Staying at a Walt Disney World resort is one of our top splurges when we go on a Disney Vacation. We have stayed at a variety of Disney resorts and we have never been disappointed.
We love staying in the magic and the extra perks that you get when you stay on site. Staying at a Disney Resort with kids makes your visit even more magical!
Disney has three levels of resorts – value, moderate and deluxe. We highly recommend families check out Disney value resorts due to the incredible theming and family friendly atmosphere.
One of our top picks for families is the Art of Animation Resort. We can’t wait to show you the Finding Nemo section!
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation is one of Disney’s Value resorts. It is arguably the best hotel for families – especially families with young children. There are three main reasons people love to stay at Art of Animation.
First is the accessibility to the Disney Skyliner. The Skyliner provides easy transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Skyliner is an incredibly simple way to get around Disney World with a stroller as you don’t have to fold down a standard single stroller to ride.
Second, Art of Animation offers family suites. Family suites offer three separate sleeping areas and two full bathrooms! The Most Value Disney hotels do not offer family suites.
And third, the theming at this incredible hotel is over the top! This is a totally immersive experience that your family will love.
When you check in at Art of Animation you are immediately transported to a new world of animation – you can see the different stages of animation on the walls. Once you go outside, you see the characters come to life!
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has four themes:
- Little Mermaid
- Cars
- The Lion King
- Finding Nemo
Each section of the resort is themed from the inside rooms to the outside pools. You will be fully immersed in the stories you have come to love!
Art of Animation Finding Nemo Rooms
If you have a Nemo fan in your family you really need to consider getting a hotel room in the Nemo area at Art of Animation.
The rooms in Art of Animation come as standard rooms or as family suites. Currently, The Little Mermaid rooms are standard rooms only – no suites. Finding Nemo, Cars, and Lion King rooms are only suites.
The Nemo family suites are one queen bed, one double size sleeper sofa, and one double size table bed (similar to a Murphy bed). These rooms also include a kitchenette.
You will have views of the courtyard, pool or parking area. There is also a small table and two chairs in each room.
Finding Nemo Hotel Area at Art of Animation Resort
After you check in at Animation Hall (the main lobby), you will exit through the back of the building. The first thing you see directly in front of you will be the Big Blue Pool.
At 11,859 square feet, this is the largest resort pool at Walt Disney World. This pool is themed to Finding Nemo. It is incredible – we guarantee you will love it. The Big Blue Pool is the main pool of this resort. There is also a splashed area called Schoolyard Sprayground.
Right next to this pool is a children’s playground area called the Righteous Reef. You will find Crush, Squirt, and all your favorite Nemo friends in this area.
On either side of The Big Blue Pool are the Finding Nemo buildings. There is one building on each side. The Nemo rooms are considered some of the best at Art of Animation because of their proximity to Animation Hall and the big swimming pool. You also have a pretty straight shot to the Skyliner!
You will find Crush at the main entrance to one of the buildings! If you look closely at his right foot you’ll find Dory. The other building has Ray outside of the main doors.
The Finding Nemo buildings are decorated on the outside to look like you are under the sea! You’ll find fish, sea anemone, ocean plants, and colors that remind you of the sea. You will also see real foliage that is chosen to mimic ocean vegetation.
Art of Animation Amenities
Art of Animation has some great perks that hotel guests can enjoy.
- The lobby in the main building is themed to animation. As we mentioned, you will see different stages of the animation process come to life in this beautiful space.
- Transportation options include the bus or Skyliner. The bus stop is outside of Animation Hall.
- The Dropoff Pool bar is a poolside snack bar that features quick foods, pizzas, and snacks.
- You have access to three amazing pools – Big Blue Pool, Cozy Cone Pool, and the Flippin Fins Pool
- The main building has an arcade and the Landscape of Flavors Food Court
Alternative Choice: POP Century Resort
Disney’s POP Century Resort is a Disney hotel right next door to Art of Animation and is a popular choice for people who want to be close to AOA but not stay there. POP is less expensive, has fun theming, and is accessible to the Disney Skyliner. These factors make us ranked it the best value Disney resort.
We have stayed at POP and it was really enjoyable! We took advantage of being so close to Art of Animation and spent time enjoying the hotel one afternoon.