Disney’s Art of Animation Trip Plan

Base Resort: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Resort & Reference Links

Flights

Arrival

  • AA 2953 CLT → MCO
  • Departure: 8:20 AM
  • Arrival: 10:13 AM

Departure

  • AA 2853 MCO → CLT
  • Departure: 9:44 AM
  • Arrival: 11:38 AM

Transportation Overview

Skyliner (Art of Animation)

From Art of Animation, take the Disney Skyliner to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (central hub). From there:

  • EPCOT: Exit at Caribbean Beach, walk straight across to the EPCOT/Riviera line.
  • Hollywood Studios: Exit at Caribbean Beach, take a hard left to the Hollywood Studios line.
  • Approximate ride time: about 20 minutes total including transfer.

Tip: Take a photo of the Skyliner operating hours at the start of the trip (posted at each station).

Expect long lines within two hours of park opening and right after park closing. Lines look intense but usually move quickly. If you want to avoid the end-of-night rush, linger in the park—shops stay open about an hour after closing.

Bus Transportation

  • Magic Kingdom: Direct bus from Art of Animation.
  • EPCOT (alternative): Bus if Skyliner is down or lines are extreme.
  • Hollywood Studios (alternative): Bus or car service if Skyliner is unavailable or you’re in a hurry.
  • Animal Kingdom: Direct bus from Art of Animation; usually not shared with other resorts.

Daily Itinerary

Friday – Arrival & Check-In

Art of Animation • Possible Typhoon Lagoon

  • Arrive via AA 2953 (8:20–10:13).
  • Check in at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
  • Optional: Visit Typhoon Lagoon (weather and energy dependent).

Saturday – Magic Kingdom

Park: Magic Kingdom • Transport: Bus

  • Take bus from Art of Animation to Magic Kingdom.
  • Use ride sheets and Thrill-Data for wait-time strategy.
  • Return via bus to Art of Animation.

Sunday – EPCOT

Park: EPCOT • Transport: Skyliner

  • Skyliner from Art of Animation → Caribbean Beach → transfer to EPCOT line.
  • Note: Separate lines for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios at Caribbean Beach—follow signs for EPCOT/Riviera.
  • Plan for potential morning and evening Skyliner lines; consider leaving EPCOT a bit later to avoid the rush.

Monday – Magic Kingdom & ‘Ohana Breakfast

Park: Magic Kingdom • Dining: ‘Ohana (Polynesian) 8:25 AM

  • Goal: Make ‘Ohana breakfast at 8:25 AM.
  • Route: Art of Animation → Magic Kingdom (bus) → Polynesian (monorail or boat).
  • Bus to Magic Kingdom: ~12–15 minutes, plus wait time.
  • From Magic Kingdom:
    • Resort Monorail (not Express): Polynesian is the third stop (~10 minutes).
    • Or Resort Boat to Polynesian.
  • For an early breakfast, aim to leave Art of Animation around 6:45–7:00 AM to be relaxed and on time.
  • After breakfast, head into Magic Kingdom for the day (walk/monorail/boat from Polynesian).

Tuesday – Hollywood Studios & Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Park: Disney’s Hollywood Studios • Dining: Roundup Rodeo BBQ

  • Primary route: Skyliner from Art of Animation → Caribbean Beach → Hollywood Studios line (hard left at hub).
  • Skyliner ride from Caribbean Beach to Hollywood Studios is direct (no turns or drops).
  • Consider car service if Skyliner is down or you need to arrive very quickly (park is very close).
  • Use same Skyliner route in reverse to return to Art of Animation.

Wednesday – Magic Kingdom & Cinderella’s Royal Table

Park: Magic Kingdom • Dining: Cinderella’s Royal Table 5:55 PM

  • Bus from Art of Animation to Magic Kingdom.
  • Plan afternoon/evening around 5:55 PM reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
  • Return to Art of Animation via bus after fireworks or when ready.

Thursday – Animal Kingdom & Tusker House

Park: Disney’s Animal Kingdom • Dining: Tusker House 8:45 AM

  • Bus from Art of Animation directly to Animal Kingdom.
  • Arrive early enough for 8:45 AM Tusker House breakfast.
  • Plan to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris shortly after breakfast (great morning timing for animals).
  • Return to Art of Animation via bus.

Friday – Departure

Travel Day • MCO → CLT

  • Pack and check out of Art of Animation.
  • Flight AA 2853: 9:44 AM – 11:38 AM (MCO → CLT).

Extra Notes & Tips