Phase 1 of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opened on May 31, 2012 with the Nemo family suites and the Big Blue Pool water area.
Next up, in just a few weeks, is Phase 2, Cars!
Here are photos of what can be seen as of today. Things have certainly progressed from just a month ago. Also, most of the neon lights are now on in the evenings, so if you are nearby, head over for a stroll.
After the stills is a video interview with Disney’s Pixar “Cars” Filmaker Jay Ward and automotive designer (and designer of Ramone) Chip Foose telling you what’s in store when Cars open!
My husband & I went over to AOA to try Landscape of Flavors for lunch this past Saturday. We got there right at 11am and the food court hadn’t finished switching over from Breakfast to Lunch yet, so we took a look around. The barriers to the Cars section were down and they seemed to be in “soft opening” phase. There were people going into the buildings being followed by bellhops with full luggage carts. There where also folks swimming at the Cozy Cone pool.There were still some workers around putting last minute paint touches on some things, but they pretty much looked open for business. I have to say I was crazy impressed with what they have done there. Makes me look forward to my trip to DLR next May to see Cars Land.
We are so excited about the new resort. We are booked for October. My husband and I are using it as kind of a second honeymoon. It looks amazing.
Was Jay Ward 5 when he created Rags the Tiger or is that a different Jay Ward?
AllEars: No idea.
We have reservations for the first night the Cars Suites are open! The kids don’t know, so they will be beside themselves when we pull in!
Looks great can’t wait to go. My family has reservations for November and the kids are courting Down the days. So are my wife and I
Hi Deb!
It was so nice to meet you yesterday (inside the Landscape of Flavors) during lunch. After my mother and I finished eating we walked on over to Radiator Springs to check out the Cars Resort. Wow! we were simply amazed! Just standing outside the entrance looking down the “road” gave me the sense of actually Being in The Movie! We felt like we were really in Radiator Springs.
Until now, mom was disappointed that the west coast was getting a “Cars Land” and not here in Florida. Now, after yesterday, she’s alot happier. We are greatly looking forward to the opening.
Hope to see you sometime again. Maybe at one of the AllEars meet & greets.
Take Care,
Johnny
DEB: Thanks Johnny – I enjoyed meeting you both as well. Yes, the Cars section is really going to be awesome!