Get ready for some exciting changes at one of Walt Disney World's most colorful and family-friendly resorts! Disney's Art of Animation Resort is set to receive a comprehensive room refurbishment starting in summer 2027, bringing fresh updates to both family suites and standard guest rooms while maintaining the resort's beloved animated charm.
What's Coming to Art of Animation
The upcoming refurbishment will touch every corner of the resort's accommodations, from the spacious family suites that have made Art of Animation a favorite among larger families to the standard guest rooms that offer an affordable Disney experience. While Disney hasn't released specific details about the design changes yet, this marks the first major room update since the resort opened in 2012.
What's particularly exciting for Disney fans is that the resort will remain open throughout the refurbishment process. This means families won't have to miss out on staying at this vibrant resort while the magic happens behind the scenes. Disney has mastered the art of phased refurbishments, ensuring minimal disruption to guest experiences.
A Look Back at Art of Animation's Journey
Disney's Art of Animation Resort holds a special place in Disney World history. Originally conceived as part of the legendary Pop Century Resort expansion, the property sat unfinished for years before being reimagined as a celebration of Disney's animated storytelling. When it finally opened in 2012, it became Disney's largest resort with over 1,980 rooms.
The resort's four themed sections – Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid – have transported millions of families into their favorite Disney stories. The massive family suites, accommodating up to six guests, revolutionized affordable family travel to Disney World.
What Makes Art of Animation Special
Beyond its colorful theming, Art of Animation has always been about bringing Disney stories to life in three dimensions. The resort features:
- The largest Disney resort pool complex, including the Big Blue Pool inspired by Finding Nemo
- Immersive themed courtyards that make guests feel like they're inside their favorite movies
- Family suites with separate bedrooms, living areas, and multiple bathrooms
- Value pricing that makes Disney magic accessible to more families
What This Means for Your Disney Vacation
If you're planning a Disney World vacation for 2027 or beyond, this refurbishment news is actually great for several reasons. First, you'll likely experience newly updated, modern amenities when you stay. Disney's recent resort refurbishments have consistently improved guest comfort while maintaining the magical theming that makes each resort special.
For families booking now, there's no need to worry about construction disrupting your stay. Disney's track record with in-operation refurbishments shows they prioritize guest experience, often working on sections of resorts during off-peak hours and seasons.
Disney's commitment to keeping Art of Animation open during refurbishment demonstrates their understanding of how important this resort is to families seeking affordable Disney magic.
Booking Considerations
While specific details about which sections will be refurbished first haven't been announced, savvy Disney planners might want to consider booking their preferred themed section early. The Cars and Finding Nemo family suites are typically the most popular, while The Little Mermaid standard rooms offer the most budget-friendly option.
The Future of Disney Value Resorts
This refurbishment signals Disney's continued investment in their value resort category, which serves as many families' introduction to Disney World magic. Recent updates at other value resorts, including Pop Century's successful 2017 refurbishment, have shown how Disney can modernize accommodations while preserving the whimsical charm that makes these resorts special.
As Disney continues to evolve and expand, maintaining affordable options remains crucial for ensuring Disney magic is accessible to families from all backgrounds. Art of Animation's upcoming refresh reinforces this commitment while preparing the resort for another decade of creating magical memories.
The summer 2027 timeline gives Disney plenty of opportunity to plan a thoughtful, comprehensive update that honors the resort's animated legacy while incorporating modern amenities and design elements. Whether you're a first-time Disney visitor or a seasoned park veteran, the refreshed Art of Animation Resort promises to offer an even more magical home base for your Disney World adventures.