
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Best for travelers who want resort luxury, a large full-service spa, an on-site 18-hole golf course and multiple fine-dining options.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is a five-star luxury spa and golf resort on a 500-acre estate for travelers who want upscale dining, a large spa, and a golf course. Disney's Art Of Animation Resort is a family-focused Disney value hotel with character-themed rooms and suites for visitors prioritizing proximity to the parks and kid-friendly theming.
Updated · about 10 miles apart

Best for travelers who want resort luxury, a large full-service spa, an on-site 18-hole golf course and multiple fine-dining options.

Best for families on a Disney-focused trip who want themed rooms, family suites, and easy access to Walt Disney World with complimentary theme-park shuttle service.
When The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes wins: choose the Ritz for upscale rooms and service, a 40,000 sq ft spa with adults-only pool, an on-site Greg Norman–designed golf course, and a larger collection of higher-end dining venues.
When Disney's Art Of Animation Resort wins: pick Art of Animation for budget-conscious families who need family suites or themed rooms, direct Disney theming, many pools, and complimentary Disney shuttle access close to the parks.
Bottom line: both welcome families, but they serve different trips — The Ritz-Carlton is a luxury resort destination that also works for family stays; Art of Animation is a Disney value property built specifically for park-focused family stays.
| Category | The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes | Disney's Art Of Animation Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Luxury, quiet resort estate with spa, golf, and multiple upscale restaurants | Casual, colorful Disney value resort centered on animated-character themes |
| Location | On Central Florida Parkway, set on a 500-acre resort complex near SeaWorld and a drive from the Disney parks | In Lake Buena Vista, within the Walt Disney World area and a short drive to Disney Springs and the parks |
| Size (rooms) | 582 rooms on a 500-acre property | 2,104 guestrooms/suites (room count listed in supplier facts) |
| Best ages | All ages — family-friendly with dedicated kids programming plus adults-only spa areas | All ages — family-focused, many family suites and kid-friendly pools |
| Pools | Three outdoor pools including a family pool, kids pool, and an adults-only spa lap pool; shared access to JW Marriott waterpark features noted | Three outdoor pools and themed pool areas; family-friendly pool environments and a poolside bar |
| Restaurants & bars | About 11 on-site dining options, including Knife & Spoon and Highball & Harvest (fine dining and farm-to-table) | One main restaurant plus a poolside bar and limited room service; self-serve breakfasts available for a fee |
| Spa & wellness | The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a 40,000 sq ft facility with many treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms and adult-only spa pool | Not published |
| Known for | Full-service luxury resort with a large spa, golf course, and multiple upscale restaurants | Disney character theming and family suites (Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid) |
| Accessibility & family rooms | Accessible rooms available; family-friendly programming with Ritz Kids and supervised activities (surcharge) | Many wheelchair-accessible room variants and a wide selection of family suites with accessible options |
| Transportation perks | Resort fee reportedly includes reservation-based shuttle to area theme parks; valet-only parking on site | Complimentary theme-park shuttle and free self-parking on site |
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes sits on a 500-acre estate on Central Florida Parkway a drive from Orlando's main theme parks.
Better if you want a resort base with golf and spa and don’t need to be on Disney property.
Disney's Art Of Animation Resort is located in Lake Buena Vista inside the Walt Disney World area, convenient for Disney parks.
Better if your trip is focused on Disney parks and you want short park transfers.
The Ritz-Carlton has 582 rooms and suites across multiple room categories, from renovated rooms to large suites and club options.
Choose the Ritz for larger, more refined rooms and suite options with luxury finishes.
Art of Animation has a large number of themed rooms and family suites designed for families traveling with children.
Choose Art of Animation for character-themed rooms and practical family-suite layouts.
The Ritz-Carlton provides a broad dining program from a signature steakhouse to farm-to-table and poolside fare.
Better if you want a range of higher-end and varied dining options on property.
Art of Animation keeps dining simple and family-focused with one main restaurant and poolside options.
Better if you want simple, kid-friendly, convenient meals for park days rather than formal dining.
Pools are part of a larger resort leisure program that includes a dedicated 40,000 sq ft spa and an 18-hole golf course.
Choose the Ritz for a full spa and golf leisure program with adult-only pool options.
Art of Animation emphasizes family-friendly pool areas and plenty of kid-oriented features.
Choose Art of Animation if your priority is kid-focused pools and easy park logistics.
The Ritz-Carlton centers wellness with a large spa, a 24-hour athletic club, and quiet evening lounges.
Better if you want comprehensive wellness services and quieter evening nightlife on property.
Art of Animation focuses on family entertainment rather than a formal wellness program or adult nightlife.
Choose Art of Animation if you want family entertainment options and kid-focused activities rather than spa wellness.

The Ritz-Carlton — five-star spa facility, adult-only spa pool, and luxury dining.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort — inside the Walt Disney World area with complimentary park shuttle and short drives to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Disney's Art Of Animation Resort — value positioning, many family suites, and kid-friendly theming.

The Ritz-Carlton — on-site Greg Norman–designed 18-hole golf course and extensive event/ballroom space.
Disney's Art Of Animation Resort — it's inside the Walt Disney World area, offers complimentary park shuttle service, and puts you closer to Disney parks and Disney Springs.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes — it has a large full-service spa (40,000 sq ft), adults-only spa pool, and multiple elevated dining venues.
Yes. Both welcome families: Art of Animation is explicitly family- and kid-themed with family suites; The Ritz-Carlton offers Ritz Kids programming and family-friendly pools alongside adult-only areas.
Art of Animation lists free theme-park shuttle service. The Ritz-Carlton’s resort fee and sources reference reservation-based shuttle options to area theme parks (confirm availability and booking details with the hotel).
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