Day 2 of the Summer to Remember Resort Showcase here at Walt Disney World was a busy one.
The day started early with a bus ride over to the convention center at the Yacht Club for a nice buffet breakfast.
Following the eggs, sausage and pancakes, we were treated to a panel discussion led by one of my celebrity idols, Samantha Brown, host of many a Travel Channel special on the Disney Parks, Cruise Line and Aulani. The panel, which also consisted of Leslie Ferraro, executive vice president, global marketing for Disney Parks and Resorts, Dan Lazar, president of market research firm Chatter, Inc., and Susan Newman, Ph.D., a social psychologist and author of several books on parenting, focused on the “state of the American family vacation.”
The panelists discussed the merits of family vacations, and Lazar, whose company has recently conducted a study on such trends, talked about how our busy lifestyles can result in life becoming a “forgettable blur”. Newman in particular stressed the importance of families vacationing together, and emphasized how even a bad vacation memory can become part of a family’s “lore,” and eventually be something that bonds the family in a good way. I know, I know, cynics among you may say that of COURSE Disney wants families to vacation, AND wants them to spend their vacation dollars at Disney — but speaking from personal experience, I think the underlying message of the panel was valid. Vacations do serve to tie family members together in a special way and provide important lessons to the children.
After the panel discussion, the panelists were available for brief one-on-one interviews. As someone who is something of a travel enthusiast, I’ve followed Samantha Brown’s adventures over the years, and was excited to have the chance to speak to her, however quickly. We only had a minute — literally — so I simply asked her what she found most challenging about covering the Disney Parks for her television shows. Below is a short video of her reply.
After the busy morning, I had a little free time to stop and smell the roses — so where else should I go but to enjoy some time at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. It was great to see so many of the plantings in full bloom. I normally visit the festival during its first weekend, before everything has really filled in.
A quick bite to eat and one trip on Soarin’ later, I headed back to my room to get ready for the afternoon’s big event — a sneak peek at the new Art of Animation Resort, due to open on May 31.
I’m not going to lie — I was anxious to see this place, after all I’ve been hearing about it for the past year or so. I was not disappointed. From the black and white sketches that gradually give way to full color images in the lobby, to the bold, bright colors of the Finding Nemo wing, to the desert-inspired Cars section, the resort is a masterpiece of Disney’s famous attention to detail. I’ll let some of my photos speak for themselves.
Deb Wills also put a few short videos of the resort online:
After checking out as much as we were allowed to at Art of Animation, we returned to Epcot. Disney had arranged for dinner for all the media in our group at the various restaurants around World Showcase — I was assigned to Biergarten, which was great since I haven’t eaten there for a few years. The items on the buffet had not changed much, and the food was good — and how can you not enjoy the oompah band (especially the saw player!)?
Closing out the night was a viewing of IllumiNations from the World Showase Plaza. IllumiNations is just about my favorite thing in Walt Disney World, so any day that ends with that, is a good day indeed. Back at it again, tomorrow, for the “what’s new, what’s next?” presentation.
The resort looks great, but why in this day and age do they continue to build resorts without balconys? I know the “deluxe” resorts have them but are they really that cost prohibitive as to not branch out and include them with new resorts?
Just a thought, because to me and my family who travel to Disney twice a year a bacony is a huge amenity!
Love the looks of this new resort!! Do you know if they will open the bridge between Pop and AoA so people can go between the 2 resorts?
Deb K replies: Yes, they have opened the Generation Gap bridge.
If someone was staying at POP, can you walk to Art of Animation and use there facilities such as pool and food court? Also, will there be a Lighting McQueen car, from your pictures I see Doc and Flo. Are these cars similar to the Mater and McQueen at Hollywood Studios?
Thanks.
DebK replies: There is no pool-hopping privilege — Art of Animation pool may only be used by AoA resort guests. However, anyone can visit the resort and eat at the food court. Yes, there will be a Lightning McQueen and Sally, Tow Mater, Luigi, etc. at the resort. The cars are similar in size to those at the Studios, and you will be able to climb on them, but they will not be animated in any way, or have any sound effects.
Hey just booked a room for the art of animation for september can’t wait. Love seeing the pictures posted of the hotel 🙂 keep them coming.
Wow! Thank you for the glimpse at Art of Animation. I cannot wait for my family’s November stay in the Nemo section. I’m looking forward to menu information for the Landscape of Flavors!
DebK replies: It really is beautiful! They had some info on their menu boards, which I’ll be getting online as soon as I can.
Yay! I’m so happy to see Samantha Brown at work after ending her long run at The Travel Channel. Art of Animation is totally awesome!
Hi Deb,
I will be going to Disney late summer. My son loves Cars, we are staying at a Moderate. Would I be able to visit Art of Animation and walk around the Cars section…and use the pool and squirt area? I know they frown upon pool hopping but wanted to make a day of it. I read the pool is fenced in and need your key to the world card, didn’t know if staying on a different property they would allow us. Hate to take a bus there to find out we can’t use it. I can’t afford a suite (there is 3 of us) and I know the Mermaid section won’t be open yet. Thanks for the review.
Ginette
DebK replies: You’re right when you note that pool-hopping is frowned upon — I’m sure they won’t be allowing you to swim there unless you are a guest of the resort. But you will be free to visit and walk around the grounds.
Great photos!!!Do you know if the resort will have its own bus system or will it share the buses with Pop Century? Thanks.
DebK replies: I asked this question a while ago, and was told that the two resorts will NOT share buses.
I am super excited you have been keeping up with all the new details going into the art of animation resort!! I am booked for this upcoming christmas in a Lion King Suite and I can’t begin to tell you how exciting it is to see the progression of the new resort.
Another excellent decision by Disney under the current market conditions.
Now you can bring down an extended family, in a villa type resort and not pay out the whazoo.
Can’t wait to give the resort a try!
I’m going to cry!! First Sam is my idol too! I love the Hotel world, and she is amazing!
Second…Art of Animation! I have stayed at POP 2 times: the first time that area was abandoned, and the second time was under construction…Can’t wait to go there next year and staying there! Is so colorful and cheerful!
I like all the Disney Resorts, I like to visit them, but I always miss something “really Disney” after all they are the experts in animations…now I finally have the answer to my prayers LOL
I booked our vacation in febuary and got a cars family suite The kids and my wife are exited and can’t wait to go. Thank you for all the pictures so we can seethe progress
Thanks for the great photos. I am really impressed with this Value resort. I think I would stay here.
The pictures/videos of Art of Animation look great!! I will be visiting WDW end of August and staying at POP, so I will be sure to go check it out. Looking forward to more updates. Thanks for everything!!
Love the photos of the Art of Animation resort. The attention to detail is amazing. I’m guessing this resort will be filling up fast for quite a few families. Any pricing info yet?
DebK replies: Yes, pricing for this resort has been released for some time. Rates will vary according to season, but you can find the ranges on our Art of Animation Fact Sheet:
http://allears.net/acc/faq_artan.htm