
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Best for families who need larger, inexpensive themed suites and easy Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a value-level, family-focused Disney World hotel with large themed family suites and three themed pools; read this if you’re traveling with kids or want a budget-friendly Disney stay. Disney's Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter is a moderate, New Orleans–themed Disney hotel with compact grounds, one pool and boat/shuttle access to Disney Springs; read this if you want a quieter, more intimate moderate-level stay with Southern theming.
Updated

Best for families who need larger, inexpensive themed suites and easy Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Best for travelers who prefer a smaller-scale, moderate Disney resort with a compact, walkable layout and New Orleans-inspired atmosphere.
When Disney's Art of Animation Resort wins: choose Art of Animation if you’re traveling with children or a larger group and want themed family suites, multiple kid-friendly pools, and direct Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios at a value price.
When Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter wins: choose Port Orleans French Quarter if you prefer a moderate resort experience with a quieter, intimate feel, riverside setting near Disney Springs and a single compact pool area with a nearby table-service option (Sassagoula Floatworks).
Bottom line: Art of Animation is the practical pick for families who prioritize suite space, pool options, and transport links; Port Orleans French Quarter suits guests looking for moderate-level theming and a smaller property footprint within the Walt Disney World area.
| Category | Disney's Art of Animation Resort | Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Loud, colorful, family-focused, value category | Compact, New Orleans–inspired, moderate resort |
| Location (area) | Bay Lake / Walt Disney World (near Hourglass Lake) | Lake Buena Vista, on a river and close to Disney Springs |
| Size | Large — 1,120 family suites + 864 standard rooms | Large property footprint with 1,008 rooms (listing) |
| Audience / ages | All ages; built for families | All ages; family-friendly moderate resort |
| Pools | Three heated outdoor pools (Big Blue, Cozy Cone, Flippin’ Fins) | One outdoor pool (plus children's pool) listed |
| Restaurants & bars | Quick-service food court (Landscape of Flavors) + Drop Off Pool Bar (no table-service on-site) | One restaurant (Sassagoula Floatworks) plus a coffee shop/cafe, poolside bar and bar/lounge |
| Spa & fitness | No on-site spa; no fitness center (jogging trail available) | Not published |
| Transport to parks | Complimentary Disney buses; shared Disney Skyliner station to Epcot/Hollywood Studios | Complimentary theme park shuttle; boat and river access nearby |
| Known for | Oversized Disney/Pixar theming and family suites | New Orleans theming and compact, walkable grounds |
| Pet policy | Designated pet-friendly rooms; up to two dogs allowed (fee) | Not published |
Art of Animation sits on Hourglass Lake inside Walt Disney World and shares a Skyliner station with Pop Century.
Good Skyliner/bus connections make it a practical base for park-focused families.
Port Orleans French Quarter is riverside in Lake Buena Vista, a short drive from Disney Springs and the parks.
A compact footprint and riverside setting make it convenient for guests wanting a quieter moderate stay near Disney Springs.
Art of Animation emphasizes themed Family Suites plus standard rooms built for families.
Choose Art of Animation when you need extra sleeping space or want immersive themed rooms for kids.
Port Orleans French Quarter offers moderate-level guest rooms in a compact layout.
Port Orleans French Quarter suits travelers who want comfortable, moderately appointed rooms in a smaller, more intimate resort.
Art of Animation has a large quick-service food court and a poolside bar focused on families and grab-and-go meals.
Expect family-friendly, quick-service dining rather than sit-down restaurant options.
Port Orleans French Quarter has a restaurant and a small selection of bar/cafe options.
Port Orleans French Quarter offers more moderate-level table-service possibilities nearby and a small bar/lounge on site.
Art of Animation centers on three themed, heated outdoor pools and lots of kid-focused pool features.
More pool options and strong family focus make Art of Animation the pick for guests prioritizing pool time.
Port Orleans French Quarter lists one main outdoor pool and a children's pool.
A single pool area fits the resort’s smaller, moderate character and quieter atmosphere.
Art of Animation has minimal on-site wellness or nightlife facilities, focusing on family activities.
Plan off-property or park-based nightlife; on-site offerings are kid-oriented rather than adult nightlife.
Port Orleans French Quarter has limited on-site wellness and modest nightlife options.
Expect low-key evening options and modest wellness amenities; for a spa or larger fitness center, look off-property.

Art of Animation — themed Family Suites that sleep up to six make packing and sleeping logistics easier for families.

Port Orleans French Quarter — compact grounds and New Orleans theming suit guests who want a quieter, moderate Disney experience.

Art of Animation — three heated pools including the large Big Blue Pool offer more choices for swimmers.

Port Orleans French Quarter — short drive/boat access to Disney Springs and a riverside setting make it convenient for dining and evening outings.
Disney's Art of Animation — larger family suites, three themed pools, daily kids’ activities and an arcade make it more kid-focused.
Port Orleans French Quarter has a small selection including Sassagoula Floatworks and a bar/lounge; Art of Animation relies on a large quick-service food court and a pool bar with no table-service restaurant.
Art of Animation: no on-site spa. Port Orleans French Quarter: the supplier listing does not publish an on-site spa.
Art of Animation offers complimentary buses and a shared Disney Skyliner station to Epcot/Hollywood Studios; Port Orleans French Quarter provides a complimentary theme park shuttle and has river access near Disney Springs.
Explore how Disney's Art of Animation Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·