Hello Susan! Welcome to planDisney!
Arriving early and getting to the magic as soon as possible! You are speaking my language! I always try to get the earliest flight possible so I can enjoy as much of my day with Mickey and Minnie as possible!
Susan, I always pre-check in to my room on the My Disney Experience app with the
direct-to-room-service a few days prior to my arrival date. One of the questions asked during this process is to include what time you believe you will be arriving at
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. It’s not guaranteed and it’s not always possible, but this will help the Cast Members at the resort know what time you plan on arriving. Depending on how busy the resort is that particular day and how many departures and arrivals they are processing, your room could be ready earlier than 3pm but again that is not guaranteed.
If you arrive at Art of Animation and your room is not quite ready yet, you can leave your luggage with bell services, and they will hold on to your bags until you are ready to have them delivered to your room when it is available! One tip, take a picture of the tag they give you, so you have a backup in case you lose the bag tag.
This will free you up to explore the spectacular Art of Animation resort, use the complimentary Disney transportation to go to a theme park or just grab a Mickey Bar or two and enjoy a day in the sun!
Susan, I hope you get a chance to head to EPCOT while you are in town for the
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival that runs from March 4 to June 1, 2026! My favorite spot at the festival is the American Gardens Theatre for the
Garden Rocks Concert Series. You are in town when The Commodores take the stage. I would be front row center singing along to “Sail On” and “Nightshift”! It’s such a great spot to spend a little time on a beautiful spring night!
Susan, get their early, enjoy your time, and if you have any additional planning questions come back and see us here at
planDisney!
Kurt