I can’t believe it’s August already! This summer has flown on by and it seems like only yesterday I was planning our trip to Walt Disney World. I wrote about airplanes and autism, our experience using the Disability Access Card at Walt Disney World, the perfect travel outfit, how to pack for vacation and our tips for Autism Families. But I didn’t talk about our experience at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
The Art of Animation Resort is 1 of Walt Disney World’s 5 Value Resort Hotels. Disney recognizes all families have different price points. What I love about Disney’s Value Resorts is that it’s affordable and still offers a superior quality stay.
Check out: 10 Benefits To Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort (especially for Autism Families)
The second we stepped into the lobby we knew we were someplace special. It was like we stepped into a Disney animated film. The walls were covered with sketch art, there was Disney music playing and we were surrounded by some of our favorite characters.
I booked The Little Mermaid standard room. We’re a family of three and we weren’t staying many days, so this room met our immediate needs. The Standard room features either 2 double beds or 1 king. Upon checking into our room, we received a call from the front desk letting us know our shower was broken and we were upgraded to a family suite.
What we loved about Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The Rooms. As I mentioned, we had the opportunity to see a standard room (The Little Mermaid) and a suite (Cars). Both were beautifully decorated (down to the little details) by theme, comfortable and ideal for families. While the suites provided two bathrooms and slept up to 6, the standard can accommodate up to 4. Both featured flat screen TVs, a mini-fridge and a table with chairs. The Family Suite did have a living area with a pull out sofa, sink, microwave and coffee maker as well as a table and chairs for 4. The cool thing about the table was that it also pulled out into a sofa.
The Pools. Art of Animation has three pools, including The Big Blue Pool – the single largest pool at the Walt Disney Resort – that has underground speakers! Our personal favorite was the Cozy Cone Pool modeled after Disney Pixar Cars. We loved lounging in our own little Cozy Cone. What I liked about the Cozy Cone pool was that it was not as crowded as The Big Pool. It was so much easier to keep an eye on Norrin at the Cozy Cone pool or the Little Mermaid pool area.
The Proximity to the Parks. It was so easy getting to and from the parks and Downtown Disney. Everything was less than 15 minutes away.
The Game Room. The Pixel Play Arcade is great for gamers of all ages. It’s a great alternative to beat the Florida heat and if you want to hang around in the hotel.
The Art. There is art everywhere and you can easily tour the grounds appreciating the Disney Art. The Art of Animation hotel also encourages little ones to tap into their creativity – the front of the hotel has artist easels and crayons to keep kids occupied.
The Grounds. Aside from the artwork, the grounds of Disney’s Art of Animation is fun and picturesque. Our personal favorite was walking through the Cars section – it’s like walking in the movie! If you are a jogger take a morning run around Hourglass Lake – there are benches all along the trail where you can sit and enjoy your first cup of coffee or watch the sunset.
The Disney Perks. This was our 2nd vacation to Disney but our first time staying at a Disney Resort. And I have to say – it makes a difference. The Magic Bands are super convenient – they act as your hotel key, Park admission, memory maker and credit card. There are shuttle buses to and from the Disney Parks and Downtown Disney throughout the day. Disney Resort guests have Magic hours – allowing them into the Parks earlier or later. Disney Resort guests also get free parking at the Parks. And if you shop at any of the Parks, you can have your packages sent to your hotel so you don’t have to carry them around. All these little extras make vacationing with kids so much easier.
Check out our video tour of the Art of Animation —
Thinking about a trip to Walt Disney World? Check out these posts:
— Our Experience Using the Disability Access Card at Walt Disney World
— 12 Tips for Autism Families
For further information and to plan your Disney Vacation at the Art of Animation Resort visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/.
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[…] The first time we stayed at a non-Disney property and other two times, we stayed at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Coronado Springs Resort. And staying on Disney property makes the […]