Disney's Art of Animation Resort vs Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Photo: Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Value ESPN Wide World of Sports Resort Area
Disney's Contemporary Resort

Photo: Disney's Contemporary Resort

Deluxe Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Art of Animation

Value

Contemporary

Deluxe

Area

Art of Animation

ESPN Wide World of Sports Resort Area

Contemporary

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Transportation

Art of Animation

Skyliner, Bus

Contemporary

Monorail, Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Art of Animation

None

Contemporary

4 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Art of Animation

2 locations

Contemporary

6 locations

Pool Amenities

Art of Animation

Pool

Contemporary

Pool, Quiet Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Art of Animation

No

Contemporary

Yes

Top Highlight

Art of Animation

Disney Skyliner gondola access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

Contemporary

Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom

Overview

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

A value resort themed to Pixar and Disney animation, with family suites, Little Mermaid rooms, and a Skyliner station shared with Pop Century.

Disney's Contemporary Resort

A flagship monorail resort next to Magic Kingdom, recognized for its A-frame tower and quick walk to the park gates.

Amenities

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Recreation

  • Pool
  • interactive water play area
  • Playground
  • Arcade
  • Running Trail (1.3 miles around Hourglass Lake)

Other

  • Laundry Facilities
  • Business Center

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Playground
  • Quiet Pool
  • seven seas lagoon — enjoy fishing, boating and more
  • Marina
  • Children's water play area
  • Arcade
  • Running Trail
  • Tennis Courts
  • Volleyball

Wellness

  • Fitness Center

Rooms

  • rooms and suites with club-level service
  • Club Level

Other

  • Laundry Facilities

Transportation

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

  • Skyliner

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • Monorail

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Walk

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Boat

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Pros

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

  • Disney Skyliner gondola access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
  • Family suites sleep up to 6 with two bathrooms and a kitchenette
  • Does not share bus service, giving it the best bus reliability of Value Resorts
  • Landscape of Flavors food court is best among Value Resorts
  • Big Blue Pool is the largest hotel pool at Walt Disney World

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom
  • Walking distance to Magic Kingdom, closest hotel to the park
  • Top-tier dining including California Grill atop the resort
  • Iconic A-frame architecture and clean modern design
  • Bay Lake Tower offers direct walkway connection

Cons

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

  • Family suite prices are double to triple standard Value Resort rooms
  • Little Mermaid standard rooms are very small and far from lobby
  • Theming is bold and loud, not appealing to all adults
  • No table service restaurant on property
  • Long walk to Skyliner station from some room sections

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • One of the most expensive resorts at Walt Disney World
  • Modern design lacks the immersive theming of other Deluxe resorts
  • Standard rooms can feel dated compared to newer renovations
  • Far from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, bus ride required
  • Monorail loop congestion can cause delays during peak times

On-Site Dining

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

  • Landscape of Flavors

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast

    View menu
  • The Drop Off Pool Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • California Grill

    Table Service

    American, Seafood, Sushi

    dinner

    View menu
  • Chef Mickey's

    Table Service

    American

    breakfast · dinner

    View menu
  • Contempo Café

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • Contemporary Grounds

    Table Service

    American, Quick Service - Coffee

    dinner

    View menu
  • Cove Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu
  • Outer Rim

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu
  • Steakhouse 71

    Table Service

    American, Steakhouse

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • Steakhouse 71 Lounge

    Quick Service

    Steakhouse, American

    snack

    View menu
  • Steakhouse 71 To Go

    Quick Service

    American, Steakhouse

    lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • The Sand Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

Community Discussions

Videos

Ready to plan your trip?

Start building your Disney World itinerary with our step-by-step planner. Choose dates, parks, and dining — all in one place.

Get Me Started