If you’re heading to Disney World for the first time, you do not want to mess around with picking the wrong hotel.

There are a lot of resorts to choose from (seriously, a lot). And while many of them have recently been upgraded with sleek, modern makeovers, there’s still one resort that screams Disney magic in every corner — without completely draining your wallet. It’s colorful, it’s themed to the MAX, and it’s absolutely perfect for families who want that full “we’re REALLY at Disney” feeling from the second they walk in the door.

And that resort is… Art of Animation!

Let’s be honest — the hotel is part of the Disney experience. You can absolutely feel the difference when you’re staying somewhere that’s just as fun and immersive as the parks themselves. Art of Animation pulls this off perfectly with its bright, character-filled spaces inspired by The Little Mermaid, Cars, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo. You’re not just sleeping in a room — you’re stepping into a Disney movie. And the best part is that you don’t have to fork over Deluxe-level prices to get it.

Now, don’t get us wrong — this place is technically a value resort, but it’s also the bougie one of the bunch. The themed family suites (Cars, Nemo, and Lion King) are going to run you around $500–$700+ per night. Yep, that’s a lot — especially for a value hotel. BUT consider this: you’re getting a suite that sleeps up to six people, with a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, a living room with a Murphy bed and pull-out couch, and even a kitchenette.

Compare that to a standard room at a Deluxe resort that starts in the same price range but has way less space and much more subtle theming. Suddenly, that suite starts making a whole lot more sense.

Still feeling the sticker shock? We get it. If you want the fun Disney vibes without the higher suite cost, the Little Mermaid standard rooms are your answer. These rooms hover more in the $250–$300+ range per night, and while they’re smaller (sleeping up to four) and don’t come with the extra bathroom or living room space, they still bring the magic with full-on under-the-sea theming.

Just a heads up — those rooms are far from the main lobby, food court, and Skyliner station. I mean, get-your-steps-in far. After a full day in the parks, that extra walk can feel like a hike. But if saving a few hundred bucks a night means a little more foot pain? Some families find it totally worth it.

Now, let’s talk about convenience — because if you’re doing Disney for the first time, the last thing you want is complicated transportation. Art of Animation is connected to the Disney Skyliner — the gondola system that zips you straight to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios in a breeze. The ride is smooth, the views are great, and it’s so much better than cramming into a bus during rush hour.

For Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, you’re still using the bus system, which is fine — but the Skyliner alone gives Art of Animation a serious edge over other value hotels.

Food-wise, you’ve only got one option: Landscape of Flavors. It’s a classic food court, and while it won’t win any culinary awards, it does have a wide variety of options that’ll make both picky eaters and adventurous foodies happy enough. Think pizza, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, and a few rotating dishes with more flair.

And we have to mention the pools — because if you’ve got little ones (or just love a good pool day), this hotel crushes it. The Big Blue Pool, inspired by Finding Nemo, is actually the biggest pool on Disney property. There’s also the Cars-themed Cozy Cone Pool and the Flippin’ Fins Pool by the Little Mermaid section. Whether your kids are splashing in a sea of blue or chilling under a giant traffic cone cabana, it’s a whole vibe.

At the end of the day, Art of Animation is THE Disney World hotel we recommend for first-timers because it checks so many boxes: fun theming, solid amenities, great transportation, and an experience that feels 100% Disney from start to finish.

Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.

As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news and updates.

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Have you stayed at the Art of Animation? Let us know in the comments below!