Disney Hotels and Resorts have taken their motto “stay in the middle of the magic” even further with the unveiling of their newest addition to Florida’s Walt Disney World, Disney’s Art of Animation. Opening in stages during 2012, this value-priced family resort has four wings, each of which embraces a theme from the movies “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Finding Nemo” and “Cars.”
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, next to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, on the acreage originally slated for the Legendary Years. From the statue of King Triton at the entrance to “The Little Mermaid” wing to the seashell-shaped headboards, the goal of Disney’s “Imagineers” is to maintain the illusion that their guests are living inside the movie.
Themed Wings
The “Finding Nemo” wing highlights the undersea world with appropriate plant and animal motifs and is the first to open on May 31, 2012. “Cars” opens in June 18 and resembles the Cosy Cone Motel and characters from the movie. August 10, “The Lion King” opens, featuring wildlife themes in natural settings. “The Little Mermaid” exterior has 600 cut-out objects along the balconies to create an “under the sea” atmosphere and opens September 15, 2012.
Boasting a total of 1,120 family suites divided between the four wings, the designers have engineered every nook and cranny to bring the themes of these animated stories to life. For small families and couples, there are 864 single value rooms interspersed between all four wings.
The budget-priced family suites are set up to house up to six guests with three separate bedrooms including a master bedroom and a table called an “Inovabed” that converts into a bed in seconds. There are two bathrooms per suite as well as a kitchenette with refrigerator rentals available. Perks include high speed internet access, daily maid service, luggage delivery, refillable mugs and coin laundry facilities.
Features
Each themed building includes a courtyard surrounding three swimming pools including a splash pool for toddlers and a quiet pool for adults with a poolside bar. Playgrounds in the courtyard continue each wing’s atmosphere with appropriate character statues and equipment designed to accommodate kids of all ages.
All of the wings access the centre pavilion sporting a sketchbook motif that includes the Landscapes Café, a food court that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring family favourites like pizza, pasta, sandwiches and hamburgers, guests can refill their room mugs for free with coffee, tea and sodas. Next to the Pixel Play Arcade is a “grab and go” market for snacks and stores like the Ink and Paint Shop for sundries and souvenirs. The exhibits in Animation Hall celebrate the act of animation itself with sketchbook samples.
Fortunately, Disney isn’t the only attraction holding up the balance sheets of the state of Florida. Take a sneak peek at the other tourist attractions in Florida.
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