There are 4 sections of the AoA resort. The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Lion King and Cars. Now if you want to skip through Radiator Springs (literally because the floor is like bouncy rubber) or swim whilst listening to Nemo and friends under the water then this is the resort for you!
Rooms
Although the website claims the standard too sleeps up to 4 adults and the suite up to 6 below are my recommendations after visiting the rooms.
Standard Room (Little Mermaid Theme): 2 double beds. Suitable for 2 adults, 2 kids or 1 adult 2/3 kids.
Suite Room (Cars, Finding Nemo & Lion King): 1 double bedroom with bathroom, one sofa bed, one table bed.
Another bathroom, Living space, Kitchenette, Table with 4 chairs. Suitable for 2 adults + 2/3/4 kids or 3 . . adults. The layout of these rooms are exactly the same across the 3 themes.
If possible try and get a pool view room, even if you haven't booked in advance. Ask at reception and see if they can accommodate you. Looking out onto a pool that is in flow with the theming of your room really is magical.
When walking into a cars suite it literally felt like I'd been picked up and dropped into the movie, the view of the cozy cone pool was incredible. The Sofa a car seat, the bathroom a car wash, the TV a tool box. Disney have really gone above and beyond with the theming of these rooms.
Transportation
In my experience at the resort me and my family never waited longer than 15 minutes to get on a bus and that was when the queue was super long. AoA is a busy, huge resort therefore you have to expect that lines will be longer than other resorts that hold a significantly less amount of guests.
AoA has one area for buses to pick-up and drop-off which is just in front of the main building (Food Court, Shop, Reception Area).
AoA To Hollywood Studios - 15 minutes
AoA To EPCOT -15 minutes
AoA To Animal Kingdom - 15 minutes
AoA To Magic Kingdom - 25-30 minutes
AoA To Disney Springs - 20 minutes
DISCOVER TIP: Take a walk around Hourglass Lake it takes around 45 minutes, there are fun facts located around the second half of the lake which is the Pop Century Resort. If its too long for you, you can cut across the middle. The New gondola station will also be located on this lake. Coming Fall 2019!
The bus drops you back off at AoA DIRECTLY in front of 'Ink and Paint' the onsite gift shop therefore you have to walk through the gift shop to get to your hotel room. This is dangerous as said in a previous post before haha. Disney make the most amazing, buyable merchandise. Just a fair warning.
*Set aside your last afternoon to go and buy all your gifts and souvenirs. When you see something you like throughout your Trip snap a picture of it or write it down. Then on the last day you can pick what you really want and buy it then. Same for kids! Tell them they can take a picture of what they want and then decide later if they're going to buy it with the budget you give them! *
Food
There is one food court 'Landscape of Flavours' for the AoA resort and at peak times it can be hectic. The food court itself offers a wide range of food, you can literally find something for anyone. The vibe In landscape of flavours is loud, exciting and rushed.
If you're travelling from the UK and on the dining plan, then you can really use this food court to your benefit here. If you are NOT on the dining plan and renting a car then you can drive to off site restaurants for cheaper meals.
For breakfast I would definitely recommend either driving to Walmart before you arrive to the resort or order a delivery to the hotel of groceries. Just simple things like cereal bars, cereal, granola bars, water, iced coffee (Ok, that ones just for me) & beer (Ok, that ones just for dad). It really helps especially if you're in a suite and have access to a fridge and utensils. You can just grab and go in the morning then instead of waiting around in the food court.
Essentials we buy at Walmart on our first night:
- Bottled Water
- Coke
- Nutri-grain bars
- Protein Shakes
- Starbucks Iced Coffee
- Beers
Of course Walmart is exactly like Asda just a lot bigger, so you can literally get anything and everything!
Price
At £156+ per night, it is the most expensive of the Value resorts. But in my opinion after staying at all other Disney Value resorts, completely worth it. Always, always look for special offers and discounts before you book. If you are booking a package with TUI, Virgin Atlantic, Thomas Cook etc. They release special deals throughout the year. For example TUI, In January time they have the free night stay offer. Which lowers the price of the stay a lot.
Meals: $8-$15
Drinks: $3-$7
Laundry: $2 per load
Housekeeping: $2-$5 daily.
Gift Shop: $5-$100
Tipping your housekeeping staff 'Mousekeeping', in my opinion is highly recommended. They do a great job and make cool animals and leave extra magic if you tip!
Benefits of Staying At A Disney Resort
- Access Parks earlier than off site guests (Extra Magic Hour)
- Free MagicBand (Use to access your room, get into parks, pay, Photopass)
- Hairdryer in room
- Disney soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion in room
- Disney Transportation
- You never leave the magic
Other Notes
Check-In was very slow, I think due to the large amount of guests that turned up at once but It was the longest we have ever waited to check in to a hotel. Around 45 minutes. The service from the staff was incredible, from the maid to the pizza guy and that's one thing I love no matter where you are if you're at a deluxe resort paying $600 a night or in a park or anywhere you are always treated like family. It's that magic that makes staying on Disney property completely worth it.
It has the most incredible lobby of a hotel called the Animation Hall, it is bright, fun and you will be mesmerised with all the artistic drawings of the characters. The theming is second to none!
If AoA is not the resort for you then that is absolutely fine, but you must visit the resort during your stay! Especially if you have kids who love the themes!
Have a magical day!
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