On our most recent trip to Walt Disney World we stayed at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and, well, this is now a very strong contender for our favorite resort.
It is certainly the most Disneyesque of all the WDW resorts, featuring sections based on Cars, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King.
The homage to Disney/Pixar animation begins in the fabulous lobby, 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.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort opened in phases through 2012, starting with the Finding Nemo family suites, which are located directly behind Animation Hall.
Family suites include a bedroom with one queen-size bed, one
double-size convertible TableBed, one double-size sleeper sofa, living
room, 2 bathrooms and a kitchenette.
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 also a bridge connecting Art of Animation 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. I'll have a full report in a future post, but I will say they are fantastic.
Each building in each area has a theme. This building is themed around Tow Maters towing and salvage yard, for instance.
There is a quite pool themed around the Cozy Cone located here, with cones as cabanas.
There are sketchbooks at the ends of buildings, adding to the already wonderful theming.
Next 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...
...and the Ink and Paint gift shop.
In addition to the aforementioned review of the Cars suites, I'll have a review of Ink and Paint and Animation Hall, as well as a video walk through of the Cars and Nemo areas in the future, so please stop back.
