A Day at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: The Perfect Non-Park Adventure for Your Family at Walt Disney World
- experiencemooretra
- Jan 19
- 4 min read
If you are looking for an affordable Walt Disney World vacation, staying at Disney's Art of Animation Resort brings value to your vacation without giving up the magic of Disney and you can experience a little downtime at this amazing resort with lots to do.
A Walt Disney World vacation doesn’t always have to mean rushing from attraction to attraction. Sometimes the sweetest memories come from slowing down, exploring, and letting your family enjoy the magic in a more relaxed way.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Walt Disney World at a slower pace is exploring the incredible resorts. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a dream for families and a great place to spend a non-park day with immersive theming, larger-than-life characters, and playful details around every corner.
Why Choose a Non-Park Day at Art of Animation at Walt Disney World?
Every section of Disney’s Art of Animation resort makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into a beloved Disney or Pixar film. From the colorful underwater world of Finding Nemo to the high-energy fun of Cars and the majestic landscape of The Lion King, it’s an amazing place to recharge, wander, play, and enjoy Disney magic at a slower pace.
Although the pools are incredible, there’s plenty to do even if you’re not swimming (The onsite pools are reserved for resort guests only).
Must-Do Experiences at Art of Animation: Walt Disney World
1. Soar on the Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner glides right into Art of Animation, connecting you to the Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, and EPCOT/Hollywood Studios. Even if you’re not theme-park-bound, a sightseeing ride is a magical activity for all ages. Kids love the character-wrapped gondolas. Adults love the breezy break. And best of all, it’s free.
Take a loop, hop off for a snack at another resort, or simply enjoy a peaceful aerial tour.
2. Explore the Larger-Than-Life Cars Land
The Cars area is hands down one of the most interactive themed spaces at any Disney resort. Life-size Radiator Springs residents like Lightning McQueen and Sally make for fantastic photo spots and are incredibly fun for kids.
Wander through the cozy cone–shaped buildings, imagine cruising down Route 66, and enjoy plenty of open space to run and explore.
3. Step Into the Story With The Lion King
The Lion King section is perfect for families who love a little adventure. Giant character sculptures, winding pathways, and lush theming make it feel like a stroll through the Pride Lands. Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, and Simba appear throughout the section for some fun photo opportunities. It’s a wonderful area for a relaxed family walk and absolutely adorable for little Lion King fans.
4. Visit the Little Mermaid Courtyard
While the Little Mermaid rooms are usually the quietest section and don’t have as many interactive nooks as Cars or Nemo, fans of Ariel will still love exploring the area and viewing the giant characters: King Triton, Prince Eric, Ursula, and Ariel herself. If you have a Little Mermaid lover in the family, this stop will be a highlight.
5. Let the Kids Burn Off Energy at the Playground and SplashPad
Art of Animation features a Finding Nemo-themed playground near the resort's main area, making for a perfect break for little ones who need a place to climb and play. It’s bright, colorful, and a great alternative to rides and lines.
Resort guests have access to the splash areas near the Big Blue Pool, themed with Nemo friends and gentle water features. It’s ideal for younger kids and immerses you in Nemo’s world. Note that even if you’re not staying at the resort, you can still walk through the Nemo courtyard and enjoy the theming.
6. Explore Animation Hall: Arcade, Shopping & Sketches
Inside Animation Hall, you’ll find the Ink & Paint Shop full of resort-exclusive merchandise, the Pixel Play Arcade, where you can challenge your family members to a game tournament, and beautiful displays of animation sketches from some of your favorite Disney films.
In the lobby, you’ll also find one of my favorite activities: Disney animation classes. This is where you can follow along with a Disney animator to learn how to draw fan-favorite characters like Stitch or Olaf. It’s the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the resort!
7. Enjoy Art of Animation’s Dining Options
Landscape of Flavors, the resort’s food court, is one of the best value-friendly quick service spots on Disney property. It’s casual, convenient, and great for families, especially if you want to keep your non-park day low-stress.
Why This Resort Day Matters At Walt Disney World
A resort day at Disney’s Art of Animation is a reminder that some of the best Disney memories happen in the in-between moments. It’s where kids have the time and space to wander and discover details they would have raced past on a busier day. It’s where parents can finally exhale and enjoy the magic at a pace that actually feels like a vacation.
When you plan your next getaway to the most magical place on earth, consider spending a day at Art of Animation and trade the rush of the parks for a different kind of magic. Here you’re invited to breathe and notice the storytelling details that make Disney unlike anywhere else in the world.
Interested in other resort day options? Check out A Wildly Magical Day: Exploring Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort
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