Hi Holly,
I think you will love Art of Animation. It is beautifully themed and really immerses you into the films featured in the different sections.
You are welcome to make
advanced dining reservations at restaurants in any of the other resorts. You can take the complimentary bus transportation from Art of Animation to the theme parks or Downtown Disney and then transfer to another resort.
Dining at Disney is among my family's favorite activities, and some of the restaurants we like best are in the resorts, especially those closest to the Magic Kingdom. We love Kona Cafe at the Polynesian for more casual dining, and our top special occasion/signature dining spots include the California Grill at the Contemporary, Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian, Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge and Ohana at the Polynesian.
You also will find a wide range of dining options in the Epcot area resorts around Crescent Lake: Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club and the Swan and Dolphin hotels.
And we're big fans of Sanaa, Boma and Jiku at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Can you tell that we love to eat?
I hope that helps. Please feel free to check back with me or any of my Moms Panel colleagues as other planning questions come up. Enjoy your time at Walt Disney World with your family.
Wilma