe in music and messages from film characters, so guests will feel like they're in scenes from the animated world.

Tiny tots will enjoy frolicking with Squirt in the Righteous Reef, a dry children's play area nearby; and, making a splash at the Schoolyard Sprayground, a wet play area with sprayers.

Righteous Reef Playground

Righteous Reef is one of several play areas at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. Kids will enjoy frolicking with Squirt and playing hide-and-seek with each other (and parents too).

Tip: This playground is located near the Big Blue pool, so parents should use caution and closely monitor their children.

Unique Photo Opportunities

All of Disney's Value Resorts feature larger-than-life icons, but Disney's Art of Animation Resort provides nearly unlimited photo opportunities in four separate themed areas — Finding Nemo , Cars , The Lion King and The Little Mermaid . It's like taking a trip through Disney's most celebrated animated films and photos will surely bring back memories for years to come.

Cars' Radiator Springs Wing

Welcome to Radiator Springs. Cars fans will delight in Lightning McQueen, Mater, Flo and other characters from the popular Pixar film Cars leading the way down a paved road to 480 family suites and the 60's-style Cozy Cone Motel with Sheriff and Doc Hudson parked at the entryway.

Cars' Family Suites

The Cars-themed family guest suites sleep up to six (6) and are high-octane fun — from the orange cones imprinted in the carpeting and adorning the light fixtures to the pull-out bed in the living room sofa that whimsically appears as the back seat of an old hot rod. Add the tool chest that is actually the dresser and the bathroom design inspired by a car wash, and you're sure to rev up some super-charged vacation adventures.

Outside, guests can pose with their favorite characters from the film or backdrops of Luigi's Casa Della Tires, Tow Mater Towing, and the Wheel Well Motel. At the Cozy Cone Motel, orange cone-shaped cabanas invite guests to relax and then take a dip in the Cozy Cone Pool.​

The Lion King Wing

Simba's journey is celebrated in The Lion King wing with landscape and theming that reflect both playful and poignant scenes from the Academy Award-winning Disney animated film "The Lion King." Scenes from the movie play out in every turn of the courtyard with King Mufasa towering atop Pride Rock while his evil brother Scar slinks in the shadows beyond the elephant graveyard. Then there's Pumbaa and Timon with Simba dancing across a long bridge in true carefree "Hakuna Matata" fashion.

Lion King Family Suites

The Lion King-themed family suites are great for families with small children. They will love the bright colors and animal-theming and feel right at home with their favorite characters. Zazu takes center stage on the headboards, while Pumbaa and Timon decorate the shower curtain. Young ones can rest on a leaf-shaped chair or sleep alongside Simba, who is slumbering at the head of one of the beds. The suites comfortably sleep up to six (6).

The Little Mermaid Wing

Ariel reins supreme over The Little Mermaid wing and at the Flippin' Fins pool at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. Standard guest rooms are colorful retreats themed to one of the most celebrated films of all time, "The Little Mermaid." The sea-inspired colors and aquatic motif plunge guests into the "under the sea" world of Ariel's secret grotto.

The Little Mermaid Standard Guest Rooms

The Little Mermaid wing was the final phase opened in September of 2012, with 864 standard guest rooms taking families on an under-the-sea adventure. The standard rooms sleep four (4) and feature either two double beds or one king, a television and small round table with two chairs. Additionally, the bathroom is divided from the bedroom with an under-the-sea-styled curtain with Ariel appearing as big as life on the shower curtain.

Outside, guests will find the Flippin' Fins pool and pose in the courtyard alongside characters from the film — Ariel, Ursula, King Triton and Sebastian.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort features a large arcade that all ages (even Mom and Dad) will enjoy, but will particularly make the teens in the family happy.

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Art of Animation Resort 

Disney’s Art of Animation 1850 Animation Way Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

OVERVIEW Disney’s Art of Animation is one of Disney’s Value Resorts for the Budget Friendly traveler that offers great amenities as well. The Art of Animation is home to the largest Disney Resort Pool with family suites and standard rooms themed to Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and Little Mermaid. It is a family friendly destination to begin your Disney experience. With spacious rooms for family sizes up to 6, Dog-Friendly Accommodations and complimentary Wi-Fi, you are bound to feel welcomed and at home at this one of a kind resort.

ROOMS Disney’s Art of Animation has a total of 984 rooms which is comprised of four sections of Family Suites and one section of standard rooms.  

The Lion King, Cars and Finding Nemo themed Family Suites Family suites sleep up to six guests; they include a bedroom with one queen-size bed; one double-size convertible TableBed; one double-size sleeper sofa; living room; 2 bathrooms and a kitchenette.

The Little Mermaid section offers Standard rooms that sleep up to four guests and have a mini-fridge, however it does not have a microwave. Guests are welcome to use the microwave ovens in the food court if needed (about a 5-10 minute walk from the Little Mermaid rooms.

DINING Landscape of Flavors – Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, features 5 distinctive food shops serving fresh, made-to-order cuisine.

Lunch and Dinner Menu – $14.99 and under per adult

Breakfast Menu – $14.99 and under per adult

The Drop Off Pool Bar – After an afternoon of fun in the sun, pull up a chair and chill! Relax poolside with a thirst-quenching frozen cocktail, ice-cold draft or bottled beer or non-alcoholic beverage. Snacks are also available for those craving a quick nibble!

Pizza Delivery and Beyond – Get tasty classics like oven-fresh pizza, salad, chicken strips and more delivered directly to your room when staying at a select Disney Resort hotel. An 18% gratuity, $3.00 delivery charge and applicable sales tax will apply to all delivery orders.

RECREATION/AMENITIES Pools – The Big Blue Pool will be closed for refurbishment from January 11, 2021 through early April 2021. While this work takes place, other exhilarating pool and recreation offerings will remain open for your enjoyment – including Flippin’ Fins Pool, Cozy Cone Pool and the Schoolyard Sprayground.

Movies Under the Stars – Watch some of your favorite Disney films outside in the fresh evening air—located on the grassy area found between The Lion King building and Finding Nemo building.

Jogging Trail – Walk or jog around Disney’s Art of Animation Resort on a scenic 1.38-mile trail.

Playground – Children can climb and slide at Righteous Reef playground, located in the Finding Nemo courtyard.

Pixel Play Arcade – Catch up on video games both classic and new at this arcade located in the Animation Hall building. To play games, you must first purchase a Game Card and add game points using a credit card or cash at a kiosk inside the arcade. Game Cards are rechargeable and can be used at other Walt Disney World Resort arcades.

Go Fish? – Fishing is not allowed on Hourglass Lake—but you’ll get hooked by the bass fishing at our other nearby marinas! Guided excursion and dockside fishing are available on select waterways in Walt Disney World Resort and are fun for guests of all ages, call 407-WDW-BASS for more information.

TRANSPORTATION Disney Skyliner Transportation – This complimentary, new gondola transportation system offers a bird’s-eye view as it whisks you and your family away to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney Minnie Van™ Service Connected by Lyft —Discover a whimsical way to dash about! Getting to select locations around Walt Disney World Resort—or traveling to and from Orlando International Airport—is easy when our private vehicles whisk you off in delightful Disney style.   The base rate is of $15 per pick-up, plus a per mile fee that varies based upon demand, but will typically be around $2.75 to $3.00 per mile

Disney’s Magical Express -Enjoy complimentary transportation to and from Orlando International Airport. Advance reservations are required. Please note: Disney’s Magical Express service will no longer be providing luggage delivery for those arriving to and departing from the airport. The resort airline check-in service is also no longer available. The Disney’s Magical Express bus stop is located just in front of the lobby. Please note, Disney’s Magical Express service will no longer be offered starting with arrivals January 1, 2022. The service will continue to operate for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout 2021.

PARKING Standard overnight self-parking is available to registered Guests for a $15 per night, which will be applied to the guest’s hotel folio upon check-out. All parking fees include applicable tax.

Complimentary standard self-parking is available while you enjoy select dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation experiences at this Resort.

ATM A 24-hour ATM, presented by Chase, is located near the front desk and accept the following cards and services: American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover/Novus, Cirrus, Plus, Star and Honor, although they are subject to change. Be sure to confirm the cash withdrawal limit with your card’s issuing bank. Some ATMs include a maximum transaction limit, above and beyond the cash withdrawal limit associated with your card. In addition, if your card is not issues by Chase you will incur a withdrawal fee, which will be added to the withdrawal amount, is in addition to any fees that may be assessed by the cardholder’s financial institution. A fee will be charged for a cash withdrawal to any cardholder using a card not issued by Chase. This fee, which will be added to the withdrawal amount, is in addition to any fees that may be assessed by your financial institution.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE Be sure to visit the front desk or Lobby Concierge if you are interested in exchanging foreign currencies. CHILD CARE/BABYSITTING Kid’s Nite Out is an independent childcare provider, they offer one-to-one babysitting in the comfort of your Walt Disney World Resort hotel room. They will organize activities for children 6 months to 12 years of age such as arts and crafts, reading and playing. Rates Number of Children Price (per hour) 1 $20 2 $23 3 $26 4 $29 There is a surcharge of $2 after 9:00pm that will be added per hour. Additionally, a one-time transportation fee of $12 is also required. Rates are subject to change without notice. The independent childcare provider also offers childcare to accompany you and your family during your visit to the parks

To contact Kid’s Nite Out, please call (407) 828-0920, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, 7 days a week. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. LOST CHILDREN A child who becomes separated from his or her parents while in the park will be escorted by a Cast Member to the Baby Care Center. Once there, the child will be looked after until the parent comes to claim the child. If you are unable to locate your child, alert a Cast Member and then check the Baby Care Center. DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS At Disney Resort hotels, smoking is permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted in Guest rooms or on balconies. Guests can request location information upon check-in. If you have questions about our smoking policy please ask a Disney Cast Member. Smoking marijuana is not permitted at any time, even in designated smoking areas. HOUSEKEEPING Prior to your arrival, your room will undergo comprehensive cleaning with added attention to high-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles, floors, which are steam cleaned and vacuumed between Guests. During your stay, your room will receive light housekeeping service every other day (unless you choose to decline the service). This service will include: Removal of trash and used towels, replenishment of towels and amenities throughout room and bathroom, wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces as well as vacuuming, if needed. In addition, housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms. LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANING SERVICES You can find 24-hour self-service laundry rooms available near The Big Blue Pool, Flippin’ Fins Pool and Cozy Cone Pool. For dry cleaning and valet laundry service, please select “Housekeeping” on your Guest Room phone. MAIL SERVICES If you intend to receive mail during your stay, be sure to have the mail sent to the mailing address of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, make sure to include the word “Guest” and the date of your arrival at the hotel clearly on the package. Postcards, letters and pre-packed, pre-labeled packages with postage already applied can be mailed at the Front Desk or Concierge Desk.

MERCHANDISE DELIVERY AND PICKUP You will be able to enjoy the parks without extra baggage with this convenient service! You can shop in-store at select Walt Disney World shops and through the Shop Disney Parks mobile app (valid for merchandise in stock at Walt Disney World Resort). Merchandise delivery to your Disney Resort hotel is complimentary. You can arrange to have your merchandise delivered to Ink & Paint Shop at the Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, where it will be available for pickup later.

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• Based on recent trends and guidance, Walt Disney World Resort has continued to make changes to health and safety measures, as well as beginning to bring back some beloved experiences. Learn more .
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• To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for Guests ages 3 and up. Learn more .
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Disney's Art of Animation Resort

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 Error: Disney Resort hotels will begin a phased reopening. As we open these hotels, a number of health-and-safety measures will be in place. Additionally, some experiences such as housekeeping services and resort activities have been modified or may be unavailable. Learn more. From January 23 through January 28, 2022, Disney Skyliner service between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort and Epcot will be out of operation for refurbishment. Complimentary bus service will be available. Disney Resort hotels will begin a phased reopening. As we open these hotels, a number of health-and-safety measures will be in place. Additionally, some experiences such as housekeeping services and resort activities have been modified or may be unavailable. Learn more. From January 23 through January 28, 2022, Disney Skyliner service between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort and Epcot will be out of operation for refurbishment. Complimentary bus service will be available.

What Makes This Resort Hotel Unique

Disney Skyliner Transportation

This new gondola system offers a bird's-eye view as it whisks you and your family away to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Family Suites

Immerse yourself in the magic of spacious accommodations for parties up to 6—with room for the whole family to spread out—inspired by some of your favorite animated movies. Read More

Immerse yourself in the magic of spacious accommodations for parties up to 6—with room for the whole family to spread out—inspired by some of your favorite animated movies.

Family suites include a bedroom with one queen-size bed; one double-size convertible TableBed; one double-size sleeper sofa; living room; 2 bathrooms and a kitchenette.

Learn more about accommodations at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Largest Resort Pool In Walt Disney World Resort

Take the plunge in the largest resort pool in Walt Disney World Resort. Read More

Take the plunge in the largest resort pool in Walt Disney World Resort.

Cool, dude! Make a splash at the Big Blue Pool, inspired by the Disney and Pixar movie Finding Nemo . You’ll also find an interactive water play area, perfect for the little ones.

Two more pools—Cozy Cone Pool, inspired by the Disney and Pixar film Cars , and Flippin’ Fins Pool, featuring the “Under the Sea Orchestra” conducted by Sebastian from The Little Mermaid —are also available to Guests looking to cool off.   

Relax poolside with a refreshing beverage or snack at the Drop Off Pool Bar.

Learn more about recreation at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort .

Landscape of Flavors

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Landscape of Flavors features 5 distinctive food shops serving fresh, made-to-order cuisine. Read More

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Landscape of Flavors features 5 distinctive food shops serving fresh, made-to-order cuisine. From tasty international fare to classic American favorites, there's something to satisfy everyone at this casual dining venue.

Learn more about dining at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Dog-Friendly Accommodations

Bring your pampered pooch to stay with you at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Read More

Bring your pampered pooch to stay with you at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we know that dogs aren’t simply pets—they’re members of your family. And since family is at the heart of everything we do, for a limited time, your furry friends are welcome to join you at select Disney Resort hotels. Let the tail wagging commence!

Note: Limit 2 dogs per room. Restrictions and fees apply.

How to Book To bring your dog along on your upcoming visit, please call (407) 939-7539. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Services for Guests with Dogs During your stay, Best Friends Pet Care can provide assistance with day care and other pet services (fees apply). For details, please call (877) 4-WDW-PETS or (877) 493-9738, or visit bestfriendspetcare.com . Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Some restrictions on certain pets may apply. Before you arrive, be sure to download the official dog policy PDF .

More Magic for Your Stay

New Fun with the Play Disney Parks App

Bring the lobby walls of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to life while checking in or enjoying your stay! Read More

Bring the lobby walls of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to life while checking in or enjoying your stay!

With Stories of the Enchanted Gallery on the all-new Play Disney Parks app , you can show off your animation skills by creating your own themed art—and see it all transformed as your work comes alive in stories inspired by Finding Nemo , The Lion King , The Little Mermaid and Cars .

In addition, if you love the sounds you hear at Disney's Art of Animation Resort , take home its tunes with a special playlist created for the Resort. It’s the perfect way to remember your last trip… or prepare for an upcoming visit!

Please note: Apple Music® trial or membership required to access playlist.

Download the Play Disney Parks app to learn more!

Enhance Your Stay with My Disney Experience

Start your check in, see your room number, head directly to your room and discover much more with the helpful app. Read More

Start your check in, see your room number, head directly to your room and discover much more with the helpful app. The My Disney Experience app will even allow you to unlock your Disney Resort hotel room door with your phone!

My Disney Experience is a handy tool for navigating your vacation, including reviewing your existing plans, adding new plans, ordering food, viewing photos, checking park schedules, and getting directions—including transportation options.

Also now available in the My Disney Experience app, Disney MagicMobile service is another convenient, contactless way to access MagicBand and Key to the World Card features, like theme park entry, through the power of an eligible iPhone, Apple Watch or Android phone.

And that’s only the beginning of how the My Disney Experience app can enhance your stay at Walt Disney World Resort! Learn more about the My Disney Experience app.

View Rooms and Prices

Resort Address

(407) 938-7000

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• For assistance with your Walt Disney World vacation, including resort/package bookings and tickets, please call (407) 939-5277. For Walt Disney World dining, please book your reservation online .
• 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

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VIDEO: MickeyBlog’s Full Tour of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

by Kristin Sabol · October 10, 2023

Hello MickeyBlog friends and Disney fans. Do you have a Walt Disney resort you always visit? Is there one Disney hotel that is your absolute favorite?

There are so many great options, and we love visiting them all. 

If you follow MickeyBlog, you know we bring you full guides and amazing tours of our favorite Disney resorts, including Disney’s All Star Music Resort , Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort , Disney’s Contemporary Resort , Disney’s Yacht Club and more.

Today, MickeyBlog is bringing you along on another amazing resort tour, and this time we are checking out Disney’s Art of Animation.

Located in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area, this Disney “value” resort brings to life the artistry, enchantment and magic of Disney and Pixar movies. 

Let’s take a closer look at the fun offerings at this family-friendly resort.

Newest MickeyBlog Episode

The latest MickeyBlog episode is up on YouTube and is a Full Guide to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

Have you stayed here before? This awesome resort celebrates your favorite Disney movies and characters. You will be immersed in colorful storybook landscapes from your favorite movies including Finding Nemo , Cars , The Lion King and The Little Mermaid .

Be sure to check out all of our resort tours and guides!

Check It Out!

MickeyBlog continues their tour around the Walt Disney World Value Resorts with a visit to Disney’s Art of Animation resort.

This hotel is one of five Disney Resorts in the “Value” category, along with Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports.

Like all Disney Value resorts, this property is decorated with giant icons that celebrate the different animations. This resort also has a large food court, beautiful big blue pool and poolside bar.

Let’s check it out in this Walt Disney World Resort Tour Video!

Stay Tuned!

Be sure to stay tuned and follow along with us!

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PHOTOS! Tour a Lion King FAMILY SUITE at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

By Quincy Stanford 2 Comments

If you’re headed to Disney World soon, you might be wondering where you should stay!

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

There are a LOT of options for accommodations in the Most Magical Place on Earth and we want to make sure you stay at the spot that’s best for YOU. What better way than to take you on tours of the rooms? Well, if you’re traveling with the fam, you’re going to want to see inside the rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort … .

We stayed the night at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort in one of the Lion King Family Suites . Other room types include the similarly-laid-out Cars Family Suites and Finding Nemo Family Suites, and the standard Little Mermaid rooms.

These family suites sleep a whopping six guests comfortably!

Family Suite

When you walk into the room, you’ll see that it’s laid out with a dining area …

…a living area …

…a bathroom …

…a bedroom …

…and another bathroom !

As you can see, these rooms are SPECTACULARLY themed, but we know what you’re thinking: If there’s only one bed, how are six guests staying here? Well, surprise! The dining table converts to a murphy bed …

…and the sofa is a pull-out double bed too!

But let’s get into the nitty-gritty, starting as you enter!

The family suites at this resort are off of interior hallways and open into that dining area. In this space, you’ll spot the murphy bed, complete with a dining table and chairs .

Of course, you’ll spot some birds on the murphy bed, plus bugs and grubs on the table! Typically, we wouldn’t be too fond of bugs where we eat…but they did look pretty tasty in The Lion King .

The overhead lights even look like clouds!

The chairs are a cool, cartoon leaf design.

The wall has a bird art piece here as well.

Pull those chairs out of the way and the murphy bed down…

…and you’ll be greeted by a sleeping Simba!

Either side of this bed has a bedside table complete with a drawer .

This is probably about the time that you’ll notice that the floor has a cool pebble texture.

Next, let’s head into the first bathroom!

This room has a single vanity with plenty of counter space.

Under the sink, you’ll spot some extra supplies in case you need them.

There’s plenty of lighting, and the mirror has a cool themed design too!

Past a sliding door, you’ll find the toilet and shower room.

The shower curtain is a VERY fun print of Timon and Pumbaa washin’ up!

And pull the curtain back to reveal a beautiful Circle of Life sunrise tile wall!

This bathroom is equipped with refillable Disney toiletries …

…and expect a wider showerhead with decent pressure .

Ok, back to the common area! The main space has a living area and a kitchenette .

This room is also where you’ll spot the thermostat which was set to 60 degrees when we arrived.

The kitchenette is a cabinet in the corner of the room that features several amenities.

The top shelf has an ice bucket with cups …

…and microwave with accompanying supplies .

The countertop features a good amount of counter space, a sink, a paper towel roller …

…and a coffee machine with everything you need for your cup o’ joe (or tea).

The cabinet under the sink has a fire extinguisher and additional paper towels.

Then there’s the mini-fridge which is a larger size than the ones featured in standard Disney World hotel rooms!

Next to the kitchenette is a trash and recycling bin .

The sofa has a neat orange print on it and a whole tower of giraffes standing over it.

Remove the cushions and pull the handles, and you’ve got yourself another double bed !

In the corner, there is a flower-themed standing lamp with a table and one of the hotel phones.

In front of the couch, you’ll find two stools adorned with Lion King lyrics and designed like tree stumps!

The curtains have a standard privacy curtain…

…and a blackout curtain with a jungle design.

As for your view, you could end up looking out towards a parking lot, courtyard area, or some of Art of Animation’s awesome character sculptures.

Hey, Simba! We can see all of Pride Rock!

The living area has ANOTHER chair too, a green scoop seat.

Then, you’ve got a full dresser that looks like it was pulled right from the jungle.

It has four drawers with plenty of space…

…and built-in outlets.

Above the dresser is a standard, flat-screen TV (tuned to the Disney info channel of course!).

The corner of this room features a storage cubby with a spare pillow and blanket as well as some hangers.

The large drawer here has pillows for use on the sofa bed.

Annnnnd on to the bedroom!

This room features a queen bed with Zazu sitting above (with much aplomb we might add).

The side tables each feature a flower-inspired lamp…

…plus a drawer and cubby space.

You’ll find the same curtains on another window in this room.

Plus the same dresser and TV.

By the door, there’s a small closet-designated space with more hangers, an ironing board, iron, safe, and a luggage rack. Plus another extra pillow.

The final bathroom is a one-room space off of the bedroom.

It has another single vanity with a themed mirror.

You’ll find added supplies in here too!

The shower here does not have a tub and is instead a glass door walk-in .

It has the same refillable toiletries…

…and the same AWESOME Circle of Life wall.

Whew! And there you have it! That’s a full tour of a Lion King Family Suite at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. As always, stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney coverage and updates!

Click here to check out some of the construction at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

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What do you think of these rooms? Tell us in the comments! 

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November 21, 2021 at 12:03 am

Any idea how big the windows are in the suites? We love decorating our windows when we stay.. the windows at AoA seem shorter than Pop or All-Star.

November 22, 2021 at 9:04 am

Cyndi, great question. They are shorter than the All-Star windows. I don’t have the exact measurements, but based on photos and my own stay in the Suites, I am guessing 6′ wide (at most) by 4′ tall. I wish I had more specific dimensions for you. Have fun decorating!

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Resort Hopping at Disney World (Tips, Tricks, and Must-See Stops for 2024)

By: Author Heather Thomas

Published: October 4, 2023 Updated: March 19, 2024

The 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and Disney Springs aren’t the only things to see at Disney World; there are also more than a couple of dozen Disney World resorts you might want to spend some time touring during your trip (especially if they are convenient to where you’re already planning to be).

Today we have some ideas on resort hopping at Disney World , including what to do at each one (many activities are even free!) plus info on how to get there using Disney transportation.

If you’re staying at 1 of the resorts, you’ll have even more things to do than what’s listed below, including special tours and poolside activities.

Let’s take a look …

In this article

Disney Resort Hopping 101: The Basics

Before we dive into everything you can do at the resorts, you’ll need to know how to get there and what you can do (and what’s off limits).

How to get to a Disney resort if you aren’t staying there

In each of the touring ideas below, we’ve included info on how to get there using Disney World transportation and the WDW Prep Navigator .

You can also drive to the resorts and ask for a 3-hour Disney parking pass to check out the resort, or, at the deluxe Disney resorts , you can pay $33 to valet for the day. Disney’s Minnie Van service is also an option.

Important note: If you plan on driving, it is important to note that during the holidays (or other busy times of the year), the resorts on the monorail may ask anybody without a dining reservation wishing to tour the resort to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center.

What you CAN’T do when you tour Disney World resorts

Most areas of the resorts are available to visit, but although Disney resort hopping is allowed, typically pool hopping at Disney World is not . You will not be able to go to the pools at the Disney resorts as a non-guest because they require a room key (MagicBand or MagicBand+) from people staying at that resort.

The only exceptions to this rule are certain instances and times of the year when Disney Vacation Club owners can use pools at other Disney Vacation Club Resorts. Also, guests at some sister resorts can pool hop, too. We cover all of that in our guide to Disney Pool Rules and FAQs .

Recreation schedules for all resorts

Many of the activities listed below have additional details available on the resort recreation schedules. These schedules are typically posted on large posters or screens in several areas throughout the resort, including in the lobby and usually on major paths to the pools.

Disney’s recreation schedules change all the time , so be sure to check the schedules at each individual resort for more things you can do when you are touring.

Ok – now let’s dive into some of our favorite resorts to hop to. You’ll see below that we aren’t listing every single resort, but rather the ones where you’ll get the most bang for your buck since they are located close to each others.

Tour 1: The Magic Kingdom Resort Area monorail loop

The Resort Monorail near Magic Kingdom includes stops at The Contemporary, Polynesian, and The Grand Floridian.

We love visiting resorts on the monorail loop because the monorail itself is an attraction and is a must-do, especially if you are traveling with anyone who loves transportation.

How to get there:  In general, the easiest way to get there is to go to the Magic Kingdom and then take the Resort Monorail or walk to the Contemporary. For more specific instructions on how to get to any of the resorts on the monorail from anywhere in Disney World, use the WDW Prep Navigator .

It’s worth noting that there is now security before boarding the monorail, so you’ll need to do that at each stop.

When to visit: At the end of a Magic Kingdom day, as part of an afternoon break, or on arrival or departure day when you don’t want to enter a park but would like to keep busy. The holidays at Walt Disney World are an especially popular time of the year to visit the monorail resorts because of the ornate decorations you’ll find inside.

Stop 1: The Contemporary

When you first step into The Contemporary, it’s impossible to miss the monorail zipping right through the heart of the building. It’s iconic and fun to see, especially if you’ve got kids with you. Fun fact: The Contemporary Resort was one of the original duo standing when Walt Disney World first swung open its gates back in ’71.

But it’s not just about the monorail views. Look around, and you’ll spot a massive mural crafted by the one and only Mary Blair. If her name rings a bell, it’s because she’s the genius behind the looks in classics like Disney’s Peter Pan & Alice in Wonderland. Oh, and she’s the magic hand behind the vibrant colors of the ‘ it’s a small world ‘ rides.

Also, if you look at the resort’s position on a map, it is not by chance that this resort is situated closest to Tomorrowland as its futuristic style serves as an ideal backdrop to the attractions located there. Disney Imagineers think of EVERYTHING!

We absolutely love visiting here. It is a convenient walk from Magic Kingdom, and there are so many places to just rest and take in the atmosphere.

Free or inexpensive things to do at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• View the Electrical Water Pageant that passes by The Contemporary each night. You can watch it from the beach on the Bay Lake side, and times are available in the My Disney Experience app.
• Visit the nightly campfire which takes place on the beach (free)
• Watch a Movie Under the Stars, which is offered nightly (check the recreation schedule to see which movies are being shown each night)
• View Magic Kingdom fireworks from one of the free observation decks (or make a reservation at California Grill, and you’ll be able to watch from the observation deck just off the restaurant)
• During the holidays, check out the holiday village made of gingerbread and chocolate

Premium experiences at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• Participate in a scheduled craft project. Examples of what might be offered during the week includes Mickey tie-dye. Important note: not every craft is available every day
• Visit the big arcade
• Book a 2 or 4 hour fishing excursion
• Rent a boat and cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon
• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Stop 2: The Polynesian

The next stop on the resort monorail is The Polynesian, the other hotel on-property that opened in 1971 along with the Magic Kingdom.

When you step into the Polynesian Village Resort, you’re instantly whisked away to island vibes. The place is dotted with longhouses, and it has a new tower just for Disney Vacation Club members, and — get this, — bungalows that sit right over the water.

Everything sort of circles around the Great Ceremonial House, which, by the way, is where you hop on the monorail. The whole ‘South Pacific islands’ vibe is strong here, with something for everyone, including some of our most favorite places to dine, snack, and drink. We love it here – the Poly boasts some seriously awesome eateries.

Free or inexpensive things to do at Disney’s Polynesian Resort:

• Stop by Tambu Lounge for a Lapu Lapu, a delicious alcoholic drink served in a pineapple, or head to Trader Sam’s for one of their surprisingly strong drinks
• Get a Dole Whip , one of the most popular Disney World snacks, available at Pineapple Lanai (often much easier to get here than the Magic Kingdom location)
• Take a walk on the beach
• View the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach. Times are available in the My Disney Experience app.
• Watch Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach
• Join the nightly campfire at the activity area from 6-7 p.m. Marshmallows and s’mores are available for purchase.
• Watch a movie under the stars (check recreation schedule for which movies are being shown each night)
• Get hair wraps

Premium experiences at Disney’s Polynesian Resort:

• Participate in a scheduled craft project. Examples of what might be offered during the week include a make your own Kukui Nut lei and Mickey tie-dye. Important note: not every craft is available every day
• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Stop 3: The Grand Floridian

Thankfully, you don’t have to have a grand budget to enjoy some of the activities at The Grand Floridian. The Grand Floridian is an AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort and spa. Much newer than the other 2 resorts on the monorail (it opened in 1988), the Grand Floridian’s exterior most closely resembles the Hotel del Coronado, located in Coronado, California.

The Grand Floridian oozes Victorian-era style and is home to the adults-only (no children under 10) award-winning Victoria & Albert’s restaurant.

Free or inexpensive things to do at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa :

• Listen to piano music that plays in the lobby each day beginning at 3 p.m.
• Walk on the beach and relax in a hammock or lounge chair for a while
• Shop at 1 of the great stores (we like Basin White for their beauty bars)
• Watch Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach or the boat dock
• Visit the Wedding Pavilion which is a building located nearby
• Watch a movie under the stars (check the recreation schedule to see which movie is being shown each night)
• During the holidays, see the 16-feet-tall gingerbread house in the lobby (smaller versions are available to purchase)
• At Easter , check out the chocolate eggs created by the culinary team

Premium experiences at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

• Book a massage or other health or beauty treatment at The Grand Floridian Spa
• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Grand Floridian

Tour 2: Visit Fort Wilderness

Opening right on the heels of the Magic Kingdom in 1971, Fort Wilderness gives you a real taste of Central Florida’s natural charm. And trust me, even though its primary purpose is a campground, it’s every bit as magical as you’d expect from Disney. Every time we check, folks are raving about their stay here, often ranking it among the top campgrounds around.

If you’re thinking of heading over to Ft. Wilderness to check it out (and just to clear things up, it’s not the same as the nearby Wilderness Lodge), you’ll find a ton of things to do. Seriously, there’s so much packed into this place that you can easily spend a whole day just exploring!

How to get there : Head to any park and take a bus from there, or you can drive and park at the resort. Minnie Vans and boats from nearby resorts and Magic Kingdom are also an option. Visit the WDW Prep Navigator for more info on how to get to Fort Wilderness. Note: Fort Wilderness operates an internal bus system to make getting around this large resort easy.

When to visit: Because there is so much to see and do here, we recommend at least a 1/2 day to explore it all.

Free or inexpensive things to do at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort :

• Roast marshmallows with Chip and Dale at the campfire near the Meadow Trading Post. Bring your own marshmallows or buy them at Chuck Wagon. Takes place at 7:00 pm in fall and winter and about 8:00 pm in spring and summer. This event is free (aside from the price to purchase marshmallows if you didn’t bring your own).
• Ride a pony from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – for children at least 2 years old, weighing no more than 80 pounds and no taller than 48 inches. Cost is $8.
• Go on a wagon ride at 6:00pm or 8:30pm from the front of Pioneer Hall. The cost is $12 per adult and $8 per child (age 3-9) and availability is on a first come, first served basis (no reservations available).
• Visit the Tri-Circle-D Ranch where you can see some of the horses used in the parks.
• Rent a canoe, kayak, or bike . Prices start at around $7 per person (depending on activity).

Premium experiences at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort :

• Take a carriage ride for a 25-minute ride through Ft. Wilderness. Rides take place in the evenings at set times cost $55 per carriage. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.
• Shoot some arrows at the Fort Wilderness Archery Experience. The cost is $45 per person and includes a 75-minute session. Walk-ups are accepted or you can book 60 days in advance by calling 407-939-7529.
• Go on a gentle 45-minute horseback ride at Tri-Circle D Livery. These rides are offered several times a day (weather permitting) and cost $55 per person. Riders must be 9-years-old and at least 48 inches tall. There’s a maximum weight of 250 pounds per rider.
• “Mine” for gems at the assay station located near the bike barn. Prices start at around $11 for smaller bags, but can go all the way up to around $33 for larger bags of rocks.
• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Fort Wilderness

Tour 3: The Epcot-area resorts

The Epcot-area resorts are all located around Crescent Lake and include the Boardwalk area.

How to get there:  The Epcot Area resorts are accessible from both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. For specific instructions on how to get to any of the Epcot Area resorts from anywhere in Disney World, use the WDW Prep Navigator .

When to visit: At the end of an Epcot or Hollywood Studios day, or on a non-park day

All of these resorts are accessed by walking, so you can visit them in any order, but let’s just start with The Beach Club (which is the closest to Epcot) & The Yacht Club, which is right next to it.

Stop 1: Beach Club and Yacht Club

If you’ve ever daydreamed about those classic east coast vibes, the Beach and Yacht Club resorts have got you covered. They’re like siblings – Yacht Club’s the more polished, buttoned-up one, and Beach Club? It’s like the chill younger bro, all relaxed and breezy, which you’ll totally get when you see its colors and hangout spots. Both have their own kind of charm, and they’ll make you feel like you’re on some swanky coastal getaway.

While The Beach Club and Yacht Club are fabulous places to stay, there isn’t a huge amount for non-guests to do here, but there are a few things.

Free or inexpensive things to do at Disney’s Beach Club and Disney’s Yacht Club :

• Ask somebody at guest services about the Disney trivia scavenger hunt
• Grab an ice cream at Beaches and Cream
• Enjoy a campfire and movie on the beach in the evening (check the recreation schedule for details). Marshmallows and sticks are provided, but other s’mores ingredients have to be purchased separately.
• During the holidays , check out lots of Christmas decorations , including a large, edible carousel at The Beach Club and a train at The Yacht Club

Premium experiences at Disney’s Beach Club and Disney’s Yacht Club :

• Rent a boat and cruise around the waters nearby
• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Yacht Club
• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Beach Club

Stop 2: The Boardwalk

Ever imagined taking a stroll down those iconic boardwalks from places like Atlantic City back in the roaring 20’s? Disney’s Boardwalk nails that vibe. And hey, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the other Epcot Area resorts.

There’s the Boardwalk Inn resort, and then there’s the Boardwalk area just outside of it. Most of the recreational activities will be located on the Boardwalk and are open to anybody who happens to be in the area.

Free or inexpensive things to do at The Boardwalk :

• Enjoy Boardwalk entertainment that often includes midway games, jugglers, and magic shows (usually available in the evenings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
• Grab something to eat at the Boardwalk pizza window
• Sip a cocktail at the AbracadaBar
• During the holidays , go inside The Boardwalk Inn to see an edible, miniature version of Atlantic City, complete with Ferris wheel, carousel, and beach, which sits in the lobby alongside other seasonal decorations

Premium experiences at The Boardwalk :

• Rent a 2 or 4-person Surrey bike and take a cruise along the waterfront.
• Visit Jellyrolls dueling piano bar (cover charge applies) or the Atlantic City Dance Hall
• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Boardwalk

Tour 4: Animal Kingdom Lodge

Located next to Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom Lodge is surrounded by 3 savannas (these are not the same savannas as the ones in Animal Kingdom Park) which are home to over 100 grazing animals including giraffes, zebras and kudu. In addition to the beautiful theming outside, Animal Kingdom Lodge hosts one of the most impressive lobbies of any of the resorts at Walt Disney World.

Not only is this resort one of the most beautiful of all the Disney World resorts, it also happens to have several things to do if you’d like to make the journey over there to visit it.

How to get there: You can drive or take a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge. For specific instructions on how to get to Animal Kingdom Lodge from anywhere in Disney World, use the WDW Prep Navigator .

When to visit: At the end of an Animal Kingdom day, as part of an afternoon or evening break, or on arrival day when you don’t want to enter a park but would like to keep busy

Free or inexpensive things to do a t Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge:

• Watch the flamingo feedings at the flamingo pond
• Participate in animal tracking at Arusha Rock
• Enjoy music of the Savanna , wildlife games and cultural safari in the Sunset Lounge
• Outside at the Arusha Rock (walk through the lobby, toward the savanna), there is nightly African storytelling next to Ogun’s Firepit, with storytelling held indoors in the event of inclement weather.
• During the holidays, check out the big Christmas tree with themed ornaments decorating the lobby

Premium experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge :

• Paint a masterpiece  at a Wild About Painting event. Projects can vary, but generally cost around $50 per person.

• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Tour 5: the Disney Skyliner resorts

The Disney Skyliner is like its very own attraction, and that makes a tour of the Skyliner resorts extra fun.

Each resort has its own vibe, and all are fun for exploring and for snagging some really cute photos.

How to get there: You can catch a bus from any park, or take the Skyliner from Hollywood Studios or Epcot (International Gateway)or take a boat from Disney Springs to these resorts. For specific instructions on how to get to any of the resorts on the Disney Skyliner, use the WDW Prep Navigator .

When to visit: On a day you plan to visit Hollywood Studios or Epcot. A few hours exploring the resorts along the Skyliner offers a nice break.

Note: The Skyliner will also connect you to the Epcot-area Resorts.

Stop 1: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Ever wanted to step right into your favorite animated movie? At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, it’s like diving into a sketchbook come to life. This place is a splash of color, a dash of magic, and full of nods to classic tales we all love. From larger-than-life characters to rooms that make you feel part of the story, it’s a whole new world of imagination here – and the best part you can get in on a lot of the fun just by visiting.

Free or inexpensive things to do a t Disney’s Art of Animation Resort:

• Explore the resort’s larger-than-life decorations. There are 4 distinct areas, each themed after a different Disney or Pixar movie (Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid), all of which deserve a visit.
• Participate in the nightly campfire at Pride Rock in the Lion King section

Premium experiences at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort :

• Make a Mickey Tie Dye shirt (available on select days)
• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Art of Animation

Stop 2: Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Ready for a trip down memory lane? Pop Century is all about celebrating those iconic moments from the past, but with that classic Disney twist. It’s like a vibrant time capsule, with each spot giving a nod to the groovy vibes of decades gone by. Giant toys, disco beats, and a sprinkle of nostalgia make this place pop.

Free or inexpensive things to do a t Disney’s Pop Century Resort:

• Explore the resort’s larger-than-life decorations. You’ll find different icons located at the ends of each building.
• Participate in the nightly campfire

Premium experiences at Disney’s Pop Century Resort :

• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Stop 3: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Feeling those island vibes? Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is like a mini-vacation within your vacation. Think swaying palm trees, colorful villages, and that breezy, laid-back Caribbean spirit. It’s a tropical oasis where every corner feels like a new island adventure.

Free or inexpensive things to do a t Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort:

• Relax in a hammock along the water
• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Stop 4: Disney’s Rivera Resort

Ever dreamt of soaking up the elegance of Europe while staying in the heart of Disney? Welcome to Disney’s Riviera Resort. It’s all about capturing that European charm – from its sweeping archways to its classic artworks. It’s like a little piece of the Mediterranean, mixed with Disney magic. You’ll feel like you’re strolling through a chic coastal town, with a touch of enchantment around every corner.

Free or inexpensive things to do a t Disney’s Rivera Resort:

• Spend time exploring all the amazing art and murals – both inside and out
• Play some of the outdoor games like lawn chess
• Watch a movie under the stars
• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Riviera Resort

Tour 6: the Port Orleans resorts

If you’re into that cool, chill vibe with a touch of elegance, Port Orleans resorts have got it down. French Quarter’s got all the pizzazz you’d expect from New Orleans, while Riverside gives you those Deep South feels with its buildings and boats vibe.

Out of the two, Riverside’s the big sibling with more stuff going on, but don’t count out French Quarter. Both spots have some gems worth exploring.

How to get there: You can drive, catch a bus, or take a boat from Disney Springs to these resorts. For specific instructions on how to get to Port Orleans French Quarter or Port Orleans Riverside from anywhere in Disney World, use the WDW Prep Navigator .

When to visit: If you’re already planning some time at Disney Springs, you might tack on a couple of extra hours to visit 1 or both of these resorts.

Stop 1: Port Orleans – Riverside

Free or inexpensive things to do a t Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside:

• Take a boat to Disney Springs
• Stroll along the river
• Rent a bicycle
• Watch a movie under the stars near building 90 (check the recreation schedule to see which movie is being shown each night)
• Enjoy a Campfire on de’ Bayou campfire near the pool bar at dusk with stories, sing-alongs and marshmallow roasting (marshmallows and sticks are free, other s’mores ingredients should be purchased separately)
• Go cane pole fishing early in the day (available 7 a.m.-1 p.m., costs $4/person which includes bait)
• Visit the arcade
• Get your hair braided at the marina

Premium experiences at Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside :

• Take a carriage ride for a 25-minute ride along the pathways around Port Orleans – Riverside. Rides take place from in the evening at set times and cost $55 per carriage. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.
• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside

Stop 2: Port Orleans French Quarter

You can get to French Quarter from Riverside by walking 10-15 minutes (you might consider walking along the river as it’s beautiful).

Free or inexpensive things to do a t Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter :

• Order some beignets at the Scat Cat’s Club – Café
• Listen to some live music at the Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge
• Watch movies under the stars in the open area between buildings 4, 5 and 6
• Enjoy a Cajun Campfire with roasted marshmallows, storytelling and sing-alongs in the courtyard behind building 6 (marshmallows and sticks provided for free, other s’mores ingredients should be purchased separately)
• Play in the arcade

Premium experiences at Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter :

• Learn more in our Complete Guide to Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter

The rest of the resorts

The remaining Disney resorts don’t have as much to do, but you might want to check out some of these things if you happen to be at 1 of them.

All-Star Resorts

• Take pics with the huge icons that are located throughout the 3 All-Star Resorts, visit the food court, or play in the arcade.

Coronado Springs Resort

• Make an appointment at the hair salon, play in the arcade, have a drink at Rix Lounge, rent watercraft and bicycles/surrey bikes at the marina, work out in the health club, or visit the spa .

Old Key West

• Rent bicycles or surrey bikes, go fishing, watch a movie under the stars, attend a campfire, or visit the community hall for things like foosball, ping-pong, and shuffleboard.

Saratoga Springs Resort

• Rent bicycles or surrey bikes, go fishing, watch a movie under the stars, attend a campfire, play golf, or visit the community hall for things like foosball, ping-pong, and making ceramics.

Wilderness Lodge

• Since Wilderness Lodge is located between the monorail resorts and Fort Wilderness, you could tack on time here if you’re interested in checking it out.

While there, you could:

• Rent a boat or bike
• Grab a drink and appetizers at Geyser Point, which provides a relaxing view along the water
• Go to the arcade
• View the Electrical Water Pageant from the boat dock (check the My Disney Experience app for times)
• Check out the Lincoln Log table near Whispering Canyon Cafe
• Watch the 120′ geyser go off every hour behind the lodge from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Look for hidden Mickeys on the Wilderness Lodge Mickey Hunt
• During the holidays , check out the 60-feet-tall tree that fills the lobby

Note: there isn’t a great view of Magic Kingdom fireworks here.

********************************

Did you learn some new things? Or do you have additional items you’d add to this list of how to tour Disney World resorts? Feel free to share in the comment section .

Safina Shakir

Wednesday 28th of December 2022

OMG I did not know there were so many free things to do & the beautiful resorts one could stay at Definitely going to check each and take grandkids and kids

Tuesday 15th of June 2021

Is it still possible to visit resorts even if you are not staying there and some free activities as you laid out in the past before covid??? A few years ago we enjoyed the campfire with chip and dale as you mentioned on your site and we are so thankful that we went and would like to do so again this July 2021. Your carefully laid out plans are so helpful . Thank you!

Thursday 6th of December 2018

On May 1, 2019, I am doing a resort tour day.

What does everyone think?

Using Disney free transportation.

Any suggestions.

1) Pop Century 2) Walk to Arts of Animation 3) Bus to Hollywood Studios 4) Boat to Boardwalk 5) Boardwalk 6) Yacht Club 7) Beach Club 8) Bus to Epcot 9) Monorail to Magic Kingdom 10) Monorail to Grand Floridian, Contemporary and Polynesian. 11) Boat to Wilderness Lodge 12) Bus to Animal Kingdom 13) Bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge 14) Bus to Epcot 15) Bus to Port Orleans French Quarter 16) Walk over to Port Orleans Riverside 17) Yeehaw Bob

Shannon Albert

This will work except there isn't a bus from Beach Club to front of Epcot. Your best bet will be to take a bus from Beach Club to Magic Kingdom, then take the resort monorail. Instead of taking the bus to Epcot from Animal Kingdom Lodge, you might consider taking a bus to Disney Springs and then a boat to Port Orleans French Quarter. Or just scrap the buses altogether and grab an Uber/Lyft to speed things up.

Wednesday 20th of June 2018

This is a great article! Do you by chance have a printable version?

Saturday 28th of April 2018

Hi Shannon! Wow, your site has really grown! I just wanted to let you know your calendars are a bit outdated. We're coming into May soon and what I'm seeing is January 2018. Also the PORT ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER recreation schedule takes me to an unknown site or maybe I'm not certain on how to use it.

Yeah, Disney has changed the links for the recreation calendars and we haven't been able to find the new ones. If anybody happens to know it, please let us know!

These 11 Disney World hotels are perfect for families of 5+

W alt Disney World Resort isn't just one of the most popular family vacation spots in the U.S. , it's one of the most popular family vacation ideas in the world, period. And with four Orlando theme parks to visit, two Disney water parks and shopping and dining options galore, the last thing a large family wants is to be cramped in a tiny hotel room. Luckily, Disney knows its stuff when it comes to hotels (and families), so many of the best hotels near Disney World were designed with large families or groups in mind. 

Typically, the Disney hotels that accommodate large families have two standard beds and a smaller pull-down daybed, the latter of which is great for kids (or adults like me, since I've been known to sleep in the pull-down daybed if needed). Don’t worry about storage, either, because the beds at most Disney World hotels are raised so you can store your luggage underneath. The bathrooms generally have plenty of cubbies and shelves for storage as well.

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No matter your budget, desired theming, or proximity to the theme parks, there’s a Disney hotel room that sleeps five or more comfortably with your name on it. Here are my picks for the best Walt Disney World hotels for large families.

Best Disney World Value Resorts for Families of 5+

There are only two value resorts that sleep five or more at Disney World, and they both offer family suites that can sleep up to six adults.

1. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

If you're traveling with small kids who have just gotten into the Disney animated movies, consider one of the family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort . You can choose from three themes: "Cars," "Finding Nemo" and "The Lion King." I personally love the rooms themed to "The Lion King" because it was one of my favorite childhood movies.

All of the themed family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort have the same amenities, so it’s really just a matter of which theme you want to be immersed in. Each room has one Murphy bed that doubles as a table, one sofa bed, one queen bed, two bathrooms, and a small kitchenette. The kitchenette is a great spot to make easy breakfasts like cereal with milk, or store snacks that you can come back to your room and eat after a day in the parks. 

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2. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

At Disney’s All-Star Music Resort , the family suites are themed to Mickey and his pals playing different genres of music. Around the room, you’ll find touches of that theming, but it’s not overwhelming, which I think is nice because I've probably gotten my fill of Mickey Mouse at the theme parks.

In the first room of the suites, there are two Murphy beds, which also double as a couch and table when they're put up into the wall. There’s also a small kitchenette with a full-sized refrigerator and microwave. I like bringing snacks like popcorn, toaster pastries or pizza pockets to heat up for a quick bite before heading back out to the parks in the evening. Each family suite at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort also has two separate bathrooms, which is nice for larger groups and multigenerational Disney family vacations where multiple people are trying to get ready at one time. 

Best Disney World Moderate Resorts for Families of 5+

Three of the moderate resorts at Disney World offer ample space for a large family without having to reserve a club-level room or a suite. 

1. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

One of my favorite hotel options at Walt Disney World is The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort . Each of the cabins sleeps up to six adults, with a queen bed, sleeper sofa and a set of bunk beds. Though there’s only one bathroom in the cabin, the trade-off is a full kitchen and an outdoor grill where you can make all of your meals if you wish. 

Each of The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness has a large front porch with a picnic table. This is a great option for families who don’t want to be in the parks all day every day while on vacation.

On a recent stay at the Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, my family spent three days making our own meals, enjoying nature, and having so much fun around the campgrounds that we never actually left the resort to go to a park – and we still didn't get to do everything that Fort Wilderness has to offer! One of the best things to do here is Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, a dinner show with all-you-can-eat fried chicken and all of the Southern fixin's.

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2. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has become a hot spot for guests thanks in part to its direct access to the Disney Skyliner . This is the resort where all of the lines on the Disney Skyliner converge, and staying here gives you access to the main terminal, so it's easy to get to either EPCOT or Disney's Hollywood Studios (home of the Star Wars land , Galaxy's Edge). 

Rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort are cute and decorated with a fun Caribbean vacation theme. Guests needing the fifth sleeper will want to look for that indication on the standard, preferred or water-view rooms. The rooms have two queen beds and a small pull-down bed with a mural of Mickey and Pluto sleeping on a beach. 

I like staying here not just for the Skyliner access but because after a hectic but fun day in the parks, the calming colors of the room help settle everyone down before bedtime. 

3. Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside , fifth sleepers can be reserved with a standard view or woods view. The spacious rooms have laminate flooring and a slight theme to "The Princess and the Frog." This is most evident when you pull the bed under the TV down and reveal a picture of Louis, Ray and the frog versions of Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen sleeping on the bayou. Kids will love sleeping on the pull-down bed because of how cute the bayou scene is. 

The bathrooms in these rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside are large and come with a double vanity, plus a fun nod to Ray and Evangeline from the film. This is my favorite Disney resort hotel for bigger families, and I highly recommend these rooms if you plan on spending time at Disney Springs, because there's direct access to the entertainment venue via complimentary boat rides. 

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Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts for Families of 5+

Disney's deluxe resorts are generally the ones closest to the theme parks. Rooms at the deluxe resorts are typically the most expensive at Walt Disney World. There are six Disney hotels suitable for large families in this class.

1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

One of the marquee resorts at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is absolutely enormous − as are its guest rooms. The rooms have a fun "Mary Poppins Returns" theme, where kids will love spotting Mary, Bert and the cute penguins from the movies throughout the room. 

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What I love most about these rooms is the ample amount of storage from a wall that's entirely covered by closets so everyone can unpack and not have to live out of their suitcase. No matter which building your guest room is in, the views are probably great with Seven Seas Lagoon , the Monorail or Magic Kingdom all in view. 

2. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is made up of multiple buildings, though most people think of the iconic main building that the monorail travels through every few minutes. Those traveling with kids will want to book one of the main building rooms that were recently refurbished to reflect "The Incredibles." These rooms for large families have two queen beds and one day bed, comfortably sleeping five guests. 

If you’re looking for a more adult atmosphere at your Disney hotel, consider booking one of the garden wings at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; these are adjacent to the main tower and have a fabulous view of Bay Lake . These rooms also have the new "Incredibles" theming but are a bit quieter since the monorail doesn't travel through. 

3. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

If you have a large family and want to be within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, consider staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort . The nautical-themed hotel features rooms with standard, woods, or water views that can sleep up to five on two queen beds and a day bed. And if you can swing it, splurge for the water view rooms to enjoy the sunrise over the water and see the nightly EPCOT fireworks from the room’s balcony. 

Disney's Yacht Club also shares one of Disney's most popular pools with its sister resort, Disney's Beach Club. Be sure to spend some time at the pool that features a sand bottom, a massive water slide, and a small lazy river.

4. Disney's Beach Club Resort

Located right next to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a playful seaside escape reminiscent of a New England beach town . Many of the rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Resort sleep five (or even six adults if you book a deluxe room). And its epic pool, Stormalong Bay , is a big hit with families. 

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Like Disney’s Beach Club Resort, this Disney hotel is within walking distance of both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as Disney’s BoardWalk , where guests tend to linger for shopping and dining after the theme parks close. I like staying here on weekends when I'm going to be enjoying one of EPCOT's many festivals because I can use the back entrance to the park known as the International Gateway. 

5. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Of the Crescent Lake resorts at Walt Disney World, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a favorite among families large and small. Not only is this the home of the iconic JellyRolls dueling piano bar , but it’s just a short walk to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

The adorable resort has large rooms that feature two queen beds and one day bed for those needing a fifth sleeper. When the day bed is laid out, it does make the room feel a little small, but it's manageable for families of five once the bed is converted back into its couch form after everyone gets up for the day. 

6. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is iconic for its famed dining locations, spectacular views of Magic Kingdom, and, of course, its newly refurbished guest rooms that are now themed to "Moana." Those guest rooms are adorable with plenty of island colors, a big mural on one wall that’s in the style of Maui’s tattoos, and artwork featuring Moana, Pua, and Hei Hei. Each guest room at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has two queen beds and one day bed, and plenty of storage for luggage. 

One of my favorite things to do at Disney's Polynesian Village is book a theme park view room and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks show from my balcony. If I really want to treat myself, I'll also get a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai to enjoy while watching Happily Ever After, the fireworks spectacular.

Walt Disney World Villas for Large Families

For those traveling with groups larger than five, consider booking one of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas . The villas range in size from Deluxe Studios that can sleep five to three-bedroom Grand Villas that can sleep up to 12 people. 

Villas can be booked through Disney , though the rooms are quite expensive. One way to cut down on the cost of a villa is to look at booking through a DVC rental site such as DVC Rental Store or David's Vacation Club Rentals , among many others. On a recent visit to Disney's Wilderness Lodge, where I stayed in the Copper Creek Villas, I was able to get a one-bedroom villa for $300 through a DVC rental versus almost $700 to book the room through Disney.

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Villas are generally made available to book through a DVC rental site when someone with DVC points has accrued too many and is looking to sell some before the points expire or when a DVC member has booked a vacation that they can no longer take. It's often a few hundred dollars cheaper to rent a villa through a DVC rental site than booking a villa directly with Disney. Just be sure to look for verified resellers before booking. 

If you're looking to book a Disney Vacation Club villa for your large family or group, you can choose villas from one of the 12 DVC hotels, including the popular Disney’s Riviera Resort , Disney’s Old Key West Resort , and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort . DVC villas book up fast, so once you know your dates and where you want to stay, be ready to act quickly if you find a deal.

The story These 11 Disney World hotels are perfect for families of 5+ first appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

• When is the best time to visit Disney World and Disneyland?
• First time? Here's how to plan a Disney vacation
• What to pack for Disney World (and what to leave at home)

FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. FamilyVacationist covers family vacation ideas ; family vacation spots ; all-inclusive family resorts ; and theme park vacations for families. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These 11 Disney World hotels are perfect for families of 5+