Hiya Ross! Thanks for stopping by planDisney!
I'm excited to hEAR about your upcoming visit to the
Walt Disney World Resort in the new year! I had the pleasure of spending a week at a Disney Resorts Hotel in February last year, and we really enjoyed visiting during this time of year. The weather was perfect, which led to some comfortable park days.
You've picked two great places to stay during your trip. Each one comes with many benefits, including easy access to both EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. When transferring to the
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel on that Friday morning, you do not have to be there during check-in time. You can arrive in the morning and stop by bell services to drop off your luggage. Since you have your car with you, you can also leave everything there for when you return. Personally, I prefer to bring it to bell services, that way when we return from a busy park day we don't need to go to the car to retrieve everything. Bell services will deliver it to your room once you return back later in the day.
After you are settled, you're only a short walk away from the International Gateway entrance into EPCOT. The walk around Crescent Lake on Disney's Boardwalk is one of the best views at Walt Disney World. You'll have a beautiful backdrop to take you to the park.
Ross, you are going to love Disney's Art of Animation Resort. It's incredibly themed and has some delicious quick-service food offerings.
Landscape of Flavors has multiple cuisine options, so everyone in your party will be able to find something they like. You also have easy transportation options, with the
Disney Skyliner just steps away. You can hop on it and be at Disney's Hollywood Studios or EPCOT in a matter of moments.
I hope you have a magical stay, Ross! Stop back and see us again at planDisney!
See ya real soon!
Greg