Planning a Disney Vacation: Don’t Take My World for It

Editor’s note: I’m on vacation this week, so in my absence I am sharing with you a post that I wrote a while back…with some advice that is, I think, always worth repeating! Enjoy!! ~ Nancy

Chances are you may have noticed that those of us who are travel agents and members of the Disney blogging community tend to preach one thing when it comes to Disney vacations: PLAN! 🙂

Chances are also that you may have noticed that there are quite a few of us “out there” talking about planning Disney vacations. In fact, if you have found this blog, I’m pretty sure you have found other Disney blogs too, in addition to some Disney-oriented message boards, Disney podcasts and assorted other Disney information sites. And that doesn’t even count the many Disney books and magazines out there as well.

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Under the Sea at Disney’s Newest Resort

 For the past couple of months, I’ve talked about staying at the Boardwalk, a Disney Deluxe Resort.  This month we are taking a trip to the newest Disney resort, the Art of Animation.  Art of Animation (AofA) is a value resort, but trust me this not your typical resort.  The resort is located across the bridge from Pop Century.  As you pull up to AofA, you are welcomed by a large, colorful sign that helps to promote the playful atmosphere of the resort. 

 The lobby is decorated by sketches from Disney animated movies on the walls and as the chandelier.  We stayed at the resort within the first month of opening last year so the check-in process was a bit hectic to say the least, which gave us plenty of time to look at everything.  

The “food court,” Landscape of Flavors, is phenomenal.  We could have easily eaten every meal here without repeating a dish.  We grabbed our first dinner from the make your own pasta bar the day we arrived, so we could fuel up before hitting Epcot.  I loved the cupcakes for dessert; they made a great breakfast for the next morning. 🙂 

Art of Animation has some unique decorations to keep you entertained as you walk the campus to get to the main building where the bus stop, food court, gift shop, etc are located.  There are 4 areas- Lion King, Little Mermaid, Cars, and Finding Nemo. The Nemo section, fittingly, has the property’s largest pool called The Big Blue Pool.  One thing I liked is that you had to use your Key to the World card to access the pool areas.  

Many of the rooms are family style suites with the ability to sleep a larger family of 6.  There are standard rooms in the Little Mermaid section which sleep 4.  My husband enjoyed our stay in the Little Mermaid section.

 I’ve noticed that prices seem to be a little higher for AofA than other value resorts, but in my opinion it is totally worth it!  Can’t wait to stay here again. 

Have a Magical Day! 

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Adrienne is originally from the Chicago area but lives outside of Indianapolis with her husband, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. She went to Disneyland when she was 7, which started her love of Disney. She even named one of her dogs after her favorite princess, Aurora. She and her husband celebrated their honeymoon at Walt Disney World in 2007 and have returned for every anniversary. They have stayed at variety of resorts on property and traveled with friends and family. Adrienne and her husband bought into DVC in May 2011 and rewarded themselves with their first fall trip for some of the special events. Adrienne and her husband consider WDW their “second home” and have become the go-to people for any Disney related questions and advice from friends, families, and acquaintances.

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Thrifty Thursday: Free Fun with Hidden Mickeys

This is a really fun activity to do while in Disney. You really don’t even need the “Hidden Mickey” book for this fun and FREE game, just play the old fashioned way and scope them out. We all know the classic shape of our favorite mouse…

Well…he is hidden in secret places all over the World! Seriously, look at your resort bed spread, or at the plate you get at dinner, or around you in line…they are everywhere! Read more

Dining at Disney World: A New Hope For A Cantina?

Photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/31223429@N00/3008996826/in/photolist

Rumors about a new Star Wars land coming to Walt Disney World have been flying around faster than the Millennium Falcon makes the kessel run. However, several sites have sited “sources” saying that the five year plan for Disney’s Hollywood Studios includes a major overhaul. According to Theme Park Insider, Disney will be adding a Cars land as well as Star Wars.

 

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The Joys of Disney World in the Fall

Well, we are less than 3 months out from our Disney World vacation and it can’t get here soon enough!

Choosing when to go to Disney can often be the hardest decision that has to be made when planning your vacation.  Aside from the obvious obstacles, (ie school, weather, cost) most people worry about the crowds.  My husband and I have vacationed at Disney World during each season and have enjoyed each for different reasons.  For us, just being at Disney World is an incredible and exciting time, so ANY time we get to go we’re EXTREMELY happy!  But we DO have our favorite time of the year to go and that is during the fall.  Let me explain and I hope that I can offer tips for you when that daunting choice of when to visit faces YOUR family. Read more