'Art of Animation'
Visit Experience
After staying in Art of Animation for almost a week I have determined it has a few flaws that ruined the experience overall for me. While they may not keep me from returning to stay here, I certainly will think twice and see what other resorts are available.
When I visited Art of Animation last November with my wife and son, I was thoroughly impressed with the Lobby and entrance to the main hall (See picture below). The decor, colors and sketches were so welcoming. Of course the cast member who assisted us was pleasant, friendly, accommodating and had a vast array of knowledge.
Right off the main lobby area is the 'Landscape of Flavors' quick service restaurant. This quick-service restaurant offers five different 'Food Shops'. There is also Pizza Delivery options for room service.
Additionally, off the lobby is the Arcade, and a small computer area where you can check in and print your return flight boarding passes. I've found this is becoming more common, but I have yet to see any Disney Resort do this as well as the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii. (I'll write a blog on this soon and link to it here)
When we arrived at the resort it was far too early in the morning for us to receive a room, so we checked in as far as we could, even receiving keys to a room. Rather than wait for a minimum of 5 hours (yes we were there REALLY early), we left our luggage, went out to the bus pick-up and headed off to Magic Kingdom.
When we returned we were able to head straight to our room from the bus drop-off. Little did we know that this walk would be longer than any we had done that day. After about 15 minutes of walking from the bus stop we arrived to our building. As most people recall when you visit the parks, especially with children, your legs are exhausted at the end of the first day. We had to walk through Find Nemo area, The Lion King area and finally arrived at The Little Mermaid area. It was easy to know this area was ours with the massive (at least 3 stories tall) King Triton out front.
However, we were unaware of where our room was located. A search ensued until we discovered it located on the bottom floor, facing the parking lot with the door on the outside of the building. I only point this out as I know many people are uncomfortable with staying in rooms that are not in a hallway inside the buildings, feeling less protected. However, don't let that persuade you from staying here. The Lion King building has the doors to the rooms on the inside of the building.
The other big concern for me was the dining area. The Art of Animation Resort is so big that the Landscape of Flavors quick-service food area was just over run with vacationers and understaffed with cast members. Everything was sticky, there was no cream for our coffee, although a young lady was near sweating trying to keep up with the beverage area. She refilled all the coffee, creamers and sugars as quickly as possible. I'm not fully aware of how many people were staying at the resort during our visit but it was fairly busy. However, with a resort that could easily have 10,000 people staying at it I'm not sure the dining area will ever truly be big enough. Had the young lady I saw had someone else assisting her it would have gone better I'm sure, but the only other person in the dining area was trying to keep the tables bussed. Unfortunately, they weren't successful either, resulting in floors, tables and most everything being sticky.
While I am split on my enjoyment of this resort, I stand my my previous assessment that I'd personally look to a different Value Resort or move up to a Moderate Resort over staying here again.
However, if Disney considered a possible transportation system at the resort it could improve my overall impression. Especially as there are rumors that the resort will continue to expand.
I hope you find this information helpful. To find out more about me please visit my profile page here: DisneyDan
Daniel Mullarkey
daniel@destinationsinflorida.com
Disney World, Disney Cruise, Disneyland, Disney Hawaii, and Adventures by Disney Specialist
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure Specialist
Orlando Travel Consultant
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure Specialist
Orlando Travel Consultant
Destinations in Florida Travel is your PremEAR Disney World and Orlando Vacation Planners - Top 2009 Disney Destinations Sales Performer and 2010 & 2011 Universal Studios Travel Agency Partner of the Year
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