By Nick
Today we'll look at my favorite Value, actually, one of my favorite resorts in general,
Disney's Art of Animation Resort.
Art of Animation (AoA) is an homage to Disney/Pixar animation, and the theme begins in the fabulous lobby of the main building, Animation Hall, which features a very colorful check in area.
Animation sketches from the movies represented in the different sections of the resort adorn the walls.
Even the chandelier features sketch art.
Buses to the parks are located just outside of the Hall. We thought the bus service was fine, perhaps better than at
Pop Century.
AoA opened in phases through 2012, starting with the Finding Nemo family suites, which are located directly behind Animation Hall.
There are large character sculptures located throughout each area, similar to the
Pop and
All Star resorts.
This
is also where you'll find the main pool. We loved this pool, which has
underwater speakers. You can actually hear the fun soundtrack, which
features appropriately aquatic themed music, which can be heard better
while submerged! There is also an interactive water play area for kids.
There is a bridge connecting
AoA to the
Pop Century resort at the back of this section.
The building exteriors also feature animation art from the film being represented in that section.
There are also trivia and fun facts strewn throughout the resort.
The next section that opened was Cars family suites, which is where we stayed.
It is AMAZING! It's like staying in Radiator Springs!
As you approach, you are greeted by billboards, and the Sheriff, to let you know to keep your speed down.
You then travel up Route 66, to one of 3 themed buildings, or the Cozy Cone pool area.
The building to the left is themed after Luigi's Tires, where you'll find the proprietor and Guido.
To the right is Tow Mater's Towing and Salvage.
At the far end is
The Wheel Well Motel, where Sally and Lightning McQueen can be found. This is where we stayed!
The theme extends inside as Red welcomes us.
On
to the room. The family suites can easily sleep 6. There is a dining
/sleeping area (yes, you read that right, more on that in a bit), small
kitchen area, 2 bathrooms, a living room, and a bedroom.
The bathroom to the right is a full bath with a tub.
The bedroom has a queen size bed. The mattress was a bit on the firm side for me.
It has a flat screen TV.
The
bath off the bedroom has a shower and no tub. Water pressure was great,
and this was easily my favorite shower of all the resorts we've stayed
in at
Walt Disney World.
The
cars theme is everywhere in the suites, with cone lamps, a fold out
sofa bed that looks like a car seat, a table with a map of
Radiator Springs, etc.
The kitchenette has a small refrigerator, sink, coffee maker, and microwave.
Our view was terrific as well, but of course, this is not a guarantee.
I
mentioned the dining/sleeping area earlier. Here we see a table. There
are usually 4 chairs around it, we are in the process of moving them
here.
Why
are we moving the chairs? To pull the murphy bed down of course! We
actually found this bed more comfortable than the the one in the
bedroom, and slept here a couple of nights!
Overall, the room was fantastic. The one and only complaint I have is that you cannot lower the temperature below 68 degrees.
The pool is themed after the Cozy Cone.
The
cones, are cabanas, which is first come, first serve. Also, bring
towels. We were not aware you needed to do this, and I had to run back
to the room on our first swim.
It's well lit at night.
Speaking of night, the place is really magical in the evening.
This is easily the best themed resort on Disney Property.
Don't forget to get your pictures taken with some of the citizens of Radiator Springs!
Barbie with Flo.
Me and Mater.
The next section to open were
The Lion King family suites. This is the only area not to have a pool of it's own.
Finally,
The Little Mermaid standard rooms opened in late 2012.
The pool is called the
Flippin’ Fins Pool, featuring the “Under the Sea Orchestra” conducted by Sebastian.
Back at Animation Hall is where you can find the excellent counter service restaurant, Landscape of Flavors.
We ate breakfast several mornings at Landscape.
Landscape is a food court with several food stations.
As you enter, you can get an overview of some of what they have to offer.
There
are plenty of choices for breakfast, including smoothies, create your
own fruit bowls, and one of my favorites, create your own yogurt
parfait.
Choose from a selection of fresh fruit, berries, dried fruits, grains, nuts and seeds.
There are several cereals.
Plenty of pastry items to tempt you.
One morning, Barbie had an egg white omelet from the
Create Your Own Omelet station, which features a choice of ham, sausage, tomato, mushroom,
onions, green bell peppers, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese and turkey
bacon served with biscuit.
We also had several other entrees, including the
Bounty Platter: scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, sausage, biscuit and pancakes.
The bacon is typical Disney bacon, a bit thin and not very flavorful. I suggest the breakfast sausage if given a choice.
I had
Chocolate Chip Pancakes with fresh fruit topping and choice of bacon or sausage.
The Portuguese sausage is very tasty, but a bit overpowering for breakfast.
Another morning I had the
Waffles with Fresh Fruit Topping and Bacon.
Landscape also serves lunch and dinner.
The
seating sections represent the movies that are featured throughout the
resort, Cars, Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King.
Landscape of Flavors
is a great spot for either a quick snack or a sit down meal, but be
warned, it can get very crowded, so try to arrive before too late in the
morning, or eat at "off" times.
There is also a really great store, the Ink and Paint gift shop.
For more on resort categories, please listen to
Episode 20 of The Disney Exchange Podcast.
