Hi there Bev!
There are big differences between the suites in the
Finding Nemo and Little Mermaid sections of Disney's new Art of Animation Resort. As you have no doubt discovered, the family suites in Finding Nemo are considerably more expensive than the Little Mermaid standard rooms since the family suites accommodate six guests and the Little Mermaid rooms house four. The family suites also offer a kitchenette, two full bathrooms, and three separate sleeping areas. While these are lovely and useful amenities, you can save yourself plenty of expense by staying in the Little Mermaid rooms.
The Little Mermaid rooms are the farthest walk from the Finding Nemo Pool, the resort amenities in Animation Hall (Guest Services desk, Ink & Paint gift shop, and Landscape of Flavors food court), and the resort's bus strip. Plan to spend ten minutes walking between the Little Mermaid section and the Finding Nemo pool. You will log more miles during your vacation if you stay in the Little Mermaid section of the resort. The Finding Nemo family suites, by contrast, are the closest to Animation Hall.
Finally, I have a tween son and I don't think he would find the Little Mermaid section uncomfortably feminine in its theme. King Triton, Sebastian, and a bunch of other male characters are well represented there. Besides, I figure it's never a bad thing for boys to have strong and talented female role models, even in their cartoons.
I hope this information helps you make the best decision for your family's upcoming visit to Walt Disney World. Wishing you many magical memories!
Jill