Hi Rahiela,
Thank you for stopping by planDisney with your question!
Wow, how amazing that you will be visiting the Walt Disney World Resort next year for such a long visit! You have picked a wonderful Disney Resort Collection hotel for your stay as well, and I know you are going to have a simply wonderful visit. If you haven't stayed at
Disney's Art of Animation Resort hotel before, you are in for a storybook treat! This amazing Disney Resort Collection hotel has such immersive decorations, you will genuinely feel like you are transported right into a classic Disney animated movie. Not only are the Family Suites well-appointed and spacious, but the Resort's recreation and amenities also are a joy to explore.
The Big Blue Pool is a favorite of my family's and I hope you enjoy it as well.
You will be happy to know that you do not need to check-in to your Disney Resort Collection hotel before going to the theme parks. If you already have
Disney bands, known as MagicBands here in the United States, you can make sure they are linked to your
My Disney Experience account prior to arriving at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Rahiela, although you do not need to visit Disney's Art of Animation Resort hotel before heading to the theme parks, you might want to. Even though your room may not be ready early in the morning when you are going to the theme parks, you may drop your luggage off at
Bell Services and then retrieve them or call and have them delivered to your room when you return later. In fact, you can skip the check in desk altogether if you have the
My Disney Experience App on your mobile device and take advantage of the
Direct-to-Room Service.
I hope this information helps you with your vacation planning! Please be sure to come back and see us here at planDisney again with all of your future questions.
See Ya Real Soon,
Brenda