Mom and Child at Art of Animation; Nemo
  • On Jan 22, 2026
    Abigail from NC Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We have a day in FL before our cruise. I want to take my toddler to see the Cars at Art of Animation or possibly Toy Story displays at All Stars. Where would be the best place to eat be? Springs or a resort?

    Hi there, Abigail! Welcome back to planDisney! I'm so glad you're here! It looks like your visit to Walt Disney World Resort is right around the corner, so let's get into it!

    Disney's Art of Animation Resort has incredible theming and larger-than-life movie scenes. It's no wonder you want to explore all the unique and immersive areas of this resort. Favorite characters from films like Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid are around every corner. Your toddler will be in awe seeing Simba on Pride Rock and Lightning McQueen in Radiator Springs (or "Queen! Queen!" as my young grandson likes to call him). 

    While I would typically recommend you take Disney's Skyliner to a neighboring resort for lunch, it will be undergoing a scheduled refurbishment during your visit, but you still have plenty of options. Landscapes of Flavor is the food court at Art of Animation. It is convenient, has a great variety, and the seasonal dessert selection is always a fun choice. The current offering is the I'm Nemo Cheesecake! As a reminder, only registered guests are permitted to park at the resort.

    I am a big fan of the many options at Disney Springs. If you want farm-to-table cooking, check out Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'. Get there hungry, and start with an order of Church Lady Deviled Eggs. Reservations are suggested. If you're looking for something more casual, D-Luxe Burger is one of my favorites! The burgers here are the obvious choice, but they do have a great plant-based option, and the onion rings are so good!

    While you're at Disney Springs, I'd like to offer one more recommendation. Make time for a stop at Gideon's Bakehouse. There will probably be a line, and there's a reason for that! These cookies definitely live up to the hype! I always have to get a Pistachio Toffee Chocolate Chip, and I don't even like pistachios! And if you aren't into cookies, their cold brew is just as yummy!

    Oh, Abigail, I just know that you and your sweet little one, along with your entire family, are going to make the most magical memories. Take lots of photos, and if there's anything else we can help with here at planDisney, please let us know!

    Always Dreaming -
    Elizabeth
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Meet the Panelist: Elizabeth, North Carolina

Hi, friends! I'm Elizabeth - a wife, mom of six, proud Gramma, and Walt Disney World Specialist!

I am terrible at piloting the Millennium Falcon, and I can't control my emotions during the Festival of Fantasy Parade, but I'm great at managing trips with kids of all ages and planning Disney vacations!

I am overjoyed to bring my decades of experience to planDisney!
Learn More About Elizabeth

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