Disney’s Art of Animation Resort was originally slated to become an expansion of Pop Century. However, Imagineers wisely scrapped the idea of a wing dedicated to the decades between 1900 and 1940 in favor of a brand new concept that ultimately became the Art of Animation. This resort is packed with fun finds, and has so many exciting things to see that you may want to drop by even if you’re not staying there.
1. The stunning light fixture in the lobby
The lobby at Art of Animation is so bright and colorful, you might miss this stunning detail, but it’s worth your time and trouble to pause and look up. At first glance you’ll notice that the light fixture features a series of small sketches. But look closer – that’s not all.
Some of the sketches bear famous signatures. The picture of Lightning McQueen is signed by Cars director John Lasseter. Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel, signed a picture of the mermaid. Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, the directors of The Lion King, autographed a picture of Mufasa, Rafiki, and baby Simba.
A sketch of Ariel and Eric bears the signatures of Ron Clements and John Musker, the directors of The Little Mermaid. Pat Carrol, who voiced Ursula, autographed a sketch of her.
2. The paint jars
The theme of the Art of Animation revolves around the creation process for the four films highlighted in the resort’s buildings. Along with images from the films, you’ll also find many details that reference the process of animating these movies. The walls of the gift shop are lined with shelves set into giant paint buckets. Though the rainbow of color will catch your eye first, on closer examination you’ll see that the check-in desks look like paint jars as well.
3. Landscape of flavors light fixtures
The Landscape of Flavors is the food court at Art of Animation. It’s regularly praised for being one of the best quick service food courts on property. The atmosphere in the dining room is one of the most enjoyable parts of eating here. Don’t let the wall art draw your attention away from the ceiling. The dining room is separated into four areas, each themed around one of the movies featured at this resort.
In the Cars area, the light fixture features a blue sky criss-crossed by clouds in the shape of tire tracks. The Lion King dining room has a light fixture that looks like a tree canopy, as though you’re sitting in the jungle with Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba.
Head to the Finding Nemo section, and you’ll find that you’re predictably under the sea. This light fixture features a swirling school of fish.
Over in The Little Mermaid, you look up through Ariel’s grotto. Unlike the other light fixtures where the sides are simply a continuation of the image on the bottom, this one has a different look. Since the story of The Little Mermaid focuses on a girl torn between two worlds, the light, too, features her undersea home on the bottom, and the sea and sky along the sides.
4. The lobby sketches
The walls of the Art of Animation lobby are plastered with giant sketches from the development of the four films highlighted here. One of the best parts of these pictures is seeking out images of beloved characters before they took on their recognizable look. Nemo, Dory, and Sebastian are only rough versions of themselves in these pictures.
You’ll also spot Ursula when she was cast as a mermaid rather than an octopus, and many Lion King characters with more animalistic faces.
5. Ariel’s Oversize Grotto
Ariel’s grotto is one of the easiest areas to overlook because it lacks the stunning pools you’ll find with Finding Nemo and Cars. However, this is a really fun place to take a stroll if you’re a fan of The Little Mermaid. As you enter the area, you’ll find it strewn with items from her grotto, including a fork and pipe. These are oversized, making them perfect for fun photos.
The centerpiece of the grotto area is the statue of Prince Eric. He’s correctly scaled to look about the same size as the statue Ariel fawns over in the film. This is the only item on this scale, though. As you’ll see when you head further in, King Triton and Ursula are larger than life, standing as tall as the buildings behind them.
6. Fishy hidden Mickeys
Art of Animation features hidden Mickeys as far as the eye can see. If you’re crafty, you’ll spot them everywhere. Naturally, the problem with many of them is that you can’t be positive if the three circles are a real Mickey, or just your imagination getting carried away. From time to time you’ll spot one so obvious there’s no doubt. This beauty is on the far side of a fish in the Finding Nemo area. You’ll have to step into the mulch to find it, but it’s unmistakable when you do.
7. The Cozy Cone Motel
The pool in the Cars area is themed to the Cozy Cone Motel and truly looks like a life size representation of it. Take a moment to peek in the windows for some fun finds. You’ll see themed alarm clocks stacked in a pyramid and a postcard display highlighting all the best sights in Radiator Springs.
8. The sounds of the Big Blue World
If you’re a guest at the Art of Animation, you’ll have access to the resort’s pools. The Big Blue Pool in the Finding Nemo section is by far the most stunning – and most popular – pool on property. The design and atmosphere is fun just to look at, but Disney takes the experience to a whole new level when you’re actually in the pool. Put your head under water and you’ll hear music playing.
Art of Animation is a fun resort to visit whether you stop in for some souvenirs from your favorite movies, or you book a suite and enjoy a stay here. Keep your eyes open here and you’ll find many hidden gems to enjoy.
