Welcome to my first official blog post for A Walk in the Parks.

Firstly, I’d like to say that all of the information in this review is based upon my experience of staying at the hotel, therefore, this review is based on my own opinion and could possibly be perceived differently by other people reading this review.

Background; I stayed at the Art of Animation Resort for 14 nights at the start of September 2019, 1st September – 15th September. Having stayed at the All Star Music Resort the previous year, we were excited to try out an alternative value Resort during our stay in Orlando. Staying at a value resort for our holiday really suited our hectic schedule, spending the majority of our time park hopping and spending the holiday in and around Orlando; it just wouldn’t make sense to spend a few thousand £ more on a bed and room. Therefore, the value resorts are ideal hotels for our holiday. We booked the holiday package through Ocean Florida, who are incredible at knowing what you are wanting as a customer, being there for support throughout the whole holiday booking process and the price isn’t too bad either through them! (There will be a separate review on Ocean Florida if the demand is out there). In total, there was 3 of us on the holiday, 2 of us in one room and the 3rd person in a room of their own.

Room/facilities; As far as room facilities go, Art of Animation has something for everybody, catering for families of all sizes. The Lion King area is made up of family suites and the cars area also. As we were a small party, we were placed in the Little Mermaid area of the hotel. The room was basic with two double beds, although I’m sure they’re not the same as a UK double, as they seem slightly bigger. The beds are extremely comfortable and are ideal for that Disney comfort you may need after trailing through the parks all day long. There is no coffee/tea making facilities in the room, although in the main food & drink area at the front of the hotel, there are plenty of machines on site to cater your caffeine needs. The shower room is sizeable and ideal for small families with children (or without, in my case), with a normal sized bath and shower. The shower, in my opinion wasn’t the best but again, at a value resort, you don’t expect them to be. The room has plenty of drawer storage, with room in the on suite area to hang up any clothes you may want to hang (dresses, shirts, etc).

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Transportation; During our stay in Orlando, we chose to make full use of the Disney World transportation services and occasionally, Minnie Vans and Uber. Although the bus services are excellent, sometimes they can get a little too busy for my liking, for example, after most of the ‘night time spectaculars’ at any of the parks, the buses tend to get extremely busy, and you should expect to wait extra long for a bus, and if you’re unfortunate enough to be at the back of the queue, you will be waiting even longer. Art of Animation is somehow, the last bus stop at most of the parks/Disney springs too, so once you’ve finished your 12 mile day of walking (normal for Disney) be prepared to walk that little bit further to get the bus… Also, fyi – if you’re staying in the Little Mermaid area of Art of Animation, be prepared to walk quite a distance to your room, before and after your Disney outing, as it’s the furthest area away from the main hotel lobby. Minnie Vans were incredibly special, and be prepared to pay that little bit extra too. We paid around $25 – $30 from our resort to the Magic Kingdom, whereas an Uber ride would only cost a fraction of that price at about $8 – $12 dollars… but the Minnie vans are the only other transportation that can take you to the main entrance of every park, whereas Uber’s can only take you to Ticket and Transportation centre! I would fully recommend a Minnie Van if you’re off for a one off meal, or you want that little extra luxury added to your trip. Fully worth every penny. (Or cent)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5

Experience; our experience at Art of Animation was wonderful. The check in was slightly longer than we’d have liked, although, we completely understand the size of turnover on rooms they must have on a daily basis! Staff were incredibly helpful, in all areas of the resort; the merchandise store, on check in, even the lifeguards who were working day in, day out – keeping everyone safe and entertained, taking part in the poolside activities! Being situated in the Little Mermaid area of the hotel, we couldn’t make full use of our resort mugs as it would take almost 10 – 12 minutes to walk to the food & beverage area at the front of the hotel, and even though it doesn’t seem like far away – when you’ve been walking in the parks all day long, it’s almost, all the time, that little bit too far for your little legs to walk!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Overall; Art of Animation is a great all rounded Disney resort; with facilities and transport to enjoy your Disney holiday care free… they will look after you and make you feel at home from the minute you step in the door. The only downside is the limited bus transportation to water parks – although that shouldn’t put you off, as it’s only really Typhoon Lagoon that’s effected. You can swap at Disney Springs and still make the most of the transportation. The Disney Skyliner station has recently opened at the resort and although that addition would have had a positive impact on the experience, it opened a week after we visited – therefore I can’t comment on it! We paid around £3500 each, flights, accommodation & quick service dining plan. Although that was booked through a third party booking service, so there may be better deals out there!

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