The Art of Animation opened to guests on May 31, 2012. The resort is opening in phases with Phase 1 (Nemo Suites and Big Blue Pool) and Phase 2 (Cars Suite and Cozy Cone Pool) already open.
The next phase to open is the Lion King on August 10th. Disney Parks Blog released this photo recently of the Mufasa Sculpture as a sneak peek.
The Lion King section will feature the Elephant Graveyard Playground (no pool in this section). An elephant skull will be 16 feet tall and expect to see hyenas coming over the rocks. While it won’t be identical to the film, you will certainly notice similaries. The same for the “Hakuna Matata” scene where Timon, Pumbaa, and Young Simba walk across the bridge.
It was previously announced that inside the Lion King Suites you can expect to see ZaZu on the headboards and Pumbaa and TImon on the Shower Curtain!
AllEars has some additional photos to share with you that we’ve taken from the guest side of the fence to further whet your appetite.
AllEars will have full photo and video coverage when the Lion King Suites open in August!
We have videos and stills galore of the already opened sections:
Fact Sheet and Resort Videos /acc/faq_artan.htm
Our Resort Overview: /acc/issue663.htm
Recreation Activities: /blogs/kristin-ford/2012/06/disneys_art_of_animation_offer_1.html
Extensive photo blog: /blogs/jackspence/2012/06/art_of_animation_resort.html
The Grand Opening Report: /blogs/debwills/2012/05/the_art_of_animation_resort_of.html
Thanks so much for the updates on the new resort! My friends and I would like to stay in one of the suites soon, but aren’t sure that the beds will be comfortable for six adults. Are the pull-down beds a true double bed size?
Hi Deb, i was wandering if the AofA will it’s
own bus service? thanks for all the updated info on this website.
AllEars: Art of Animation does have its own bus service. There is one stop outside of Animation Hall. It does not share buses with other resorts.
Hi! That you for the wonderful sneek peak. We will be there the day after it opens and can’t wait to see it in person. Also, we really appreciate all the hard work everyone on staff puts into Disney research so that our trips can be the best! Hakuna Matata!!
Hi Deb!
I’m sitting here sniffing the sun screen and dreaming about our 2013 trip. Looking at the price charts for the value resorts, I’m wondering if the Thanksgiving prices will be the same at AoA as they are at the All Stars (which happens to be the same as their summer rates). Just curious.
Thanks for your disneyesque attention to detail at this most wonderful site!
AllEars: The Little Mermaid section will probably be the same as AllStars/Pop Century. However the rest of Art of Animation are suites and priced higher.
Cannot wait to check this resort out! we will be there in 60 days 🙂 we are staying in Finding Nemo Suite and celebrating our son’s 4th birthday!! It looks amazing!!
Two more weeks until Lion King opens! We are going in September and staying in Little Mermaid. Hopefully there will be some more up-close photos of the Little Mermaid section once Lion King opens. It has been too long since I have seen anything new on AoA (when Cars opened) and I can’t wait to see everything complete in person. You have done a great job providing updates on each section as it is complete! Thanks so much.
That statue is actually Mufasa… Just fyi
OOPS – shame on me! Thanks and Corrected
Hi Deb: Thanks for the info on the new Art of Animation Resort, it looks amazing. My husband and I generally stay at Deluxe resorts like the Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge but we would love to check out Art of Animation. We have no children so have no need for a family suite, are the only standard guest rooms found in the Little Mermaid section of the resort?
Heading to Disney World in 51 days and looking forward to checking out AofA in person.
DEB: The only standard rooms are in the Little Mermaid section (opening last). You can always head over to AoA, walk around and dine at the Landscape of Flavors!
Deb,
First off, a HUGE THANK YOU to you and your crew for all the work you do providing us with this WONDERFUL website. I came across it while planning my 2nd trip to Disney World back in 2001 and have been a fan since! 8th trip is already planned for February…so excited!
We are so excited to be staying at the Art of Animation resort in a Lion King suite. Everything looks amazing so far!!
A little tid bit of information I was told by the wonderful Disney Rep. that booked my package….she said to be sure and ride the elevators in each building, getting off on each floor because there are different murals in each building on each floor near the elevators.
Just walking around this resort, looking at everything is going to be an adventure all on it’s own. Can’t Wait!!
Michelle
from Belle Chasse, LA