
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Best for families on a Disney budget who want themed suites, multiple family pools, and Disney transportation to parks.
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 cartoon-themed outdoor pools — good for families who want Disney transportation and immersive, budget-friendly rooms. Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort is a 4-star, South Pacific–themed Universal Orlando premier hotel close to Universal parks — good for guests who want on-site Universal benefits (early entry, express-ticket options) and a more full-service hotel experience.
Updated · about 13.6 miles (≈21.9 km) apart

Best for families on a Disney budget who want themed suites, multiple family pools, and Disney transportation to parks.

Best for guests who want a full-service, on-site Universal hotel experience with close walking access to Universal parks and early-entry benefits.
When Disney's Art of Animation Resort wins: choose Art of Animation if you prioritize themed family suites that sleep larger groups, lower-category nightly cost (value-level), direct Disney transportation and Skyliner access, and a family-oriented pool scene.
When Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort wins: choose Royal Pacific if you want a full-service hotel with multiple on-site restaurants, concierge and convention services, closer walking access to Universal CityWalk/parks, and Universal-specific perks like early theme-park entry and express ticket assistance.
Bottom line: pick Art of Animation for Disney-centric families who need space and Disney transport; pick Royal Pacific for travelers focused on Universal parks who want a higher-service hotel with more dining and meeting amenities.
| Category | Disney's Art of Animation Resort | Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Colorful, character-themed, value-family resort | South Pacific–themed, full-service, upscale family/business hotel |
| Location (to parks) | On Walt Disney World property with Skyliner & Disney buses to parks | On Universal property; 5–6 minute walk to Universal CityWalk and Islands of Adventure |
| Size / rooms | About 1,984 rooms (1,120 family suites + 864 standard rooms) | About 1,000 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All-ages, focused on families and groups | All-ages, family-friendly but with a more adult-oriented hotel feel in public spaces |
| Pools & water | Three heated outdoor pools (Big Blue Pool is the main pool); no water slides; family-friendly pool toys and life vests | At least one outdoor pool plus children’s pool and two hot tubs; lifeguard on site and pool cabanas (surcharge) |
| Dining & bars | Quick-service food court (Landscape of Flavors) and a pool bar (Drop Off Pool Bar); no table-service or signature restaurant on property | Three restaurants, poolside bar, lobby bar/lounge and 24-hour room service available |
| Spa & fitness | No on-site spa or fitness center; jogging trail around Hourglass Lake | Fitness facilities, sauna and steam room available; on-site spa services not explicitly listed in supplier facts |
| Transport perks | Complimentary Disney buses, Skyliner station, complimentary parking for registered guests | Free theme park shuttle, early theme park entry, express theme park tickets assistance, valet/self parking (surcharge) |
| Special features | Themed family suites, daily animation classes, video-game arcade, jogging trail | Large conference space (85,000 sq ft), banquet/ballroom, concierge and multilingual staff, express ticketing |
| Accessibility & family policies | Accessible rooms and features; in-room childcare options and pet-friendly rooms for dogs | Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations); up to 3 children 17 and under stay free with existing bedding; pets allowed in specific rooms (fee) |
Art of Animation sits inside Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, with Disney buses and the Skyliner connecting to parks.
Choose Art of Animation if you want to stay on Disney property with direct Disney transport and Skyliner access.
Loews Royal Pacific is a Universal Orlando resort in Florida Center within easy walking distance of Universal parks and CityWalk.
Choose Royal Pacific if proximity to Universal parks and short walks to CityWalk matter most.
Art of Animation emphasizes themed family suites and standard rooms sized for families.
Art of Animation is built for larger family groups who need more beds and themed environments.
Royal Pacific offers full-service guest rooms aimed at both families and business travelers.
Royal Pacific is better if you want a typical full-service hotel room and hotel-level guest services.
Dining at Art of Animation is straightforward and budget-focused.
If you want casual, quick meals and grab-and-go options with Disney Dining Plan compatibility, Art of Animation covers it.
Royal Pacific offers multiple on-site restaurants and fuller food-and-beverage options.
Royal Pacific is the better pick for on-site dining variety and late-night/room-service options.
Art of Animation centers around three themed outdoor pools and family play areas.
Families will find themed pool areas and kid-friendly water play spreading across the resort.
Royal Pacific provides resort-style pool facilities and cabana options.
Royal Pacific offers a more adult-friendly pool environment with cabanas and hot tubs in addition to kid options.
Art of Animation keeps wellness simple and family-focused.
Choose Art of Animation when you want family activities rather than spa or nightlife amenities.
Royal Pacific offers fitness and spa-adjacent amenities and more traditional hotel nightlife options.
Royal Pacific is the better pick if you want fitness facilities, traditional hotel wellness spaces, and proximity to Universal nightlife.

Art of Animation offers large themed family suites and Disney transport at a value-resort price point.

Royal Pacific is a short walk to Universal CityWalk and Islands of Adventure and offers early park-entry perks.

Royal Pacific has multiple restaurants, a bar/lounge and 24-hour room service.

Art of Animation has animation classes, themed pools and family play areas designed for kids.
Royal Pacific — it’s a short walk to Universal parks and includes early-entry and express-ticket assistance for Universal guests.
Disney's Art of Animation — the Family Suites sleep up to six adults and include multiple bed types designed for families.
No — Art of Animation has a quick-service food court and a pool bar; it does not have an on-site spa or table-service/ signature restaurant.
Yes — Royal Pacific guests have hotel benefits such as early theme park entry and express ticket assistance; confirm current benefits at booking.
Explore how Disney's Art of Animation Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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