Hi Adam,
Welcome to planDisney, and thanks for bringing your thoughtful question our way in planning your upcoming trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. I love thinking through logistics for a practically perfect park day, and when you’re bringing other family members it’s important to know what to expect for a seamless day together. Let’s look at what’s possible for you in this scenario.
I spoke at length with a helpful Cast Member who shared some details of how this can work for your family. Typically resort parking is reserved for Guests staying at that property or visiting for a dining reservation, but since your family is split between two resorts this can be allowed. Please be sure that your entire travel party is connected to you in the
My Disney Experience App so that you can see both your Disney Vacation Club reservation at
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and your family’s room reservation at
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. You’ll be able to show this to the security team upon arrival at the second resort and should be allowed to park to connect with your family. Please note you cannot leave your vehicle there overnight, as it will be registered for your own stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
If you’re visiting
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park for a day, your family can take the bus from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to that theme park where there is open space to gather and meet clearly and safely before you enter the gates. This would save you a lot of time and effort in traveling from your own resort and then back to that nearest theme park. All other theme parks are closer to Disney’s Art of Animation resort for your other days’ travels.
From Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, your whole crew can enjoy a scenic and relaxing ride on the
Disney Skyliner to either
EPCOT or
Disney’s Hollywood Studios! I adore this modern style of transportation for a breezy, smooth ride with so many beautiful sights to see along the way. You can enjoy
bus transportation to
Magic Kingdom Park from their resort.
I’m also a
Disney Vacation Club Member and love being able to vacation differently with this flexibility in ownership, Adam. I’m glad you can share your love of the Walt Disney World Resort with your family and show them how much fun the Most Magical Place on Earth can be! I hope they can visit you at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for a meal or some time observing gorgeous animals on the savannah. Did you know your resort has the most activities for kids on site of any Disney Resorts Collection hotel? Check the daily activity board located on the lower level of Jambo House near Boma and Jiko - I suggest taking a photo of the schedule with your phone for easy reference when away from the resort. I hope you can discover some of these adventures together during your stay.
Please let us know how else we can help you plan for this wonderful vacation together in the new year.
Wishing you many magical memories together,
Amy