I love exploring all the different Disney Resorts – they all offer something special and unique, and WDW’s newest Value Resort – The Art of Animation Resort – is no different. It is beautiful – and I was lucky enough to get to stay there recently, which means that I can now share all the reasons why it’s a great place to stay!
The Lowdown: The Resort opened in phases beginning in May of 2012 and the final Resort sections were opened in September of 2012. The resort contains almost 2,000 family suite type rooms, as well as 864 standard rooms. This is something new for Disney- having a Resort made up mostly of family suites is something they haven’t done before – but it definitely makes sense to create this type of Resort as it will entice even more families to come and stay on WDW property. The cost of the standard rooms ranges from $100-$200 per night while the family suites range from $175-$440 per night (the cost is dependent upon the time of year you are visiting). The theming of the Resort is based on the Art of Disney Animation, and features sections themed after 4 Disney movies: Finding Nemo, Cars, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King
The Décor: The Resort celebrates Disney Animation and the intense work it takes animators to create, draw, and make a character really come to life. The lobby is full of amazing sketches and colors, and the 4 movies that the Resort is themed after are all featured in the entryway as well as in the Landscape of Flavors food court area. The Lion King, Cars, The Little Mermaid, and Finding Nemo all have their own area of the Resort – and the theming is carried out through the play areas, pools, rooms, bathrooms, beds…you basically feel like you really are “Under The Sea” with Ariel, or hanging out in Radiator Springs with Tow Mator and Lightning McQueen!
The Rooms: The Little Mermaid section of rooms are all ‘standard’ – meaning they contain 1 king or 2 double beds with a sitting area and bathroom. The majority of the Resort is family suites, which each have 2 bathrooms, a master bedroom, and a living space which contains a pull out couch as well as a table that converts to a bed. They sleep up to 6 guests, and they also have a mini kitchenette with a microwave, sink, coffee maker, and small refrigerator. These suites really are great for a family with a few kids who wants to have some extra space and privacy, and the kitchenette would allow you to even eat meals in your room which can be a huge money saver
Bring Your Swimsuit: The Art Of Animation Resort has 3 pools, one in the Little Mermaid section, one in the Cars section, and the main pool “The Big Blue Pool” is Finding Nemo themed, and it also features a pool bar aptly named the “Drop Off Pool Bar”. The Big Blue Pool tends to be the most crowded, but it is arguably the best – you can hear Nemo and friends talk to you underwater, and there’s also wet and dry play areas to enjoy
Don’t Forget Your Appetite: This newest Value Resort offers similar dining options to the other Resorts in its category, but with a twist – the Landscape Of Flavors Food Court offers some dishes we haven’t seen at Disney before – and boy are they delicious! From make your own smoothies and a gelato station, to the tandoor ovens that bake delicious Mongolian fare like fresh naan, roasted chicken and sausage – they really are trying some new things here, and I have to say – I love it! The standard burgers/pizza/pasta/sandwiches are available here too, as well as a create your own salad option, and pre-packaged items for on the go meals too. Personally I loved everything I tried here – from the chicken sausage breakfast burger, to the Mongolian sausage platter, to the cheesy pesto bread – it was all freshly made and delicious
There is plenty to love about Disney’s newest Resort – from the food to the rooms and theme – oh and did I mention it’s also a great value? I highly encourage you to consider staying at the Art Of Animation Resort on your next Disney trip – you’ll be glad you did!
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We love the Art of Animation Resorts. We were just there last week. Don’t let those tables that turn into beds deter you. They are very comfortable. My husband and I both thought so, and we have back issues. My kids loved how roomy the rooms are, and the themes are amazingly carried out throughout the whole resort. My kids love the splash pad by the big blue pool. The pool area is a main reason why we book those resorts. We also like the 2 full bathrooms. We stayed in it with my parents, and there was plenty of room for all of us.