This week’s Blog is dedicated to Value Resort Art of Animation (AOA)! This resort is far from just a Value Resort, offering Animation themed rooms full of nostalgia. Disney fans of all ages will love the ambiance created just from the hotel sign which screams FUN! Join us as we recap our experience and take a tour of AOA. This is our Disney World Resort Review of Art of Animation.
Welcome to Disney’s Art of Animation!
From the moment we entered the grounds of Disney’s Art of Animation we knew it was something special. Upon entering you’re created with familiar animated faces on the main buildings. The lobby is an experience in itself with a beautiful lighted wall and drawings of beloved characters from Ariel to McQueen to Simba and Nemo.
When you exit the lobby you immediately are immersed into a world of animation. Nemo & Friends greet you first with ocean hues, sea worthy statues, coral splash pad/playground and the main pool. This pool is like no other pool on property – it plays music under the water! No other Disney Hotel has this feature.
Resort Overview
If you’re looking for a fun spacious room, then the suites at Art of Animation resort are a great option. We stayed in the themed Lion King Suites and loved both the decor and the location within the resort. Located just off the main pool and eatery, it’s a short distance from transportation and most activities. While this section has no pool, it’s a quick few minutes walk to the main Nemo Themed area.
Here’s why we loved it – Pros:
- Location! Rope dropping Epcot and Hollywood Studios is a short bus or skyliner ride away.
- Themed buildings and rooms create great ambiance.
- Large character displays create a unique experience and fun activity for resort guests.
- Stunning lobby! I could stay there for hours looking at the artwork.
- Landscape of Flavors is one of the best (if not the best) resort eateries on property with 5 quick service counters and 4 Disney themed seating areas. They even have a smoothie bar that i loved to enjoy poolside.
- Access to Pop Century Resort via the Generation Gap Bridge.
- Spacious Rooms for a value price. The Suites sleep up to 6, feature two bathrooms and a kitchenette.
- Spacious bathrooms! The master bath had a stand up shower with sun setting tiles that were stunning. The 2nd bathroom had a tub/shower combo with toilet behind a door and separate sink area. I also loved how they had the waste bins under the vanity to save space.
- Lots of storage space, drawers and plugs with USB inputs.
- Main pool is themed beautifully and features a walk in entry with waterfalls and splash pad.
- Gift shop is large with fun options and even has individual wine filled glasses with lids! This came in handy when we got stuck in due to a downpour.
- Pet Friendly! One of just few on property options that offer Pet Friendly accommodations.
here are the Cons:
- Although all Lion King, Cars and Nemo rooms are suites they only offer a Kitchenette vs a full kitchen that you’d have in a villa. There is a full sink which is a plus, but the refrigerator is small.
- Transportation can be a challenge. When we stayed only buses were available and were always crowded, however the skyliner has likely opened this up a bit. We found it was hardest to get to Magic Kingdom with bus lines being long, keep this in mind if you plan on rope dropping, you’ll need to account at least an hour to get there.
- Resort is very expansive, staying in The Little Mermaid or Cars rooms is a far walk to transportation, lobby, eatery, shops and main pool. Again, keep this in mine when heading to bus transportation.
- Due to resort size, value price and amenities crowds tend to be higher which means congestion at pools, eateries and on transportation.
- Resort to Resort travel can be a challenge. You’ll likely have to take a bus to main location such as a Theme Park or Disney Springs, then take another bus to your end location. Timing becomes an issue here, you may need to account over an hour to get to a reservation at popular resort restaurants such as O’hana.
- sofa bed and murphy bed were uncomfortable, but this is true for all sofa beds on property.
- Murphy bed is useful for larger groups, but replaces the table which means a lot of moving things around before bed and after waking up. Basically, if the bed is in use there is no table to sit at.
- Rooms do not have a balcony, which we love sitting out on. Also left minimal space for wet clothes.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: Facts & Info
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the newest Value resort which opened on May 31, 2012. The first of it’s kind, this Value Resort offers Family Suites to fit any budget. The Resort is a nod to the beloved world of animation with themed Buildings and Rooms from Disney Classics – The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, The Lion King and Cars.
The Resort is situated across from Pop Century and is connected via the Generation Gap Bridge. Also located at the bridge is the Skyliner station. For more information on this resort click here.
Does Disney’s Art of Animation Resort sound like the perfect family getaway for you? Let us help you plan your Magical Trip with our customizable planning tools and services. Choose from self guided tools or 1:1 sessions, we’re here to help you reimaging the planning process by setting intentions that align with your budget and create your plans. For more information on working with the Happy Haunts at Foolish Mortal Planning Co. click here.
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