Time to become mildly personal. I recently got hired to work the food and beverage location in Disney’s Art of Animation resort. It is the newest Disney resorts and its chock full of all sorts of small quirks that you can’t find in most places---not even Disney. Whether it’s the massive pool that can only be accessed with an Art of Animation resort key, exclusive artwork, and the food court that sports actual silverware and has four areas that allows you to build your own meals, Art of Animation is no average hotel---even at Value prices.
In the food court---a.k.a. Landscape of Flavors, the area is split up into multiple sections, with the dining room split up into multiple sections depending on the movie it is referencing. One section is for dessert, allows you to make your own smoothie. The next section allows you to make your own salad (fruit bowl and yogurt parfaits in the morning). Other self-creation options include pasta and even crafting your perfect burger. I decided to give the make-your-burger a shot as well as try one of the sandwiches that the hotel sells.
Let’s start with the scenery. It is beautiful. The place is massive, widespread, and contains tons of beautiful scenery. I find it odd that the concept art of Cars has better framing, cinematography, and creativity then the finished product. Anyway, back on topic. I decided to hit the sandwich shop and got their caprese sandwich—which has the chimichurri sauce that I am always in love with—when it’s done correctly. Then I made my own burger: cheddar cheese, white cheese, and shrimp with an angus patty, topped with a chipotle ranch sauce. I found it extremely odd that the chefs making my create-a-burger don’t have the option of using the classic condiments like ketchup and mayonnaise.
Like most Disney food courts, the price tag can easily run up on you. Burger/fries, and sandwich led to over 20 dollars. And I didn’t even get a drink. I picked my seat and tackled the burger first. Now, the most important thing with a burger is that all the stuff in between those buns has to contain the same temperature. This is what separates a burger from tasting like heaven from a burger that tastes like a regular one—with stuff on the side. Sadly, the burger here misses the shot because the shrimp and cheese didn’t match the temperature of the really hot and juicy meat. Personally I thought the garlic shrimp was the better choice as opposed to the fried popcorn shrimp that they decide to use. Either way, it was still overall good—but could have been so much more.
Now, the caprese is on point to the nth degree. The chimichurri sauce absolutely makes the sandwich by being the perfect mix of savory and sweet to the mozzarella chunks and basil leaves wedged in. Hands-down one of the better sandwiches in all of Disney. The seasoned fries that came with the burger were pretty good too. The better deals in the resort are definitely the make-your-own-pasta and the make-your-own salads, which are served in massive, massive bowls that can easily feed a couple.
The gelatos though. Legit.
Pure legit.
Bottom Line: Art of Animation’s Festival of Flavors is a massive food court that goes above and beyond the normal Disney food courts by offering a beautiful scene full of varied foods and countless different ways to lunch and dinner. While some of the items are hit-and-miss, the hits outweigh the misses and make up for the lack of small prices. The bakery is good, the gelatos are absolutely amazing, and the sandwiches you’ll find here are definitely belonging to high class restaurants. In terms of building, I definitely recommend the pasta, smoothies, and salads, as you can go absolutely nuts and truly get your money’s worth. It is worthy of a visit, and won’t drain your wallet and soul simultaneously unlike some other spots on property----looking at you Boardwalk Bakery.
Final Verdict: Recommend
Festival of Flavors
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Lake Buena Vista, Fl
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