Disney's Art of Animation Resort Info Thread! Mouseketeers welcome!

[TJDisneymama]

Hi all! I'm planning a trip for my family of 2 adults and 2 children (3 and 5) for 4/2 to 4/7/13 and although the AoA family suite sounds like a great idea, the rate is not something I can easily afford ($477/day). I couldn't find any special discount available on the reservation site. Maybe I'm not looking in the right place. Can someone give me a hint?

We originally checked out Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort because of the space and cost, but that is also unavailable for our dates. For a reasonably priced one-bedroom suite (preferably with at least a kitchenette and pools with sandy beaches), which resorts would be our best bets, either in or outside of Disney? Or are we simply too late in the game to get anything of that criteria?

AoA is coming up $360/nt. with the spring discount. ASMU family suites would be cheaper at $299/nt.

 

[Newbie123]

There's no curtain between the two living areas but the layout keeps them feeling separate. Also the door to the private bedroom is by the table and chairs, plenty of space though.

Thank you!!

 

[rizzo0904]

Wow, now I feel a lot better about my $193/night!

 

[jcarwash]

We are considering AoA for our next stay. We have stayed at POP 3 times and loved the atmosphere, thought the food court was fine but a little crowded, didn't mind the busses, only complaint was the beds weren't as comfy. We have also stayed at POR, CBR, CSR, and WL. I am weird but of all our stays POP seemed the most disney to me. My son has never stayed at a value and I think he would like the larger than life icons. He does swim but really didn't take advantage of slides. He did love the pirate pool at CBR though. My biggest issue is that we are a family of 3 and only have the one son. DH thinks the little mermaid rooms will be to girly but I think who cares we are at disney. Also think we can enjoy the theming of the outdoor areas regardless of what room we are in. I know DS would love cars theme but I can't see paying more than double for the three of us just for a different room theme at the same resort. What do you guys think? LM to girly?

Like you I'd pick a Cars suite if money were no object, but in reality the price point difference is huge. The LM rooms are decorated to be Disney rooms, not girl rooms, and so I think your thinking is right -- you're at Disney in a themed room, and so if you really want to stay at AoA the standard Little Mermaid rooms are the way to go. Besides, will you avoid riding the new Little Mermaid attraction because it's too girly?

 

[tarzansmom]

Like you I'd pick a Cars suite if money were no object, but in reality the price point difference is huge. The LM rooms are decorated to be Disney rooms, not girl rooms, and so I think your thinking is right -- you're at Disney in a themed room, and so if you really want to stay at AoA the standard Little Mermaid rooms are the way to go. Besides, will you avoid riding the new Little Mermaid attraction because it's too girly?

Heck no. I love little mermaid. My son has seen all the princess movies because I watch them. Any idea how much of a walk they are to busses, food court, etc? My husband says they look quite far and that is his other objection. He wants to stay at pop again. People help me change his mind.

 

[emsmommy323]

Hi, I'm sure this question has been answered before but I haven't found an answer yet. Are standard rooms only available in the Little Mermaid theme? Anytime I do a search for rooms on the reservations page, the only room theme that comes up for standard is LM.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Are there two full baths in the Family Suites at AoA? From the diagrams I'm seeing it seems to be only one full bath (w/tub and shower) and another 1/2 bath (toilet and sink only)?

 

[whitney37354]

Hi, I'm sure this question has been answered before but I haven't found an answer yet. Are standard rooms only available in the Little Mermaid theme? Anytime I do a search for rooms on the reservations page, the only room theme that comes up for standard is LM.

Yes. All other themes are suites.

 

[jcarwash]

Are there two full baths in the Family Suites at AoA? From the diagrams I'm seeing it seems to be only one full bath (w/tub and shower) and another 1/2 bath (toilet and sink only)?

It's two full baths -- one has a tub, one has a walk-in shower.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Thank you for clarifying!

 

[emsmommy323]

Well that seems a bit limiting....sorry boys!

 

[EpcotBill]

Well that seems a bit limiting....sorry boys!

What seems a bit limiting?

 

[emsmommy323]

To only have LM themed standard rooms. No biggie to me, it just surprises me is all.

 

[kcool]

Any updates on the thermostat situation from people who have recently stayed?

I will be honest, the thermostat issue drove me insane! It is not that I wanted it cooler than 68 in the room, but I like air to be moving. It was often stuffy when we would get back to the room and I would have to get up during the night to mess with the thermostat. I would press the fan button 3x and it would get it running again. We were there 11 nights, Dec 21-Jan 2nd, so we had warm and cold days, but the room was always stuffy when we got back. It only took a few minutes to make it feel better. We would stay there again, but it is something that might make me think twice.

 

[DisneyATlast]

Well that seems a bit limiting....sorry boys!

I agree! I have one boy and one girl and I really want to stay at AoA after seeing all the pics! But....I really, really don't need a family suite bc the standard room is plenty for us! Oh well...girls win this one. I'm just going to go with the, "Our room was a surprise! I didn't get to pick it out!" when he wants to know why I didn't get CARS instead! Lion King or Nemo would be neutral, but I don't want to shell out the extra cash just so he can look at a different comforter set and shower curtain.

 

[FoxwithEars]

AoA looks amazing!! Disney really outdid themselves on this resort!

 

[mom2cgj]

I didn't see this mentioned anywhere, so forgive me if I'm repeating information

I just did online checkin on the new website and was able to request floor levels and lakeview or landscape view. I believe there was also "close to elevator" and "close to transportation" as choices. I know there was a lot of discussion about this at one point because it wasn't available, so I thought I'd let you all know!

 

[mom2rtk]

I didn't see this mentioned anywhere, so forgive me if I'm repeating information

I just did online checkin on the new website and was able to request floor levels and lakeview or landscape view. I believe there was also "close to elevator" and "close to transportation" as choices. I know there was a lot of discussion about this at one point because it wasn't available, so I thought I'd let you all know!

If you're staying in LM and are looking for the shortest walk, I'd suggest "closest to elevator". Closest to transportation will put you on the end of the building, but there is no path to the walkway from there. You still have to walk back to mid-building (near the elevator) to enter the walkway.

 

[wagnergirls]

If you're staying in LM and are looking for the shortest walk, I'd suggest "closest to elevator". Closest to transportation will put you on the end of the building, but there is no path to the walkway from there. You still have to walk back to mid-building (near the elevator) to enter the walkway.

good to know! thanks!

 

[locura79]

I just did online checkin on the new website and was able to request floor levels and lakeview or landscape view. I believe there was also "close to elevator" and "close to transportation" as choices. I know there was a lot of discussion about this at one point because it wasn't available, so I thought I'd let you all know!

How were you able to check in online? I've been trying for hours and just keep getting the Goofy error.

I'm really anxious to check in since I'm arriving in 3 days and had no idea prior to this afternoon that you could check in online ahead of time. Obviously, I'm new here.