Disney's ART OF ANIMATION RESORT Information & Questions

[Mskay1216]

The table bed is right by the door, so they will hear anyone who is in the hallway. I requested and got fourth floor to limit the number of people who would have to walk by our room, but you could clearly hear doors closing and people talking in the hall. I offered to buy a fan, but DD was fine with a downloaded app. She sleeps with an air cleaner on at home, so she is used to some white noise.[/Q

Thank you!!!

 

[bluezy]

It might depend on where your room is. My 11 year old slept on the Murphy bed in our room in the Cars section in February. He didn't hear any extra noise and slept great. He loved it.

I agree. I think the noise level can vary greatly depending on the room location. We've been in the LK section twice. Both times we were on the 4th floor within a door or two of the stairwell closest to the main building/Nemo section. On both of those occasions the adult or teeneager who slept in the murphy bed said while they could occasionally hear people talking as they walked by and often heard the exterior door "click" closed (it didn't slam, but it wasn't exactly quiet), they really only noticed it during the hours they were awake and it was never loud enough to wake them up during the night. I think that was due to 2 main reasons: 1) I don't think our floor/wing was at full occupancy during either stay at Lion King. We rarely saw anyone else on our floor during those trips and rarely saw any mousekeeping carts. And 2) I think most people who are on the 4th floor choose to walk to the middle of the building and use the elevators rather than the stairs, so there were very few people walking past our room.


Our most recent trip we were in the Nemo section and I used the Touring Plans room request fax service to specifically request a room in Bldg. 5, on the 1st floor, but in the wing that stretches out towards the Lion King section. I knew the "main hallway" would get a lot of foot traffic at all hours of the day and night so I wanted to be in the other wing. We got our request and we didn't have any noise issues -- not in the hall, not above us, and not next door. And I know that every room was occupied (I asked mousekeeping one day because it was always so quiet on our hall yet there were always mousekeeping carts all over the place).


We tried to be very courteous when in the hallways -- we whispered when we talked in the hallway and we always tried to hold the door (both exterior and our room) so that it would close very gently and quietly. Unfortunately, not every family has those rules.

 

[Ellajoan]

We got back about 2 weeks ago and here was our take....

What we liked:

Theming was the best--adorable in the rooms, food court, main building, etc. A bit loud with the colors but very fun. We enjoyed pool hopping to get a feel for each pool. The Cozy Cone pool in the car section was themed the best.

Food Court--impressed with the food taste and quantity. Didn't have a bad meal. Also appreciated the large variety of choices for the refillable mugs. My sister was at the AKL, and their drink choices were fewer and not as good. Also agree that the take-out pizza was a great deal, and pizza was decent. Liked the real silverware and dishes.

Proximity to Pop--had fun walking to that resort and trying out their food court.

The beds-- more comfortable than what we expected after reading complaints on the boards. A bit firm, but still very comfy.

Bus Service--only used this 2 times, but both times it was quick and buses weren't too crowded.

Animation Drawing Class--we did this multiple times, we loved it so much! A definite highlight of our stay there.

Grounds: The foliage at this place was gorgeous! If you took the time to notice the change in plants from each section (jungle plants, sea type plants) it was impressive. Also, appreciated how the atmosphere and music subtly changed from themed area to themed area.

Activities--lots to do for my kids (teens and tweens), as it is as most resorts now.

What we didn't like:

Check-in--The person checking us in had the personality of a cardboard box, spoke so quickly I didn't understand her, and just seemed annoyed by doing her job. It was also noted on her name tag that she was a trainer (not a trainee). YIKES! We checked in before our room was ready, and she couldn't get our magic bands to work to open the pool gate. Took about 20 minutes and she still couldn't do it. Noted on our ressie that we were celebrating Jack's graduation and our anniversary, so she threw some pins at me (literally) and congratulated me on Jack's anniversary. I corrected her with a smile, and she said "Yeah, yeah. Sure." Was not a crowded check in time, so maybe she was having a bad day.

Cleanliness of our room--not good. Carpet not very clean, found a pair of dirty underwear in the bathroom from previous guests (ew), and found a child's bracelet and contact lens case under the couch (also not ours). No biggie, but I expected better.

The noise. We were in the Lion King Building closest to the main hall on the first floor, and our room was next to exterior doors. Any time those doors were opened or closed, all of our doors made a slamming sound and woke us up. We put heavy stuff in front of the main door, and kept the door to the queen bedroom open to make it quieter.

Music in Animation Hall/Main Building--Ok, this is going to sound like I'm a crazy person, but I will say it. They repeated the same 15 or so songs over and over. I don't know how anyone working there does not lose their minds. I'm a person who loves/notices music, but even my kids were wondering why they kept hearing Ashley Tisdale's version of "Kiss the Girl" for the 20th time. Rant over.

Would we stay there again? Yes, but only for a few nights, not for a full week. Overall, the pluses definitely outweighed the minuses.

 

[bluezy]

We got back about 2 weeks ago and here was our take....

...
Music in Animation Hall/Main Building--Ok, this is going to sound like I'm a crazy person, but I will say it. They repeated the same 15 or so songs over and over. I don't know how anyone working there does not lose their minds. I'm a person who loves/notices music, but even my kids were wondering why they kept hearing Ashley Tisdale's version of "Kiss the Girl" for the 20th time. Rant over.

It's funny you should mention the music....I don't think you're a crazy person at all! We just got back from our 3rd stay at AoA (I think we must have been there around the same time as you) and the first thing we noticed when we walked into the food court was that they were still playing THE SAME 10 SONGS AS THE FIRST TIME WE STAYED THERE IN 2013!!!!! Our daughters noticed that they did add one new one, but other than that, it's the same songs over and over and over. We were tired of the songs by the end of the first day because we've already heard them on 2 previous stays. They really need to change that up. I should have complained about that to guest services when they called me last week (I had sent an e-mail letting them know that the hallway carpeting in Bldg. 5 of the Nemo buildings is beyond the point of needing to be replaced. There are literally hundreds of stains on it and many of them are as large as a small dinner plate. Totally disgusting -- and I'm not usually one to notice every little thing, but these were blatantly obvious. Even my kids commented on them. Thankfully the carpeting in our suite was completely stain free).

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

What we didn't like:

Music in Animation Hall/Main Building--Ok, this is going to sound like I'm a crazy person, but I will say it. They repeated the same 15 or so songs over and over. I don't know how anyone working there does not lose their minds. I'm a person who loves/notices music, but even my kids were wondering why they kept hearing Ashley Tisdale's version of "Kiss the Girl" for the 20th time. Rant over.

Hahaha - I don't think you are crazy at all! DD17 complained a few times that she didn't get why they kept playing the same bad pop music versions of Disney movie songs - we all wished they would have just played the original versions. We heard far too much Ashley Tisdale and Miley Cyrus.

 

[slbgnb]

I'm a little concerned about this noise everyone is speaking of....we are staying in the LK suite in Sept. What would be the best thing to request to have the best chance of less noise? Close to elevator (that way we would be away from stairs), 1st floor, something else? Thanks!

 

[areno79]

Hi everyone! Hubby and I are staying here for the first time in December. It will be our first visit alone since 2003! I know a lot of people say adults would more enjoy the mods or deluxe resorts, but I love the Little Mermaid so we're staying in that section. My travel agent did request a King bed for us, but I was wondering if anyone knew if the king bed rooms were scattered throughout the floors, or if they are in one section/floor? I had knee surgery a few months ago so stairs are a little tough for me...so a first floor room would be preferable. Thanks!

 

[Tbone17701]

Hi all! I was hoping someone has current info on the walking distance to the bus stop for AOA at the parks? Reluctantly considering a stay next summer due to kids' schedules and I do NOT play well with heat and humidity. We did a LK suite in 2012, but are taking my teen niece and nephew for their first onsite stay and they are really drawn to the AOA themes. I recall from our previous value stays always feeling like the trek to and from the the buses was a haul and a half and it's giving me pause about booking AOA in the summer. We spend a lot of time at MK and we've been spoiled by WL of late. However, 5 bodies makes that a no go this trip. While I'm at it...are there still no towels at the pools?

 

[bluezy]

I'm a little concerned about this noise everyone is speaking of....we are staying in the LK suite in Sept. What would be the best thing to request to have the best chance of less noise? Close to elevator (that way we would be away from stairs), 1st floor, something else? Thanks!

In 3 stays at AoA, I wouldn't say we had any noise "problems". We could hear noise in the hall but I wouldn't classify it as a problem. Having said that, my suggestions for less noise are to request the 4th floor. You'll have very little foot traffic there and we've never found that floor to be fully occupied -- though keep in mind that location will require going up and down the steps at the ends of the wings or walking to the center of the building to use the elevators every time you come and go from the building. First floor is going to have a lot of walk-through traffic so if you're on the long/main hall, you're going to hear people talking while they're walking through the hall. You'll also hear the exterior doors close if you're near those. You're going to hear your neighbors door close regardless of where you're located. I really think most people find the noise levels acceptable. If you have little kids who take naps or go to bed early and are going to wake up at every little sound, then you will probably want to try to position yourself somewhere in the building that's a little removed from the exterior doors and foot traffic. If you have all adults or tweens/teens who are going to be up early and out late and like most tweens/teens can sleep through anything, I wouldn't worry about it. If you're really concerned, I would suggest using the room request fax service at touringplans.com to request a specific room/area that will likely be a little more quiet.

Hi everyone! Hubby and I are staying here for the first time in December. It will be our first visit alone since 2003! I know a lot of people say adults would more enjoy the mods or deluxe resorts, but I love the Little Mermaid so we're staying in that section. My travel agent did request a King bed for us, but I was wondering if anyone knew if the king bed rooms were scattered throughout the floors, or if they are in one section/floor? I had knee surgery a few months ago so stairs are a little tough for me...so a first floor room would be preferable. Thanks!

There are king rooms on every floor of every building. They're all clustered in the center of the building near the elevators. Keep in mind that even though your travel agent requested a King for you, there's no guarantee that you'll get it and unless you have a medical need (most king rooms are handicap accessible) there's a good chance you *won't* get a king room. Add a request for first floor on top of that and you've really narrowed down the options. Regardless of what type of room you get and what floor it is on, there are elevators in every building so you won't need to use the stairs.

Hi all! I was hoping someone has current info on the walking distance to the bus stop for AOA at the parks? Reluctantly considering a stay next summer due to kids' schedules and I do NOT play well with heat and humidity. We did a LK suite in 2012, but are taking my teen niece and nephew for their first onsite stay and they are really drawn to the AOA themes. I recall from our previous value stays always feeling like the trek to and from the the buses was a haul and a half and it's giving me pause about booking AOA in the summer. We spend a lot of time at MK and we've been spoiled by WL of late. However, 5 bodies makes that a no go this trip. While I'm at it...are there still no towels at the pools?

The bus stops for AoA are still about the farthest out at each of the parks as well as Disney Springs. I don't know the logic for that -- a suite at AoA runs close to the same price as a standard room at many Deluxe resorts so it can't be based on price. One of the years we stayed at AoA, they actually had stops at two parks (can't remember which two) that were much closer to the front of the bus stops but that changed shortly after we stayed there. We always feel that while it is a long walk in general to the AoA stops at the parks, it's a really insignificant number of steps when you look at your overall walking distance for the day. We always go in June so I sympathize with you on the heat and humidity. But at that point in the day (when leaving the park), I'm already soaked in sweat so what's another minute of walking??? At least the bus service for AoA is usually very good so we know we'll be in an air-conditioned bus in less than 5 minutes.

As far as towels at the pools. In 3 stays at AoA (2013, 2015, 20160) there have never been towels specifically at the pools but there has *always* been carts of towels on the first floor of each building right by the elevators. Fully stocked every morning and restocked in the afternoon. You can also request that mousekeeping bring extra towels to the room (or leave a note to have them leave extras in the morning) or ask at the front desk -- they have towels there.

 

[slbgnb]

In 3 stays at AoA, I wouldn't say we had any noise "problems". We could hear noise in the hall but I wouldn't classify it as a problem. Having said that, my suggestions for less noise are to request the 4th floor. You'll have very little foot traffic there and we've never found that floor to be fully occupied -- though keep in mind that location will require going up and down the steps at the ends of the wings or walking to the center of the building to use the elevators every time you come and go from the building. First floor is going to have a lot of walk-through traffic so if you're on the long/main hall, you're going to hear people talking while they're walking through the hall. You'll also hear the exterior doors close if you're near those. You're going to hear your neighbors door close regardless of where you're located. I really think most people find the noise levels acceptable. If you have little kids who take naps or go to bed early and are going to wake up at every little sound, then you will probably want to try to position yourself somewhere in the building that's a little removed from the exterior doors and foot traffic. If you have all adults or tweens/teens who are going to be up early and out late and like most tweens/teens can sleep through anything, I wouldn't worry about it. If you're really concerned, I would suggest using the room request fax service at touringplans.com to request a specific room/area that will likely be a little more quiet.

Great...thanks! Kids are 14, 12 & 9....no naps for sure! Now that I really think about it, my kids never wake up for even the loudest of thunder storms, so I think they'll be fine!!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I'm a little concerned about this noise everyone is speaking of....we are staying in the LK suite in Sept. What would be the best thing to request to have the best chance of less noise? Close to elevator (that way we would be away from stairs), 1st floor, something else? Thanks!

I don't think it is a particularly noisy resort - it is just that the table bed is right next to the door. In most hotel rooms, there is a bit of a buffer between the bed and the door (whether it is an entryway or sitting area or the bathroom near the front of the room), but the table bed is right there. DD13 heard doors closing (not slamming) and people talking in the hall. During our trip, we got up early some days and slept in a bit some days - she was most likely to hear people leaving in the morning on days that we were trying to sleep a bit later. Of course, they probably heard us come back to the room at 3 am, as hard as we tried to be quiet.

DD17 didn't hear anything from the sofa bed.

 

[osully]

staying in a little mermaid standard room. is there any point to filling out room request or will they all be in the same area?
i.e. none will be closer to transportation or food.

 

[bluezy]

staying in a little mermaid standard room. is there any point to filling out room request or will they all be in the same area?
i.e. none will be closer to transportation or food.

The Little Mermaid buildings are all grouped together at one end of the resort. There's a map of the resort on the first post of this thread. Buildings 7 & 9 are closer to food and transportation than Building 8.

 

[Tbone17701]

The bus stops for AoA are still about the farthest out at each of the parks as well as Disney Springs. I don't know the logic for that -- a suite at AoA runs close to the same price as a standard room at many Deluxe resorts so it can't be based on price. One of the years we stayed at AoA, they actually had stops at two parks (can't remember which two) that were much closer to the front of the bus stops but that changed shortly after we stayed there. We always feel that while it is a long walk in general to the AoA stops at the parks, it's a really insignificant number of steps when you look at your overall walking distance for the day. We always go in June so I sympathize with you on the heat and humidity. But at that point in the day (when leaving the park), I'm already soaked in sweat so what's another minute of walking??? At least the bus service for AoA is usually very good so we know we'll be in an air-conditioned bus in less than 5 minutes.

As far as towels at the pools. In 3 stays at AoA (2013, 2015, 20160) there have never been towels specifically at the pools but there has *always* been carts of towels on the first floor of each building right by the elevators. Fully stocked every morning and restocked in the afternoon. You can also request that mousekeeping bring extra towels to the room (or leave a note to have them leave extras in the morning) or ask at the front desk -- they have towels there.

Thanks for the info! I don't know why I consider walking right out of a park to a boat launch or monorail versus a bus such a luxury after putting in 10+ miles at the parks, but I do. I'm sure I'd mind much less in December. Anywho, the towel cart in each building is a plus!

 

[areno79]

Thanks, bluezy! I know there is no guarantee on getting a King, just crossing my fingers and hoping they have one available when I'm there!

 

[amber_cntrygrl]

Super excited for our first stay at AoA in May 2017! We've booked at this resort several times since it opened, and always end up changing due to discounts being available at other resorts. I'm not changing this time though, by gosh! We'll be there for Mother's Day, and will also be celebrating my boys birthdays. They can't wait to swim in the Big Blue Pool!!

 

[slbgnb]

Are there wine/bottle openers in the suites?

 

[sticker231]

Are there wine/bottle openers in the suites?

Yes

 

[slbgnb]

Yes

Thanks!

 

[osully]

47 days til check in at AOA! first time staying on disney property for me, and i haven't been to WDW since 1998!