Disney's Art of Animation Resort

By Arthur Levine, About.com Guide

Scheduled to open in May 2012, Disney's Art of Animation Resort will bring 1120 suites and 864 standard rooms to Disney World. It will be the 25th resort at the massive property, which will boast over 26,000 rooms when the new hotel is completed. A Value Resort hotel, it will offer affordable rates for visitors but give them the option of booking a family suite -- an option that should prove to be quite popular among the many large groups of multi-generational families and friends who visit the Florida park haven.

In late April 2012, I toured the first phase of the resort, including Animation Hall (the main building), the Finding Nemo wing and courtyard, and the under-construction Cars wing. The photos that follow show the hotel's playful architecture and clever themeing, which celebrate animation and pay homage to four classic Disney and Pixar films: The Nemo wing will open first; in late June 2012, the Cars wing is scheduled to debut; that will be followed by The Lion King wing in mid-August 2012 and The Little Mermaid wing in mid-September 2012.

The whimsy starts at the main entrance of the hotel with its colorful sign and large images of animated film stars such as Lightning McQueen and Ariel.

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Next up: The playful front lobby.