Hi Kyndra!
Welcome to planDisney.
I have good news! Whatever time you arrive at
Disney's Art of Animation Resort you are permitted to leave your luggage with Bell Services who will lock it away and keep it secure for you until you are ready to go to your room.
As you know, check-in time is 3.00pm. If you use
Online Check-in on your My Disney Experience account, you will receive a text or email with your room number when it is ready, so you can bypass the Front Desk and go straight to your room. You can collect your luggage from Bell Services yourself, or call them from your room, but please know that you have to be present when your luggage is delivered.
You may check-in online up to 60 days in advance. When you arrive at the Resort, you are free to use all the facilities at your hotel before your room is ready. You could enjoy the pool or even head out to the parks to make the most of your day if you arrive early.
Disney's Art of Animation is in the enviable position of being on the
Disney Skyliner route. This is such a lovely way to travel around, with sky-high views over the Resort on your way to EPCOT or Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can also visit other Disney Resort hotels along the line (Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort). I highly recommend
Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera at Disney's Riviera Resort, for breakfast or dinner. If you have time to step outside on the restaurant's terrace, the views are amazing!
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions. We will be happy to help you plan your magical vacation to Walt Disney World!
Sue