Hi, Geneva! Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
I think you will really enjoy your stay at
Disney's Art of Animation Resort. As you walk through this Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, you really do feel as if you have stepped right into the worlds of
Finding Nemo,
The Lion King,
Cars, and
The Little Mermaid. During your stay, be sure to visit
The Big Blue Pool. It is the largest of all the Walt Disney World Resort Hotel swimming pools.
Geneva, you are correct that The Little Mermaid standard rooms are the furthest from the bus stop and the
Landscape of Flavors quick-service dining location. While I do not personally find the walk to be all that lengthy, I can certainly understand your concern for your mother. Some of my own family members are unable to do the amount of walking that comes with a Walt Disney World vacation. When they visit Walt Disney World, they rent an Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV), also known as a scooter.
You can take a look at the Walt Disney World website for information on
ECV rentals. If you think that your mother would benefit from having access to an ECV at your resort hotel, in addition to the theme parks, you can look into renting one from one of the Disney Featured Providers.
Wishing you a magical Walt Disney World vacation!
Samantha