Disney’s Art of Animation Resort blurs the lines between Value and Moderate, primarily due to its family suite offerings, making a definitive classification challenging. While its pricing structure generally aligns with Value Resorts, its themed suites and enhanced amenities create a compelling case for its perceived higher value compared to other resorts in its designated category.
Understanding Disney’s Resort Categories
Before diving into Art of Animation specifically, understanding the four categories of Walt Disney World resorts – Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa – is crucial. These classifications are based on a complex mix of factors including:
- Price: The nightly cost of a room.
- Amenities: Available services like dining options, pools, and transportation.
- Room Size: The square footage and features within the guest rooms.
- Themeing: The level of detail and immersion in the resort’s overall theme.
- Transportation: The types and frequency of transportation to the parks and other locations.
Value Resorts are generally the most affordable, offering basic amenities and themed environments designed for families. They typically feature food courts for dining and bus transportation to all destinations within Walt Disney World.
Art of Animation: A Value Resort with a Twist
Art of Animation undeniably operates as a Value Resort in many respects. It utilizes bus transportation exclusively (except for the Skyliner, which doesn’t service all parks), features a large food court as its primary dining option (Landscape of Flavors), and offers a lower base price than Moderate or Deluxe resorts.
However, what sets Art of Animation apart is its emphasis on immersive theming and, most importantly, the availability of family suites. These suites, based on popular animated films like Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King, provide significantly more space and amenities than standard Value Resort rooms. This makes Art of Animation particularly appealing to larger families or those seeking a more comfortable stay without breaking the bank. The Little Mermaid rooms, however, are standard rooms without the suite advantages.
The Suite Advantage: Comfort and Convenience
The family suites at Art of Animation offer considerable advantages, including:
- Separate Sleeping Areas: A master bedroom with a queen-size bed and a living area with a double-size sleeper sofa and a double-size pull-down bed.
- Two Bathrooms: A significant perk for larger families getting ready in the morning.
- Kitchenette: Equipped with a mini-refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.
- More Space: Family suites provide ample room for families to spread out and relax.
These features directly address common complaints about Value Resorts – cramped quarters and limited bathroom facilities. This improved comfort and convenience elevate the overall experience and contribute to the perception that Art of Animation offers a higher value for the price.
The Skyliner Effect
The introduction of the Disney Skyliner has further enhanced the appeal of Art of Animation. This gondola system provides quick and efficient access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, significantly reducing travel time and eliminating the need to rely solely on bus transportation for these parks. This transportation advantage, normally associated with more expensive resorts, bolsters Art of Animation’s value proposition.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Ultimately, deciding whether Art of Animation truly qualifies as “just” a Value Resort requires careful consideration of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Affordable Pricing: Lower base prices compared to Moderate and Deluxe resorts.
- Immersive Theming: Highly detailed and engaging theming based on popular Disney animated films.
- Family Suites: Spacious and well-equipped suites ideal for larger families.
- Disney Skyliner Access: Convenient and efficient transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
- Large Food Court: Landscape of Flavors offers a wide variety of dining options.
- Multiple Pools: Including the Big Blue Pool, the largest pool at any Disney resort.
Cons:
- Bus Transportation Reliance (to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom): Limited transportation options to some parks.
- Food Court Only: Lack of table-service dining options.
- Standard Rooms Small: The Little Mermaid rooms are smaller than typical hotel rooms.
- Can be Noisy: Due to its popularity and family-friendly atmosphere.
Conclusion: Value with a Premium
While Art of Animation officially remains a Value Resort, its unique combination of family suites, immersive theming, and Skyliner access creates a distinct experience that rivals some Moderate resorts. Its pricing generally aligns with the Value category, but the perceived value is significantly higher due to the suite advantage. Therefore, the “value” in Value Resort is more appropriately and accurately applied to Disney’s Art of Animation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Art of Animation’s status and offerings:
H3 What are the different room types available at Art of Animation?
Art of Animation offers two primary room types: standard rooms (Little Mermaid themed) and family suites (Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King themed). The Little Mermaid rooms are standard hotel rooms, while the suites offer separate sleeping areas, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette.
H3 How many people can the family suites at Art of Animation accommodate?
The family suites can comfortably accommodate up to six guests.
H3 Is there a preferred room location at Art of Animation?
Preferred room locations vary based on personal preference. Some guests prefer rooms closer to the main lobby, food court, and bus stops, while others prefer quieter locations further away. The Finding Nemo section is generally considered the most popular due to its proximity to the Big Blue Pool, but also the busiest.
H3 What dining options are available at Art of Animation?
Art of Animation primarily features Landscape of Flavors, a large food court with a diverse menu. There are no table-service restaurants at this resort. Pizza delivery is also an option.
H3 How does the Disney Skyliner impact transportation from Art of Animation?
The Disney Skyliner provides quick and efficient transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This reduces reliance on buses for these parks, making transportation more convenient.
H3 Does Art of Animation have laundry facilities?
Yes, Art of Animation offers self-service laundry facilities for guests.
H3 Are there any extra costs or fees associated with staying at Art of Animation?
Guests should be aware of potential costs such as parking fees (if applicable) and the cost of food and beverages. There are no resort fees at Walt Disney World.
H3 Is Art of Animation a good choice for families with young children?
Absolutely! Art of Animation’s immersive theming, spacious family suites, and large pools make it an excellent choice for families with young children.
H3 Can I use Disney Dining Plans at Art of Animation?
Yes, Art of Animation accepts Disney Dining Plans. The Quick Service Dining Plan is the most common and best value for this resort.
H3 How far in advance should I book a room at Art of Animation?
It is recommended to book as far in advance as possible, especially for travel during peak seasons, to ensure availability and secure the best rates. Ideally, book at least 6-12 months in advance.
H3 What are the benefits of staying on-site at a Disney resort like Art of Animation?
Benefits include early theme park entry, the ability to book dining reservations 60 days in advance, and complimentary transportation to the parks and other locations.
H3 Is Art of Animation pet-friendly?
No, Art of Animation is not a designated pet-friendly resort. While service animals are always welcome, pets are not permitted.