Hiya, Colette! Welcome back to planDisney and thanks for sharing your resort question. Ka-chow!
Art of Animation is such a fun value resort and I’m happy to report that guests are allowed to visit the resort, even if they don’t have a reservation. In fact, my family has done exactly this and I have a ton of Piston Cup-worthy photos of my kiddos posing with all the Cars characters. All of the resort areas are amazing, so be sure to save time to see the Little Mermaid, Lion King, and Finding Nemo areas. Some places—such as the pools—are reserved for resort guests only, but there is still plenty to explore.
Depending on where you are coming from, there are a couple of complimentary ways to get to the Art of Animation resort. T
he Walt Disney World bus system connects Art of Animation to all the theme parks and Disney Springs, and the resort is also part of the
Skyliner system. These aerial gondolas connect Art of Animation and Pop Century Resort (which is located just across the lake) to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, as well as Caribbean Beach Resort and Rivera Resort.
You can always find the best directions in the My Disney Experience mobile app map. Just search your destination and click “Get Directions,” and the app will give you all the available transportation options with estimated travel times.
Colette, I hope you and your Lightning McQueen fan have the best time at Walt Disney World and the Art of Animation Resort. If you have any questions, just cruise on back and your planDisney pit crew will help you out.
Ka-Chow!
Matt