Hey, Nannette! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thanks so much for stopping by with your question! While there is not complimentary transportation between the Disney Resort Hotels, there is bus transportation provided to each of the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs from your resort. The
Disney Skyliner transportation system, coming later this year, will be the best way to travel from Disney's Art of Animation Resort to several destinations, including Disney's BoardWalk area. Since it is not available just yet, let's find you a quick way to reach your meal at ESPN Club.
If you want to take the most cost-effective approach to reach
Disney's BoardWalk area, then you will need to make a couple of transfers along the way. I recommend you take the bus to Disney's Hollywood Studios and then look for the
Friendship water ferry, found just outside the entrance to the park. These boats travel between Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot, stopping three times along the way at the resorts. You will want to get off at the BoardWalk stop.
ESPN Club is found at the other end of the BoardWalk, towards Epcot. This option will take you a bit of time, so I recommend you leave at least an hour and a half, possibly even two hours ahead of your dinner reservation.
If you prefer something a bit faster, I recommend you use your
My Disney Experience mobile app or your Lyft app to call for
Minnie Van Service. Note that this service is not complimentary. I just looked and the route from Disney's Art of Animation Resort to Disney's BoardWalk Inn is currently priced at just a bit over $20. This price is subject to change and honestly, I consider it a fantastic price to pay for a super easy and quick trip over to your dinner.
I hope one of these options helps you have a fun evening at Disney's BoardWalk area! Thanks again for stopping by and please let us know if you have any other questions.
Brandy