Change is a constant at Walt Disney World, but some updates hit longtime fans a little harder than others.Over the years, Disney has refreshed attractions, reimagined restaurants, renovated resort hotels, and introduced entirely new experiences across property. While many of those projects focus on modernization, they often come with a tradeoff: the original version disappears forever.That is now the case at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.Disney has officially revealed the next generation of guest rooms coming to the popular Value Resort, confirming that the original Little Mermaid rooms that welcomed guests for more than a decade are being retired permanently. Once the ongoing refurbishment project is complete, the rooms that helped define Art of Animation since its 2012 opening will be part of Disney history.Credit: DisneyThe announcement is one of several major resort developments Disney has revealed this month as hotel upgrades continue across Walt Disney World.Disney Says Goodbye to the Original Art of Animation RoomsArt of Animation has long stood apart from other Walt Disney World hotels.The resort celebrates Disney animation through larger-than-life themed areas inspired by Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. While most guests immediately recognize the colorful outdoor environments, the Little Mermaid rooms became a fan favorite because they fully extended the theme into the guest experience.For years, visitors slept beneath giant seashell headboards, colorful underwater murals, and character-inspired décor that leaned heavily into Ariel’s world.Now, Disney is replacing those original rooms with an updated design.During a recent preview, Disney showcased the new Little Mermaid rooms that will debut as part of the resort-wide refurbishment project. While the refreshed spaces will maintain the overall undersea theme, several major elements are changing. Guests can expect new artwork, updated furnishings, a Murphy bed similar to the configuration currently used at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and redesigned themed accents throughout the room.The update represents the most significant overhaul the standard guest rooms have received since Art of Animation opened.Why Disney Is Making the ChangeDisney has spent years modernizing resort rooms across property.Recent hotel projects have focused on increasing flexibility for families while introducing brighter color palettes, updated technology, and furniture that serves multiple purposes. Murphy beds have become a common addition because they create additional floor space during the day while still providing sleeping accommodations at night.The new Art of Animation rooms appear to follow that same strategy.Rather than completely abandoning the Little Mermaid theme, Disney is blending practical upgrades with new visual details designed to keep the rooms feeling immersive. New under-the-sea artwork and decorative elements will replace portions of the original design while maintaining the overall identity of the resort.For guests who have stayed at Art of Animation for years, however, the refurbishment marks the end of an era.Credit: DisneyOnce construction reaches completion, there will be no way to book one of the original Little Mermaid rooms again.The Refurbishment Extends Beyond Standard RoomsThe changes are not limited to Little Mermaid accommodations.Disney has confirmed that both standard guest rooms and family suites will receive updates as the project moves forward. The work is being completed in phases, allowing the resort to remain open while construction continues.That approach has become increasingly common throughout Walt Disney World. Instead of shutting down entire resorts for renovations, Disney typically completes projects section by section, minimizing disruption for guests while still moving modernization efforts forward.For Art of Animation, that means visitors will continue booking vacations while crews work behind the scenes to transform one of Disney’s most recognizable Value Resorts.Art of Animation Wasn’t Disney’s Only Hotel AnnouncementThe Art of Animation refurbishment may have generated the biggest reaction from Disney fans, but it wasn’t the only hotel news revealed this month.Disney also provided a first look inside the refurbished Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.The updated villas feature a dramatically refreshed interior design focused on natural materials and woodland-inspired touches. Disney has added new flooring, updated countertops, refreshed furnishings, and modern appliances throughout the accommodations. The bedrooms also include decorative references to classic Disney films, including characters from Cinderella and The Fox and the Hound.The preview suggests Disney is taking a different approach with the Treehouse Villas than it is with Art of Animation.While Art of Animation is balancing nostalgia with modernization, the Treehouse Villas are receiving a more comprehensive design refresh that emphasizes their forest setting and secluded atmosphere.New Resort Merchandise Also ArrivedDisney also introduced a small but potentially popular addition for hotel guests.Resort refillable mugs now have optional character-themed handle accessories that help guests identify which mug belongs to which family member. The accessories feature characters from Toy Story, Inside Out, and Monsters, Inc. and attach directly to the mug handle. Disney is currently selling them for $4.99 each.While not nearly as significant as a room refurbishment, the new accessories represent another example of Disney looking for ways to enhance the resort experience while adding customization options for guests.Credit: DisneyA Busy Year for Disney Resort HotelsThe latest announcements continue a trend that has defined much of 2026.Across Walt Disney World, Disney has invested heavily in hotel improvements, from completed refurbishments at several resorts to major room redesigns and entirely new projects. Guests have seen refreshed accommodations at multiple locations, upgraded amenities, and ongoing work intended to modernize Disney’s hotel portfolio.Art of Animation now joins that growing list.For many guests, the updated rooms will likely feel brighter, more functional, and better suited for modern family travel. For others, the refurbishment closes the book on a design that had become synonymous with the resort itself.Either way, one thing is now official: the original Art of Animation rooms are on their way out for good.And once the final refurbished rooms debut, a piece of Walt Disney World resort history will exist only in photographs and memories.The post It’s Official: Walt Disney World Permanently Retires Original Art of Animation Rooms appeared first on Inside the Magic.