Hi Laura,
Welcome to planDisney! Thanks so much for stopping by with your question.
One of the things I love about staying on the Walt Disney World property is the ability to leave my car at the resort and use the Disney transportation system from place to place. As you mentioned, the transportation system is also available for guests who are staying off property who want to park hop and return to their original location later in the day. We've done this on day trips, and it can work beautifully.
In your scenario, however, my main consideration would be
what time Animal Kingdom closes on the day you visit and how late you plan to stay at
Disney's Hollywood Studios. Animal Kingdom usually closes earlier than the other parks, frequently at least three hours before Hollywood Studios.
The buses generally run to and from the theme parks for an hour after the park's closing time. So you could find that you have stayed at Hollywood Studios too late to get a bus back to your car at Animal Kingdom.
This is one situation where I might suggest skipping the bus and driving between parks. The lots at both parks are pretty easy to navigate. I seldom feel I need to take a tram from my car to the entrance at either park.
Plus, the parking fee you paid at
Animal Kingdom will be good at Hollywood Studios that day. Just hold onto your receipt and show it to the cast member at the entrance to the Hollywood Studios lot.
It's only about a 10-minute drive between Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. If it were me, I'd take the time to move the car so that I could zip along on
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railroad,
Slinky Dog Dash and
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run without looking at my watch.
I hope that's helpful, Laura. Please feel free to check back if you have any other questions. Happy planning!
Wilma