Welcome to planDisney, Kelly!
A stay at
Disney's Art of Animation Resort sounds like so much fun! With its storybook landscapes–including Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid–this is possibly the best Disney-themed hotel on property. There are also some fantastic pools to enjoy, including the largest one in any Disney Resort. My personal favorite is the Cozy Cone Pool. Both of my kids are HUGE fans of Cars and so this pool ticks all the boxes. Make sure you enjoy a bite to eat at
Landscape of Flavors (which is one of the best quick-service hotel restaurants in Walt Disney World).
I see that you're serious about taking advantage of your
Early Theme Park Entry benefit. Those 30 minutes are a great opportunity to experience one or two popular rides before the park officially opens. If you're trying to get to
Magic Kingdom Park for Early Theme Park Entry, your best option will be to take the complimentary Disney bus service. Buses officially start operating 45 minutes before the regular park opening. Therefore, you should be able to get to Magic Kingdom Park for Early Theme Park Entry. The buses begin at this time so that Guests can take advantage of this benefit. The bus will drop you off right in front of Magic Kingdom Park. If I were you, I'd get to the bus stop at your hotel 30 minutes early to make sure you get on that first bus.
Alternatively, if you'd like to arrive at Magic Kingdom Park even earlier, you're probably best driving and parking at the Magic Kingdom Park parking lot and then taking the monorail to the park entrance.
Unfortunately, Guests cannot take an Uber/Lyft/cab to Disney's Contemporary Resort and walk over to Magic Kingdom Park.
I hope that's helpful, Kelly. Thanks so much for stopping by planDisney. Have a fantastic trip.
Mike