Welcome to planDisney, Julia. It's a pleasure to answer your first question to us! Keep them coming!
You are in for a treat when staying at
Disney's Art of Animation Resort. Those family suites are truly wonderful options for larger groups...and for more space! I've stayed in the rooms themed to
The Little Mermaid before, but my first time in the suites will be when my husband and I take our niece and nephew in the summer. We're all
very excited.
The Big Blue Pool here is pretty sweet. And while the
Disney Skyliner is a great perk at
this resort, just make sure you're keeping an eye on
the resort's page, as this mode of transportation tends to go down for yearly maintenance in January. But don't worry, if that's the case when you're there, that handy
Walt Disney World Bus Service will get you where you need to go in style!
Currently, all Guests staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection Hotel (with a
theme park ticket) have access to
Early Theme Park Entry, which means they can enter any of the theme parks 30 minutes earlier than other Guests. Just check the
Hours & Events Calendar to see the times it will be open each day you're going to be there. While subject to change, hours are typically released on a rolling basis 60 days ahead.
Since you arrive in mid-January, I have to make sure you know that the
EPCOT International Festival of Arts will be taking place from January 17th to February 24th, 2025. During this festival, the park comes alive with so many different disciplines of art, from music, performance, acrobatics, painting, photography, and even culinary! So be sure to check it out, as it's one of the best offerings of the year at this truly unique park.
Julia, best wishes for a wonderful visit. If you have any other questions,
I'm here to answer them!
Listen with your heart, you will understand,
Matt