Hi Ashley!
While both resorts you've mentioned are great, it really comes down to whether or not you have any Cars fans in your family!
The theming of the Cars section of
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is AWESOME. Life-size characters from the Cars movies are "parked" all around the buildings for close-up photo ops with guests. Life is a highway...or at least the walking path looks like one! You'll feel transported to Radiator Springs - the buildings are painted to look like you're right in the center of Ornament Valley. In the center of the Cars-themed area, you'll find the Cozy Cone Motel Pool, complete with cone-shaped cabanas that are free and first-come, first-served.
Cars Family Suites are spacious and big enough to sleep six. There's a master bedroom with a full bath, and the main room features a pull-out couch and a dining table/workspace that pulls down to become a sleeper bed. There's also another full size bath and a kitchenette! The theming inside the suite is so cute, from the orange cone lamps to the carwash-themed shower. We stayed in a Finding Nemo-themed suite last Christmas, and I loved the size of the room for our party of five. Two full bathrooms was what sealed the deal for us!
Art of Animation is also awesome because it features the largest resort pool at Walt Disney World Resort. The Big Blue Pool is located in the center of the Finding Nemo section, and has a really fun bonus: underwater speakers! Guests are able to hear Disney tunes as they swim under the surface - so cool!
I hope this helps you decide whether or not the Cars Family Suite is worth the extra cost. I'm also a big fan of
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside - you can't go wrong with either choice!
Have a magical day! - Diane W.