
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Best for families who need larger suites, a playful Disney theme, and budget-friendly on-site dining.
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Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a value-level, family-focused Walt Disney World hotel built around large themed Family Suites and a quick-service food court — best for families who want spacious, playful rooms and easy Skyliner access. Disney's BoardWalk Inn is an EPCOT-area Disney resort with boardwalk entertainment theming — read this if you prefer evening entertainment, table-service dining, and being steps from Crescent Lake and EPCOT-area attractions.
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Best for families who need larger suites, a playful Disney theme, and budget-friendly on-site dining.

Best for travelers who want close walkable access to Epcot/Crescent Lake nightlife and more table-service dining and evening options.
When Disney's Art of Animation Resort wins: choose Art of Animation for dedicated family suites that sleep up to six, a large quick-service food court open long hours, inexpensive family-focused amenities, and direct Skyliner access toward Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
When Disney's BoardWalk Inn wins: choose the BoardWalk Inn if you want to stay in the Epcot-area Crescent Lake setting with evening entertainment, more table-service and signature dining options nearby, and the classic BoardWalk atmosphere for adults and couples.
Bottom line: Art of Animation is the practical pick for families wanting space and value plus Skyliner convenience; BoardWalk Inn is the pick for guests prioritizing location by Crescent Lake, on-foot access to Epcot-area nightlife and restaurants, and a more traditional Disney deluxe-type ambiance.
| Category | Disney's Art of Animation Resort | Disney's BoardWalk Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Colorful, kid-focused, value-level Disney resort built around film-themed family suites. | EPCOT-area resort with a turn-of-the-century boardwalk atmosphere and evening entertainment. |
| Location | Lake Buena Vista with Disney Skyliner and bus connections; family-oriented resort area. | Crescent Lake / EPCOT-area setting with walkable boardwalk to restaurants and nightlife. |
| Size (rooms) | Large — 1,120 family suites and 864 standard rooms (value resort scale). | Not published |
| Ages / audience | All ages; designed primarily for families and kids. | All ages; appeals strongly to adults and couples in addition to families. |
| Pools | Three heated outdoor pools (Big Blue Pool is the main pool) with pool bar and family play areas. | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Quick-service food court (Landscape of Flavors) and a poolside bar (Drop Off Pool Bar); no table-service or signature restaurants on-site. | Table-service and signature dining options and bars along the BoardWalk (walkable entertainment/dining). |
| Spa & fitness | No on-site spa or fitness center; jogging trail around Hourglass Lake for exercise. | Not published |
| Known for | Themed family suites, large Finding Nemo pool, and value pricing for families. | Boardwalk entertainment, evening atmosphere, and easy Epcot-area access. |
| Transportation | Complimentary Disney buses and a shared Disney Skyliner station (connects toward Epcot/Hollywood Studios). | Walkable to Epcot-area attractions and Crescent Lake; Disney transportation connections available nearby. |
| Meal plan / dining plan | Not all-inclusive; on-site outlets accept Disney Dining Plan (Quick Service credits). | Not published |
Art of Animation sits in Lake Buena Vista inside Walt Disney World with Skyliner and bus links to parks.
Good for families who value park transport options and a quieter family-resort footprint.
BoardWalk Inn centers on Crescent Lake with a boardwalk of restaurants, bars, and evening entertainment within easy walking distance.
Best if you want to be in the middle of evening dining and entertainment options near Epcot.
Art of Animation is built around large themed Family Suites and a selection of standard rooms.
Choose Art of Animation if you need more sleeping space and family-focused theming.
BoardWalk Inn offers guest rooms and suites tuned to the resort’s classic BoardWalk style.
BoardWalk Inn suits travelers who want a classic, less 'value' feel and more table-service nearby.
Art of Animation provides walk-up quick-service dining and a pool bar — focused on families on the go.
Expect convenience, speed, and family-focused menu options rather than fine dining.
BoardWalk Inn places guests within walking distance of table-service restaurants, lounges, and evening bars along the BoardWalk.
Pick BoardWalk Inn if you prioritize a broader selection of table-service and evening dining within easy reach.
Art of Animation has three heated outdoor pools and family-friendly pool areas.
Pools are a central family feature here — large, themed, and suitable for kids.
BoardWalk Inn’s signature amenity is the BoardWalk itself — an active lakeside promenade with dining and nightlife.
BoardWalk Inn’s draw is the lakeside boardwalk activity rather than a value-resort pool complex.
Art of Animation focuses on family activities rather than on-site spa or fitness facilities.
Expect family-oriented daytime activities but limited adult-focused wellness amenities on property.
BoardWalk Inn emphasizes evening entertainment and dining along the BoardWalk, making it stronger for nightlife.
BoardWalk Inn is the better pick if nightlife and evening dining are high priorities.

Art of Animation — large Family Suites sleep up to six and include separate sleeping areas suitable for parents and kids.

BoardWalk Inn — walkable Crescent Lake boardwalk with more table-service and evening entertainment options.

Art of Animation — value resort pricing with a long-hours quick-service food court and family amenities.

BoardWalk Inn — positioned on the BoardWalk for easy walking access to Epcot-area restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
Art of Animation — it was designed around family suites, themed play spaces, three family pools, and kid-focused activities.
BoardWalk Inn — the Crescent Lake boardwalk offers bars, table-service restaurants, and evening entertainment within walking distance.
No — Art of Animation does not have an on-site spa or full fitness center; it offers a jogging trail around Hourglass Lake instead.
BoardWalk Inn is on Crescent Lake and is walkable to Epcot-area pavilions; Art of Animation relies on the Skyliner and buses for park connections and is not a short walk to Epcot.
Explore how Disney's Art of Animation Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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