Inside The Lion King wing and rooms of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, as Walt Disney World opens third hotel phase

in Disney, Hotel, Walt Disney World

Today Walt Disney World officially opened the third of four wings at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, themed to “The Lion King.” This wing follows the “Cars” and “Finding Nemo” wings that opened earlier this year, with the final section of the new hotel dedicated to “The Little Mermaid” scheduled to open next month.

The Pride Lands of Africa is the setting for The Lion King wing of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. It’s the only wing at the hotel that does not have its own pool, instead swapping an abundance of colorful characters with a handful of those most memorable from the classic animated film.


Video: Tour “The Lion King” wing and rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort


Featuring landscapes and theming inspired by scenes from the Academy Award-winning movie, this third phase of the resort places guests into African terrains, surrounded by vibrant trees and interesting scenery.

King Mufasa stands high atop Pride Rock while his evil brother Scar lurks just beyond the elephant graveyard. Scar’s hyenas also “guard” the play area.

The Lion King wing of DIsney's Art of Animation Resort

The Lion King wing of Disney's Art of Animation Resort

The Lion King wing of DIsney's Art of Animation Resort

Pumbaa and Timon playfully cross a giant log bridge with young Simba in “hakuna matata” fashion, allowing guests to pass underneath when entering and exiting the wing’s buildings.

The Lion King wing of DIsney's Art of Animation Resort

The Lion King wing of DIsney's Art of Animation Resort

The Lion King wing of DIsney's Art of Animation Resort

Like the “Finding Nemo” and “Cars” wings of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, “The Lion King” wing exclusively features family suites – 320 of them. Decor in each room is inspired by the more playful side of the film, with brightly-colored representations of upbeat scenes. Zazu is featured on the headboards while Pumbaa and Timon decorate the shower curtain. Furniture includes a leaf-shaped chair and a table that folds down into bed, with each room sleeping up to 6 comfortably.

The Lion King wing of DIsney's Art of Animation Resort

The Lion King wing of Disney's Art of Animation Resort

The Lion King wing of DIsney's Art of Animation Resort

Three wings of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are now open and available for nightly stays. When the final wing of Walt Disney World’s newest hotel opens on September 15, 2012, based on “The Little Mermaid”, it will move away from family suites, adding 864 standard rooms, each sleeping up to four.

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