Hi Davina,
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! You are going to love the waterfront dining at the
Boathouse restaurant. It is one of my favorite spots in the new
Disney Springs.
You will be able to use the free Disney transportation from
Art of Animation straight to the new bus depot at Disney Springs. Buses to all destinations depart from Animation Hall at the front of your resort. It's only about a 15 minute ride from Art of Animation to Disney Springs, but I would allow an hour just to be sure you have plenty for time for a leisurely stroll to the restaurant. If you get there early, you can always check out some of the nearby shops or watch the Amphicars launch from the Boathouse dock.
If you don't have room for dessert at the end of your meal (and I seldom do at the Boathouse), you may want to walk around and check out the sights of the newly expanded Disney Springs. It is beautiful. You can pic up a gourmet cupcake at
Sprinkles or a pastry at
Amorette's Patisserie if your sweet tooth kicks in later.
Your Walt Disney World vacation is just around the corner now, Davina! Enjoy every minute!
Wilma