Hi Carol! Welcome to planDisney! It's never too early to start planning your Walt Disney World Resort stay! I love being able to help out Guests from all across the world!
While the theme parks are the star of the show,
Disney Resorts Collection hotels are part of the magic! My family has taken a few holidays where we exclusively stay at the resort and enjoy the amenities, recreation, and dining. We often venture to other resorts to explore their dining and merchandise locations. I love checking out the unique theming of each one and the different types of cuisine that are offered all around!
It is definitely possible to visit
Disney's Art of Animation Resort during your trip! Depending on where you stay will determine how you will get there. If you happen to be staying at one of the Disney Resorts Hotels with
Disney Skyliner access, then you can simply hop on the Skyliner and take it to Art of Animation. Otherwise, you'll need to use
Disney's Bus Transportation to Disney Springs and transfer onto another bus that will take you to the resort.
Getting there by car will be a bit trickier. Disney Resorts will only allow Guests with
Advanced Dining Reservations to park there while eating. Since Art of Animation does not have a table service restaurant on-site, it is not guaranteed that Disney security will allow you to park there. It is worth a try, especially if you place a mobile food order at the quick service location. They may allow you there to park and pick it up.
Another option you have is to take a mid-day break from any of the four theme parks you plan to visit during your stay. If you are at Disney's Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, you can take the Skyliner from these parks to get there. Or if you are at the Magic Kingdom Park or Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, simply hop on a bus directly to the resort. Once you had time to explore, take the same transportation back to the parks.
Carol, your grandson is in for a treat! This area of Disney's Art of Animation Resort is themed to perfection. You feel as if you are walking through Radiator Springs and meeting the stars of the movie! This is truly Disney Imagineers at their finest! While you are there, make sure to check out the Finding Nemo section as well as The Lion King themed area. You'll find a wonderful play area and larger-than-life décor of your favorite characters.
Have an amazing time during your visit next year! I hope your family has a magical holiday!
Happy planning!
Greg