
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Best for families and groups who want themed suites, on-site kid activities, and direct Disney transport without premium rates.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a value-level, family-focused Disney hotel with large themed family suites and play-focused public spaces — good for families who want easy access to the parks and a playful, budget-friendly stay. Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a five-star Bonnet Creek luxury resort with a full spa and golf access — aimed at travelers who want a quieter, upscale stay near Walt Disney World.
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Best for families and groups who want themed suites, on-site kid activities, and direct Disney transport without premium rates.

Best for travelers wanting upscale rooms, on-site spa and golf access, and a quieter, luxury experience near Walt Disney World.
When Disney's Art of Animation Resort wins: choose Art of Animation when you’re traveling with kids or a larger family and want themed suites, multiple family pools, complimentary Disney transport, and budget-friendly on-site dining.
When Waldorf Astoria Orlando wins: choose Waldorf Astoria Orlando when you want a quieter, luxury hotel experience with a full-service spa, golf access, higher-end dining and attentive concierge services while staying close to the parks.
Bottom line: both hotels put you near Walt Disney World, but they serve different needs — Art of Animation is a value, family-first Disney property; Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a non-Disney luxury resort for travelers who prioritize upscale amenities and serenity.
| Category | Disney's Art of Animation Resort | Waldorf Astoria Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Playful, family-oriented, value-level Disney resort | Polished, quiet, luxury resort in Bonnet Creek |
| Location | Inside Walt Disney World with Skyliner and bus access | Bonnet Creek area, steps from Disney attractions and shuttle service |
| Size (rooms) | 1,120 family suites + 864 standard rooms (1,984 total) | Not published |
| Best for ages | Families with children (all ages welcome) | Adults and families seeking luxury (all ages welcome) |
| Pools | Three heated outdoor pools (Big Blue Pool, Cozy Cone, Flippin’ Fins) | Outdoor pool(s) with poolside bar and pool with view |
| Restaurants & bars | Quick-service food court (Landscape of Flavors) and Drop Off Pool Bar (no table-service/sig. dining) | Multiple on-site restaurants and bars, room service and bar options |
| Spa & wellness | No on-site spa or fitness center; jogging trail around Hourglass Lake | Full-service spa, sauna, steamroom, hot tub and fitness options |
| Known for | Themed family suites, animation classes, Skyliner access | Luxury service, spa treatments, Waldorf Astoria Golf Club nearby |
| Transport to parks | Complimentary Disney buses and on-property Disney Skyliner station | Shuttle service and concierge-arranged transport to parks |
| Pet policy | Designated pet-friendly rooms: up to two dogs allowed for a fee | Pets allowed (supplier listing shows pets allowed and pet-sitting services) |
| Price category | Value / budget-friendly Disney resort | Luxury / upscale resort |
Art of Animation sits inside Walt Disney World with easy Skyliner and bus links to parks.
Choose Art of Animation if you want direct Disney transport and to be inside Walt Disney World.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando sits in the Bonnet Creek resort enclave just outside Disney property lines.
Choose Waldorf Astoria Orlando if you prefer an upscale hotel setting a short drive or shuttle from the parks.
Art of Animation centers on family suites and brightly themed standard rooms.
Art of Animation is built around large, themed family suites for groups and families.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers upscale guest rooms and suites with luxury touches.
Waldorf Astoria focuses on refined rooms and personalized service; specific room inventories are not published in the supplier listing.
Art of Animation provides quick-service dining suited to families on the go.
Expect affordable, family-friendly quick-service dining rather than signature or fine-dining experiences.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers multiple on-site restaurants, bars and in-room dining.
Waldorf Astoria provides a wider range of table-service and higher-end dining choices compared with Art of Animation.
Art of Animation’s headline amenities are its three themed outdoor pools and family play areas.
Pools and kid-focused activities are the resort’s main draw for families.
Waldorf Astoria’s water and leisure offerings lean toward luxury pool experiences and golf access.
Expect luxury poolside service and easy access to golf and resort leisure amenities.
Art of Animation offers limited wellness facilities, emphasizing family activities instead.
Art of Animation is not a wellness or nightlife destination — it’s focused on family fun and park access.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando emphasizes spa services and quieter evening options.
Choose Waldorf Astoria for spa treatments, fitness facilities, and a more subdued evening scene.

Art of Animation provides themed family suites, multiple kid-friendly pools and activities at a value price point.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando has a full-service spa and access to the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club for guests who want wellness and golf.

Art of Animation offers complimentary Disney buses and a shared Disney Skyliner station for easy park access.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando provides multiple on-site restaurants, room service and concierge-driven services for a luxury stay.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort — it has themed family suites, three family pools, daily animation classes and on-site kid play areas.
Yes — the supplier listing shows a full-service spa, hot tub, sauna/steamroom and access to a golf course (Waldorf Astoria Golf Club) nearby.
Art of Animation provides direct Disney buses and a Disney Skyliner station; Waldorf Astoria relies on shuttle service and concierge-arranged transport.
Both properties allow pets per their listings: Art of Animation has designated pet rooms for up to two dogs; Waldorf Astoria’s supplier listing also notes pets allowed and pet-sitting services.
Explore how Disney's Art of Animation Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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