The Art of Animation Resort

Missy RyanMarch 31, 2016Traveling with a larger then average family has its challenges. For some guests the room is just a place to sleep. They recoup as they work up the energy to do it all over again in the morning. For me, I personally need space. We travel with probably more than necessary but it makes me feel better about being prepared. I also enjoy comfortable surroundings. Things to not have to be over the top beautiful, but I feel the experience is more enjoyable when the area is presented as pleasant and fun.My husband and I have 5 children ranging from 1 years old to a College student who is 20. Oh and yes, he still loves family trips to Disney! Don’t you?Accommodations must also stay within budget. We try to stay frugal but also want to enjoy the magic to its fullest. So of course it is imperative we stay on property so we may take advantage of all the added perks Disney has to offer.When Disney’s Art of Animation opened I was thrilled with the fact that they would offer family suites. This deluxe value offered Family Suites with 3 different themes; The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars.There are also standard rooms with The Little Mermaid theme.At the time of the opening we only had 4 children. I was concerned about the baby, so having a separate bedroom would be a must. I was excited to learn that the rooms were spacious, fun and affordable.Upon entering the main lobby it has a string animation motif, which details various stages of the animation process. There are sketches throughout the lobby that really give the guest a feel for what steps the animator takes when creating a movie. The lobby also holds Pixel Play Arcade, Ink & Paint gift shop and Landscape of Flavors food court which will be sure to please your “palette”. They offer a wide range of selection from fresh food items, including convenient in-room pizza delivery.As you walk through the lobby and enter the grounds you are met by large icons that stand in front of each building. Walking through you almost feel as if you are part of a movie set.The areas all include a pool. Finding Nemo is the largest pool on resort property as well as being the largest pool on Disney property. Off to the side is a splash area for the children and The Drop Off is an adult only area on the opposite end. In the Cars area there is a smaller pool with fun oversized parking cones that serve as cabanas. The Little Mermaid pool is another swimming area that is available. All three pools are for resort guests and may be utilized no matter the building you are staying in.The Art of Animation suites include three sleeping areas, a queen size bed in the master bedroom, a full size pull out couch and a full size innova table bed. I personally tried out each sleeping area and they are all very comfortable!!Both bathrooms are spacious. The master bathroom has a roomy walk in shower. The other bathroom has a tub/shower combo.For families with young children, particularly with five or six people, staying at the Art of Animation is a win win for all. The room décor and pool theming is spot on for youngsters. The space is just enough space to keep everyone comfortable. There is enough to do on the grounds to enjoy some down time and you do not have to break the bank making everyone happy!! As a penny pinching Mother, Art of Animation Family Suites has my vote!As a bonus of having me as your concierge Wishes Family Travel agent, I will be glad to set up any appointments along with give you tips for a smooth and stress free day. Contact me at missyr@wishesfamilytravel.com. For specials and travel information, follow me on Facebook.