Hi, Kathi!
I just love the holidays in Walt Disney World, so I am anxious for the dates of
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to be announced, too! Usually these dates are released in early May, and at that time you can purchase your tickets for this festive Christmas party!
Art of Animation has been getting rave reviews from guests. The pool is spectacular and there are some wonderful menu options in the food court. My only hesitation is that I am not sure how much your son would enjoy staying in a Little Mermaid room. I know my son prefers Pop Century over a Little Mermaid room, but that is up to you! Pop Century has a much more neutral decor to suit your son or daughter. The other thing is that the Little Mermaid rooms are very far from everything. At Pop, you can book a Preferred Room and be right in the middle of all the action in the 1960's section.
Both resorts will have the necessary kid-requirements: fun pool, chicken fingers, and lots of Disney magic so you cannot go wrong with either choice. Good luck deciding, and I hope to see you at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!