If you've ever stepped foot into Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, you know the vibe is just different. It’s loud. It’s bright. It’s unapologetically "Disney." But specifically, the Art of Animation Resort Cars suite is basically the holy grail for families who aren't quite ready to drop two grand a night on a Grand Floridian villa but desperately need more than two double beds and a single vanity.
Honestly, the first time you walk into the Cars wing, it feels like you've been shrunk down and plopped right into the middle of Radiator Springs. It’s weirdly immersive. Most "themed" hotels just throw a couple of framed pictures on the wall and call it a day. Not here. Here, the walkways are paved like Route 66. There are life-sized versions of Doc Hudson and Mater just chilling outside. It's cool.
The Layout: More Than Just a Pretty Paint Job
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the room itself because that’s what you’re paying for. These suites are 565 square feet. That sounds like a lot, and in the world of Orlando hotel rooms, it really is. You get a master bedroom with a queen bed, a living area with a double-size sofa sleeper, and then there’s the "Inovabed."
The Inovabed is basically a dining table that magically turns into a bed. You don’t even have to move the chairs most of the time, though you probably should. It’s a clever bit of engineering.
What people usually miss is the bathroom situation. You get two. Two full bathrooms. When you have a family of six—which is the max capacity here—having two showers is the difference between making it to the park for "rope drop" and still being in the room at 11:00 AM arguing over who used all the towels. One bathroom is attached to the master, and the other is off the main living space. It’s a lifesaver.
The kitchenette is... fine. It's not a full kitchen. Don't expect to cook a Thanksgiving dinner. You get a microwave, a small sink, and a Cuisinart coffee maker. The fridge is a "beverage center" style, meaning it’s bigger than a cube but smaller than a standard fridge. It’ll hold your milk, some leftover pizza from Pizza Ponte, and maybe a few sticks of string cheese.
💡 You might also like: Lava Beds National Monument: What Most People Get Wrong About California's Volcanic Underworld
The Design Details Most People Overlook
Everything in the Art of Animation Resort Cars suite is designed to look like it belongs in a mid-century garage. The sofa looks like the backseat of a vintage sedan. The coffee table has a map of Radiator Springs on it. Even the tiles in the bathroom look like a checkered racing flag.
Check out the light fixtures. They’re shaped like traffic cones. It's those little touches that make the $450 to $700 per night price tag hurt a little less. Is it expensive for a "Value" resort? Yeah, totally. But Disney classifies Art of Animation as a "Value-Plus" resort, which is basically a fancy way of saying they can charge more because the theme is better than the All-Stars.
One thing that's kinda funny is the carpet. It’s designed to look like a dusty road. It’s actually quite plush, but the visual effect is very specific to the movie. You really feel like you’re staying at the Cozy Cone Motel. Speaking of which, the pool in the Cars section is actually themed after the Cozy Cone. It’s quieter than the Big Blue Pool (the main one in the Nemo section), and the "cabanas" are shaped like giant orange traffic cones. They’re free, but you have to be fast to snag one.
Is the Art of Animation Resort Cars Suite Actually Practical?
Look, if you’re a couple traveling alone, this room is overkill. You’re paying for space you won’t use. But for a family? It’s arguably the best value on property.
When you compare it to getting two separate rooms at a place like Pop Century, the price is often comparable. But at Pop, you aren't guaranteed connecting rooms. You might end up three doors down from your kids. In a suite, you’re all in one footprint. You have a door you can close. Privacy is a luxury in Disney World.
📖 Related: Road Conditions I40 Tennessee: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Asphalt
The Skyliner Factor
You can't talk about this resort without mentioning the Disney Skyliner. The station is shared with Pop Century, located on the bridge over Hourglass Lake. It’s a game-changer.
- Epcot: About 15-20 minutes away.
- Hollywood Studios: Maybe 10-12 minutes.
- Magic Kingdom: You still have to take the bus. Sorry.
The Skyliner makes the Cars suites much more attractive because you aren't reliant on the bus system for two out of the four parks. It’s way more reliable than the old shuttle buses. Just keep in mind that the Skyliner closes during high winds or lightning, which, because it's Florida, happens quite a bit in the summer.
Common Gripes and Realities
It’s not all sunshine and Pixar magic. The "Value" roots show in a few places. The walls can be a bit thin. If the family next door is excited about seeing Mickey at 6:00 AM, you might hear about it.
Also, the walk from the Cars wing to the main lobby (Animation Hall) is a bit of a trek. It’s not a five-mile hike, but after walking 20,000 steps in the Magic Kingdom, that five-minute walk to the food court feels like a marathon. The Cars suites are situated further back than the Nemo suites but closer than the Little Mermaid rooms. It’s a middle-ground location.
The food court, Landscapes of Flavor, is actually one of the better ones on property. They used to have real plates and silverware, but they’ve mostly swapped to disposables now. Still, the breakfast bounty platters and the surf-and-surf burgers are decent.
👉 See also: Finding Alta West Virginia: Why This Greenbrier County Spot Keeps People Coming Back
What You Should Do Instead of Just Booking
Before you hit "reserve" on that Art of Animation Resort Cars suite, check the refurb schedule. Disney is constantly updating rooms. You don't want to be the person who arrives only to find the Cozy Cone pool is behind a construction fence.
Also, consider the "Little Mermaid" rooms only if you are on a strict budget. Those are standard hotel rooms—no suite features—and they are a long walk from everything. Most people regret those after the second day. The suite is where the real value is for larger groups.
If you’re traveling with someone who has mobility issues, request a room near the elevators or on the ground floor. The buildings are large, and while there are elevators, the hallways are long.
Final Practical Tips for Your Stay
Don't bother bringing a lot of snacks from home if you're flying. Use a grocery delivery service like Garden Grocer or even Amazon Fresh. They’ll deliver right to the bell services desk. Since you have that kitchenette and a decent-sized table, eating breakfast in the room can save you $60-$80 a day easily.
- Check for discounts: Disney often runs "Stay Longer, Save More" promos. These suites are frequently included.
- Pack a sound machine: The thin walls I mentioned? A cheap white noise machine or an app on your phone fixes that instantly.
- Use the "Cone" Cabanas: They are first-come, first-served. If you want one, get to the pool by 10:00 AM.
- Mobile Order Everything: Don't stand in line at the food court. Use the My Disney Experience app. It's way faster.
Ultimately, these suites offer a level of "core memory" potential that a standard Marriott just can't touch. Your kids won't remember the high-thread-count sheets at a Deluxe resort, but they will definitely remember sleeping in a room that looks like Mater’s garage. It’s a specific kind of magic that works best if you lean into the kitsch and enjoy the space.
To make the most of your stay, map out your Skyliner strategy ahead of time. Download the My Disney Experience app and get familiar with the "Wait Times" for the gondolas. If you see a massive line at the Skyliner station after Epcot's fireworks, consider taking a slow walk around the park or grabbing a snack before heading back. The line moves fast, but sometimes waiting 20 minutes for the rush to die down is the smarter move.
Also, take advantage of the "Movies Under the Stars" program. They usually show Disney films on a big screen near the Big Blue Pool in the evenings. It’s a great way to wind down without spending more money. Just check the schedule at the front desk when you check in.