Hey Howdy Hey Emily and welcome to planDisney!
It is so exciting to hear that your trip to the Walt Disney World Resort is just days away!
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is such a great choice. This resort has so many great amenities including the Big Blue Pool, the largest resort pool on the property! Before I get caught up in all the benefits of staying at Art of Animation, let's talk about room requests.
Art of Animation is a fairly large resort and there may be a bit of walking depending on your room assignment. The resort is split up into
Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid themes. The Little Mermaid section is for standard rooms only. All of the others are Family Suites. Depending on your accommodation selection, you may have some flexibility in where you request your room to be. The Little Mermaid section is the farthest from the main lobby but is the only section with standard rooms. If you are staying in these rooms, I would put in a request for buildings 7 or 9 which are closer, building 8 is the farthest away. If you are staying in a Family Suite, they are all close to the main lobby. Finding Nemo Suites are in the center with The Lion King and Cars Family suites on either side. Cars area is slightly farther if you are in building 2 so building 1 or 3 would be closest. These requests may be able to be made through your My Disney Experience app with the
Direct-to-Room Service check-in option, but you might also have to stop at the front desk for your request. Just remember, Disney does their best to accommodate requests, they may not be able to make all requests possible pending availability.
When we stayed at this resort several years ago, we stayed in the Little Mermaid rooms and were assigned building 8. I feel as though it was a decent walk but it was not bad in the slightest. There was a lot to see along the way and it was a nice stroll to experience the resort. Several resorts are much more spread out and much longer walks to the main lobby. I wouldn't worry if you are assigned the farther room.
I am sure you are already aware of the many amenities that are available during your stay but one of the big ones that changed the transportation options a ton was the addition of
Disney Skyliner. This transportation option to Disney's Hollywood Studios and EPCOT makes it so much easier to get around in a unique way. My kids love riding just for the novelty of it! You also might want to take some time to enjoy the resort exploring all the other areas you may not be staying at. They all have very unique feels and kids love taking pictures with all the statues and being part of the movies they love. You also might want to take one evening to experience
Movies Under the Stars. This is a free experience where Disney Cast Members set up a mobile movie screen in the evenings and you can relax on the lawn watching one of your favorite movies. Stop by the check-in desk upon arrival for the full schedule of movies and events during your stay!
I wish for you and your party to have a Magical experience during your upcoming stay. I am sure you will love the resort and have so much fun in all of the parks. Please feel free to stop back with any further questions you may have, we are always happy to help!
Have a Magical day,
Nick