To celebrate, the new Marathon Course has lots of enhancements – like running through Disney’s race car speedway, along with the 4 Theme Parks at Walt Disney World.  Yes this sounds awesome – as this will be the very 1st time runners will dash through the high-banked Walt Disney World Speedway where Indy cars and exotic super cars typically race around the one-mile track.

After running the amazing Disney Princess Half Marathon a few minutes ago I am DESPERATE to do another RunDisney race – it was the most inspirational race of my life and I can not wait to run another RunDisney marathon or half marathon.

Plus, the course will send runners to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex “Champion Stadium”, the major-league style ballpark that’s also the annual spring training home for the Atlanta Braves’.

The race will still start at Epcot as it always has and finish near there as well. Here’s the course map:

The marathon’s commemorative route changes add to the new enhancements recently announced, including enhanced entertainment along Mile 20, a specially-designed 20^th anniversary Mickey Mouse medal and a new post-race party at Downtown Disney.

Runners can register at www.rundisney.com.  Runners can register early to get the best price.  Below is pricing and the schedule of events for the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

I’ve got lots of photos to share and a video tour too – so enjoy the virtual trip below.

To sum it up on the high level: The Art of Animation Hotel is pretty much the dream hotel for a 3-6 year old. Bright colors are everywhere along with decor themed to immerse guests into the storyline of Classy Disney and Disney Pixar films.

And the pool is stellar for kids – it is Disney’s largest resort Pool and is basically Nemo’s Playground. Kids love water, and I suspect this pool will be a giant lure for many kids who will be begging to leave the theme parks for more time at the hotel pool. For kids, this hotel really is the stuff that dreams are made of……

As soon as you step up to the hotel you are greeted by Animation Sketches galore – both on the outside of the hotel and everywhere within the main lobby. Think Bright lights, vibrant colors, and all the characters your children adore from Floor to Ceiling.

And even the light fixtures bring animations to life.  Disney is always all about the details.

What’s different about the Art of Animation Hotel:

Basically, this new Value Resort has a TON of suites at an affordable price so it’s a great option for large families to stay on Disney property. The hotel will open in several phases over the next few months – starting May 31st with the Nemo wing.  Suites also provide a great way to save on meals as they include microwaves and mini kitchenettes – ideal for a quick breakfast in the room and to pack lunch to bring with you to the park. For a large family or anyone who wants to be more frugal, this can be a major way to save money on your Disney vacation.

Pricing at Disney’s Art of Animation Hotel:

Rates will start at $248 for the 1,120 family suites which include two bathrooms, a kitchenette and three separate sleeping areas that can sleep up to six. The 864 standard rooms sleep up to four with rates as low as $94

Three family suite wings will showcase Finding Nemo opening May 31, Cars opening June 18 and The Lion King opening Aug. 10, with elaborate storytelling both inside and out. Standard guest rooms make up The Little Mermaid wing, the final phase to open on Sept. 15.

Photos and Video of Disney’s Art of Animation Nemo Suites

Here’s a video tour and some photos from the Nemo suite we toured. The kids were very impressed with the Nemo decor and theme that carries through the entire room as you’ll see.

Here’s some more photos of the room we toured. Kenzie and Kyle ADORED it as the NEMO theme is never ending within the suite.

The murphy bed down from the wall….. and here it is converted into a dining table below too!

The sitting area – don’t you love the wall hanging ? A school of fish!

The Master Bedroom is even complete with a coral type comforter that Nemo would approve of…..

Photos of the Pool area at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Kids can frolic in Nemo’s colorful reef with a giant-sized Mr. Ray overlooking their play time – his whose wings span 27 feet. A giant Crush also flanks the other side of the children’s play area.

During our special dinner, we even had a giant costume of a Coral Reef hanging around posing for photos with the kids. Entertaining and very cool!

More Lobby Photos – here is where you check in upon arrival – there were TONS of stations for Disney’s Cast members to check in guests.  This is a value resort and nobody does service like Disney – as clearly evidenced here.

Photos of the Quick Service Dining Area at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort:

When we go to Disney, our family opts for quick service dining the majority of the time – whether we are in the park or at our hotel for a quick breakfast or dinner by the pool or indoors before heading back to the parks for fireworks.

Dining options include a poolside snack bar and pizza delivery – Yeah!  The Landscape of Flavors food court will feature items such as fresh smoothies, hand-scooped gelato and Mongolian barbecue.  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

And of course the theme of animation is throughout the dining areas too. Light fixtures and all!

More fabulous images in the dining area.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opens on May 31st, 2012 – with suites from the Nemo Wing and remaining wings Cars, Lion King, and Little Mermaid will roll open in the coming months.

Doesn’t it look whimsical and enchanting? Definitely! The vibe was very energetic and stimulating. Full of Disney vigor and life. I’ve never stayed at a Value resort before, but it was interesting to see such an elaborately themed hotel at a price geared to please a families  budget and wallet. The major contrast I will give to this hotel versus the Deluxe Disney Resort Hotels I’m more familiar with and that we typically book – Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Beach Club and Yacht Club – is that they seem far more relaxing and like a traditional hotel compared to the vibrant stimulation the Art of Animation offers.

This hotel is a child’s dream for certain, however, for parents who prefer the Four Seasons or Marriott style deluxe resorts, they should consider that a quiet ordinary Deluxe Resort may feel more relaxing and less stimulating after a day at the Theme Parks for Mom and Dad.

Hands down kids will choose Art of Animation Resort every time – especially after they experience the pool! My 6 year old Kenzie is already begging me to PLEASE book this hotel for our next visit to Disney.

Disclosure: We received discounts and special media access to Walt Disney World Attractions & Resorts with our conference pass to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own – or the kids! 

Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa opened in August of 2011. When we learned that Aulani was on the same lagoon that we honeymooned on twelve years ago, it simply was meant to be.

We became Disney Vacation Club members in December of 2011 and were thrilled to take our first trip to our home resort, Aulani, in March!

The entire trip to Aulani was amazing and we cherish that we were able to share a location with such special meaning to us as a couple with our children.

To enter and be greeted with “Welcome home, Barseghian family” brought tears to my eyes.

I wanted to share some of the “take aways” from our trip that can help families enjoy their trip to Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa to their fullest.

1. Before your trip, order SPF swimsuits, hats, and cover ups for your children (and yourselves ) from Coolibar.  We have used Coolibar since our children were born and have never had either of them get sunburned. Even when the swimsuits are years old, they stay true to their protection.  We splurged and ordered the ZnO Hoodies for each of the kids and they wore them every day at Aulani.

2.  After you get settled at the resort, head to Target and get some sand toys for the kids. $20 will get you endless entertainment on the beach!  We had our children gift their toys to an incoming family when we departed, which felt so good.

 3.  Take advantage of the beach activities through Hawaii Ocean Adventures.  They have a stand right by the beach with tons of activities for the entire family.  We rented a paddle board and each of us took the children out on it. They felt safe in the calmer waters of the lagoon.  We also did a catamaran outing as a family, which was a total highlight of our trip.

 4.  Schedule a character breakfast at Makahiki.  The food is incredible and your children will get special time and photos with the characters.  Plus, Aunty will immerse them in the Hawaiian culture through song and activities.

5. Speaking of Aunty, be sure to visit Aunty’s Beach House early in your stay.  Your children can go here…alone…while you enjoy a nice dinner.  There are so many fun activities at Aunty’s each day for children of all ages.

6.  Talk with cast members at Aulani and learn about everything they did to honor the Hawaiian culture in the design of Aulani.  For example, all of the photos behind the check in desk were taken by children in Hawaii…love!

7.  Enjoy a meal at Ama Ama.  Aside from the fact that the food is amazing, you can customize dishes and the view is incredible.  We ate here most mornings and filled up so we could enjoy hours of uninterrupted bliss on the beach and by the pool.  The photo here shows the view from our table…

8.  Most importantly, spend time at the beach in the evening and watch the sun set with your little ones.  The beauty is breathtaking…and quiet.

Amy Barseghian, aka MommyMentor, is the owner of From One Mommy to Another.  She grew up going to Disney World during family trips to Daytona Beach.  Now, she enjoys trips to Disney World and Disneyland with her husband and two children.

There is no other way to describe this most extravagant room we were about to tour during our media cruise aboard the brand new Disney Fantasy. Think vessel sinks, extra showers,  a whirlpool tub, multiple bathrooms and TV’s and a gigantic Verandah partially encased with gorgeous glass offering ocean vistas and lounge chairs.

That’s what the 1 Bedroom Suite on the Concierge Level is all about…… and let’s not forget the extra “concierge” services like snacks, cocktail hours, desserts, exclusive sun decks, complementary iPad, Wii, and Nintendo DS rentals and so much more!

Disney Cruise Line does it right on the Disney Fantasy and the decor is totally Art Decco – and as Disney says it will remind you of the “glamor” of the early days of sea travel – I agree!

Seriously you will feel like you are transported back to the early 1900′s. Obviously I loved this room and touring it was so fun. Felt like I was getting a sneak peek into Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous!

Here’s a video tour of the room to give you a real taste of the luxury – forgive my 4 year old son for wanting to use the “potty” – it was so fancy I think he was curious about wanting to test out this glam bathroom!

The 1 Bedroom Suite with Verandah on the Concierge level is located on deck 12 Forward – this is a super convenient location right near the pool, restaurants, spa, and many other amenities. The location is one of the features I’m most excited about for this room along with obviously the luxury opulent decor!

Here’s some of the official stats on the 1 BR Family Oceanview Suite with Verandah:

• Sleeps: 5
• Size: 622 sq. ft. including verandah
• Room Configuration: 1 bedroom with queen-size bed, living area with double convertible sofa, single wall pull-down bed in the living room, walk-in closet, whirlpool in the master bathroom, 2 bathrooms with rain shower
• View: Private verandah

Note: Other Concierge Suite sizes are available – both extra large Royal suites along with regular Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah on the Concierge Level.

Take a peek at the Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah Stateroom on the Disney Fantasy that we slept in here – video and photos included. And stay tuned for daily coverage of more stateroom configurations in the days to come.

Disclosure: Thanks to Disney Cruise Line for paying my travel expenses to sail the Disney Fantasy media preview cruise. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own & that of my family.

As it is now,  the Monorail is one of Kenzie and Kyle’s FAVORITE attractions while at Disney World and now to have it wrapped Avenger super hero style totally rocks.  Disney and Marvel’s highly-anticipated “The Avengers” hits theaters on May 4, 2012 so Disney is pumping up this movie as they ready for the big release this spring.

My husband is super hero obsessed and my 4 year old son is quickly following his lead so this movie is on our most watch list.

For all your Avengers fans, here’s some more links to stay connected:

“Like” MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MarvelsTheAvengers

Follow MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on Twitter: twitter.com/avengers

If you ever take a Disney Cruise, be sure to attend the festive Sail Away party on deck instead of sneaking away elsewhere on the ship. Yes, there is so much to do it might be tempting to hit the spa, but this really is a MUST DO Disney event as it gets you into the entire vibe of being a Disney Cruise – or what I like to think of as a giant floating resort.

We are so excited to be included in this special event and can’t wait to share more of our sneak peek preview with everyone.

It all starts with this special placemat where guests draw a little person when they arrive.

It’s a fabulous show ripe with Disney magic as guests cartoon sketches made during the Appetizer hour are ultimately brought to life before Dessert.

Take a peek at Animation Magic here from our tour inside the Animator’s Palate restaurant:

Simply incredible. The adults at my table during our dinner during the Fantasy Christening loved the experience and I’m sure kids will be beyond enchanted and thrilled by it all.

The decor is all about the animation too and the movie clips you see during the dinner hour all are taken from the Disney movie archives and include just about every reference to eating, feasting or harvesting since the beginning of Walt Disney animation. Fabulous!

I love the Mickey style chairs too!

Enjoy our tour of the ship and the Disney Fantasy Christening Celebration below:

Neil Patrick Harris was the emcee for this event and I simply adore him and the parody song & dance routine he led tonight to the tune of Supercalifragilistic. Purely fabulous! His act and the evening’s official entertainment start 3:00 minutes into the above footage.

Other highlights from the entertainment included dance & song numbers from 3 of the Disney Fantasy’s shows – Aladdin, Believe, and Wishes.

Simply spectacular and a glitzy evening!

Mariah Carey was named the Godmother of the Disney Fantasy and blessed the ship and opened that giant bottle of champagne.

My husband attended with my as my guest and we had a blast – the best date night ever. This was babysitting money well worth every penny! Neil Patrick Harris was the emcee of the event – incredibly funny and man can that guy sing & dance. I loved it! And Jerry Seinfeld is beyond hilarious – the best comedy act I’ve ever listened to in my life.

The Disney fanfare was fabulous too and non stop all night long. Champagne was flowing and confetti was falling from the ceiling.

Here’s Mike and I before the event at check in as we were preparing to board the ship. Just the banners are glamorous!

This ship is out of this world fabulous. It has the same footprint as the Disney Dream however it is enhanced in many ways with new technology and features to benefit guests sailing for 7 days vs. the shorter 3-4 day itineraries that sail on the Disney Dream.

You can take a quick photo tour of the Disney Fantasy from my “iphone” pics  on ClassyMommy. I snapped these on my media tour. Lots more detailed posts, photos, and videos are forthcoming on specific restaurants, activities, and decor on the Disney Fantasy.

Amazing! Other stars in attendance included Mayor Bloomberg, Ty Pennington, Alan Cumming, Nancy Grace, Erin Andrews, Tim Gunn and more. 

I’ll be heading up to New York tomorrow to tour the ship. I am DYING to see it up close and find out what’s similar and what’s new when comparing it to it’s sister ship, the Disney Dream, that we sailed last year.

The Christening Ceremony for the Disney Fantasy will be this Thursday March 1st and I can’t wait to attend this gala event. Wonder who the Godmother will be? In just 48 hours this well kept secret will be revealed!

Stay tuned for photos and video from my tour on Thursday along with details on the Christening ceremony. In March we’ll be sailing on the new Disney Fantasy as a family to experience all it has to offer. We can not wait for our trip as sailing as a passenger on Disney Cruise Line truly is a fantasy experience for families.