One night during the #DisneySMmoms conference at Walt Disney World, we were wisked away with our families to dine at Disney’s new Art of Animation Resort. A great evening of fine food from the Disney chefs, music and activities for the kids; it was also an exclusive sneak peek at the resort, which is scheduled to open at the end of May 2012.
Upon arrival into the lobby, you are immersed into Disney Animation, illustrations from all the favorite films surround you. Even from above! You can’t help but to take your time walking through, and take it all in.
The Disney Social Media Mom’s party itself was held at the Nemo pool, and great first impressions this new resort did make. I loved all the details including bubbles for light posts and oversized goggles as the sign for pool rules {complete with the ‘P Shernam 42 Walaby Way Sydney’ address on the back}.
The Nemo Pool at the resort is the largest yet there are also two smaller pools on the property. One in the Cars section and the other in The Little Mermaid area. We didn’t have the chance to see these areas, yet I cannot wait to see the what Disney recreated for them.
The setup of this main pool is nice, providing areas for both the older and younger fish-friends. Having smaller kids in tow, it was nice to see many spray and splash areas without deep waters.
Yet, the true gem comes when you step into the rooms! You see, Disney guests can choose from the Finding Nemo Family Suites, Cars Family Suites {Opening June 18, 2012}, The Lion King Family Suites {Opening August 10, 2012} and then The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms {of which are scheduled to open September 2012}.
This is big news since the Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a budget resort, and can accomodate families of 5 or 6. Before, larger families that stayed at Disney Resorts could choose from the moderate Resorts and up, which also means more of a cost. Yet now larger families who like to travel on a budget have more choices when it comes to accommodation {you know I’m all about the penny pinching!}.
Don’t let the word ‘budget’ fool you though, these rooms are remarkable!
The rooms have 2 separate bathrooms and a separate master bedroom, and a dining or work table that transforms into a bed. Talk about maximizing space and function! The design allows for tons of room, providing privacy for everyone in the family and including all the amenities that a family can ask for, including a microwave.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has an animation-themed food court with a variety of family favorites and Grab ‘n Go market selections and a full arcade and playground. This resort is located near Hollywood Studios and the ESPN Wild World of Sports Complex, making it a great place to stay with tweens and teenage kids and a short bus ride to all the Disney Parks.
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Disclosure: I was invited to take part in the 2012 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration conference. Various tickets/passes, accommodations and other associated perks were supplied to our family for the duration of our stay, as part of this program. Yet, I was not specifically asked to share anything with my readers about the conference or anything related to Disney. All opinions are my own, 100% mine!
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Susan (5 Minutes for Mom) says
Fabulous photos of the rooms. I think this resort is an amazing option especially since it is in the budget category!!! Love the splash areas and the big rooms.
Tammi says
Yes! nice to see so many additions and so much room for the price. I think this’ll be a popular resort! {and it was great to see you and your family there, Sue!}
🙂
Carole M says
Tammi – 2 questions – we’re thinking of going to Disney world next year with another family. 1. Would you say 2 families could share one suite? and 2. does it come with a kitchenette (at least a fridge?). We were talking last night of renting a house nearby, so we’re looking at all options.
Tammi says
Hi Carole!
You know, I’m not sure of the policy on that one. How many people are in the families? {depending on budget, there’s also the family Cabins at WDW, there are very spacious}
You do have many options though, I learned a lot on this trip! Feel free to send me an email, this could get lengthy! lol
tammi{at}myorganizedchaos.net
Michelle Lynch says
Oh it’s killing me that we can’t afford to take our kids to Disney for at least a few years, but seeing this i so look forward to when we can go!
Tammi says
I hear ya Michelle, I assumed that it would be a few years for our first visit too. Here I am now, trying to figure out a way for us to come back – and I haven’t even left Florida yet! Love this place though, it’s worth trying to scale down the monthly budget in order to save!
mandy says
Oh, I hope that I get to stay at this resort when I visit Mickey in February!
Tammi says
A Feb trip would be great Mandy, have you started planning yet?
Rebby says
Wow! I really want to stay here after your review. Thanks so much for the fab info!
Tammi says
I can’t wait to see the others at the resort – I think this one is going to be a popular one for sure!
Stefani says
I love how the rooms are decorated, so cute!
Melissa says
Thanks for the info on this new Disney hotel! It looks like a place my children would LOVE. I can’t wait until the day we can take them to DisneyWorld!!
Katy says
This is great! It’s very hard for a family of 5 (or 6) to find a good hotel. We like to stay together as a family but most hotels won’t accomodate five.
Sara Myers says
Thanks for the great photos! We have our first trip to Disney booked for this September, and we are staying in a Lion King Suite at Art of Animation! I am so excited and can’t wait to see the looks on my kids’ faces when we surprise them!! As a first timer, I am looking for any and all tips and suggestions to make this trip the best!!
Kasandria Reasoner says
Totally cool! I can’t wait to see it!
Kas
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
I know where we’re staying at WDW now! My daughter loves Pixar movies and it looks like the characters were integrated into the decor so tastefully!
Catherine Robichaud says
Great photos of the new hotel. I can’ t wait to return to Disney and see these rooms close up. Thanks for the awesome review.
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Holly Messana says
We are planning a Disney World trip right now, I love the pictures you posted! The hotel looks so great. I really like that they make things all about the kids (and the kid in us).
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Bev McArthur says
Hey Tammi we are off to WDW in march with the Kids for 5days then off to Miami for a week any recommandations on where would be a good place to stay in WDW ? ALso is there a package that we should be looking at getting for the parks ? Any info would appreciated .
Thanks Bev