Lynn (nikkithepooh) - Art of Animation Resort, October 23-31, 2012

Lynn and Lori's Trip to Disney
(NikkithePooh~Lynn)
October 23-31, 2012
Art of Animation Resort
Free Counter Service Dining

Highlights:
New Little Mermaid Room at Art of Animation Resort
Dinner and Fireworks at California Grill
Food and Wine Festival
Dessert Party at Epcot (Food and Wine)
New Fantasyland Preview
Halloween at Magic Kingdom

Lowlights:
My sister, Lori, was only able to enjoy the trip for three days before having to go back home. She has a 19 year old, autistic daughter at home who became extremely anxious while under the supervision of her caregiver. Autistic behavior is very unpredictable, but Lori hoped, prayed and prepared her daughter the best she could. We knew there was a chance that a problem would arise...but this particular situation warrented her return home. Of course, we were both upset...but it could not be avoided. I stayed on, but had a difficult time enjoying myself, knowing how much she needed a vacation as she had been looking forward to this for six months.

Anyway, I wanted to share some photos from the new Art of Animation Resort. It is a wonderful new value resort with four themed areas (Nemo, Cars, Lion King and Little Mermaid). All buildings are family suites except Little Mermaid where we stayed! The pools are spectacular, the food court unique with many new menu items, and the rooms and layout are themed to the max.



We arrived in Orlando late afternoon and took the Magical Express to our resort. We checked in quickly and found they had assigned us a handicapped accessible room. I really wanted a standard room and asked if they could move us which they would not be able to do until the next day, which was fine.

We had a reservation at California Grill so we had to get moving! We would tour the resort later on! We stopped at The Wave (Contemporary Resort) for a relaxing drink before dinner. We then checked in at the desk on the 4th floor and were excorted to the California Grill on the top floor of the Resort. We enjoyed another drink before our table was ready. Fireworks began before we were seated and we went out on the balcony for the show. Spectacular view with a drink in hand! When we went back in, our table (by the window) was ready. We were offered sourdough bread and salted butter and ordered sushi for an appetizer. We split an entree which they plated separately for us. This was very nice and greatly appreciated! Also saved us a little cash so we were able to order dessert too! This was a fabulous evening. I am so glad we did this our first night, considering the trip was cut short for Lori.



Here's a link to Snapfish Photos showing the Art of Animation Resort and dinner at California Grill:
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/th...NAME=snapfish/

I will add to the report over the weekend! Thanks for allowing me this short report with lots of pictures! If you have any questions, please ask, since I don't think I have time or the memory to submit a detailed report right now! It's been a very hectic time since I returned from this trip. But I figured I should share what I could before it was too late!