Cars Hotel Area at Disney World (Art of Animation)

In this article, we tour the Cars section of Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort.

The Cars hotel area of Disney World’s Art of Animation is perfect for fans of the fun movie franchise! In this review, we’ll tour the grounds of the Cars section.

You can expect life-size replicas of cars from the animated film and other sensational theming. Children and most adults are in awe as they enter Radiator Springs for the first time.

All rooms in the Cars section of Art of Animation are family suites with a higher price tag. While this is considered a value resort, three sections are dedicated to family suites.

Family suites are larger, more expensive rooms that sleep up to six guests. They have a queen-size bed, a full-size sleeper sofa, and a pull-down full-size table bed. Additionally, these rooms have a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, and sink.

Below, we’ll look at the exterior of Disney World’s Cars hotel area. These photos should give you a good idea of what to expect if you’re planning an upcoming stay.

However, if you choose another resort, it’s always fun to visit Art of Animation and walk the grounds. There are plenty of fun photo backdrops every which way you look!

When you arrive at Disney’s Art of Animation’s front entrance, you’ll see four tremendous drawings of the animated films represented at the resort. They are Cars, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King.

The Little Mermaid section of the resort sits on the opposite end of the resort from Cars. So it will be the furthest away. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly room, it’s the only resort section offering value-category rooms.

We have a review of the resort that includes staying in The Little Mermaid section if you want to learn more.

Related: Disney’s Art of Animation Review

When you enter the Cars Hotel portion of the resort, you’re greeted by a giant billboard welcoming you to Radiator Springs. It’s a happy place.

Sheriff sits at the entrance to town, I mean, at the entrance of the Cars section of the resort.

All the cars are placed where children can walk up as close as they like.

However, climbing isn’t allowed.

As we make our way down “Route 66,” there are several things to see.

A sidewalk runs through this entire section of the resort. However, it’s designed to look like a paved road. Mile marker signs along the way offer fun expressions related to the movie.

The landscaping adds a nice touch to the look and feel of the area.

We run into beloved Doc Hudson along the way.

And Ramone.

I always enjoy seeing the children run up to the different cars. My son is nearly an adult and has quite a soft spot for this area.

You’ll run into the Cozy Cone Motel toward the center of the Cars courtyard.

The faux motel serves as the entrance to the pool area and laundry facilities for the Cars hotel section.

It’s an amusing pool that has an island in the middle. A few cone-shaped cabanas surround the pool.

They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Cars area is made up of three different buildings. The first is Tow Mater’s Towing and Garage.

Here is the hotel entrance.

Walking past this building, we run into Sarge.

Next is the Wheel Well Motel building. It’s the large center building of this section.

A gas station sits out front. How convenient. Make sure to refuel before heading out to the parks.

This is where you will find Lightning McQueen and Sally.

They are looking sharp as ever.

Dream car.

One of the fun-loving things about the cars is that their headlights turn on as the sun begins to set.

The sunsets are beautiful here.

Fillmore has an organic fuel station outside the Wheel Well Cars hotel.

Naturally, he’s there to assist.

Lastly, we have Luigis Casa Della Tires.

Luigi and Guido will sell you a new pair of tires should yours wear out while on vacation.

It happens.

Joking aside, the value resorts are the only hotels at Walt Disney World that provide actual Disney theming.

Art of Animation sits across the lake from neighboring value, Disney’s Pop Century Resort. We prefer the layout of the standard rooms at Pop Century over the Little Mermaid rooms.

Related: Pop Century Resort Review

As we journey to the front of the Cars hotel area, we run into one final car. Flo is looking as lovely as ever.

Most of the buildings at Art of Animation face out to Hourglass Lake. The backside of each building has signage and animated sketches airbrushed onto the buildings.

There are lots of details if you take the time to look for them.

For instance, here is a scene with Guido stacking the tires.

On the outer side of each building, you can see the finished product showcased. Look closely. It’s designed to look like a sketchbook with a page flipped over at the top.

The details are well done.

If you stay in one of the Cars Family Suites, you can expect the following amenities:

• Sleep up to six adults
• Kitchenette
• Queen Bed, Table Bed (Double), Sleeper Sofa (Double)
• Two bathrooms

The suites are great options for large families and those traveling with extended families. If you want to view the room photos, they are available here on Disney’s site.

Family suites run considerably higher in price than a standard room at a value resort. However, they are much less than a two-bedroom villa resort like Disney’s Riviera.

Overall, the Disney World Cars Hotel is an enjoyable resort area with unique accommodations. While there are a few trade-offs of staying at a Disney value resort, these areas make it worthwhile.

If you have small children, we recommend planning a stay here. They will likely love the resort. And if the kids are happy, mom and dad are too, right?

If you aren’t sold on staying at a value resort, we have a complete list of Disney World Resort Reviews. Favorites include:

• Disney’s Beach Club Review
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Review
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Review

For more information about Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, you might enjoy the following:

• Transportation Tips for Disney’s Art of Animation
• The Pools at Disney’s Art of Animation
• Little Mermaid Room Tour at Art of Animation
• Pop Century vs. Art of Animation

In the Comments

What are your thoughts on the Disney World Cars hotel section? Have you stayed here? Do you have Cars fans in your family?