Disney’s The Lion King wing of the new Art of Animation resort at Walt Disney World is now officially open!  

The Little Mermaid section will soon follow with an opening date of September 15, 2012. 

An additional photo providing a look into “The Lion King” wing of the new Art of Animation resort (Opening August 10th) at Walt Disney World.  

Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa located in Ko Olina, Hawaii announced that it will be expanding several elements of the park to provide more guest amenities.

Areas included in the expansion will be the Waikolohe Valley pool area and the addition of two quick-service dining options. The Starlit Hui show will also be moving to a larger venue to accommodate more guests. 

Work on the expansion will begin in September and will occur simultaneously with the final build out of the resort; it is anticipated to be completed mid 2013.

Disney’s Animation Resort at Walt Disney World is scheduled to open May 31st of this year.  The resort is designed for families and will have the capacity to sleep up to six in the family suites. 

Families will have the choice of four different themes: The Lion King family suites (opening August 10, 2012), Finding Nemo Family Suites (first to open in May), Cars family suites (June 18, 2012), and the Little Mermaid standard rooms (September 15, 2012).