Many theme parks now have hotels attached or on the property and the rivalry to get and keep guests has been going on since the building of DisneyLand. During our current tour, we are based in Walt Disney World and decided to venture out and explore the details that Disney has put into their resorts. Since our focus is on theming we thought it fitting to start with their newest themed location, the Art of Animation Resort.
As the name implies, this resort os themed to taking the guests through the various levels of the animation process. The exterior of the living areas show this as you transition from pencil sketches that stretch around each area into full blown colour and then to 3D models of your favourite characters. These images and large scale set pieces serve as both theming and a way of covering the standard hotel focal points i.e: staircases, exits, pathways, etc.
The resort is broken up into 4 living areas and a main building which houses the check in and concierge desks, a large gift shop and eatery with multiple stations. For what is classified as a “value resort”, Disney does not seem to have skimped on the details or theming. If you have ever been to on of their “Pop” resorts you will see a huge difference in both the quantity and quality if the theming here.
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Entryway, Lobby and landscape of Flavours
Hotel Living Areas and Pools – Cars Land
Hotel Living Areas and Pools – Finding Nemo
Hotel Living Areas and Pools – The Lion King
Hotel Living Areas and Pools – The Little Mermaid
We personally hope this resort sets the bar for both Disney and other resort hotels to step up their theming game and make both their parks and their hotel experiences more immersive.
