Welcome aboard, Elizabeth!
My family and I love staying at one of the
Walt Disney World Resorts for a few days prior to heading out to sea with
Disney Cruise Line from Port Canaveral. It turns our vacation into a true
Land and Sea adventure!
I'm really excited to hear a few things that you mentioned. First of all,
Disney's Art of Animation is my favorite of Disney's Value Resorts. The Cars area is specifically a favorite, as my son and I are big Cars fans. Taking a dip in the
Cozy Cone Pool and hanging out poolside in one of the Cozy Cone cabanas is a favorite way to spend an afternoon for us there.
Secondly, the Bon Voyage breakfast at
Trattoria al Forno is so much fun! The last time my family and I enjoyed this, we had such fun interactions with Rapunzel, Flynn, Ariel and Eric. Honestly, though, I believe Flynn was our favorite to talk with. He asked my kids all sorts of crazy questions and they had fun answering. Price Eric had my son stand up and pretend to be captain of his own ship, which he loved. The food was great too! You're in for a real treat!
I'm glad to hear that you got those super early dining reservations there, because I think you'll be fine timing-wise to eat there and still get back to your resort for
Disney Cruise Line's optional Ground Transfers. I wish I could tell you exactly what time the motor coach will be arriving at Art of Animation Resort to pick you up, but that is all based on how many other guests at the resorts are heading to Port Canaveral to sail with you. You will receive a note in your resort room the night prior to departure letting you know all the details about pick up and the time. I can tell you that your checked bags will be taken directly from your resort room around 8:00 a.m. No need to be there, just leave them packed, tagged with the provided Disney Cruise Line luggage tags, and by the door inside before you leave for breakfast. Take your carry-on bags with you, (or if they're larger carry-on's, leave them with Bell Services in the resort lobby until you return from breakfast).
If you're tight on time leaving
Disney's Boardwalk Inn after breakfast to get back to Art of Animation to meet the motorcoach, I'd suggest using the Lyft App to request a
Minnie Van. In fact, that's probably the easiest and fastest way to get to breakfast in the morning too. They're super cute, so that adds to the fun factor, and they'll take you door to door within Disney's Resort area, so there isn't a faster way to get to and from. Check out the Minnie Van video I've included here to learn more!
I hope that helps as you continue to plan for this exciting adventure, Elizabeth! Stop back with any last minute questions!
Marcy