Hi Dani,
Thank you so much for visiting planDisney. I love your question. You are choosing between two amazing resorts, and I truly think that you cannot make a bad decision on this one! Let me offer you some thoughts on each option to help you make your decision.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is so fun and colorful! The theme is vibrant and jubilant. The colors of animation are everywhere, and they are huge! The
pools at Disney's Art of Animation Resort are whimsical and exciting. You mention booking a family suite, which is a great plan. The family suite at Disney's Art of Animation Resort offers a separate bedroom from the living area, and the living area has sleeping spaces as well. These suites offer a kitchenette and two bathrooms. Another great plus at this resort is that it has a
Disney Skyliner station. The Disney Skyliner is a great way to get around Walt Disney World property, including stops at
EPCOT and
Disney's Hollywood Studios, while taking it all in from a unique vantage point.
I should tell you that I am a bit biased in my answer because I positively love
Disney's BoardWalk Villas. In fact, Disney's BoardWalk Villas is my home resort with
Disney Vacation Club! I love the hustle and bustle at
Disney's BoardWalk, with lots of restaurants and recreation options. A one-bedroom villa at Disney's Boardwalk Villas would again offer you a separate bedroom with more sleeping options in the living room. There is one bathroom, but it is huge, and it is split so that more than one person can be using different sections of it at the same time. Also, in a one-bedroom here you would have a full kitchen and a washer and dryer in your villa. Finally, EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios are just a quick boat ride away, or you can even walk to these theme parks.
Overall, for children the age of yours, I might give a slight advantage to Disney's Art of Animation Resort based on the theme; however, I personally love Disney's BoardWalk Villas for the full kitchen and laundry in-villa which could come in very handy with little ones.
Again, Dani, I really think you will have a wonderful time and that your family will be well-served at either of these resorts. I hope that my thoughts above were helpful for you, and please do feel free to come back if you have any further questions during your Walt Disney World trip planning process!
~ Mona Leigh