“Everybody is smiling and happy here!” That is how families have described the new Art of Animation resort. Today was the Grand Opening and the rooms are filled with Guests for the first time. My daughter and our friends arrived in time for the end of the press conference and we were greeted with cheers and clapping as we entered the resort to check in. Presented with Opening Day lanyards, reserved only for Guests checking in on this day, we settled into our room and then proudly wore the lanyards the rest of the day in the parks. 320 rooms in the Nemo area opened today and the CARS area will follow in just a few weeks.
I have to admit, I’m a “Deluxe resort type-of-gal” because I like the convenience and amenities that I am used to at Disney’s Deluxe resorts. However I am pleasantly comfortable here and actually have a few things that I can’t enjoy at other resorts. Mornings are not my favorite and so I tend to get back from the parks late and love to get a snack or a soda. Here I can get whatever I want in the Food Court and shop in the store up until midnight. Can’t do that at a Deluxe resort—they tend to close down earlier because well, everyone goes to bed earlier over there I guess?!? Here there is a sense of “fun” and excitement with lots of color and large icons of the Pixar movies that put you right into the story and get you talking with your kids about their favorite characters and movie scenes. My favorite Deluxe resorts are beautiful, but I have to look a lot harder to find those connections. So in many ways, I have finally found something that complements the Deluxe resorts here. I have room to spread out in the suites, the “fun factor” is here and I just like the feeling here at Art of Animation.
A couple new features have stood out to me today. The room doors no longer have key slots—these doors open by just holding your key in front of the door handle electronic reader. The bedding situation is very comfortable and even adults are fine sleeping in the pull out sofa and the table bed. The Finding Nemo pool is the largest non water-park pool on Disney World property and boasts a zero-entry feature which is just great for the little ones who want to easily get in the water and play. Also, the food court has many choices, including a Create-Your-Own Pasta area and four different seating areas, based on the four themed resort sections.
So….if you are booked here in the near future, or thinking about staying at The Art of Animation resort, I highly recommend it and know that you will enjoy it as much as I have. Did I mention the music playing underwater in the pool? This will definitely be a popular resort for families for years to come!
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