Disney's Art of Animation Resort hotel

[smitch425]

will the Mermaid rooms be the longest walk to the food court and buses....

Yes. The LM rooms are the furthest away from the main building, but with so many adorable things to look at along the way, I don't think it will be a huge issue for most people.

 

[tinkalicious]

Count me in! November 12-23! Hoping for free dining! My plan was to book the LM rooms since they are cheap, but my DS REALLY wants to stay in a Cars suite. He's been dreaming of staying there since we found out about AoA...and he's been into Cars since the first movie came out (now he's 8...so like 6 years? He even had a Cars birthday party when he turned 5.)

So I'm a bit torn. It will be much nicer to have all that room to stretch out since it will be a longer trip, but so much more $! We might just have to budget it anyway to make his dream come true.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Count me in! November 12-23! Hoping for free dining! My plan was to book the LM rooms since they are cheap, but my DS REALLY wants to stay in a Cars suite. He's been dreaming of staying there since we found out about AoA...and he's been into Cars since the first movie came out (now he's 8...so like 6 years? He even had a Cars birthday party when he turned 5.)

So I'm a bit torn. It will be much nicer to have all that room to stretch out since it will be a longer trip, but so much more $! We might just have to budget it anyway to make his dream come true.

Lol.. For once having a girl comes out cheaper!!!

 

[tinkalicious]

Lol.. For once having a girl comes out cheaper!!!

For real! My DD will LOVE the LM rooms, but my DS is really bummed about it. He says they're too "girly" and he'd rather stay at POP. I don't blame him - but they do have that awesome cars courtyard that looks just like Radiator Springs! I just wish they had Cars standard rooms! Because for the price of a suite we could stay deluxe!

Oh I forgot to mention his bedroom is decorated in Cars.

 

[TJDisneymama]

Count me in! November 12-23! Hoping for free dining! My plan was to book the LM rooms since they are cheap, but my DS REALLY wants to stay in a Cars suite. He's been dreaming of staying there since we found out about AoA...and he's been into Cars since the first movie came out (now he's 8...so like 6 years? He even had a Cars birthday party when he turned 5.)

So I'm a bit torn. It will be much nicer to have all that room to stretch out since it will be a longer trip, but so much more $! We might just have to budget it anyway to make his dream come true.

you could do a split stay between the LM rooms and the Cars suite. Just be sure to do LM first because you don't want to have to downsize from the suite to the regular room.

 

[rentayenta]

If anyone is doing a room only reservation and has AAA, call and check. Saved us $34 a night. We're only staying there one night but $34 is churros for the 6 of us.

 

[mickeye]

I just got offered 60% off (a TA rate) an in thinking of taking a quick trip in September to check it out. Hmmmm. Decisions!

Pardon my stupidity, but what is a TA rate? Thanks. I really happy for all of you who have just booked in. I know that we're all going to love it there!

Any new pictures?? Come on I'm dying over here!

I agree, Sparrow!!!!! I need to see some pics and videos from you guys who know all of the good Disney sites! Please?

Yes. The LM rooms are the furthest away from the main building, but with so many adorable things to look at along the way, I don't think it will be a huge issue for most people.

I agree with you, Smitch. I can't wait to walk thru the courtyards everyday and explore it. Each day I want to see a different one and take photos. I also want to visit Pop one day so I can get my pic taken with Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head! There are going to be so many Disney character photo ops that guests should be anxious to walk thru every square inch.

you could do a split stay between the LM rooms and the Cars suite. Just be sure to do LM first because you don't want to have to downsize from the suite to the regular room.

That would be a good idea. It's not like you're switching resorts; you'd only have to get a bellhop to take your luggage down to the other courtyard. Both kids would get their magic and when they get older they could be more understanding about 'trade offs'.

 

[Heard02]

TA rate is a travel agent rate.
Personally, I don't think that's something to broadcast on here! (and I'm a travel agent!).
Oh well......to each their own!!!

 

[disneydreamin247]

TA rate is a travel agent rate.
Personally, I don't think that's something to broadcast on here! (and I'm a travel agent!).
Oh well......to each their own!!!

I don't see what the big deal is. It's the same as people posting they got a PIN.

 

[tinkalicious]

A split stay is a good idea! Thanks for suggesting that! Actually, that might work out perfectly - our trip will be the two weeks before Thanksgiving, so while we're there the parks will gradually get more crowded, so we can go park commando until we switch to the suite then relax more.

I'm not trying to be a cheapskate, it's just such a big price difference for a family of four. And the price does seem way high, doesn't it? It's such a great thing to have the suites for larger families, and it sounds like it is going to be amazing, but let's hope some good deals come out.

 

[Marblies]

A split stay is a good idea! Thanks for suggesting that! Actually, that might work out perfectly - our trip will be the two weeks before Thanksgiving, so while we're there the parks will gradually get more crowded, so we can go park commando until we switch to the suite then relax more.

I'm not trying to be a cheapskate, it's just such a big price difference for a family of four. And the price does seem way high, doesn't it? It's such a great thing to have the suites for larger families, and it sounds like it is going to be amazing, but let's hope some good deals come out.

Trust me, no one would think you a cheapskate.
I am wondering about the split stay scenario though. If you do get FD like you are hoping , would changing rooms even within the same resort require separate reservations with at least the 2 day minimum park tickets attached to each one? If so, I guess you could save the second tickets for another visit where you booked room only. Hmmm. Clarification from the DIS Gods and Goddesses please. Our next visit may involve something similiar and I know someone out there has an answer.

 

[kbarrett]

Lol.. For once having a girl comes out cheaper!!!

LOVE THIS! I have 3 DDs and 1 DS we are staying in LM and this will probably be the only time a girl is cheaper!

 

[tink15823]

I don't think I am going to make it through the rest of the month . I can't wait to see everyone's photos that attend the grand opening. We go Sept and I am waiting for more photos

 

[digiMom]

First of all, I'm very excited for all of you who get to stay there soon. I was at POP in January, and even then you could sense the excitement.

As far as a split stay and FD, here's my opinion. I've never tried, but will probably do so on our next trip.

We had the QSDP last trip. Even then, OMG so much food. (We brought cereal, bread, pb, granola bars... for quick in-room breakfasts.) There were times where I could have easily split a meal with someone. But because I was on a meal plan I just ordered my own.

So here's what I would do. My thinking is use the DP during the first reservation but eat what you're hungry for. Don't try to "use up" credits. Split a meal at Cosmic Rays or Pizzafari or Earl of Sandwich. Then on the last day of the first stay when you have your new room (with a refrigerator and microwave) go to the food court and stock up using the points you have left... Grab and go, fruit and veggies, stuff that reheats or packs easily...

If you are on the QSDP and want a TS meal or two, schedule those OOP during the 2nd half. (Or I suppose you could go the first half and save the QS credits.) Thinking the other way, if you upgrade to DDP, get those expensive TS meals out of the way while you're on it. I'm sure I would have QS and snack credits left over if I was "loading up" on TS during the day.

On the second ressie, use a room-only discount if available. Use the food you picked up from the 1st ressie. Pack something when in the parks or, if you want a QS meal just pay OOP somewhere that's a good value. I'm guessing that would work out better than paying for another FD offer with a new set of tickets. This tactic may not work for everyone, but for me and the way my family eats I think it would be fine.

 

[Sandi S]

oops! replied to wrong thread!

 

[Marblies]

As far as a split stay and FD, here's my opinion. I've never tried, but will probably do so on our next trip....
This tactic may not work for everyone, but for me and the way my family eats I think it would be fine.

Genius! The in-room fridge makes all the difference. We too find the food portions huge and often split plates resulting in surplus credits. (Not that we don't eventually eat them , but we don't need them, we just keep eating because we can't NOT use them). This idea could work for us too.

 

[NC State]

We're booked for LM for Sept...I read somewhere where the fridge is in the room (no charge), then I found that you have to pay for it. Does anyone really know?

 

[noahdove]

The last I read is that all AOA will have a refrig.

 

[glitzybabes]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...f-animation-resort-merchandise-comes-to-life/
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Merchandise

 

[minniebeth]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...f-animation-resort-merchandise-comes-to-life/
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Merchandise

Awesome selection! I wish they would go back to having items like that at all the resorts!

Exciting!