Looking for the best Disney World resort for kids under five? Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers immersive theming, family suites, toddler-friendly pools, and easy Skyliner access—perfect for little ones.
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World with kids under 5, it’s easy to assume you should go all out on a Deluxe resort. After all, these pricier accommodations offer bigger rooms, nicer amenities, and often proximity to the theme parks. But when you’re traveling with toddlers or preschoolers, Deluxe doesn’t always mean best. In fact, I’d argue the best Disney World resort is actually a Value option: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
That’s because the “best” resort for kids under 5 years old isn’t about luxury. It’s about immersion, convenience, and fun at their level. And thanks to its over-the-top theming and onsite conveniences, Art of Animation delivers for parents of very young kids.
Why Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Just Works for Little Kids
Step on the grounds of Art of Animation, and the reason this resort is ideal for kids under age 5 will be obvious immediately. This place is designed for kids, not adults. Everything is oversized, colorful, and pulled straight from movies little Disney enthusiasts already love. You’re not just staying at a hotel; you’re stepping into Finding Nemo, Cars, or The Lion King.
And for kids under 5, that matters. They don’t care about subtle theming or high-end finishes. They want something that feels exciting the second they arrive, and Art of Animation feels like a theme park of its very own for those who adore Nemo and Dory, Lightning McQueen and Mater, or Ariel. Kids light up just walking around the resort, and that can make relaxing resort days — or even just evenings after the theme parks — so much more special.
Family Suites Can Lead to Better Sleep for Everyone
If you’ve ever traveled with young kids, you already know that sleep can make or break your entire vacation. This is where Art of Animation has a particularly helpful perk. This Disney World resort offers family suites, which provide separate sleeping spaces for adults and kids.
Having those separate sleeping spaces means you’re not stuck sitting in the dark at 8 p.m. after the kids head to bed. There’s room for kids to sleep while adults still have space to relax, unpack, or just take a breather. Plus, you won’t have to stress about everyone being in each other’s space constantly for the duration of your trip.
Add in the kitchenette, which is hugely helpful for ensuring you have quick breakfasts and plenty of kid-friendly snacks on hand, and these suites can solve a number of the small but significant challenges that come with traveling with little ones.
The Pool Is an Attraction in Its Own Right
When your kids are 5 years old or younger, the pool isn’t just a bonus — it’s a highlight of the trip. And the Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation is one of the best for younger kids.
The Big Blue Pool has a zero-entry design, which makes it easy for toddlers to ease in and offers plenty of shallow, stair-free space to splash, sit down, and play in the water. For little ones who haven’t mastered swim skills yet, that’s a huge plus.
And you can’t overlook the pool’s bright, playful theming, either. Young kids will adore the Finding Nemo theming, and there are also colorful themed splash areas they’ll love to explore. Having such a great pool not too far from your room is a big win and sure to provide entire days of entertainment.
The Skyliner Is Transportation and Entertainment
Transportation is absolutely critical to consider when you’re traveling with young kids. Long bus waits, folding strollers, crowded rides — it can get complicated quickly, and if you don’t think about your resort’s transportation options, you could wind up adding stress to your vacation.
That’s where Art of Animation has a huge advantage. It’s a Disney Skyliner resort, which means you can skip buses, driving, or even taking rideshare in favor of breezing right onboard this aerial transportation option. The Skyliner connects you directly to parks like EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and it’s surprisingly easy to use with little kids. Most strollers can roll right on, and the ride itself is calm, quiet, and kind of magical (especially for kids under 5).
Kids love the Skyliner so much that they tend to treat it like an attraction, not just a way to get around. And when transportation feels easy or even fun, your whole day runs smoother.
Who This Resort Is Perfect For (and Who It’s Not)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is ideal for families with younger kids, especially first-time visitors who want to experience the broader Disney World magic beyond the theme parks. If your kids love Disney characters, need space to move around, and benefit from a more playful environment, it’s hard to beat.
That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for something quiet, upscale, or more adult-focused, this probably isn’t your best fit. But for kids under 5? That bold, over-the-top theming is exactly what makes it special.
