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

[mickeyfan0805]

You know what I would love? A video. Someone start our at the furthest Cars and walk to the buses , them the furthest LM and to the buses , and just let the tape roll. I have mapquested and google mapped it several times and unless someone is walking tiptoe and stopping at every flower, icon and climber, I just can not see how it us 15 minutes from LM to the bus stop. I did the same for the walk from ASSports football rooms to the food court (a room I have stayed in before) and it is still longer than the LM room.

Yep - I did a similar thing out of curiosity. I got 4/10's of a mile from the farthest point at the LM rooms to the center of Animation Hall. Even at a leisurely pace of roughly 2.5mph, that's a 10 minute walk.

 

[sturowski]

We stayed in little mermaid in September. We timed each walk and it took us 6-7minutes normally from room to food/bus stop.. One time took 10 minutes but the kids were slacking a bit.. I have had much further walks at CBR and POR..

 

[sunnydays28]

We stayed in little mermaid in September. We timed each walk and it took us 6-7minutes normally from room to food/bus stop.. One time took 10 minutes but the kids were slacking a bit.. I have had much further walks at CBR and POR..

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! thank you!!

 

[Jacindyyy]

I have not read the review you mentioned, but even Disney screws up sometimes. Disney is not perfect and some complaints are valid.

Without reading the review, I have no idea if this person has a valid complaint or not.

We are staying in the LM rooms and I'm dreading it, honestly. Once I'm off the bus, I don't want to trudge another 10-15 mins to get to my room.

It's about 4 mins to the room. 5 or 6 tops if you walk slower!
The walk is not far at all, I have a knee condition and still it didn't bother me. :/

 

[Jays2013]

We are a family of four and we're staying in a suite. However, we also had a bit of a windfall right before booking our trip, which made it more feasible. (Otherwise we'd be crammed in a Pop room. And still very happy about it. )

We considered staying at AKL ... which is where DH and I spent our honeymoon, and we have a seriously soft spot for it ... but when looking at the two resorts, just decided AoA was the best option for our family right now.

I'm pretty sure the boys will like the AoA theming better, as much as DH and I love AKL. And the suite layout lets them have their own bed and "room," which is key with restless-sleeper DS8 and active DS4. The kitchette will help a lot, as will the two bathrooms. And when traveling with two small children ... neither of whom have been away for such an extended vacation before ... I think the space will be key for all of us.

And I'd be lying if I didn't say DH is pleased we'll have our own room.

It's all about what's right, and possible, for individual families.

 

[ManyMinnie]

It's about 4 mins to the room. 5 or 6 tops if you walk slower!
The walk is not far at all, I have a knee condition and still it didn't bother me. :/

I'll find out in a few weeks.

 

[Marblies]

We are a family of four and we're staying in a suite. However, we also had a bit of a windfall right before booking our trip, which made it more feasible. (Otherwise we'd be crammed in a Pop room. And still very happy about it. )

And I'd be lying if I didn't say DH is pleased we'll have our own room.

It's all about what's right, and possible, for individual families.

You may end up with a really expensive souvie.

 

[coruth4]

Thanks for all the feedback! My son is looking forward to the Cars suite & originally we were prepared to bite the bullet this one time only. I guess we will have to wait and see how finances shake out & if there are any discounts. It seems that it's the novelty of the resort that seems to be drawing people there - for one stay at least. I wonder how many guests will end up returning or changing to different resorts on future trips due to the cost.
Thank you again for everyone's thoughts on the matter - it has helped!

 

[dmbcanada]

It's about 4 mins to the room. 5 or 6 tops if you walk slower!
The walk is not far at all, I have a knee condition and still it didn't bother me. :/

I look forward to finding out that it only takes 5 minutes! I am training just in case it takes longer.

 

[Jimbo352]

I am traveling there in August with 2, 2 1/2 yr olds, is there any other resorts anyone recommends with kids that little??? And maybe this should be in a different thread but we made reservations for dinner 1 night at chef mickeys, someone just told me it was gross for dinner and to go there for breakfast??? Please help a confused parent who wants to make the Tripp perfect for everyone!!!

 

[coruth4]

I am traveling there in August with 2, 2 1/2 yr olds, is there any other resorts anyone recommends with kids that little??? And maybe this should be in a different thread but we made reservations for dinner 1 night at chef mickeys, someone just told me it was gross for dinner and to go there for breakfast??? Please help a confused parent who wants to make the Tripp perfect for everyone!!!

We eat at Chef Mickey every trip for dinner as a tradition. It is a standard buffet meal with buffet style food. My only suggestion may be to try & schedule your meal at the beginning of the switch from breakfast to lunch/dinner - so the food is fresh.
We don't find the food any worse than Crystal Palace or any of the other buffets on site.

 

[mom2rtk]

I am traveling there in August with 2, 2 1/2 yr olds, is there any other resorts anyone recommends with kids that little??? And maybe this should be in a different thread but we made reservations for dinner 1 night at chef mickeys, someone just told me it was gross for dinner and to go there for breakfast??? Please help a confused parent who wants to make the Tripp perfect for everyone!!!

Only you know how picky you and your family members are. Just keep in mind some people here on the DIS fancy themselves to be professional food critics. It's nothing to write home about, but I have never considered it "gross". As the PP said, it is typical buffet food. Fish, chicken, potatoes, broccoli, salad, etc. Kids will have items like pizza, chicken nuggets etc but can choose anything on the buffet they like. No, it's not a gourmet dining experience, but it's not gross.

Chef Mickey is fun and a great family tradition for us.

 

[1153rsmith]

I am traveling there in August with 2, 2 1/2 yr olds, is there any other resorts anyone recommends with kids that little??? And maybe this should be in a different thread but we made reservations for dinner 1 night at chef mickeys, someone just told me it was gross for dinner and to go there for breakfast??? Please help a confused parent who wants to make the Tripp perfect for everyone!!!

As far as the resort goes... I think it depends on what your children like. My kids are much older now, but my DD loves Ariel and my son loves Toy Story. That makes AoA and All-star Movies a good fit for us... however, they have enjoyed every place we have stayed. Each Disney resort has something for everyone to like in my opinion.

As far as Chef Mickey's goes, we have only been once and it was for Breakfast, so I can't speak to dinner. However, as PPs have said, breakfast was your typical buffet breakfast, but we were there mainly for the atmosphere... We would do it again in a heartbeat. We would do dinner as well. The character interaction is pretty good, and that is what really counts... because there are certainly cheaper places to eat near disney.

 

[DISvirgin1]

You know what I would love? A video. Someone start our at the furthest Cars and walk to the buses , them the furthest LM and to the buses , and just let the tape roll. I have mapquested and google mapped it several times and unless someone is walking tiptoe and stopping at every flower, icon and climber, I just can not see how it us 15 minutes from LM to the bus stop. I did the same for the walk from ASSports football rooms to the food court (a room I have stayed in before) and it is still longer than the LM room.

I don't think it took 15 minutes - it did take about 5-7 tops.

 

[TJDisneymama]

37 more days for us!! My kids are going to be *thrilled* with AoA, I'm sure. They don't even know we're going yet.

 

[kimkarli]

Has anyone had the opportunity to do the drawing lessons offered in the lobby? Is only for little kids? I will be traveling with my daughter, niece & nephew. I think they would like this! 4 more days!!!!!!

 

[Chavaleh]

66 more days for us. I really hope they're doing the animation lessons when we go and that they're not just aimed at the littles because I have a 14 year old daughter who actually wants to be an animator so I know she'd love it!

Time can go fast enough right now. Wish I could zoom ahead and then just slow that WDW week down.

 

[kimkarli]

My DD is 13 and I am hoping the lessons have older and younger kids!! SO won't want to do it if it is only young kids.

 

[jackie311]

Hello! I will be staying at AOA next month with my 1 year old (and 3 yr old)and was wondering if anyone knows if they have rollaway cribs or pack n' plays?

 

[jdcthree]

Hello! I will be staying at AOA next month with my 1 year old (and 3 yr old)and was wondering if anyone knows if they have rollaway cribs or pack n' plays?

Yes, you can request one. I believe it's a pack and play.