When people ask me what my favorite Walt Disney World resort is for families, I don’t even hesitate with my answer. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is tops on my  list.

If your little one (or yourself!) has ever dreamed of living in Radiator Springs with Lightning McQueen, sleeping in the jungle surrounded by the Lion King characters or going under the sea with The Little Mermaid and the fishy friends from ‘Finding Nemo’ – this is the place for you.

A Look Inside the Rooms

The rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are just like stepping inside your favorite movie. The bright colors, festive décor and the spacious room made it feel like home.

Considered a value resort, there are family suites with accommodations for up to six people including a bedroom with one queen-size bed; one double-size convertible table/bed – similar to a Murphy bed; one double-size sleeper sofa; two bathrooms and a kitchenette.

Family suites are only available in the Cars, Finding Nemo and The Lion King sections of the resort.

The Little Mermaid section of the resort features standard rooms with a mini-refrigerator.

Time to Play at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

The centerpiece of the resort is the zero-entry Nemo-themed pool with 310,000 gallons of water. It is the largest pool on Disney property, not counting water parks. And if you stick your head underwater, you might even hear Nemo and his friends talking to one another. I consider this the ‘play’ pool – you’ll find castmembers at the pool with games, music and activities throughout the day. There are lifeguards on duty.

In addition to the Finding Nemo area, there’s also a life-sized Radiator Springs from the movie Cars – complete with a Cozy Cone Motel and pool. While it is a smaller pool, it is also quieter too. There are lifeguards on duty, so grab a pool chair under an oversized cozy cone and relax.

image courtesy of Walt Disney World Resorts and Matt Stroshane

In The Lion King area of the resort, families can let the kiddos get the sillies out in the Pridelands playground and The Little Mermaid area has its own pool for little ones to flip their fins.

Fun Things To Know About The Resort

• The on-site food court, Landscapes of Flavor, is one of the best in Walt Disney World. Don’t miss trying the Surf & Surf burger – it’s a crab cake topped with fried shrimp, paired with a spicy remoulade sauce.

• The resort’s gift shop is filled with great parks merchandise and collectibles that are only available at Disney’s Art of Animation. The shower curtains at the resort are themed for each room – and you can buy them at the gift shop. Pin trading also takes place throughout the day and don’t miss the Trivia board — I guarantee you’ll learn something new.

image courtesy of Walt Disney World Resorts/ Matt Stroshane

• The poolside bar is called ‘The Drop-Off’ with a Finding Nemo theme – great place to have a drink and catch up the sports news of the day. If you have a refillable resort mug, there’s a place to refill here too.

• Take a walk across the bridge behind the Finding Nemo pool and you’ll be at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. The walking trail around the lake is also a great jogging path.

• Each night in the lobby, castmembers have a dance party for kids – it is only about 15 minutes and takes place around 7 p.m. Be sure to ask about it at check-in, my girls always love it. Makes for great photo opps too!

• Meet a Disney animator and learn how to draw some of your favorite Disney characters in the lobby each day. Check with the concierge desk for times, the drawing area can be found alongside the check-in desk.

As with all resorts on Disney property, guests have access to free bus transportation to the parks and for those flying into town – access to the complimentary Magical Express transportation service from the airport.

Disney’s Art of Animation is a ‘must stay’ resort, especially for those with little ones. You could vacation here and never even have to go to a park — but, of course, you should! When planning your trip, schedule a day for relaxing and playing at the resort. There are so many fun things to do and see here!

Have you stayed at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort?