This week, Walt Disney World celebrated an exciting new development, as their newest resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, officially opened to guests. The resort, which is considered one of Disney’s “value” resorts, celebrates animation in its whimsical theme and immerses guests in the worlds of some of their favorite animated Disney and Pixar films.
“Our goal was to make guests feel like they have been immersed in the artistry and enchantment of Walt Disney and Disney•Pixar animated classics,” said Walt Disney Imagineer Frank Paris.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort consists of four different wings themed to Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. Only the Finding Nemo wing is currently open to guests, with the other wings set to open in phases; the final phase, the Little Mermaid wing, is currently scheduled to open on September 15. Unlike Disney’s other resorts, this resort is distinctive in that most of the rooms will be family suites, which will sleep up to six people and include two bathrooms, a kitchenette, and three separate sleeping areas. The only section of the resort to feature standard guest rooms will be the Little Mermaid wing.
“Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is part of our continued investment in Central Florida and helps keep our region squarely on the map as the world’s premiere family vacation destination,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, US and France. “As more and more families travel and make memories together, they also want to stay together, which has created demand for family suites.”
The resort, which is located adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, also features such interesting dining and entertainment options as the Landscapes of Flavors food court, the Pixel Play Arcade, Drop Off pool bar, and Ink and Paint gift shop. Resort guests will also be able to enjoy the “Big Blue pool,” a pool area themed to Finding Nemo that even features such unique touches as underwater speakers that will pipe in music and messages from the film’s characters. At 11,859 square feet, the Big Blue Pool is now the largest pool in Walt Disney World.
Rates for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort begin at $248 per night for one of the resort’s 1,120 family suites, or from $94/night for one of the 864 standard rooms. For reservations and more information about the resort, visit www.DisneyWorld.com or call (407) 934-7639.
