Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, a vibrant and immersive destination, is located within the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It’s specifically situated in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area, providing convenient access to all the magic Disney has to offer.
A Journey Into Animation: Discovering the Resort’s Location and Theming
Art of Animation isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a journey into the heart of some of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved animated films. The resort is meticulously themed around four distinct movies: Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. Each section offers a unique and captivating experience, immersing guests in the sights, sounds, and even the very atmosphere of these iconic stories.
Navigating to Your Animated Adventure
Finding your way to Art of Animation is relatively straightforward. If you’re arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO), Disney’s Magical Express (though this service has been discontinued, many alternative transportation options are available, such as Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine) provided a seamless, complimentary transfer directly to the resort. Taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and car rentals are also readily available. If you’re driving, inputting “Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL” into your GPS will guide you. Once on Disney property, follow the well-marked signs for the resort.
Understanding the Resort Layout
The resort is thoughtfully laid out, with each themed area radiating from the Animation Hall. This central hub houses the check-in desk, Landscape of Flavors food court, Ink & Paint Shop merchandise store, and the Pixel Play Arcade. Finding Nemo features family suites surrounding the Big Blue Pool, the largest pool on Walt Disney World property. Cars boasts meticulously recreated environments of Radiator Springs. The Lion King area transports you to the African savanna, while The Little Mermaid section recreates the undersea world and Ariel’s grotto. Understanding this layout helps guests navigate the resort and plan their activities effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Art of Animation Resort
This section addresses common questions guests have about Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, providing valuable insights and practical tips for planning your stay.
FAQ 1: What are the different room types available at Art of Animation?
Art of Animation primarily offers two types of rooms: standard rooms themed to The Little Mermaid and family suites themed to Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King. The family suites are larger, accommodating up to six guests, and include a separate bedroom, a living area with a pull-out sofa bed, a dining area with a kitchenette, and two bathrooms. The Little Mermaid standard rooms are smaller and accommodate up to four guests.
FAQ 2: What transportation options are available from Art of Animation to the Disney parks?
The primary mode of transportation is the Disney Skyliner, which offers a scenic gondola ride to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Disney bus transportation is also provided to all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom), the two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), and Disney Springs.
FAQ 3: Is there a preferred building or room location to request at Art of Animation?
While requests are not guaranteed, some guests prefer rooms closer to Animation Hall for easier access to amenities. For Finding Nemo suites, requests near the Big Blue Pool are popular. For Cars, buildings closer to Cozy Cone Pool tend to be favored. The Little Mermaid rooms are the furthest from Animation Hall, so requesting a room closer to the bridge might shorten the walk.
FAQ 4: What dining options are available at Art of Animation?
The resort features Landscape of Flavors, a food court offering a variety of cuisines, including American, Asian, and Italian options. They also have allergy-friendly choices. There’s also a pizza delivery service available to the rooms. While there is no table-service restaurant within the resort, the Skyliner provides easy access to the dining options at other resorts, like Pop Century and Caribbean Beach.
FAQ 5: Are there any character meet-and-greets at Art of Animation?
Character meet-and-greets are not a regular occurrence at Art of Animation, but keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app for potential unscheduled appearances. The resort’s theming itself offers plenty of photo opportunities with life-sized characters and settings.
FAQ 6: What are the pool hours at the Art of Animation Resort?
Pool hours vary seasonally, but typically, the Big Blue Pool, Cozy Cone Pool, and Flippin’ Fins Pool are open from around 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. It’s always best to check the My Disney Experience app or with the front desk for the most up-to-date information during your stay.
FAQ 7: Is Wi-Fi available at Art of Animation, and is it free?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, including guest rooms, common areas, and the pools.
FAQ 8: Does Art of Animation offer any kid-friendly activities besides the pools?
Besides the themed pools, Art of Animation offers the Pixel Play Arcade, a playground in the Finding Nemo area, and the Righteous Reef playground near the Finding Nemo family suites. The resort also hosts activities like Movies Under the Stars, where Disney films are shown outdoors in the evenings. Check the resort’s activity schedule upon arrival for specific times and offerings.
FAQ 9: Is early theme park entry available to guests staying at Art of Animation?
Yes, guests staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are eligible for Early Theme Park Entry, granting them access to any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before the official opening time. This benefit allows guests to experience select attractions with shorter wait times.
FAQ 10: Can I book a package that includes theme park tickets and a stay at Art of Animation?
Absolutely. Disney offers a variety of vacation packages that bundle theme park tickets, accommodations at Art of Animation, and optional add-ons like dining plans. Booking a package can often be more cost-effective than booking each component separately.
FAQ 11: How far is Art of Animation from Disney Springs?
Art of Animation is approximately a 10-15 minute bus ride to Disney Springs. Disney Springs offers a wide variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, making it a great place to spend an evening.
FAQ 12: Is there laundry service available at Art of Animation?
Yes, self-service laundry facilities are available at each themed section of the resort. These laundry rooms are equipped with washers, dryers, and vending machines for detergent. Payment can be made via credit/debit card or mobile payment.
Conclusion: Creating Unforgettable Memories at Art of Animation
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers a unique and immersive experience for guests of all ages. Its vibrant theming, spacious family suites, convenient amenities, and access to Disney’s transportation network make it an ideal choice for families looking to create unforgettable memories. By understanding the resort’s layout, transportation options, and available amenities, you can maximize your enjoyment and embark on a truly magical vacation. Remember to utilize the My Disney Experience app throughout your trip for up-to-date information and planning tools to ensure a seamless and enchanting experience at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.