Hi Alyssa! Welcome to planDisney!
Oh boy! You're only about a month away until you arrive for an unforgettable Walt Disney World Resort vacation! Even with the below-average temperatures currently in central Florida, I'm sure you are ready to relax in warmer weather soon.
Having a vehicle to get around during your stay will come in handy. While
Walt Disney World Transportation will get you everywhere you need to go, traveling from resort to resort can get a bit tricky at times.
If you simply want to drive to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you can certainly do so. Since
Shades of Green is not an official Disney Resorts hotel, you will be subject to
pay a fee upon parking. If your goal is to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge or Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, you will most likely need an Advanced Dining Reservation to park. Upon arrival at these resorts, you'll pass through a security gate where a Cast Member will ask you for this information. There are delicious restaurants at each of these resorts that are worth the visit alone. Boma and Jiko are both located at Animal Kingdom Lodge and are fantastic.
Boma is an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet serving breakfast and dinner with traditional dishes found in many African countries. Jiko is a traditional sit-down restaurant that offers a well-constructed food menu with accompanied wine pairings.
Coronado Springs Resort offers a variety of options but none I love more than
Toledo. This is a tapas-style restaurant, which means many of the plates are small and designed to try a variety of dishes. It sits on top of the Gran Destino Tower and the ambiance is hard to beat. While you are there, I suggest stopping by Three Bridges Bar & Grill to grab a beverage and take in the scenery. It's one of the best views across all of Walt Disney World.
Alyssa, I hope you have a magical time during your stay.
Please stop back and see us again at planDisney.
See ya real soon!
Greg