Hiya Mike - welcome to
planDisney!
Thanks for stopping by with your question - I'm glad you're here. Your situation is a common one, and Mickey has a couple of different options you may want to consider!
Currently, parking at
Disney Resorts Collection hotels is for registered Resort Guests and Guests with confirmed dining or experience reservations at the Resort only. That means that in order to park at
Disney's Art of Animation Resort, you would need to be included in your family's room reservation. If their room is not yet at maximum occupancy, they may be able to add you as a day Guest by either speaking with a Cast Member at the Resort's Front Desk or by
calling and speaking to a Reservations Cast Member on the phone in advance. As a registered day Guest, you would then be permitted to park at the Resort for the standard parking fee.
Disney Resorts Collection Guests do receive complimentary parking at the Theme Parks, which opens up another great option. You could pick your family up at Art of Animation and take advantage of complimentary parking at
Disney's Animal Kingdom Park! Just make sure to show the parking attendant Cast Member a MagicBand or other form of identification of a family member who is a registered Resort Guest. This is the most budget-friendly option!
Policies do change from time to time, so I also encourage your family to pose this question to a Cast Member at the Front Desk of the Resort to see if any other possible solutions might exist!
By the way, while you're at Animal Kingdom, be sure to check out one of my favorite snacks, the Cheeseburger Steamed Pod, at
Satu'li Canteen in Pandora - The World of Avatar! They even offer convenient
Mobile Food & Beverage Ordering to make grabbing a bite a breeze!
I hope you have a great visit with your family.
Let me know if any other questions come up as your trip approaches!
Ryan J.