Where to Stay Wednesday: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the epitome of everything Disney! If you want to feel like you are surrounded by Disney every step of your vacation…even in the carpet you are walking on…this is the place for you!
5 top reasons why I love Disney’s Art of Animation resort:
1. Theming Galore!
I’ll start off where I left off in my introduction to this resort. You just cannot beat the true Disney theming of this resort. There are 4 different themed sections that connect so well together. Front and center is the Finding Nemo section complete with The Big Blue Pool, the largest pool on Disney property right in the middle. Head to your right and you will walk through Cars Land and pose for pictures with some of your favorite Cars. Head to your left and you are reliving The Lion King as you walk through classic scenes from the movie. Keep on walking and you will soon be under the sea and surrounded by your favorite characters from The Little Mermaid. (This resort also connects by a beautiful bridge to Disney’s Pop Century resort giving you an easy opportunity to visit another resort while you are staying here! There is a whole new world of theming that takes you through the eras just across this bridge!)
2. The Pools!
Disney’s Art of Animation is host to the largest pool on Disney property! Inspired by Finding Nemo, you will find all of your favorite characters around this water spot whether it be at the pool or at the water play area for the little ones. The Big Blue Pool also features state-of-the-art underwater speakers that will have you listening to Disney tunes while you swim! It’s totally sweeeeet, dude! Oh, and the Drop Off Pool Bar is a great place here for a refreshing beverage or snack. And don’t panic! There is a spot for filling up your resort refillable mugs too! There are two other pools on property not shy on theming either. The Cozy Cone Pool located in the Cars area of the resort is a great place to relax on old Route 66 complete with Cozy Cone cabanas. Or, take a walk to the Little Mermaid area and swim by Sebastian as he conducts the “Under The Sea Orchestra.” All of these pools are open to all Art of Animation resort guests.
3. The Lobby
The lobby is way sketchy! In a good way! I could spend so much time in this lobby, and I have! The walls are lined with animation sketch art giving you a glimpse into the creative process behind the Disney•Pixar imagineers. Those benches located all throughout the lobby are convenient for the family while waiting during the check-in process, sure. But take the time to stop back by this lobby and sit on them facing the wall and absorb all of the creative beauty!
4. Landscape of Flavors
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 365 days a year, this is another one of my favorite food courts! There are 5 distinctive food shops including those made-to-order food stations everyone loves so much! You will be able to find a little something for everyone at this quick service dining location. There is also a little grocery style shop located just as you enter from the shop/lobby and of course, those refillable mug stations for you to refill those drinks!
5. It’s so big!
Yes, I’m talking about the family suites located at this resort! They are amazing! These suites will accommodate a family of up to 6 and they are so spacious! They not only have a separate bedroom with it’s own full bathroom, but a sleeper sofa and a murphy bed…that table ain’t just for eating meals! There is then another full bathroom and a kitchenette! And the theming from outside carries into these buildings down to every little detail in the room! The cars rooms even have little cones in the carpet design! And this Oklahoma girl loves finding her home on the Route 66 map coffee table! The family suites are found in Cars, Finding Nemo and the Lion King. Just in need of a standard room? Swim on down to The Little Mermaid part of the resort where you will find the perfect human accommodations for you that with the theming, are anything but just standard!
We will be staying here again soon with a group of friends. The family suites are great for combing groups into one space together, accommodating larger families…or just enjoying some extra space for a smaller traveling party! And with standard rooms available too, you have such great options at this resort. Or should I say, truly magical options?! Don’t let this resort be missed by you. It is a truly happy place to call home.