Hi Courtney!
Welcome to planDisney! Thanks for stopping by as you get ready to visit Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is certainly a unique and fun property. My toddler loved checking out the larger-than-life characters and bright colors when we visited. It really feels like you've found yourself immersed in some of your favorite Disney stories!
Courtney, as of June 28, 2026, Guests using
bus and boat transportation departing
Disney Springs must show a valid hotel, dining, or activity reservation to visit a Disney Resort hotel. At this time, these changes are only in effect at Disney Springs, but policy updates can occur at any time.
One option that you may find available is the
Disney Skyliner, which you can take from Disney's Hollywood Studios or EPCOT to visit Art of Animation. If you're planning to use the Skyliner from EPCOT, please keep in mind that it departs from the International Gateway, which is not near the main theme park entrance or parking lots, so theme park admission is required.
Parking fees apply at the theme parks, and your parking is transferable from park to park on the same day when you show your receipt. Also, please keep in mind that while Guests are typically welcome to shop and dine at resort hotels, only Guests of that resort can enjoy certain amenities, including pools. There may also be times that access to resorts or certain areas of resorts is restricted to only those Guests with valid hotel reservations.
While you're in the area, I'd recommend making a dining reservation at
Sebastian's Bistro, located inside
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. This fun restaurant serves family-style island-inspired dishes, with the Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding capping off a wonderful meal! If you're taking the Skyliner from Hollywood Studios, Caribbean Beach will be your first stop, and then you can continue to Art of Animation.
I hope this information has been helpful, Courtney, and that you enjoy a wonderful visit to Walt Disney World. If you have any other questions, please stop by to see us again here at planDisney - we're all ears!
Cheers!
Kristi