
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Best for families and larger groups who need roomy, themed family suites at a lower price point.
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Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a value-level, family-focused Walt Disney World hotel built around oversized Disney and Pixar theming and family suites; read this if you travel with kids or want budget-friendly, highly themed rooms. Disney's Riviera Resort is a Disney Vacation Club deluxe-style resort on the Skyliner route; read this if you prefer newer Disney deluxe-style rooms, signature dining, and a quieter, more upscale hotel experience.
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Best for families and larger groups who need roomy, themed family suites at a lower price point.

Best for travelers who want deluxe-style rooms, signature dining, and a newer DVC-connected experience with Skyliner access.
When Disney's Art of Animation Resort wins: Choose Art of Animation for large family suites, bold Disney/Pixar theming, multiple family-oriented pools, and lower category pricing—it's built around kids and families and has easy Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
When Disney's Riviera Resort wins: Choose Riviera when you want a deluxe-style stay, more contemporary/designer styling, signature restaurants and quieter common areas; it reads as a DVC deluxe-style option with added on-site dining variety and a higher-end feel.
Bottom line: If your priority is family-sized rooms and theme-park-focused value, pick Art of Animation. If you want a more refined onsite experience, extra dining choices, and deluxe-style rooms while staying on the Skyliner line, pick Riviera.
| Category | Disney's Art of Animation Resort | Disney's Riviera Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Playful, family-focused, film-themed public spaces and suites | Deluxe-style, contemporary European-inspired design and quieter public areas |
| Location (to parks) | On-site at Walt Disney World with bus and Skyliner access to parks | |
| Size (rooms) | 1,984 rooms total (1,120 family suites + 864 standard rooms) | 489 guestrooms |
| Ages | All ages; family-oriented | All ages; family-friendly but more adult-focused design areas |
| Pools | Three outdoor themed pools (Big Blue Pool is the main pool) | One outdoor pool (listing shows 1) |
| Restaurants & bars | Landscape of Flavors quick-service food court + Drop Off Pool Bar (no table-service restaurant) | Three restaurants and one bar (onsite table-service/specialty dining available) |
| Spa/fitness | No on-site spa; no fitness center (jogging trail around Hourglass Lake) | Not published |
| Known for | Oversized Disney/Pixar theming and family suites | Deluxe-style DVC property with rooftop/signature dining and modern design |
| Skyliner | Direct Skyliner station shared with Pop Century (transfer at Caribbean Beach) | |
| Price category | Value resort | Deluxe-style / DVC-level pricing |
Art of Animation sits within Walt Disney World’s Bay Lake area with direct Skyliner access and Disney bus service.
Good for guests who want straightforward access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and resort-to-park shuttle options.
Riviera Resort is a Disney Vacation Club deluxe-style property on the Skyliner route, positioned for easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
A good choice if you want deluxe-style accommodations with fast Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Art of Animation emphasizes themed family suites and standard rooms built for families.
Choose Art of Animation when you need extra sleeping space and themed décor for kids.
Riviera Resort offers deluxe-style guestrooms and DVC accommodations with contemporary styling.
Riviera is aimed at guests seeking a more upscale room and service experience than a value resort.
Art of Animation’s on-site dining is focused on a quick-service food court and a pool bar.
Expect family-friendly quick-service meals and limited on-site bar options—good for grab-and-go park days.
Riviera Resort lists multiple on-site restaurants and a bar in its supplier listing.
Riviera gives more on-site dining choices and a higher level of table-service offerings than a Value Resort.
Art of Animation centers its on-site guest experience around family pools and kid-focused activities.
The resort’s pools and kid activities are optimized for families with children.
Riviera Resort provides outdoor pool facilities and typical deluxe-style resort amenities.
Riviera focuses on quieter pool areas and full-service amenities rather than large, themed family pool complexes.
Art of Animation deliberately omits a spa and fitness center in favor of family amenities and a jogging trail.
Not suited to travelers seeking a spa or adult nightlife; tailored for family recreation.
Riviera Resort lists a 24-hour fitness center and typical deluxe-style guest services.
Riviera better serves guests who want a fitness facility and more polished evening dining/bar options.

Large themed Family Suites that sleep up to six, plus kid-focused pools and activities.

Direct Skyliner station shared with Pop Century and complimentary Disney buses while remaining a value-category resort.

Multiple on-site restaurants and room-service options give Riviera an edge for more varied table-service dining.

Deluxe-style rooms, DVC positioning, and quieter public spaces suit travelers seeking a higher-end resort feel.
Disney's Art of Animation—because of its large family suites, three themed pools, daily animation classes, and kid-focused recreational spaces.
Yes. Both resorts are on the Skyliner route and provide gondola access toward Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
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.
Yes. Riviera Resort operates as a Disney Vacation Club deluxe-style resort with standard hotel rooms available as well.
Explore how Disney's Art of Animation Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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