One of Disney World’s most iconic Value Resorts is finally getting a major refresh.
Disney has officially announced that brand-new rooms are coming to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World, including fully refreshed guest rooms inside the resort’s popular Little Mermaid section.
The updates are scheduled to begin in 2027, marking one of the biggest room refurbishments the resort has seen since it originally opened back in 2012.
And Disney fans have been waiting for this for YEARS.
The Little Mermaid Rooms Are FINALLY Being Updated
According to reports, the refurbishment will specifically focus on the Little Mermaid standard rooms, which have largely remained unchanged since the resort first opened.
Announcements have been reported that these rooms will entertain refreshed spaces that still maintain the bright underwater theming guests know from the current rooms, but with a much more modern look and updated furnishings.
The updated rooms will feature:
- New flooring
- Refreshed furniture
- Updated lighting
- Redesigned decor
- Modernized finishes
- New Little Mermaid-inspired artwork and details
And yes — Ariel’s giant presence in the room appears to still very much remain.
Disney Is Keeping the Theming
The refreshed rooms will reportedly still lean heavily into under-the-sea colors, ocean-inspired textures, character artwork, animated details, and bright family-friendly styling.
Some recent Disney hotel refurbishments have shifted toward more muted “generic hotel with Disney accents” aesthetics, but Art of Animation appears to still be fully embracing its over-the-top animated identity.
The Rooms Were Starting To Feel Dated
While Art of Animation remains one of Walt Disney World’s most popular Value Resorts, many guests have pointed out over the last several years that the Little Mermaid rooms were beginning to show their age compared to newer Disney hotel refurbishments.
The Little Mermaid section is currently the only portion of the resort offering traditional hotel rooms rather than family suites, making it one of Disney’s most in-demand Value Resort options for smaller travel groups and couples.
Art of Animation Remains One of Disney World’s Most Popular Hotels
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort originally opened in phases between 2012 and 2013 and quickly became one of Walt Disney World’s most recognizable resorts thanks to its massive character statues, immersive lands, and family-focused theming.
The resort includes themed sections inspired by The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King.
It also remains one of the most Skyliner-accessible resorts at Walt Disney World, giving guests easy transportation access to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
Disney Has Been Refreshing More Resort Rooms Recently
The Art of Animation refurbishment joins several other ongoing Disney resort modernization projects across Walt Disney World, including updates at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Disney has increasingly focused on balancing updated modern hotel functionality with stronger intellectual property theming throughout recent refurbishments.
Construction Begins in 2027
Disney has not yet announced exact refurbishment timelines or closure schedules for the Little Mermaid buildings, but the project is currently expected to begin sometime in 2027.
Additional details about room availability, construction phases, and reopening timelines are expected to be announced closer to the start of work.
We’ll continue following all the latest Disney hotel refurbishments, Art of Animation Resort updates, Walt Disney World construction news, Disney resort announcements, and vacation planning developments, so be sure to check back soon for more Disney World updates.
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