On-site activities and family entertainment at Art of Animation
Disney's Art of Animation Resort puts family entertainment on-site with three themed outdoor pools (including the Big Blue Pool), a video-game arcade, free daily animation classes, and kid-oriented play and splash areas. Suites such as Family Suite, Cars Family Suite, Finding Nemo Family Suite, and The Little Mermaid Standard Room are arranged around these activities so families can step from their rooms straight into play.
In this guide
- Pools, splash grounds and poolside play
- Daily family programs and animation classes
- Arcade, play areas and kid splash playgrounds
- Where families eat and relax: Landscape of Flavors and the pool bar
- In-room childcare, babysitting and family suite features
- Outdoor recreation: jogging trail and nearby walking options
Pools, splash grounds and poolside play
The resort has three heated outdoor pools: the Big Blue Pool (Finding Nemo), the Cozy Cone Pool (Cars), and the Flippin’ Fins Pool (The Little Mermaid). Pools are typically heated year-round and life vests in various sizes are provided at every pool.
There are no water slides at the pools, but each pool area includes showers, storage lockers, restrooms and nearby laundry facilities. Infants and children in diapers are allowed when wearing swim diapers, and water wings are permitted.
- Big Blue Pool — the main, largest pool at the resort (Finding Nemo area)
- Cozy Cone Pool — smaller family pool near the Cars buildings
- Flippin’ Fins Pool — themed for The Little Mermaid guests
- Complimentary towels typically available at pool areas
- Free life vests available in a range of sizes; pool diaper rules apply
| Pool | Theme/Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Blue Pool | Finding Nemo | Resort's main and largest pool |
| Cozy Cone Pool | Cars | Smaller family pool near Cars buildings |
| Flippin’ Fins Pool | The Little Mermaid | Themed pool for Little Mermaid area |
Daily family programs and animation classes
Art of Animation offers free, daily animation classes for guests — a simple, no-cost way for kids (and adults) to try drawing Disney characters and learn basic animation steps from resort staff. These sessions are scheduled on-property; check Animation Hall or the front desk for times on the day you arrive.
Beyond animation classes, the resort schedules occasional family activities in the evenings and daytime play sessions in common courtyards. Activity schedules can vary by season and day, so confirm current offerings at Animation Hall when you check in.
- Free daily animation classes — confirm time/meeting place at Animation Hall
- Outdoor courtyard activities and occasional evening family programs
- Activity details and daily schedules posted at the front desk
| Activity | How to find times |
|---|---|
| Animation classes | Ask at Animation Hall front desk |
| Courtyard/family activities | Check daily schedule at Animation Hall |
| Poolside games | Posted near pool areas |
Arcade, play areas and kid splash playgrounds
Animation Hall houses a cashless video-game arcade that uses a rechargeable swipe card system; the arcade accepts payment by cash or credit/debit at an on-site kiosk for adding credits. The arcade offers typical redemption and video-game machines geared to families.
Outside, the Schoolyard Spray Ground and the Righteous Reef Playground provide dry and wet play zones for younger children, close to the pools and courtyard spaces. These spots are good for short breaks between park days or for letting kids burn off energy close to the room.
- Pixel Play Arcade in Animation Hall — cashless swipe-card system
- Schoolyard Spray Ground — shallow, child-focused splash area
- Righteous Reef Playground — themed dry play area near Finding Nemo section
- Arcade payment requires cash or credit/debit at the kiosk to load the swipe card
| On-site play spot | Type |
|---|---|
| Pixel Play Arcade | Video-game arcade (swipe-card) |
| Schoolyard Spray Ground | Water/splash play for kids |
| Righteous Reef Playground | Dry playground with themed sculptural play |
Where families eat and relax: Landscape of Flavors and the pool bar
Landscape of Flavors is the resort’s quick-service food court in Animation Hall serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; published hours are 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. It operates on a walk-up, quick-service basis and accepts mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app.
The Drop Off Pool Bar sits near the Big Blue Pool and offers poolside drinks and snacks (including frozen cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic options). It typically opens after mid-morning and closes in the evening; check current hours at Animation Hall.
- Landscape of Flavors — walk-up quick-service food court (4 themed dining rooms)
- Mobile ordering available via My Disney Experience
- Drop Off Pool Bar — poolside beverages and light snacks (no reservations)
| Venue | Hours (published) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape of Flavors | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Quick-service; mobile ordering available |
| Drop Off Pool Bar | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM | Poolside drinks/snacks; walk-up service |
In-room childcare, babysitting and family suite features
Guests can arrange in-room childcare through Kid's Nite Out; advance reservations are required. The provider sets booking rules (including a four-hour minimum) and accepts reservations by phone—confirm details and availability before arrival.
Family Suite, Cars Family Suite, Finding Nemo Family Suite, Lion Family Suite, The Lion Family Suite and The Little Mermaid Standard Room offer themed sleeping and living areas so families can stay together and use in-suite space for quiet time or crafts between park visits.
- In-room childcare (Kid's Nite Out) — advance reservations required; usually a multi-hour minimum
- Family Suite and themed family suites include separate sleeping and living areas useful for daytime rest and kid activities
- Use Animation Hall for information on baby supplies, local services and activity scheduling
| Room type | Bed setup (as listed) |
|---|---|
| Family Suite | 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds |
| Cars Family Suite | 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds |
| The Little Mermaid Standard Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds |
Outdoor recreation: jogging trail and nearby walking options
A roughly 1.4-mile jogging and walking trail loops around Hourglass Lake, offering a straightforward place to walk, jog, or roll a stroller. The trail runs beside the resort and connects visually to nearby resort areas.
The resort’s location also places guests within easy reach of larger Walt Disney World areas via complimentary Disney buses and the Disney Skyliner; use these to access extended recreation or to reach parks for family activities.
- Hourglass Lake loop — about 1.4 miles for jogging or walking
- No on-site fitness center; the trail is the main outdoor exercise option
- Complimentary Disney buses and Skyliner provide park access from the resort
| Outdoor option | Use |
|---|---|
| Hourglass Lake trail | Jogging/walking ~1.4 miles |
| Skyliner station (shared with Pop Century) | Access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (may require a transfer) |
| Disney buses | Direct to parks and Disney Springs |
