Hello Rachel! Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
My family's first trip to Walt Disney World Resort started with Checking-In to
Disney's Art of Animation Resort and heading directly to
Chef Mickey's for a meal. Rachel, if your first experience is similar to ours, you will have an Endlessly Magical time!
Using
Complimentary Resort Transportation, the easiest way to get to Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort is by bus from Disney's Art of Animation to Magic Kingdom. At Magic Kingdom, transfer to the Monorail for the true "first-time" Walt Disney World Resort experience of riding directly into Disney's Contemporary Resort and Chef Mickey's.
Alternatively, you could take the connecting walkway between Magic Kingdom and Disney's Contemporary Resort. It is only a 10 minute stroll and sometimes quicker than riding the monorail when you consider transfers, wait times and travel times.
If your Chef Mickey's Advanced Dining Reservations are very early in the morning, be advised that Complimentary Resort Transportation begins 45 minutes before Theme Park opening.
Check with Guest Services at your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel if you are concerned about making it in time for your
Advanced Dining Reservations. If it is a very early Advanced Dining Reservations, you may wish to consider commuting to Chef Mickey's by taxi which may be arranged at the Bell Services or Guest Services locations at your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.
Remember to bring your Autograph Book!
~Todd