
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Best for families on a budget who want large themed suites and direct Skyliner access to Epcot/Hollywood Studios.
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Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a value-level, family-focused Walt Disney World hotel with themed family suites and Skyliner and bus transport; this guide is for families and budget-conscious travelers who want big themed rooms and easy park access. Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort is a Disney Vacation Club tower attached to Disney's Contemporary Resort near Magic Kingdom — read on if you want a Magic Kingdom–area stay with DVC-style rooms and more on-site dining and amenities.
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Best for families on a budget who want large themed suites and direct Skyliner access to Epcot/Hollywood Studios.

Best for guests who want to be in the Magic Kingdom area with more restaurants, multiple pools, and DVC-style accommodations.
When Disney's Art of Animation Resort wins: Choose Art of Animation if you need an affordable stay built around family suites, kid-focused activities (arcade, daily animation classes), and Skyliner access; it's the better value for families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks.
When Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort wins: Choose Bay Lake Tower if you want to be in the Magic Kingdom area, prefer more on-site dining and bars, want an upper-mid hotel feel with DVC connections, and value additional on-site services and concierge offerings.
Bottom line: Art of Animation is the clear value, family-first pick with themed suites and Skyliner/bus transport; Bay Lake Tower is a higher-amenity, Magic Kingdom–adjacent option that suits guests seeking more dining, more formal concierge services, and DVC-style lodging.
| Category | Disney's Art of Animation Resort | Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Playful, value-level, family-first (themed sections and suites). | Upscale Disney Vacation Club tower attached to Contemporary; resort-hotel hybrid feel. |
| Location (Walt Disney World) | Bay Lake / Hourglass Lake area; Skyliner & bus access to parks. | Bay Lake, adjacent to Disney's Contemporary Resort and very near Magic Kingdom® Park. |
| Size / rooms | 1,120 family suites + 864 standard rooms; family suites sleep up to six. | 428 guestrooms listed (rooms include DVC-style units and standard rooms). |
| Audience | All ages — targeted at families and groups with kids. | All ages — family-friendly with more varied dining and services. |
| Pools | Three heated outdoor pools: Big Blue (main), Cozy Cone, Flippin' Fins; no slides. | Three outdoor pools, waterslide(s) and at least one hot tub listed. |
| Restaurants & bars | Landscape of Flavors quick-service food court + Drop Off Pool Bar (walk-up). No table-service/ signature dining on-site. | Five restaurants, room service (limited hours), multiple bars/lounges and poolside bar(s). |
| Spa & fitness | No on-site spa or fitness center; jogging trail around Hourglass Lake instead. | Hair salon on site; other full spa details Not published in supplier listing. |
| Transportation | Complimentary Disney buses; on-site Skyliner station shared with Pop Century. | Complimentary theme park shuttle; close walking/driving distance to Magic Kingdom. |
| Key highlights | Themed family suites, Animation Hall, free activities for kids, complimentary Wi‑Fi. | Near Magic Kingdom, multiple dining options, concierge, valet (surcharge), marina on site. |
| Parking & fees | Complimentary self-parking for Disney Resort guests. | Self parking and valet available for a surcharge; fees published in supplier listing. |
Art of Animation sits on Hourglass Lake in the Bay Lake resort area with Skyliner and bus connections to the parks.
Art of Animation is well placed for Skyliner access and bus travel; it's a bit farther from Magic Kingdom by Disney transport than Contemporary-area hotels.
Bay Lake Tower is located at 4600 N World Dr, attached to Disney's Contemporary Resort and very close to Magic Kingdom.
Bay Lake Tower's position on the Contemporary grounds gives guests fast access to Magic Kingdom and extra on-site transport and concierge options.
Art of Animation centers on themed Family Suites and standard rooms designed for families.
Choose Art of Animation for oversized, budget-friendly family suites and themed rooms built for groups with children.
Bay Lake Tower offers Disney Vacation Club–style accommodations with standard hotel services and DVC access.
Bay Lake Tower suits guests looking for DVC-style rooms and in-room conveniences close to Magic Kingdom; detailed DVC unit names are not published in the supplier listing used here.
Art of Animation focuses on quick-service dining and a pool bar tailored to families.
Art of Animation is optimized for grab-and-go family dining rather than sit-down or signature meals.
Bay Lake Tower lists multiple on-site restaurants and bars with more table-service and lounge options.
Expect more variety and more table-service choices at Bay Lake Tower (and the attached Contemporary Resort) than at Art of Animation.
Art of Animation's pools are family-oriented and themed to the resort sections.
Art of Animation's pools are sized and themed for families, with safety gear and towels provided.
Bay Lake Tower lists three outdoor pools, a waterslide and at least one hot tub among its recreational amenities.
Bay Lake Tower offers more varied pool amenities and extra poolside services compared with a value resort's pool setup.
Art of Animation does not have a fitness center or spa on-site but offers active outdoor options.
Plan to use off-site or outdoor fitness options and family-friendly evening activities at Art of Animation.
Bay Lake Tower lists a 24-hour fitness center and on-site hair salon; broader spa details are not published in the supplier listing.
Bay Lake Tower supports more wellness and evening-service options on-site; full spa details are Not published in the supplier listing used here.

Art of Animation — family suites that sleep up to six with themed rooms and value pricing.

Bay Lake Tower — on the Contemporary grounds and very near Magic Kingdom with easy access.

Bay Lake Tower — multiple restaurants and bars on-site versus only a quick-service food court at Art of Animation.

Art of Animation — daily animation classes, themed play areas, arcade and family-friendly pool areas.
Art of Animation: it's designed for families with large themed family suites, kid activities, three family pools and a kid-friendly food court.
Bay Lake Tower: it's on the Contemporary grounds and is much closer to Magic Kingdom, making park runs easier.
No — Art of Animation's on-site dining is a quick-service food court (Landscape of Flavors) and a pool bar; there are no table-service or signature restaurants on property.
Supplier listing includes a hair salon and fitness center but does not publish full spa details for Bay Lake Tower.
Explore how Disney's Art of Animation Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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