Resort Review: Disney’s Art of Animation
Welcome to MickeyBlog’s Resort Review article series! As new Vacation Club towers and Resort renovations continue at Walt Disney World, I’ve found myself fielding more questions than ever about the Resorts and what makes each one unique. Especially Disney’s Art of Animation!
Trust me, I understand first-hand how tough it is to choose just one of the impeccably themed Resort hotels, and with all this confusing construction and pending updates, it’s more difficult now than ever before!
This article series will detail my experiences staying at various hotels on Walt Disney World Property! I’ll explain why I chose the Resort, what its best amenities are, and how you can factor my opinions into your decision-making for your own vacation! I’m starting things off with my most recent stay at Disney’s Art of Animation…so let’s get into it!
Arrival
I arrived aboard the Magical Express and was immediately impressed by the Cast Members’ organization and efficiency at check-in. Everything was in place, and since I had never previously stayed at a Resort that offered a cash-redeemable Disney gift card in lieu of housekeeping each day, I was excited to jump at the opportunity!
TIP: If you choose to forego ‘mousekeeping’, it doesn’t mean you have to re-use the same bath towel for a week! You are still entitled to all of the complimentary bath products and as many towels as you need…just ask!
Life is the Bubbles
I’ve been ceaselessly belting out Part of Your World for as long as I can remember. Combine my love for the film’s phenomenal score with my unyielding appreciation for the film that saved Disney animation from going under, and you will have your reason as to why I chose to stay in The Little Mermaid section of the Resort!
Surrounded by larger-than-life statues of a dinglehopper and, my favorite, a charmingly handsome statue of Prince Eric, the long walk to my room passed by in an instant.
Credit: Maria Salerno
When I got to my room, though, is when the real party started! I’ve stayed at Disney Resorts in the past, but never one that was themed to the MAX! I liked the room the moment I noticed Sebastian’s hand-written sheet music to Under the Sea on the table. I really liked the room when smaller details- like a mural of Prince Eric and an octopus coat hanger- became apparent.
Credit: Maria Salerno
I fell in LOVE with the room when I pulled back the shower curtain that prominently featured Ariel to reveal…the entire shower is her undersea grotto! I purposely set my alarm early just so I could take a longer shower. If you’re as big of a Mermaid fan as I am, you cannot miss your opportunity to sing Part of Your World in the same grotto as Ariel!
Credit: Anne Salerno
The Walk
It’s no secret that a Walt Disney World Resort trip is a vacation and a built-in exercise program all in one. I’ve logged more miles in a day at the Resort than I will put in writing, and at the end of those extremely long days, my weary feet find comfort knowing that I’ll be transported back to my hotel via bus, and my walking for the day will be complete.
Not at Art of Animation! I was so excited to get to my room after check-in that I almost didn’t notice just how long it takes to walk to The Little Mermaid section. Ariel had to swim the expansive entire undersea kingdom just to reach Ursula’s lair…and I can tell you that her journey seemed short in comparison to how far away from the bus drop off my room was.
I could almost look past the 10 minute walk at the end of the day, but when the morning rush to make it to the Parks at rope drop looms, the walk quickly goes from a leisurely stroll through the Resort grounds to an all-out footrace. All in all it did not put a damper on my overall vacation experience, but it’s something to consider if you’re traveling with folks who have difficulty walking.
The Skyliner, Hourglass Lake and POP Century
Art of Animation will be one of the Resorts serviced by the Disney Skyliner when it opens later this year. Since the Skyliner is still under construction, I used my morning workouts around Hourglass Lake as an opportunity to watch the men and women build the system!
Credit: Maria Salerno
TIP: Speaking of Hourglass Lake, even though the Resort is not one that features a fitness center, the 1.3 mile loop around the lake is fantastic for logging some miles!
The Skyliner is definitely nearing its completion, and even though it wasn’t a part of this experience, I know it’ll add even more allure to this already-popular resort once it opens! I was lucky in that I got to see the construction men and women sail out test gondola cars to the middle of the lake, and watch as they installed the first of many cars to the uprights!
Credit: Maria Salerno
Pop Century sits directly across Hourglass Lake from Art of Animation, and the short walk makes for a doubly awesome ‘Resort day’ if you choose to plan one into your vacation! You can take a stroll through the decades buildings, and even stop off to enjoy a meal in their Quick Service dining location!
The Verdict?
Overall, I had a wonderful stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The theming of my room was extraordinarily detailed, and my travel partner and I truly appreciated the fact that the sink bathroom was separate from the toilet and dividable by an adorable curtain for extra privacy.
I wished the Resort had a fitness center, but once I had actually arrived and put the loop around Hourglass Lake to good use, I didn’t miss a gym at all (and that’s a BIG statement coming from me).
Credit: Maria Salerno
The walk from bus stop to my room remains my only complaint about my stay. The walk was long, folks, and being that my room was located in the farthest reaches of the furthest building didn’t help. Mousekeeping staff were wonderful about replenishing towels and soap when I asked for it, and I certainly put my complimentary gift card to good use!
Credit: Maria Salerno
So, would I stay at Art of Animation in the future? Absolutely! The whimsical, over-the-top themeing was a constant reminder that I was visiting The Place Where Dreams Come True, and at the end of a long day in the Parks, drifting off to sleep in a soft bed in the midst of the magic brought out my inner child for the entire length of my stay!
So, have you ever stayed at Art of Animation? Will it be one of the Resorts you’re considering for your next visit? Let me know in the comments!
Are you planning to book a Disney vacation for you and your family? I’d love to help! I am a proud MickeyTravels Authorized Vacation Planner (Platinum Level) specializing in all Disney destinations. From hotel to FastPass+ reservations, I will help with each and every aspect of your trip. And the best part about my services is that they are completely FREE!
You can find me over on Facebook, or contact me directly at msalerno@mickeytravels.com, or 800-308-6257. I can’t wait to start planning your dream Disney vacation!
We stayed at the Art of Animation resort In one of the cars family suites. It was the right size for my family. The room theming was perfect for my little cars fans. I would stay there again and recommended it to other families.