Art of Animation - Hints & Tips?

[kadybat]

Hey y'all! My partner and I are going to WDW for five days in about a month and we're staying in one of The Little Mermaid rooms at AoA. We were originally going to stay at POR but decided to go for AoA to save the $500 (it's Food & Wine, we're gonna need it!). We've already used Touring Plans to request one of the closest possible rooms to the main building cuz we know Mermaid is a little far but we're young and we're okay from that.

Anyway! I've done a ton of research and such but I wanna know if there's anything I should be on the look out for or be excited about before our visit. What are some of your favorite foods at Landscape of Flavors? Are there any special things I should know about the resort that I might not already? This is only my second time at WDW - my first was an entire decade ago! I'm a Disneyland girl (I tend to go twice a year at least), so I'm really excited to be back in Bay Lake. Anything you can tell me that might make my trip more magical and exciting would be amazing! Thank you!

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

Congrats on returning to The World!

I haven't stayed at AOA so I can't help there. But just wanted to say have a wonderful trip. Although you have 5 days, I'd take as many opportunities as you can to slow down and take in all the unique and tiny wonders that make WDW so awesome. Don't rush, drink lots of water and enjoy AC when you can, and hey if you don't get to do everything, guess you'll just have to return!

Hope you two have a great trip!!

 

[mf1972]

we stayed across the lake at pop century 2 years ago & walked over to animation. i wish we stayed there instead. best theming i've seen at a disney resort, IMO.
their food court has interesting options. i loved the breakfast sandwich they serve. that's as much as i can say for the resort.
if you're looking for something special, maybe get a dining reservation at a particular restaurant, or catch Cirque du Soleil at DS. hope you have a nice trip.

 

[patch553]

weve stayed in the little mermaid twice and cars once, whilst the mermaid block is a little walk away from the food court its a very pleasant walk,the theming is so cool.the food court is great lots to choose from my wife loves the pastas.the main pool is great fun I'm sure your family will enjoy everything about the resort

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

The Landscape of Flavors is so cool. You have so many items to choose from such as making your own pasta/pizza. Also, take lots of pics. The gift shop's also a cool place.

 

[Smiley/OCD]

AOA is our new favorite resort...HANDS DOWN, BEST resort theming on property!!!Take an hour or two, and walk around the resort and take a LOT of pictures!!! The food court is very good, and we have never had a bad experience with the bus service. The main pool is excellent. We have stayed at Nemo, Lion King and are going to Cars in November. If you feel so inclined, you can walk over the bridge to POP as well. (just be aware of the construction)...Have a GREAT trip and you won't be disappointed!!!! You will be immersed in all things Disney 24/7!

 

[WannaBWendy]

Make sure you go under water in the main pool to hear the music!

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

If you walk to the main building and it's really hot, walk through the hallway of the Lion King suites to the right. It's an air conditioned walk of a little more than 2 minutes on an amusing carpet floor. And it isn't even a detour, it's not a shortcut either but AIR CONDITIONED and everyone who has been to the World in early September knows what 2 minutes of AC mean in the searing heat.

 

[kadybat]

If you walk to the main building and it's really hot, walk through the hallway of the Lion King suites to the right. It's an air conditioned walk of a little more than 2 minutes on an amusing carpet floor. And it isn't even a detour, it's not a shortcut either but AIR CONDITIONED and everyone who has been to the World in early September knows what 2 minutes of AC mean in the searing heat.

Oh my goodness this is an incredible tip I would never have thought about this. Thank you!!

 

[wagner1225]

Be sure to walk outside at least once to see all the theming of Lion king and others, we have stayed at many, many other resorts over the years and we enjoyed this one very much, we are now all adults..

 

[Coaster Lover]

Are there any special things I should know about the resort that I might not already?

Bus stops for AoA and Pop Century are typically right next to each other at most of the parks. If you're waiting for an AoA bus and you see a Pop Century bus pull up, consider taking the Pop bus to (possibly) save you some time. The two resorts are connected by a bridge and the walk from the bus stop to the middle of the bridge is exactly the same length regardless of if you are dropped off at AoA or Pop.

 

[Matt_Black]

Another thing- not sure if they still do this, but they used to do "flash mobs" with the staff in the main lobby building on occasion. I saw this myself once, with staff members encouraging younger guests to join in.

 

[Sabriel]

My favorite value resort for sure! When it comes to food specifically, I love the world breakfast platter and it's big enough to share. The surf and surf burger is my favorite for later in the day and the Nutella gelato is perfect for dessert or just a snack when it's hot outside.
If seafood burgers are not your thing, the picnic burger at Pop Century is excellent too.

 

[KirstiFeg]

I don't have much to add except to say we stayed there last year for our honeymoon and it was amazing.
We had a little mermaid room and the theme is so cute even down to the way they've decorated the shower! It's a little way out from the main building, but maybe only 10 mins (and I walk slowly) it's nice and quiet in this area though which we liked. You can also go up onto the balconies overlooking the carpark side of the resort and watch the fireworks in the evenings which is so cool.
Have a fab time!!

 

[hoffman1]

We have stayed at AOA twice. The first time we booked a Little Mermaid room but got a little pixie dust--we were upgraded to a Lion King suite! The resort had not been open long and it was really nice.
The second time we stayed, at check in they asked if we would like to upgrade to a Cars suite for a little difference (I don't remember the exact amount) so we did. We like the Cars suite but it was definitely well worn.
My husband swears they have the best cupcakes on property at the food court there. I can't tell that they taste any different. LOL