Disney’s Art of Animation Resort — Part 1

For years, I’ve looked across Hourglass Lake at the creepy remains of what was meant to be the other half of Disney’s POP Century Resort – The Legendary Years…

Not quite done, but quite creepy

POP Century represents the 1950’s through the 1990’s.  The Legendary Years would have been the 1900’s through the 1940’s, but the project was abandoned around 2001.  I’ve read conflicting reports about why the resort was never completed, with most saying that it was due to the reduction of visitors after 9/11.  Whatever the reason, there has been a mirror image resort sitting there for over 10 years – the main building and a few shells of guest rooms way over yonder.  The bridge over Hourglass Lake (Generation Gap) ended in a wall.

Generation Gap Bridge (I wonder if they will rename it?)

Then… the rumors started and the construction crews arrived…

Construction trailer

And just like that – the 1900’s to 1940’s were gone…

The Legendary Years were scrapped, and the new family resort, Disney’s art of ANIMATION was born.

The big sign

I have to tell you, it’s really weird standing on the “other side” of the bridge looking back at POP.

The wall came down

And in a few months, we are scheduled to stay in those creepy empty shells that are now the single rooms of the Little Mermaid section.

Little Mermaid section – opening soon

And now for what you’ve been waiting for: pics of the resort!  I will review the food court in another post soon.  The Cars and Finding Nemo sections have been open for a month or so and the Lion King just opened – I’ll get pictures of that for you next month.  Enjoy!

Front of AoA

 

Love the building deco
The bus stops have shelters over them – nice touch. Wish POP had that.

Next post, we’ll go inside Animation Hall!

Live August Disney Trip Report #2

Still here at Walt Disney World – and, as I expected, I’m too busy and tired to write much. The non-existent “free wi-fi” at my resort isn’t helping either. I’m not dragging my iPad to the parks, so without wi-fi, there’s no way to get the pictures on here to share with you.

Here’s one for ya – lunch today at the Sci Fi diner at Hollywood Studios. The All American Picnic Burger: a burger topped with a hot dog topped with sauerkraut, all of the fixins and a pickle spear…

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Live August Disney Trip Report #1a

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We are on our way! Up in the air somewhere over the East Coast. Got off to a bit of a late start, probably because of the weather. The plane was a few minutes late getting in and after we boarded, they announced that we would have to wait at least an hour before we could take off because our route was closed… Luckily, they found another route that took us out over the ocean and we were only about 30 minutes late getting off the ground.

I have to say in the MANY times I’ve flown Southwest, this is only the second time we’ve been significantly late. And 30 minutes isn’t so late, so it’s tough to complain.

One thing I am going to complain about is the size of these seats! Got one of the really old planes with the flat wings (not the cute Southwest fins) and I barely, just barely fit with 3 of us in the row. And I’m not that big.

Little bit of turbulence but not so bad. I ordered a Bloody Mary just in case. It was a little lite on the tomato juice, but it helped me sleep for a while.

I’m sure I will have to power down shortly, so I’ll see you when we land!

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On the bus!!!

Live August Disney Trip Report #1

Ok – let’s see if I can keep a live trip report going!

Heading off to Walt Disney World for the weekend. Someone posted one of those silly pictures to my Facebook a couple weeks ago that said “I see you’re feeling down lately. Maybe you should book your next trip to Disney and see if that cheers you up”

Word.

This last minute getaway is partially in response to a very sad, rough couple of weeks. And while it’s certainly not a cure – I sure am feeling better.

Dropped the Woodster off at “camp” this morning (I’m sure he’ll post about that!), sailed through security at the airport and here I am waiting at the gate in my big red Minnie crocs.

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See ya real soon!

‘Ohana Breakfast

One of the great things about Walt Disney World (& Disneyland) is the food.  There’s always something new to try and something to look forward to on your next visit.  There’s a whole community of Disney foodies out there (Hi!), but the food is still probably the least photographed part of Disney.

I’ve taken a picture of just about everything we’ve eaten at Disney in the past 6 years or so.  We, being my Disney buddy, the lovely Lady – aka my mom… & me.  (and various other friends and family)   I love looking at the food pics others post, as well as remembering my own experience.   I hope you all enjoy this segment, and if you find it useful in your Disney planning – even better!

"Family"

Let’s randomly start with the Best Friends Breakfast at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, featuring Lilo & Stitch.  This is a wildly popular character breakfast – served family style.

As you pass the imposing Tiki, your host grabs a basket of sweet breads and rolls (seen above) and escorts you to into the bustling dining room full of kids, characters and fun!

Aloha!

When we were seated, the server informed us that they were out of the signature fruit bread (even though there were 2 hours left for breakfast).  The Lady was very disappointed, and, in true Disney fashion, a couple pieces magically appeared to turn her frown upside down. 🙁 – 🙂

Yay!

And then comes Lilo’s special juice blend.  Mango and Guava, I think…

Fruity...

Chances are, a character or two will stop by the table before the really good stuff comes – a skillet full of goodness.  Mickey Waffles, sweet sausages, bacon, eggs and more!

Wait, where are my Mickey waffles?
There they are!

The food keeps coming, as long as you can keep eating.  And if you clean your plate…

That was very good...

You just might get a surprise…

Mickey!!!!