Disney's Art of Animation Finishing Ahead of Schedule

Great weather combined with the magic of Disney planning means that the eagerly anticipated Art of Animation resort will open some phases a little sooner than expected. If you tried to book a room and the resort was full, you may have more luck if you try again now, since more rooms will be available.

The grand opening will still be May 31, 2012, and will feature the Finding Nemo themed rooms. The accelerated schedule affects the remaining three portions of the resort, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid.

• Cars features family suites and will open June 18, 2012, about a month and a half ahead of schedule.
• The Lion King opens August 10, about 5 weeks before its initial opening day of September 20, 2012. This part of the resort will have family suites.
• The Little Mermaid features value category hotel rooms, and opens September 15, about three months ahead of the original schedule.

The Art of Animation resort is designed to appeal to families traveling with kids; family suites can easily hold large family groups and have some of the most innovative themeing you'll find on Disney property.