Disney's Art of Animation Resort Is A Go!

It was rumored a while ago, that Disney was looking at transforming what was originally supposed to be part of the Pop Century: Legendary Years section into something a little different.

This was a section that had been partially built, but stopped in 2001, because of 9/11...a section that was left standing as a shell for many years, partial buildings that could be seen from the portion of Pop Century that had already been built and to many, looked to be a huge eyesore. However, for a while there, it looked like the idea of fixing up this section of the resort was going to be another rumor that didn't quite make it out of the box.

Well, now, it appears that Disney has decided to continue with construction on this section of property. Albeit, with a different theme, instead of the 1900s to 1940s. Instead, the theme will focus all on great Disney animation stories: The Little Mermaid, Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King.

This was a theme that I reported on a while back as a very valid possibility. And it appears that I was right about another aspect of the resort as well. They will be making quite a few rooms at this new resort Family Suites, much like they did with some of the rooms at All Star Music.

According to Disney, there will be 1,120 family suites in The Lion King, Cars and Finding Nemo wings and 864 themed rooms in The Little Mermaid wings. Suites will have both a living room and a bedroom.

This resort will be considered a Value resort, which means prices will start around $82 a night for a standard rate for a room, although the suites will, of course, cost more than that.

The resort will be set up like all the other value resorts, with large courtyards, larger than life icons from the movies, and themed pools.

The resort is slated to open by the end of 2012, which will be right in the middle of the Fantasyland expansion. (Perfect timing.)

As for me...I'm surprised it took them this long to do it! I know that the economy had to set them back a little, but this seems like such a great idea.

So many family travel to Walt Disney World, but aren't the conventional 2 adults and 2 kids. Or many families would want to bring extended family members along on the trips. And these types of families were often at a disadvantage because of that fact, either fighting to get to stay at the popular All Star Music Suites or having to upgrade to a Moderate or Deluxe resort. I think this is going to be a fantastic addition to the Walt Disney World Resort for larger families.

I also am glad to see that they are going to be taking a piece of property that has been sitting stagnant for years and turn it around into something. No more will guests at Pop have to look across and see emptiness. Now, (well, at least in a few years anyway), we'll be able to look across and see a bustling hotel.

The only thing I'm not in love with is the name. I think it doesn't flow as easily as some of the other resort names. I wonder if in the end it will just change to Disney's Animation Resort, or something like that in the future. I'm sure, even if they don't, the name will grow on me. It just seems weird right now. :)

I think this is a win-win situation, both for Disney and Disney fans alike. It will be great to hear as more details leek out about this project as time passes. And I for one, am looking forward to a new value hotel for me to stay in. (Although I still will have a special place in my heart for Pop Century.)

But what do you all think? Are you glad to see this section of the resort being finished? Would you have liked to have seen some other theme in there instead? Or would you have rather they finished the Pop Century: Legendary Years section? Make sure to let me know!