AoA - Anyone else not impressed??

[mefordis]

From the pictures it just looks so cold and uninviting. The buildings look like concrete prisons with painted murals (minus the barbed wire and watchtowers). Maybe it's just the pictures and I have to see it in person, but based on the pictures... don't want.

 

[bdoyledimou]

not here -- to me it just draws me in and demonstrates immersion. Could it be that the pictures lack texture and depth? I guess i will find out in August!

Maybe some of the first guests can share their thoughts?

 

[WDWKOOK]

From the pictures it just looks so cold and uninviting. The buildings look like concrete prisons with painted murals (minus the barbed wire and watchtowers). Maybe it's just the pictures and I have to see it in person, but based on the pictures... don't want.

Perhaps you still have these unflattering images in your head of when AoA was "The Legendary Years"?

http://www.explorethemagic.com/photos/Disney-World/Resorts/Pop-Century/Legendary-Years/100_3609

http://jimhillmedia.com/columnists1/b/jeff_lange/archive/2006/04/13/1813.aspx

 

[mike the canuck]

It looks fantastic! It looks super impressive! and an under water sound system that's so cool. I'm staying there in Dec. I'm so pumped!

 

[RalphinSC]

From walking over there today, the Cars section is going to have some incredible sight lines to it. The theming looks great and is very immersive. I thought it looked quite inviting.

 

[umichigan10]

Maybe it could also be because 3/4 of it is unfinished. However I can almost connect to the ops statement when looking at the lobby; it looked as though if kinda had an empty feel to it

 

[serene56]

after seeing the grand canyon in person i learned never to judge by a photo alone. after looking arpt your signature with the places you have stayed i dont think this value resort is for you

 

[PixiePoppins]

Staying at AoA right now...the pictures do not capture how vivid, beautiful and inviting this place is. You become part of the movies when you stay here...totally immersive. We love it. If you appreciate the artistry behind animation, the lobby is a real treat.

 

[helenk]

I own DVC but I want to stay at AOA soooo bad it looks amazing. My grand-daughter who is 4 was looking at the pictures with me today and loved the Finding Nemo section. I am going to WDW in September and want to go over to AOA to get some pictures of my own, but I most definately want to book a vacation there...and soon

 

[tink15823]

I think it looks great. Not to impressed with the dinning menu but I can always walk over to pop to eat. Were 118 days away and switched from BC to Aoa . To each there own I guess .

 

[DW2010]

Gosh, I think it looks great. But to each their own, we don't go on vacation often, and when we do, we stay at places that won't cost us an arm and a leg .

 

[*Fantasia*]

From the pictures it just looks so cold and uninviting. The buildings look like concrete prisons with painted murals (minus the barbed wire and watchtowers). Maybe it's just the pictures and I have to see it in person, but based on the pictures... don't want.

Just like with the All Star Resorts and POP.. not everyone is impressed with the buildings. They see it like a big box of concretes. And to some others, they see it as a fun, vibrant, "in your face Disney."

I'm assuming that you don't care for any value resorts, because they are pretty much alike.. concrete looking with the big icons, and "in your face Disney."

 

[Yellosno]

Maybe its because I have been a lot of watching lockup recently but I can see the lay out resembling prison, but then again every hotel can resemble prison based on layout.

 

[rachel09985]

I hope they finish some of the murals on the Cars and Lion King buildings. They are still just outlines and I am not sure if they are going to finish them. I also do not like the check in area. It does look very empty and like something is missing. They need some sort of benches in there or something for people waiting- kind of like Pop. I also don't like the tables in the dining area- they look uncomfortable and no booths like at Pop!

Other than those three things I really really like the resort and can't wait to stay there!

 

[Carlyzmom]

I totally love them!!! Can't wait to go!!

 

[raven69david]

I'm here now and we love this resort. What you've seen in pics does not capture how beautiful this resort really is. I hope to post some pics next week of the resort after we return home.

 

[Missyrose]

I hope they finish some of the murals on the Cars and Lion King buildings. They are still just outlines and I am not sure if they are going to finish them.

If you're talking about the single-character murals on each building, they're meant to look like sketches. I don't think they're ever going to be colored in.

Nemo building is finished and its sketches remain sketches.

Photos are both from EasyWDW.com.

 

[CarolineB]

I hope they finish some of the murals on the Cars and Lion King buildings. They are still just outlines and I am not sure if they are going to finish them. I also do not like the check in area. It does look very empty and like something is missing. They need some sort of benches in there or something for people waiting- kind of like Pop. I also don't like the tables in the dining area- they look uncomfortable and no booths like at Pop!

Other than those three things I really really like the resort and can't wait to stay there!

The benches in the Pop lobby are up against the wall but the benches in AoA are bigger and not against the wall. They looked like rectangular ottomans -- I remember looking at them because a CM pointed at a hidden mickey in each one.

I didn't notice any issues with the tables in AoA.

 

[laura_<3]

I love the appearance of the resort Would love to visit one day.

 

[jupers]

I agree with the OP...

No desire at all to stay here. I'd take POR any day over the pics I've seen.