Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a vibrant celebration of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved animated films. Located at 1850 Animation Way, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, this resort is perfect for families and Disney fans alike. To make the most of your stay, understanding the Art of Animation Resort Map is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key areas of the resort, guestroom types, amenities, dining options, and transportation links.
Understanding Your Art of Animation Resort Map
When you first arrive at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, you’ll receive a detailed property map that will become your essential guide during your stay. This colorful map highlights all four themed areas—Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King, and Little Mermaid—with distinctive colors and icons that make navigation intuitive even for young Disney fans.
The Art of Animation Resort map clearly marks all buildings with their corresponding section numbers, making it easy to find your room after a long day at the parks. You’ll notice that the Finding Nemo area sits at the heart of the resort, surrounding the impressive Big Blue Pool. The Lion King section is nearby just to the left of the main building. The Cars section extends to the south, with Little Mermaid rooms to the north.
Pay special attention to the walkways indicated on the map—they show the quickest routes between your room and key amenities like Animation Hall, where you’ll find dining and shopping options. The map also highlights important conveniences like ice machines, laundry facilities, and vending areas that you might need during your stay.
If you’re planning to use Disney transportation, the map clearly marks both the bus stops near Animation Hall and the Disney Skyliner station (along the bridge over Hourglass Lake), which provides a scenic aerial connection to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. For families with cars, parking areas are clearly indicated with convenient access points to each section.
Keep your Art of Animation Resort map handy throughout your stay—whether in digital form on the My Disney Experience app or as a physical copy—as it will help you maximize your time and ensure you don’t miss any of the delightful themed details that make this resort so special.

Image © Disney
Overview of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is situated close to major Disney attractions, including EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and ESPN Wide World of Sports.
The resort’s layout is themed around four iconic films: The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Little Mermaid. Each area offers a unique experience, bringing the magic of Disney animation to life.
The resort is conveniently connected to other areas of Walt Disney World via the Disney Skyliner and bus services. And walking paths make it easy to explore the nearby Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
Find Your Way to Key Areas on the Map
The Art of Animation Resort Map highlights the main areas of the resort:
- Animation Hall: This is the central hub of the resort, housing the front desk, gift shop, Landscape of Flavors food court, and the Ink & Paint Shop. It’s the place to go for check-ins, dining, and shopping for souvenirs.
- Swimming Pools: The resort features three themed pools:
- Big Blue Pool (Finding Nemo-themed): The largest pool at Walt Disney World, featuring underwater speakers playing music from the film.
- Flippin’ Fins Pool (The Little Mermaid-themed): A smaller, quieter pool near the Little Mermaid rooms.
- Cozy Cone Pool (Cars-themed): A fun, relaxing pool with cone-shaped cabanas.
- Drop Off Pool Bar: Located near the Big Blue Pool, this bar offers refreshing drinks and snacks, perfect for a relaxing pool day.
- Transportation: The resort’s bus stop provides easy access to the theme parks and water parks. Additionally, the Disney Skyliner station connects you to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and nearby resorts like Riviera Resort.
Resort Room Types and Themes
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers a variety of room types, each themed to one of the featured films:
- Standard Rooms: The Little Mermaid Standard Room is a popular choice, featuring under-the-sea decor inspired by Ariel’s world.
- Family Suites: Ideal for larger families, these suites come in three themes:
- Finding Nemo Family Suites: Located near the Big Blue Pool, these suites feature underwater decor and spacious living areas. Cars Family Suites: These suites are perfect for fans of Lightning McQueen, with decor inspired by the cozy town of Radiator Springs.
- Lion King Family Suites: Immerse yourself in the Pride Lands with vibrant decor and plenty of room for the whole family.
Each suite includes a Double-Size Sleeper Sofa, Table Bed, Queen Bed, and amenities like a coffee maker. The rooms are designed to accommodate up to six guests comfortably, making them a great option for families.
Dining Options and Amenities
Dining at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is convenient and varied, with delicious options that will please everyone in your family.
The Landscape of Flavors Food Court is a fantastic spot where you’ll find everything from hearty breakfasts to get your day started right to international dishes that satisfy any craving. It’s perfect when you need to fuel up before hitting the parks or when you want to grab a whole pizza to enjoy back in your room after a magical day of adventures.
If you’re spending time soaking up the sun, the Drop Off Pool Bar is right there when you need it—not just for refreshing drinks but also for tasty light snacks that you can enjoy without ever leaving the poolside atmosphere. Your taste buds will thank you for the variety and convenience!
Recreation and Activities
The resort offers plenty of activities to keep everyone in your family entertained during your magical stay! When the Florida sun gets a bit too warm, you can cool off at one of the three themed pools – splash around in the Big Blue Pool, make waves at the Flippin’ Fins Pool, or relax at the Cozy Cone Pool. Each one offers its own unique atmosphere where you can unwind and soak up the Disney magic.
Beyond the pools, Animation Hall is more than just a place for dining plans and shopping—it’s where Disney’s artistic heritage comes to life! You’ll discover fascinating displays and hands-on activities that showcase the incredible art of animation and celebrate Disney’s colorful history. It’s perfect for creative minds of all ages.
As evening falls, don’t miss one of the most beloved traditions at the resort: outdoor movie screenings under the stars! There’s something truly special about watching a classic Disney film with the night sky above you, surrounded by fellow Disney enthusiasts. Whether you’re five or ninety-five, these movie nights create memories that last long after your vacation ends.
Transportation Options on the Art of Animation Resort Map
Your Art of Animation Resort map clearly highlights the two main transportation hubs that will connect you to all of Disney World’s exciting destinations. Near Animation Hall, you’ll spot the prominently marked bus loading area on the northern edge of the map, featuring multiple stops where you can catch regular Disney transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks. The map shows convenient pathways connecting all four themed sections to this central bus depot, with estimated walking times from the furthest rooms being about 7-10 minutes.
Right in the middle of Hourglass Lake on the resort map, you’ll find the Disney Skyliner station, illustrated with a distinctive gondola icon. This aerial transportation system, clearly marked with dotted lines showing its routes on the resort overview section of the map, provides panoramic views as you travel to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and neighboring resorts like Pop Century and Riviera Resort. The map indicates the walking path that connects the different resort sections directly to the Skyliner station, making it an especially convenient option.
Tips for Using the Art of Animation Resort Map
To make the most of your stay, take some time to get familiar with the Art of Animation Resort Map. You’ll want to plan your routes in advance – figure out the quickest ways to reach the pools, bus stops, and that delicious food court when hunger strikes.
If you’re staying in a Standard Room or one of the spacious Family Suites, the map will show you exactly how close you are to amazing amenities like the Big Blue Pool or Animation Hall.
Plus, don’t forget about transportation! The Disney Skyliner offers a scenic and quick way to access the parks, while the bus services provide a direct route to the Magic Kingdom when you’re ready for that castle selfie.
Nearby Attractions and Resorts
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort puts you in a perfect spot to discover other exciting areas of Walt Disney World. Sports fans will love that the Wide World of Sports complex is just a short drive away, where you can catch all kinds of thrilling sporting events throughout the year.
If you’re looking for something more relaxing, head over to Bay Lake for a peaceful boat ride or simply to soak in those gorgeous scenic views.
And don’t miss the chance to visit other Disney World resorts! Pop over to All-Star Sports, experience the tropical vibes at Polynesian Village Resort, or enjoy the beach atmosphere at Disney’s Beach Club Resort—each offers unique dining experiences and entertainment options that will add even more magic to your Disney vacation.
Stress-Free Disney Planning With The Vacationeer
One-on-One Service
One dedicated agent handles everything from start to finish. No impersonal call centers and no waiting on hold.
Hassle-Free Booking
Don’t sweat the logistics. Your Vacationeer arranges hotels, tickets, dining, and activities for you.
The Best Price
They’ll find the best possible rate for your trip, and keep searching for new discounts to add as they’re announced.
Art of Animation Resort Map Summary
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a magical place to stay, offering unique theming, comfortable accommodations, and easy access to the parks. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or exploring the nearby attractions, understanding the Art of Animation Resort Map will help you make the most of your Disney vacation.
For more information or to book your stay, be sure to visit the Walt Disney World Resort website or contact a Disney travel agent. Enjoy your stay and make the most of every magical moment!
Leave A Comment