LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Dec. 16, 2010 – Plans for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort mean new construction jobs for Central Floridians now and new permanent resort hotel jobs when the property opens in 2012.

Already in the land clearing stage, the project is expected to create up to 800 construction jobs. Once open by the end of 2012, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will also create 750 permanent resort hotel jobs, for a total of 1,550 jobs created. Walt Disney World Resort features 24 uniquely themed, Disney owned-and-operated resort hotels with more than 26,000 guest rooms. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will likewise be unique, with themed building exteriors and room interiors that bring to life The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid.

Located adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, the new resort will include 1,120 family suites in The Lion King, Cars and Finding Nemo wings, and 864 themed rooms in The Little Mermaid wings. Suites will feature both a living room and a bedroom, offering added space for families.

“The construction of family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is an innovative approach to a changing marketplace,” said Kevin Myers, vice president of resort operations for Walt Disney World Resort. “Today more and more multi-generational families are traveling together for various celebrations, including family reunions. These families not only want to play together, they want to stay together, which has created tremendous demand for family suites.”

The larger-than-life icons depicted in newly-released renderings demonstrate one way guests at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be immersed in their favorite stories. For example, guests exploring The Lion King courtyard will see characters from the film – like the hyenas and Simba’s evil uncle, Scar – through the eyes of Simba and in the same size and scale as the young Lion King cub would experience them.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be a uniquely-themed 68,800-square-foot commercial building with shopping, dining and features such as three pools and a water play area.

The family suites and rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will fit into the “value” category of lodging, with nightly rates similar to Disney’s All-Star Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort.