
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Best for families who want Disney-themed suites, three heated pools, and direct Disney transport (bus + Skyliner) on a value budget.
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Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a value-level, family-oriented Disney hotel with large themed family suites and direct Disney transportation — ideal for families who want Disney immersion without high prices. Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is a 4-star, Marriott-affiliated hotel steps from the EPCOT area with contemporary rooms, a full-service spa and more polished public spaces — good for travelers who prefer a non-Disney-branded, full-service option near the parks.
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Best for families who want Disney-themed suites, three heated pools, and direct Disney transport (bus + Skyliner) on a value budget.

Best for travelers who want a contemporary, full-service hotel near EPCOT with a full spa, meeting space and a quieter, more adult-oriented public space.
When Disney's Art of Animation Resort wins: choose Art of Animation for larger family suites, playful Disney theming, multiple heated pools, free Disney buses and Skyliner access — all at a value price point and within the Disney resort system.
When Walt Disney World Swan Reserve wins: pick the Swan Reserve if you want a Marriott-affiliated, 4-star property with a full-service spa, more meeting/event space, a single on-site restaurant with bar service and quieter, contemporary rooms near EPCOT.
Bottom line: both put you close to Disney parks, but they serve different travelers — Art of Animation is built around family-friendly theming and suites, while Swan Reserve is a polished full-service hotel (Marriott-affiliated) for guests who prioritize spa services, quieter public spaces and conference facilities.
| Category | Disney's Art of Animation Resort | Walt Disney World Swan Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Playful, family-focused, heavy Disney theming | Polished, contemporary, full-service hotel |
| Location | On Walt Disney World property with Disney buses and a shared Skyliner station (to EPCOT/Hollywood Studios) | EPCOT-area hotel in Lake Buena Vista near Fantasia Gardens and within a short drive of parks |
| Size | Large resort: 1,120 family suites + 864 standard rooms | 349 guestrooms (supplier listing) |
| Who it's for | Families and groups wanting big suites and Disney immersion | Couples, adults, and business travelers wanting a Marriott-style full-service property near the parks |
| Pools & water | Three heated outdoor pools (Big Blue Pool is the resort's main pool) and family splash/play areas | Outdoor pool areas plus 3 hot tubs and a private beach area (supplier listing) |
| Restaurants & bars | Quick-service food court (Landscape of Flavors) and a poolside bar (Drop Off Pool Bar); no table-service restaurant on site | One on-site restaurant (Amare), bar/lounge and room service (limited hours) |
| Spa & fitness | No on-site spa or fitness center; jogging trail around Hourglass Lake | Full-service spa, steam room and 24-hour fitness facilities |
| Known for | Themed family suites (Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid) and Disney transport | Marriott affiliation, conference/meeting space and contemporary styling near EPCOT |
| Meeting & event space | No dedicated ballroom-scale conference venues on site (focus is family/resort) | Large conference center with ~2,572 m² and 13 meeting rooms |
| Complimentary Wi‑Fi | Free in-room and public-area Wi‑Fi | |
Art of Animation sits inside Walt Disney World (Bay Lake area) with direct Disney bus service and a shared Skyliner gondola station.
Stay here for the most straightforward Disney access and benefits, especially if parks are the focus.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is an EPCOT-area, Marriott-affiliated hotel just off the Disney resort loop with short transfers to parks.
Pick the Swan Reserve for a short-drive, full-service hotel near EPCOT without booking a Disney-owned resort.
Art of Animation is built around large, themed Family Suites plus a stock of standard rooms.
Art of Animation is the practical choice for families who need extra beds and Disney-themed accommodation.
Swan Reserve offers contemporary, full-service guest rooms in a four-star hotel format.
Swan Reserve suits travelers seeking standard full-service hotel rooms with spa and concierge offerings.
Art of Animation keeps food simple and family-friendly with a large quick-service food court and a pool bar.
Plan on quick-service meals and poolside snacks rather than table-service dining at Art of Animation.
Swan Reserve has a single on-site restaurant and bar, plus room service during limited hours.
If you want a hotel restaurant, a lounge and room service, Swan Reserve provides more full-service options.
Art of Animation centers guest life around three heated outdoor pools and family play areas.
Families will appreciate the multiple pools and child-focused water/play features at Art of Animation.
Swan Reserve offers poolside relaxation, hot tubs and a private beach area as part of its full-service facilities.
Swan Reserve combines standard pool facilities with hot tubs and a private beach for a quieter, more adult-friendly experience.
Art of Animation does not have an on-site spa or fitness center and focuses instead on family activities and a jogging trail.
Choose Art of Animation if your group wants family activities and easy park days rather than spa treatments or late-night bars.
Swan Reserve offers a full-service spa, steam room and a 24-hour fitness center for wellness-focused guests.
Swan Reserve works better for guests who want spa treatments, a fitness center and more traditional hotel nightlife options.

Large themed Family Suites, three heated pools and kid-focused activities make Art of Animation the top choice for families.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve has a full-service spa, steam room and quieter public spaces for relaxation.

Art of Animation offers complimentary Disney buses and a shared Skyliner station to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Swan Reserve has substantial conference space (about 2,572 m²) and 13 meeting rooms for business or group events.
Disney's Art of Animation — it was designed for families, offers Family Suites that sleep up to six, three heated pools and daily activities for kids.
Both hotels are in the EPCOT/Hollywood Studios area; Swan Reserve is an EPCOT-area Marriott-affiliated hotel, while Art of Animation has Skyliner and Disney bus connections to EPCOT.
Yes — both Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Walt Disney World Swan Reserve provide complimentary Wi‑Fi in rooms and public areas.
Only Walt Disney World Swan Reserve lists a full-service spa on the property; Art of Animation does not have an on-site spa.
Explore how Disney's Art of Animation Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·