If we’ve learned one thing from our 2021 video/article series, it’s that Disney and Universal love a good theme. Whether it’s an attraction or an event, a festival or a food item, theming has as much to do with the overall experience as any other component. The same can be said for the rooms at Disney resorts. While some are going to feel more traditional in nature with two beds and a bath area, there are certain rooms/suites that go more over the top in their presentation. You don’t have to go any further than the Art of Animation Resort to find these amazing rooms and today we’re going to focus on those sweet suites.
Welcome to Believe Vacations’ Weekly post where today, we’re going to talk to you about the Family Suites at the Art of Animation Resort. Meet Dana Zachry. A more tenured member of our team, Dana recently stayed in the Finding Nemo suites in the Fall of 2021 and had previously stayed in a Cars suite as well. Brian Pavlick stayed in a Lion King suite in the Fall of 2021 so both agents got together to share their experiences about the suites so that you can decide if it’s worth it for your family…
Even as a full-time partner of a law firm, why is it important for you to still “Believe?”
Right now, I’m in a period of my life where I don’t have quite as much time to plan like I have my previous few years. But I was interested in planning vacations and then I was introduced to Mary-Morning and now, I have people who love Disney the way that I do. I love doing the team trips and extending my Disney family and also my Disney memories. It’s a great break from the hard work of being an attorney.
When did you go and what suites did you stay in?
We stayed in a Cars suite in November of 2019 and Nemo Suites in October 2021. There are Lion King suites as well and these are at Art of Animation Resort.
What were the “little things” that made it fun?
In the Lion King suites, you have the characters and the sunrise over the savannah on the tiles in the shower. There are also footstools with the lyrics to Hakuna Matata on them. In the Nemo suites, there are bubbles to simulate being underwater. But the murphy/table bed has Nemo and Marlin asleep together on the headboard with a perfect nightlight. My kids really enjoyed that. In the Cars suite, Mater is the character asleep on the headboard.
What is the suite layout?
In the main room is the murphy/table bed pull down that then opens into a living area that has a pull out sofa bed with a kitchen area that has a fridge AND a microwave. Those two areas share a bathroom with a vanity and its own toilet and shower. Then, there is a “master room” with a bed and it’s own closed off vanity area with another closed off shower and toilet.
Did you appreciate the two bathrooms?
When we travel, we have 2 kids but we often take my mother. So the suite is perfect for any combination of adults and kids that makes 5 total. The resorts that have 5th sleepers are okay if you have 2 adults and 3 kids but with 3 adults and 2 kids, the parents can stay in the main room and the other adult and kids are in the main area. With 2 bathrooms, the 3rd adult can share one with the kids and the parents have their own. So convenience and nice for all involved.
Did you have enough room?
Even with the large layout and multiple rooms, we were able to fit luggage for 5, a double stroller, groceries, etc. And the beds are raised so you can store items underneath, plenty of closet/dresser space. You’ll never feel on top of each other. You’re paying for the theme but the price really comes in with the amount of room you have.
Did the room feel too childish?
I enjoyed it but I do know there may be some who may not appreciate it. Disney brings out the kid in me and I love to be immersed in it. Growing up, we never stayed on property but when we did, we stayed at All-Star Movies. So we got used to characters all over the place and Disney in your face. Don’t get me wrong – Boardwalk and those EPCOT area resorts are great. But these themed resorts and suites are how I define Disney lodging.
Are they in a convenient location at Art of Animation?
If you’re looking for convenience, the Nemo suites are the best. Located just outside the lobby and the gift shop and the pool, these buildings are the closest to everything. And I timed it – From our room at the end of the hallway on the first floor to the Skyliner was 1 minute, 2 seconds! It was also a water view with flowers directly outside. I think the bus was a 2-3 minute walk but still perfect.
Is the price of a suite worth it?
For us, yes. As I mentioned, we always bring 3 adults and 2 kids so this is better for us rather then two separate rooms. Funny enough, I think it comes back to two bathrooms and the space in the room. It shouldn’t be labeled a value resort – Art of Animation is worth it for the theming and the amenities.
Final thoughts on why a themed suite
It puts you close to the magic. It’s not your average everyday hotel room. It’s the extra the Disney is known for and you’ll never find theming like this anywhere else.
