The Disney Art of Animation Resort officially opened on May 31, 2012. This vibrant resort, celebrating the artistry behind some of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved animated films, quickly became a popular choice for families seeking an immersive and affordable Walt Disney World experience.
A Resort Born of Imagination: The Genesis of Art of Animation
Before its dazzling debut, the land now occupied by Art of Animation was originally slated for the second phase of Disney’s Pop Century Resort. This phase, themed after the “Legendary Years” (1900-1949), was shelved following the economic downturn after 9/11. Thankfully, Disney reimagined the space, birthing a new resort centered around the magic of animation. Instead of decades, this resort would celebrate specific films, creating distinct and highly themed areas. The four films selected – Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid – offered diverse environments and ensured broad appeal. Construction commenced, transforming the dormant project into the vibrant resort we know today.
Thematic Immersion: Walking into Animation
The commitment to immersive theming is perhaps Art of Animation’s defining characteristic. Each of the four themed sections transports guests directly into the worlds of their favorite films. From the oversized props in the Cars section that make you feel like a miniature car, to the stunning underwater landscapes of Finding Nemo, every detail is meticulously crafted. The Lion King section evokes the African savanna with its towering Pride Rock and lush foliage, while The Little Mermaid area plunges guests into Ariel’s undersea kingdom. This dedication to creating a believable and captivating environment is a major draw for families, especially those with young children.
The Grand Opening and Immediate Impact
The opening of Art of Animation was phased, with different sections becoming available at different times. The Finding Nemo suites opened first on May 31, 2012. The Cars suites followed on June 18, 2012. The Lion King suites opened on August 10, 2012, and finally, The Little Mermaid standard rooms completed the resort on September 15, 2012.
The resort’s immediate impact was significant. It offered a unique combination of family suites and standard value-priced rooms, filling a crucial niche in Disney’s accommodation offerings. The immersive theming resonated strongly with guests, quickly establishing Art of Animation as one of the most popular value resorts at Walt Disney World. The large family suites, capable of comfortably accommodating up to six guests, were particularly attractive to larger families seeking a more affordable and comfortable vacation option.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Art of Animation
Here are some frequently asked questions about Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, providing further insight and practical information:
1. What type of rooms are available at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort?
Art of Animation offers two distinct room types: family suites and standard rooms. The family suites are themed after Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King, and can accommodate up to six guests. They feature a separate bedroom, a living room with a double-size sleeper sofa and a double-size sleeper pull-down bed, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette. The standard rooms are located in The Little Mermaid section and can accommodate up to four guests, featuring two double beds or one king-size bed.
2. How does Art of Animation compare to other value resorts at Walt Disney World?
Art of Animation stands out from other value resorts primarily due to its thematic immersion and availability of family suites. While other value resorts offer more budget-friendly options, Art of Animation provides a more immersive and spacious experience, particularly for larger families. The themed pools and dining options also enhance the overall experience, setting it apart from All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, and All-Star Sports.
3. What are the dining options at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort?
The main dining location at Art of Animation is Landscape of Flavors, a food court offering a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features American classics, international cuisine, and healthy choices. In addition, the resort has a poolside bar, The Drop Off Pool Bar, serving cocktails, beer, and snacks.
4. What transportation options are available at Art of Animation?
Art of Animation offers bus transportation to all four Walt Disney World theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom), water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), and Disney Springs. The Disney Skyliner does not connect to Art of Animation, limiting its accessibility to other resorts.
5. How family-friendly is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort?
Art of Animation is extremely family-friendly, designed with children in mind. The vibrant theming, large family suites, kid-friendly dining options, and multiple pools make it an ideal choice for families traveling with young children. The spacious suites provide ample room for families to spread out and relax.
6. What are the differences in theming between the four sections of the resort?
- Finding Nemo: Features an underwater theme with oversized coral, sea anemones, and characters from the movie. The Big Blue Pool, the resort’s largest pool, is located in this section.
- Cars: Transports guests to Radiator Springs, with life-size versions of Lightning McQueen, Mater, and other characters. The Cozy Cone Pool is cone-shaped, adding to the immersive experience.
- The Lion King: Recreates the African savanna with Pride Rock, lush vegetation, and characters from the film. The Elephant Graveyard Playground provides a fun play area for children.
- The Little Mermaid: Features Ariel’s grotto, King Triton’s castle, and other iconic elements from the movie. The Flippin’ Fins Pool is located in this section.
7. What is the Big Blue Pool and why is it so popular?
The Big Blue Pool is the largest pool at Walt Disney World resorts (excluding water park pools). It is themed after Finding Nemo and features underwater speakers, allowing guests to hear music and character voices while swimming. Its sheer size and unique features make it a major draw for guests.
8. How far in advance should I book my stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort?
It is highly recommended to book your stay at Art of Animation as far in advance as possible, especially if you are traveling during peak seasons such as holidays, school breaks, or summer vacation. Popular room types and preferred locations within the resort tend to book up quickly.
9. Are there any character meet-and-greets at Art of Animation?
While there are no regularly scheduled character meet-and-greets at Art of Animation, characters occasionally appear at the resort. Check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information on character sightings during your stay.
10. What are some tips for making the most of my stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort?
- Take advantage of the resort’s amenities, such as the pools, playground, and arcade.
- Explore the different themed sections and take plenty of photos.
- Utilize the Disney bus transportation system to get around Walt Disney World.
- Make dining reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants in the theme parks.
- Consider purchasing refillable mugs for unlimited fountain drinks at Landscape of Flavors.
11. What improvements or changes have been made to the resort since it opened in 2012?
Like all Disney properties, Art of Animation undergoes routine maintenance and periodic updates. Small updates to the rooms, landscaping, and dining menus occur regularly. While there haven’t been any major overhauls of the resort, Disney continuously refines the guest experience based on feedback and evolving trends.
12. Is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort a good value for the money?
Whether Art of Animation offers good value depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you are a larger family seeking a spacious and themed accommodation at a relatively affordable price, then Art of Animation is an excellent option. However, if you are a smaller group and prioritize lower costs above all else, other value resorts might be a better fit. Consider the cost per person, the amenities offered, and the overall experience when making your decision.