Walt Disney Parks and Resorts unveiled plans today for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, one of the largest new hospitality projects in Florida that will create hundreds of construction jobs in the state. The new resort will feature quality family suites designed around four unique themes: The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars and The Little Mermaid.
“We are always looking for opportunities to expand and enhance our Walt Disney World offerings, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a great example of those efforts. This new resort will feature some of our most beloved characters and stories in a unique and special way that we think our guests will really enjoy,” said Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “This project also underscores our optimism about the future, as we continue to invest in new experiences for our guests around the globe.”
Located adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, the new resort will include 1,120 family suites in The Lion King, Cars and Finding Nemo wings, and 864 themed rooms in The Little Mermaid wings for a total of almost 2,000 new units. Suites will feature both a living room and a bedroom, offering added space for families.
“These themes have both compelling storylines and vivid visuals which will come together to create a truly memorable, immersive resort experience,” said Eric Jacobson, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering. “With more multi-generational families vacationing together, guests are looking for places where they can play together and stay together. This resort was designed with the needs of families in mind, as we continue the Disney tradition of providing a great guest experience for every taste and budget.”
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the 26th resort at Walt Disney World, will be one-of-a-kind, with themed building exteriors and room interiors, and larger-than-life icons from the animated films in the courtyard areas. Walt Disney World Resort currently features 25 uniquely themed, Disney owned-and-operated resort hotels with more than 26,000 guest rooms.
The new resort is expected to create more than 800 construction jobs, beginning immediately. All of the themed suites and rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are expected to open by the end of 2012.