Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
As perhaps is clear by now, there are much bigger differences across the deluxes than in
the other price classes. The detailed reviews later in this chapter cover these differences.
We recommend the Polynesian for those arriving after most of its relevant renovation
will be complete. Dates are uncertain, but we expect the main pool to re-open in spring,
possibly as early as April. The Polynesian combines kid-and adult pleasing South Seas
theming with large, recently renovated rooms, great dining for both kids and adults, and a
newly-renovated main pool. It also has the most convenient location for trips particularly
focused on Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Until Polynesian main pool renovations are com-
plete, we recommend the Wilderness Lodge. Its location across Bay Lake puts it a fun boat
ride or just a short bus ride to Magic Kingdom. It offers one of the most family-friendly
restaurants in Whispering Canyon Café. Artist Point is a delightful Northwest-inspired sig-
nature restaurant away from the hustle and bustle of the monorail resorts. And Territory
Lounge, with terrific Northwest beer on draft and a menu that features appetizers that come
out of the kitchen it shares with Artist Point, is among the best on property. The pool is
fantastically themed and there's even a geyser that erupts throughout the day near the out-
door bar. One deterrent—rooms are smaller than at most other deluxes, but prices are in
turn lower.
Among the rest, Beach Club is the best choice for an Epcot-focused visit—which most
first visits aren't. It's closer to Epcot and less uppity than neighboring Yacht Club. It also
shares with the Yacht Club the best pool complex at a Disney-owned resort on property
(the pools at the new Four Seasons are the best overall on-property pool complex) and is
more convenient to the limited Epcot-area quick service dining.
Value Resort Reviews
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Disney's Art of Animation Resort (“AofA”) is themed on four wildly popular Disney an-
imated films— Cars , The Lion King , Finding Nemo , and The Little Mermaid . Like Dis-
ney's other value resorts, this theming is partly achieved with larger-than-life sculptures,
but much more than the other values, the theming is also suffused into the landscape and
into the rooms themselves. This makes it the most “Disney” of any Disney World hotel,
wonderfully so to kids, and unrelentingly and garishly so to some adults.
You'll find at AofA four lodging areas, each with two or three buildings framed around
one of the movies, and two distinct room types. Family Suites sleeping six are found in the
Cars, Lion King, and Finding Nemo areas, and standard rooms similar to those at the other
value resorts (except for their much deeper Disney theming) are in the more distant Little
Mermaid area. Found in Animation Hall near the entrance to the resort are dining, shops,
and guest services. The main “Big Blue” pool, just outside Animation Hall, is the best pool
among the values. You'll find two smaller pools as well—a tiny one in the Cars area, and a
larger one in the Little Mermaid section. (You need to bring towels from your room to any
of these pools; housekeeping can get you more towels if you need them.)
All transport to theme parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney is via bus. AofA is one
of only two resorts at Walt Disney World with one bus stop and no shared buses, making
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