Disney's Art of Animation Resort hotel

[jeanylaser]

thanks! I hope the AOA will have a Out Door Movies!

 

[MousekeMom]

ITA that Disney needs to be less girly. You won't find anyone who'd like to see it get less girly than I.

We just don't like Cars around here. Not all boys like that. It's great for the ones who do, though. I'd have preferred Stitch. Or, you know, MICKEY. The fab five. God forbid.

Ok, I haven't finished reading this thread, but I also thought a Fab Five theme would be great! They could include some Steamboat Willie theming in there too! My boys are both teens, but they would LOVE to see more of the main Disney characters included in these rooms. My oldest is a Goofy Fan, my youngest is a Donald fan, and I'm a Pluto fan....(I actually like the entire fab five...almost equally) and my hubby likes them all too. We all like Cars here too, but not like the classic characters....Disney needs to go back to the basics.

 

[jeanylaser]

thanks for the info!

 

[HeatherLassell]

I fell in LOVE with this resort.....and then I checked the prices and knew immediately there was no way I'd get to stay there.

So unless there is an amazing coupon that comes out we will be staying at Pop.

10 days, 11 nights at POP (with 8 day park hoppers) $2654

10 days, 11 nights at AOA (with 8 day park hoppers) and I got $4536

Yes I realise that it's a 'suite' but wow....that's like $2000 difference. I priced out rooms (yes again I know AOA are suites) at CSR, CBR, POR and all came in around $3600 using the same information.

I really would like to stay there....so here is hoping Disney blesses us with a PIN via e-mail or our vacation planning DVD!

*keeping in mind the reason I can't afford the $2000 difference is because I still have to pay for flights which are going to cost anywhere from $3000-4000. No such thing as a cheap flight from Winnipeg. lol*

 

[HeatherLassell]

Oh and while browsing all these pages (i may have skipped a few lol) I saw someone asking about the bridge.

(see the bridge?)

It looks like that is a yes about them opening the bridge. Which is cool. I'd like to walk across (IF we don't get to stay there...but at POP) and check out all the outdoor decorations. From the artist renderings I've seen it looks like they will all be awesome!

 

[Sunshine1987]

We just booked for June 2012 for AoA and despite the mixed opinions of this up and coming resort I am sooooooooo excited.

Here is what the CM told me prior to booking: The main area with shops, dining hall, etc. will be open as well as the main pool and splash play area in June of 2012. They will also have a playground and movie and recreation by the pool. The buses will pick-up outside the mail building and they are supposed to have their own transportation (but we will see). The rest of the resort will open in phases, with the Cars next then the Lion King and Mermaid sections by Dec 2012.

I am so looking forward to this trip! It will be my mother-in-laws first ever trip to WDW and since that makes 6 of us the timing is perfect for us to get the suite!!! Although, like some others, I do wish we could book a Cars or Lion King suite but I think the Nemo will be fun too!

The only downside for me is I am a bit of a research nut and always want to know what food to get at the food court, the best rooms for views, comfort etc... Since we will be staying when it first opens, NONE of that info is out there. For those going after me, I will be sure to post as much of that info as I can we we get back so others will have it!!!


This will be our first time at a "Value" since going when we just had two little ones. However, I consider these suites a moderate really both based on price and amenities (minus the slide at the pool and a ts restaurant). I priced the moderate resorts for 6 (CSR-casitas and the cabins - both are in the same price range).

Anyway, I love the theming at POP and the big icons and bright colors. I hope to venture over there to look around during our stay if the walk isn't too far. I did forget to ask the CM if the bridge would be open but I "assume" it will be. Hopefully!!!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

We just booked for June 2012 for AoA and despite the mixed opinions of this up and coming resort I am sooooooooo excited.

I'm excited for you! I don't know what we are going to do in August 2012 ... we are still debating between a MK area deluxe, AKL or AofA. I'm just worried about construction, etc. without the entire resort being open. Plus, I had my heart set on the Little Mermaid rooms and they won't be open at that point. Decisions, decisions...

 

[tink15823]

We just booked for June 2012 for AoA and despite the mixed opinions of this up and coming resort I am sooooooooo excited.

Here is what the CM told me prior to booking: The main area with shops, dining hall, etc. will be open as well as the main pool and splash play area in June of 2012. They will also have a playground and movie and recreation by the pool. The buses will pick-up outside the mail building and they are supposed to have their own transportation (but we will see). The rest of the resort will open in phases, with the Cars next then the Lion King and Mermaid sections by Dec 2012.

I am so looking forward to this trip! It will be my mother-in-laws first ever trip to WDW and since that makes 6 of us the timing is perfect for us to get the suite!!! Although, like some others, I do wish we could book a Cars or Lion King suite but I think the Nemo will be fun too!

The only downside for me is I am a bit of a research nut and always want to know what food to get at the food court, the best rooms for views, comfort etc... Since we will be staying when it first opens, NONE of that info is out there. For those going after me, I will be sure to post as much of that info as I can we we get back so others will have it!!!


This will be our first time at a "Value" since going when we just had two little ones. However, I consider these suites a moderate really both based on price and amenities (minus the slide at the pool and a ts restaurant). I priced the moderate resorts for 6 (CSR-casitas and the cabins - both are in the same price range).

Anyway, I love the theming at POP and the big icons and bright colors. I hope to venture over there to look around during our stay if the walk isn't too far. I did forget to ask the CM if the bridge would be open but I "assume" it will be. Hopefully!!!

Congratulations we pushed our trip back . We were going Sept 2012 now we are going Nov 2012 . I wanted to see the lights. We were thinking of Poly but oldest Ds really wants AOA . I love the larger than life Disney feel so that's ok. We are planners and no menu and lack of info is going to send me to the nut house. Please post info and pictures as you will be there when it opens . It should keep me from going over the deep end.

 

[Baltazar]

Here's a Bing maps view of AoA.

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=28.35045698689163~-81.54620739543799&lvl=18&dir=0&sty=h&form=LMLTCC

We just returned from 10 days at Pop Century. I have 25 pictures of the construction. It appears that the buildings are using the same footprint as the other value resorts but the hallways will be internal. Except for the previously built buildings, they still have external halls.

I will post the pictures when I get them hosted.
[edit] Here they are on my wife's facebook account.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.277797865563643.83990.100000002964150

 

[Baltazar]

I fell in LOVE with this resort.....and then I checked the prices and knew immediately there was no way I'd get to stay there.

So unless there is an amazing coupon that comes out we will be staying at Pop.

10 days, 11 nights at POP (with 8 day park hoppers) $2654

10 days, 11 nights at AOA (with 8 day park hoppers) and I got $4536

Yes I realise that it's a 'suite' but wow....that's like $2000 difference. I priced out rooms (yes again I know AOA are suites) at CSR, CBR, POR and all came in around $3600 using the same information.

I really would like to stay there....so here is hoping Disney blesses us with a PIN via e-mail or our vacation planning DVD!

*keeping in mind the reason I can't afford the $2000 difference is because I still have to pay for flights which are going to cost anywhere from $3000-4000. No such thing as a cheap flight from Winnipeg. lol*

There will be regular rooms available (Max occupancy of 4) but it seems those won't be ready until 2013.
I would guess the regular rooms will be in the 2 buildings originally built for the Legendary Years. It seems they're putting all their effort into finishing the suites.

 

[SPOERLX3]

We just booked for June 2012 for AoA and despite the mixed opinions of this up and coming resort I am sooooooooo excited.

Here is what the CM told me prior to booking: The main area with shops, dining hall, etc. will be open as well as the main pool and splash play area in June of 2012. They will also have a playground and movie and recreation by the pool. The buses will pick-up outside the mail building and they are supposed to have their own transportation (but we will see). The rest of the resort will open in phases, with the Cars next then the Lion King and Mermaid sections by Dec 2012.

I am so looking forward to this trip! It will be my mother-in-laws first ever trip to WDW and since that makes 6 of us the timing is perfect for us to get the suite!!! Although, like some others, I do wish we could book a Cars or Lion King suite but I think the Nemo will be fun too!

The only downside for me is I am a bit of a research nut and always want to know what food to get at the food court, the best rooms for views, comfort etc... Since we will be staying when it first opens, NONE of that info is out there. For those going after me, I will be sure to post as much of that info as I can we we get back so others will have it!!!


This will be our first time at a "Value" since going when we just had two little ones. However, I consider these suites a moderate really both based on price and amenities (minus the slide at the pool and a ts restaurant). I priced the moderate resorts for 6 (CSR-casitas and the cabins - both are in the same price range).

Anyway, I love the theming at POP and the big icons and bright colors. I hope to venture over there to look around during our stay if the walk isn't too far. I did forget to ask the CM if the bridge would be open but I "assume" it will be. Hopefully!!!

excited for you and look forward to hear all about it when you get back!

 

[momof3ds]

This is our first trip to disney next august. we are booked in a cars suite. 2 adults and 3 kids who are young enough to get excited about fold out beds!

I'm excited to be in a brand new resort too! I'm hoping the pools and playgrounds are done but we'll roll with whatever.

 

[lionking13]

So will the little mermaid buildings still be finished for the end of 2012 or will they not be finished until 2013

 

[dazednconfused]

So will the little mermaid buildings still be finished for the end of 2012 or will they not be finished until 2013

I'm wondering the same thing too. But everything said here about it is not a Disney-confirmed answer. Some have said late 2012. Some have said 2013. We're hoping for it to be ready for occupancy by Thanksgiving 2012. But are currently booked at AS Movies for that time period. Just in case...

 

[tink15823]

Here's a Bing maps view of AoA.

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=28.35045698689163~-81.54620739543799&lvl=18&dir=0&sty=h&form=LMLTCC

We just returned from 10 days at Pop Century. I have 25 pictures of the construction. It appears that the buildings are using the same footprint as the other value resorts but the hallways will be internal. Except for the previously built buildings, they still have external halls.

I will post the pictures when I get them hosted.
[edit] Here they are on my wife's facebook account.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.277797865563643.83990.100000002964150

Thank you for the update. They help keep the anxiety down for those of us that are planners.

 

[tink15823]

I'm wondering the same thing too. But everything said here about it is not a Disney-confirmed answer. Some have said late 2012. Some have said 2013. We're hoping for it to be ready for occupancy by Thanksgiving 2012. But are currently booked at AS Movies for that time period. Just in case...

So will the little mermaid buildings still be finished for the end of 2012 or will they not be finished until 2013

Everything I have read and heard they are to open early Dec 2012. As far as I know they are on schedule.

 

[Baltazar]

If you try to book AoA in June of 2012, your only choice is Finding Nemo.
August they add Cars
October adds Lion King
It appears all the suites will be done in October.
Little Mermaid (regular 2 bed rooms) is not available for booking until Dec 31 2012.

So technically the entire resort is scheduled to be open in 2012.

Since now-a-days construction sites are scheduled to the minute, I see no reason why Disney will not have it done on time.

 

[jeanylaser]

thanks!

 

[clanmcculloch]

Others from Canada said they were not able to book AOA with the free dinning . Wonder if they are going to block AOA from free dinning because its new ? I did not try because we are from the states and the offer is only good until March here . So any of our good neighbor from the North if you got free dinning at AOA please let us know .

I can guarantee you that at least the free dining bounceback included AoA. I booked a bounceback in a Nemo suite and was also offered a Cars suite but we prefer Nemo theming and location. Whether or not it'll be included in next Aug-Sept free dining promotion (assuming the promotion happens though I would bet it will) all depends on how well the resort is filling up. Remember that the whole point of promotions is to fill rooms.

Like everybody else, I was also told December for LM but until they're actually allowing booking to happen, I wouldn't count on it.

I was also told dedicated busses but I don't put a lot of faith in info from CRO CMs since they tend to make a lot of mistakes. I can't imagine it sharing with Pop for long but I am kind of worried that they'll share when only the first section or two are open since capacity will be so much smaller at that point. The problem with that will be that Pop already fills busses to capacity so I can't imagine how sharing could possibly work. I'm telling myself dedicated busses until I hear otherwise. No sense worrying until they actually open the resort and we see what happens.

Like others, I'm also kind of bummed that it's 2 double foldouts instead of 1 double and 2 single foldouts. Because we only have 2 kids the 2 beds in the living area will work out fine but if we let them invite a friend each then that won't work since DD13 HAS to have her own bed. We're booking AoA because we have to have 3 beds so if we stay at another value we'll have to get 2 rooms anyway so for the little bit extra it costs for these brand new suites we figure it guarantees us rooms together, in a building where we want to be near the main building and bus stops and food court, with a micrwave and fridge and coffee maker when the resort is still only up to partial possible capacity.

 

[tink15823]

I can guarantee you that at least the free dining bounceback included AoA. I booked a bounceback in a Nemo suite and was also offered a Cars suite but we prefer Nemo theming and location. Whether or not it'll be included in next Aug-Sept free dining promotion (assuming the promotion happens though I would bet it will) all depends on how well the resort is filling up. Remember that the whole point of promotions is to fill rooms.

Like everybody else, I was also told December for LM but until they're actually allowing booking to happen, I wouldn't count on it.

I was also told dedicated busses but I don't put a lot of faith in info from CRO CMs since they tend to make a lot of mistakes. I can't imagine it sharing with Pop for long but I am kind of worried that they'll share when only the first section or two are open since capacity will be so much smaller at that point. The problem with that will be that Pop already fills busses to capacity so I can't imagine how sharing could possibly work. I'm telling myself dedicated busses until I hear otherwise. No sense worrying until they actually open the resort and we see what happens.

Like others, I'm also kind of bummed that it's 2 double foldouts instead of 1 double and 2 single foldouts. Because we only have 2 kids the 2 beds in the living area will work out fine but if we let them invite a friend each then that won't work since DD13 HAS to have her own bed. We're booking AoA because we have to have 3 beds so if we stay at another value we'll have to get 2 rooms anyway so for the little bit extra it costs for these brand new suites we figure it guarantees us rooms together, in a building where we want to be near the main building and bus stops and food court, with a micrwave and fridge and coffee maker when the resort is still only up to partial possible capacity.

Congratulations how wonderful free dinning at AOA . Hoping that we get pixie dust spread our way in Nov 2012. Thanks for the info.