An adult stay at Disney’s Art of Animation is worth it at $265

Art of Animation is categorized as a value resort, meaning it is one of the most affordable options for a stay at Disney World.

Our standard room was only $265 per night. But we still got benefits like early access to the parks and free transportation around Disney World.

The lobby of Art of Animation is decorated from floor to ceiling with sketches from some of the most famous Disney films beloved animated films. Guests can spot characters like Simba, Lightning McQueen, Ursula and Nemo.

The Disney animation theme runs throughout the property, with several areas of the resort dedicated to it “The little Mermaid,” ‘The Lion King’, ‘Finding Nemo’ and ‘Cars’.

We received a text message with our room number when our standard room in the “Little Mermaid” section of the resort was ready.

The room had two queen beds, a small table with two chairs and a dresser.

I loved the underwater decor inspired by the animated film, such as headboards shaped like clams, a mirror framed by fish, and wall art of Flounder and Sebastiaan. There were even pieces of sheet music for “Under the Sea” laminated on the table.

I also appreciated the subtler touches, like the teal floor that transitioned to beachy tile in the bathroom.

The room was cute, but it was also designed for one comfortable stay.

My husband appreciated the curtain over the sink, which kept the vanity light from disturbing him while I got ready for bed. We also liked the multiple USB charging ports and outlets on the nightstand and dresser.

Although the rooms at budget resorts are on the small side, we didn’t feel cramped.

There was a closet space with a luggage rack, shelves and hangers, and we had three large drawers in the dresser to store our clothes. There was even a coat rack in the shape of an octopus where we could hang our coats.

Art of Animation’s “Finding Nemo”-inspired Big Blue Pool is the largest resort pool at Disney World.

It houses life-size statues of coral reefs and a kid-friendly splash pad. But there is also plenty of space for adults to relax with a drink from the Drop Off pool bar.

The bar serves cocktails, boozy slushies and snacks, alongside non-alcoholic smoothies and soft drinks.

Every time I left my room it was like… favorite Disney movies came to life.

There were huge statues of Ariel and Ursula from “The Little Mermaid” just outside my room. In another section I could check out Pride Rock or take a photo with Timon and Pumba “The lionking.”

Next to the Big Blue Pool with Nemo, Crush and Mr. Ray, the “Finding Nemo” Part of the resort has giant seagulls shouting “My!”

The attention to detail in the “Cars” part of the resort is next level.

Most of Radiator Springs has been recreated, including the Cozy Cone Motel, Wheel Well Motel, and Luigi’s Casa Della Tires. There are huge statues of all the characters from the film, and I couldn’t miss the chance to take photos with my favorites (Fillmore and Doc Hudson).

Even if your room isn’t near the ‘Cars’ area, you can head there after dark to see the Cozy Cone Motel sign in all its neon glory.

Disney buses are fine, but my favorite free on-site transportation option is the Skyliner.

Unlike buses, the gondolas run continuously, so you never have to wait long; even at the beginning and end of the day the lines move quickly.

It took us about 10 minutes to get to Hollywood Studios and about 20 minutes to get to Epcot via the Skyliner. If you plan your trip right, you can even watch the Epcot fireworks show from the gondolas.

I have stayed at several Disney World resorts and I can confidently say that Art of Animation is the best.

The budget-friendly rates and immersive theme make my time at Disney World extra magical.