Disney Permanently Retires Original Little Mermaid Rooms at Art of Animation

Overview

• Disney confirmed on Thursday that the original Little Mermaid room designs that opened with Art of Animation in 2012 will be permanently retired and replaced during a multi‑phase refurbishment.
• Preview images show the new rooms will keep an undersea theme but introduce updated artwork, modern furnishings and a Murphy bed layout similar to nearby Pop Century.
• The project covers both standard guest rooms and family suites and will be done in phases so the resort stays open, which means guests should expect visible construction during stays.
• Disney also released a first look at refreshed Treehouse Villas and said major work is planned across four Walt Disney World resorts, signalling a wider wave of hotel renovations.
• The upgrades reflect a company strategy to modernize aging rooms for flexible family travel and to stay competitive in Central Florida, but the changes will remove a longtime fan favorite and could alter guest choices and trip planning.