
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Best for families and larger groups who need affordable themed suites, easy Skyliner access, and kid-focused activities.
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Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a value-level, family-focused Disney hotel with large themed family suites, three themed pools, and Skyliner + bus transport; this guide is for families and budget-conscious groups. Disney's Contemporary Resort is an iconic deluxe monorail resort beside Magic Kingdom with larger on-site restaurants and deluxe amenities; this guide suits travelers who want proximity to Magic Kingdom and a higher-end Disney experience.
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Best for families and larger groups who need affordable themed suites, easy Skyliner access, and kid-focused activities.

Best for travelers who prioritize walkable/monorail access to Magic Kingdom, more table-service dining, and a deluxe on-property experience.
When Disney's Art of Animation Resort wins: choose Art of Animation if you need roomy family suites, lower nightly rates, quick-service dining, multiple kid-friendly pools, and Skyliner or bus connections to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
When Disney's Contemporary Resort wins: pick Contemporary if you want the iconic A-frame/monorail experience, easier walking access to Magic Kingdom, more table-service and signature-dining options, and larger deluxe-hotel amenities.
Bottom line: Art of Animation is the practical family-value pick with themed suites and Skyliner/bus transport; the Contemporary is a splurge for location, recognition, and on-site dining/amenities near Magic Kingdom.
| Category | Disney's Art of Animation Resort | Disney's Contemporary Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Colorful, family-oriented, value resort built around themed family suites | Iconic A-frame deluxe hotel with monorail running through the building |
| Location | Bay Lake/Walt Disney World area; Skyliner station and Disney buses to parks | Bay Lake, beside Magic Kingdom with monorail and short walk to the park |
| Size (rooms) | 1,984 rooms total (1,120 family suites + 864 standard rooms) | 1,008 guestrooms |
| Best for ages | Families with kids and groups needing suites | All ages; useful for adults and families who want close Magic Kingdom access |
| Pools | Three themed outdoor pools (Big Blue, Cozy Cone, Flippin' Fins); heated year-round | Two outdoor pools and 1 hot tub (per supplier listing) |
| Restaurants & bars | Quick-service food court Landscape of Flavors + Drop Off Pool Bar (no table-service on property) | Multiple on-site restaurants (3), room service (limited hours), bars/lounges (2) |
| Spa & fitness | No on-site spa or fitness center; jogging trail around Hourglass Lake | Health club, sauna, hair salon and fitness facilities listed (no full spa name given) |
| Known for | Large family suites themed to Disney/Pixar films and strong kid programming | Monorail running through the building and close walking access to Magic Kingdom |
| Transportation to parks | Disney Skyliner (shared station), Disney buses, and Minnie Van (fee) | Monorail, complimentary theme-park shuttle, and other Disney transport |
| Kid services & family extras | Animation classes, arcade, family play areas, babysitting (surcharge) | Children's pool, babysitting/childcare (surcharge), concierge services |
Art of Animation sits in the Bay Lake/Walt Disney World area with Skyliner access and Disney bus service.
Easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via Skyliner and buses; not next-door to Magic Kingdom.
Contemporary is a deluxe resort in Bay Lake with the monorail running through its A-frame tower and a short walk to Magic Kingdom.
Best-located for short walks or monorail rides to Magic Kingdom and for travelers who value that convenience.
Art of Animation emphasizes themed family suites plus standard rooms tailored to families.
Choose Art of Animation when you need extra sleeping space and kid-friendly theming at a lower price.
Contemporary offers 1,008 guestrooms with deluxe-hotel touches and conveniences for a higher tier stay.
The Contemporary provides a higher-tier room experience and conveniences suited to travelers wanting a deluxe Disney stay.
Art of Animation centers on quick-service dining for families and a pool bar.
Plan for quick-service meals or dining off-property; good for families on the go.
Contemporary has a wider range of on-site dining and bar options, including table-service choices.
Contemporary suits guests who want on-site table-service, signature meals, and more varied dining choices.
Art of Animation provides three themed outdoor pools and family play spaces.
Family-focused water features and play areas, great for kids but without water slides.
Contemporary lists multiple outdoor pools and a hot tub along with other resort recreation.
More conventional deluxe-resort pool offerings that complement the hotel's other amenities.
Art of Animation focuses on family activities rather than formal wellness or nightlife.
Expect family entertainment and outdoor exercise options, not a spa or active adult nightlife.
Contemporary lists fitness and wellness services plus bars and lounges for evenings.
Contemporary offers more wellness and evening options for adults and families seeking onsite services.

Family suites that sleep up to six plus themed spaces and family programming.

Monorail and short walking distance to the Magic Kingdom make park access fast and easy.

Multiple restaurants, lounges and room service (limited hours) cover more dining needs on property.

Value-level pricing, quick-service dining, and complimentary parking/Wi‑Fi lower overall costs.
Choose Disney's Contemporary Resort — it has monorail service running through the building and is a short walk to Magic Kingdom.
Disney's Art of Animation — Family Suites sleep up to six and include multiple bed types plus themed rooms and family pools.
Yes. Both resorts offer complimentary Disney transportation: Art of Animation via Skyliner and buses, Contemporary via monorail and other Disney transport.
Disney's Contemporary Resort — supplier listing shows three restaurants and multiple bars/lounges versus Art of Animation's quick-service food court and pool bar.
Explore how Disney's Art of Animation Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·